Caly 3.5.....what's so great about it?

[Lowcald]

I'm just curious, as I've seen countless people have this knife in their top 5 and mention it as what they edc the most. G-10 or CF? Is it true there aren't washers? If so, that doesn't affect blade deployment? I'm a Delica 4 edc'er and have been told by many that the Caly 3.5 would be something I should consider if upgrading. I'm just not sure I like the laminated blade in the CF version and is the G-10 VG10 version worth buying (I'm seeing it at $105).

[Evil D]

3.5 inches of blade (something like 3 or so inches of edge), excellent ergonomics, very thin profile carries extremely well, one of the thinnest behind-the-edge knives you can get from a factory knife maker so it will out slice almost anything you compare it to.

[elena86]

It's just...great ! Slim,elegant,wire clip,great slicer, what more do you need ? But it is true that the lack of washers is an issue.That and the pinned construction are the only downsides of this gorgeous knife.I myself I am a Caly 3 user and carrier.Çaly3 is more balanced for edc.But that's just me.

[xceptnl]

Short answer... YES it is worth buying the VG-10.

Long story. I stared most of my heavy Spyderco collecting with the Delica (had 9 at one point in time). One day I discovered the Caly family and the differences were mind-blowing. I loved the thin profile, perfect ergonomics, wire clip, 50/50 choil, etc., etc. My first was actually the Superblue Sprint and I really enjoyed carrying it. So much so that I pre-ordered the ZDP/CF version not too long after (I mistakenly thought it was a sprint). I actually like the tighter tolerances that the Calys provide by not having the frame to blade washer gap where lint always gets trapped for me. Lastly, yes.... the VG-10 version is worth the price... especially for around $100. I would put it against a Para 2 anyday. That reminds me I need to move the VG-10 version back to the top of my NEED list. It has come and gone from my collection and I miss it. (Caly 3.5 porn below)

[Holland]

the ergonomics alone make it standout

[mikerestivo]

My list of why the Caly 3.5 is a great knife:

1. it's very versatile - the best all-around knife that Spyderco makes (in my biased opinion). If I had to narrow my collection down to one knife, it would be the 3.5.
2. The thin profile makes for compact carrying. For a blade with that much cutting edge, it disappears in a pocket easily.
3. The thin blade makes for good slicing.
4. Ergonomics are really nice. I like the way it fits my hand, and I am a fan of a choil when I can get it.
5. Big enough for big jobs but small enough for easy carry.
6. The blade has more pronounced point to it, which some prefer versus the Delica/Endura.
7. I like G-10 as a scale material.
8. The VG-10 is an easy edge to restore (although mine is the Super Blue sprint - also easy).
9. The blade gives a nice, practical cutting edge without being so big as to freak out folks in public.
10. At the price offered, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
11. I love the wire clip.

[Holland]

Well said Mike

[gull wing]

Overall, the Caly is not far behind my mighty Sage1. I do prefer VG10 to S30V, though.

[3rdGenRigger]

I've held both, and the 3.5 is hardly any bigger, but you get more blade and it seems to fit my hand better than the 3. Not that it's bad or anything...I'll jump on a Caly 3 SB if I can find one for a good price. Anyhow, you'll understand if you hold either...they really do seem to melt into your hand. Pinned isn't an issue for me...just means it's not open for custom scales down the road. My FRN Native shrugged off a 275 foot fall onto gravel (Closed), and I've used it hard for years and it's still absolutely fine...no wiggle in the blade at all, despite pinned construction. The Caly series also take up very little pocket room for their size...I imagine both would carry less obtrusively than a Delica. I could be mistaken on this though because my Delica is the titanium handled version and it's significantly thinner than the FRN Delica...closest I have to a FRN Delica is my Saver Salt, and despite it being smaller and thinner than a normal Delica, the Caly 3.5 still carries less obtrusively. I should also add that the fit of the backspacer and lockbar to the liners and the handle scales is excellent.

[RanCoWeAla]

