Which CF for EDC...???

NDJeep

NDJeep

Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
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Already owned a Gayle Bradley and while sweet it wasnt my first choice for an EDC.

I'm wanting to try another CF offering from Spyderco and wanted opinions on which one and why.

Looking at a CF Caly 3, Stretch and Native 4. They all look great.

Thoughts?

:thumbup:
 
Caly 3 was my first Spydie. Great EDC knife. I also now have a Stretch in CF. The Caly 3 is a "dressier" and more "delicate" knife. And, I mean that in a good way. The Caly's CF is a nice smooth matte-finished surface and has the wire clip for deep carry.

The stretch is more utilitarian with the peel-ply CF scales and a beefier blade. It's a bit more "heavy duty," in my relatively noob-knife-uneducated opinion.

My only Native is the LWT version. But, I don't like it as much as the others in this discussion. And, I can't speak on the CF Native.

Hope that helps! :)
 
All three are great knives. I would personally choose amongst the screw together constructed knives then other preferences after that. Not to get into a warranty debate, it's just handy to have the screwed together option if something isn't just right with it and a tweak is needed. Needing a screwed together knife for one reason or another has happened to me one too many times. And I'm one who doesn't do my standard cleaning by disassembly. I just do the hot, soapy water treatment, maybe so large floss where I can get it into the pivot area and that's it.
 
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They're all good but it looks like the Stretch in CF might have been discontinued so if you like it you may want to pick it up while available. It was not on the discontinued list published by Spyderco but it also doesn't appear in the 2011 catalog. Not sure if there has been an official word but you might want to consider that it might not be around for much longer when making your choice.
 
Depends on what you're priorities are.

Native IV has the prettiest CF, and that deep choil provides a lot of security. Its other plus for me is the absence of a Boye dent.

Caly 3 offers ZDP, albeit with easily scratched outer layers of 420J2. Pluses would be that it's the most compact of the three, and carries the most discreetly due to the lowrider wire clip. It also has the thinnest grind behind the edge, so it's the best slicer. Negatives, for me anyway, would be lack of TD carry option, lack of a lanyard hole, and smooth matte CF that's neither grippy nor particularly attractive.

Stretch offers solid ZDP blade, an extra half inch of blade length, and the combination of an naturally secure handle and peel ply CF. Blade is a bit thicker behind the edge than the Caly 3, but it's still a damn good slicer. Downside, for some is that the peel ply texture makes the CF pattern so subtle they feel it's not enough different looking from G-10 to be worth the up-charge. To its credit though, the texture on peel ply CF outlasts that on G-10. I'll freely admit to being prejudiced here but, IMHO, the Stretch is simply the best EDC folder Spyderco has ever built.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
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I have been EDC-ing a Walker sprint run folder for a few months and think it is a great knife. Light, super lockup, smooth, good steel, great geometry, and a comfortable handle.

JD
 
Don't neglect the Sage I in your consideration. IMO it might be the finest overall EDC knife Spyderco makes.
 
TaTaToothy said:
Don't neglect the Sage I in your consideration. IMO it might be the finest overall EDC knife Spyderco makes.
Click to expand...

I agree. Out of all my Spydies, the Sage 1 has gotten the most carry time. But, part of that is that it goes well with my work-week business attire.

PS... I'm curious about your screen name TaTaToothy. :)
 
I'd say either the CF Caly 3 OR the Michael Walker. I just got one of those and I hardly know it's in my pocket. Very nice knife.

-Tye
 
Tough call.
Let me know if you need some comparison photos.
I think I have about 90% in CF.
Didnt pick up a Native 4 though.
Here are a few below.

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DSC03284.jpg


DSC09872.jpg


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DSC00723.jpg
 
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Great comparo pics! And thanks for the replies, All.

I'm torn between a Stretch, Caly 3 and Native 4. Tough call.
 
Get youself a Stretch. Grippy CF, blade just big enough for 99% of any EDC task, the preferred model of Spyderco's founder Sal, and maybe on the way to discontinuation, since it isn't in the 2011 catalog any more. Plus, you get one of the top steels available.

CIMG6733.jpg

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Dennis
 









Closeup of the peel-ply scale.



Closeup of the smoother Sage CF Scale



With CPM S30V and CPM S90V.........one can never go wrong!














These are pretty good choices.

The peel-ply cf is much more grippy and textured, but it still looks nice. The CF on the Sage is more classy looking but moderately textured. Nothing like g10 or FRN, but its not bad. A good dress knife which is also functional. Both blades are really smooth in actions. The compression lock is definitely stronger than the liner lock. S90V also holds a better edge than s30v...but that is still better than some other steels.
 
If you are going to be using it more for light duty than def. the CF Caly3. I have four of those damn things just so I am ready when they go out!

If you are going to be needing a larger knife or more handle real estate then the stretch is the way to go.

Neither would be a bad choice so I would go with my gut and get both....
 
Well, since a fuel pump failure in a vehicle is putting a dent in my knife hobby I cant get both or all three at this time.

I have a Para that fills the medium size needs so I'm going with a Caly 3. I will have a Stretch 2 someday and I'm probably gonna skip the Native 4 and wait for a 5.

The Caly 3 being one of the most recommended Spydercos on any forum...its about time I gots me one.

I wish I could find a G-10 one though instead of the CF but they are thru the roof.

**Anyone want to sell me a CF or G10 Caly 3??? I'll give it just tonight if so, before I go elsewhere. (I've already posted an appropriate WTB ad but thought I'd put a shout out here where many are likely to own one.)
 
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