Glad you asked that question. The blade is the perfect length and shape. The handle is extremely ergonomic regardless of how you hold it. It has pinned construction which is a good idea because thete is no reason to take a knife apart. The clip is the best part I think because it rides so low you can't even make it out to be a knife. Another thing about the clip is that it's set for tip up only which is the only way to carry. If I had my way it would be an OSHA violation and against the law to mount a clip for tip down carry.the back lock makes it look classy and elegant plus totally ambidextrious. A solid back makes it look as if you get more for your money and I think all knives with pillar construction should have a spacdr bar in the back or else they look cheap.
Getting back to pocket clips. I don't own a Military and never will because of the clip being mounted for tip down carry only. It makes no sensr to go in and out of your pocket over that big hmp where the Spyder hole is when the the back of the knife is perfectly round and smooth. Then when you come out of your pocket the opening hole is on the opposite end of the knife and you have to reposition the knife to open it. I have also read of at least two indtances where a knife carried tip down has been popped hard enough fromthe outside hard enough to jar the blade open resulting in a stab wound to the thigh whereas carried tip up with blade against to back of your pocket there is no way it can possibly come open.
And that's just part of what's so great about the Caly 3.5 because you have to carry it two or three years every day as I have to tealize the other fifty percent.
Another thing if I wanted a one of a kind custom I would send a Caly 3.5 to a professional tell him to engrave my initials or a favorite quote or both into the blade, add a set of multi color G10 grips in a pattern like those on the Perrin PPT, do extensive file work along tje back and spine of the blade, add a custom braided lanyard pull and custom sliding Spyderco emblem to the wire clip like on a Bolo tie and you would have a one of a kind ad fine ad any knife in the world.

[dgebler]

I was waiting to hear from the man from Alabama...what he said.

[bh49]

I am not a fan of CF/ZDP 189 variants. I do not like uneven laminated lines. But I love my VG10/G10 Calys. What not to love???????????? Thin FFG blade, fantastic ergos, low riding wire clip, very compact in the pocket. Looks great too.
I carried G10/VG10 Caly3 since they came out in the fall of 2006 and until the day I received my first G10/VG10 Caly3.5. Still carry it and have no plans to change my habit. IMHO it is one of the best production EDC ever made.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

Simply put, it disappears into your hand better than any other model, and has the sleek, sexy secret of hiding that relatively huge 3.5" blade in that tiny form factor. The Southard may have inherited this gene from the Caly series... It is the Delica very much evolved... Best is for you to experience one for yourself!

[Revival]

How I don't have a 3.5 yet baffles me! It's definitely on my "next" list. Excellent info everyone!

[araneae]

The Caly is one of those knives that you have to hold and use to understand. It really is one of the best designed knives ever IMO. Great ergos, great construction, just a great knife period.

[Spydersense]

Alright, I'm convinced. You guys are costing me a lot of money lately, lol. Just ordered the G10 version.

[this_is_nascar]

From what I've read, you have to clean and tweak this knife when you get it. It's a pinned construction, without washers. To me, that doesn't sound like a knife that will be passed down from generation to generation, especially if it's being used on a daily bases. Now, if you're using it as a safe-queen, then maybe it will last decades. What am I missing about this knife? I'm actually glad the OP started this thread.

[Parkourdude]

From what I've read, you have to clean and tweak this knife when you get it. It's a pinned construction, without washers. To me, that doesn't sound like a knife that will be passed down from generation to generation, especially if it's being used on a daily bases. Now, if you're using it as a safe-queen, then maybe it will last decades. What am I missing about this knife? I'm actually glad the OP started this thread.

The blade glides along the liners, I don't think the blade or the liners will wear out before you sharpen the blade down to a nub.


I see the pinned construction and no washers to be a positive. You can take undo the pivot screw and take the blade out, which imo is about the most you really need to clean a folder.

It just means there are less parts to 'wear out' or lose. No screws to tighten and no washers to lose - win!

[bh49]

From what I've read, you have to clean and tweak this knife when you get it.

I read about this on forums. But I carried and used daily VG10/G10 Caly3 for about four and half years. After that Caly 3.5 for about three years. I gave to my son VG10 Caly3. None of this knives had any gritty actions, none of them needed any cleaning or washing prior to use. In addition to that I own two "safe queen" or back-up Calys. Action is fine. But I do not care if blade drops or not.

It's a pinned construction, without washers. To me, that doesn't sound like a knife that will be passed down from generation to generation, especially if it's being used on a daily bases.

In the past many old pinned construction traditional knives were passed "from generation to generation". Probably this depends more on how people using and take care of their tools. Also as much as I love my Caly3 and Caly3.5, I think that Sal will make even better knives in the future so I will have a dilemma on what to pass to the next generation :)

[RadioactiveSpyder]

No washers means less items to fail. As Sal has said many times, the tolerances are so tight and precise on these that washers are unnecessary (and indeed a hinderance with keeping it slim). There have been reports of some grittiness in the action upon first arrival, but it's very easy to pop the blade out, way everything squeaky clean, and then oil it up for a wicked instrument. I just babied mine up recently after a year of pretty hard use, cleaned the whole thing out, washed the G10 with Magic Eraser and redressed it with fresh mineral oil, and sharpened and oiled the blade/pivot. It's now ready for another year of hard use, and I don't foresee any issue with it still being in great shape for decades to come and perhaps find use in my son's or daughter's hand one day (of course, they'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hand and I may indeed want to be buried with it :) ).