Calypso Jr. Micarta

[pjrocco]

Hey whats the good word on this knife? I've seen it but never hear anyone talk about it..

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Rock

[Rob]

Hi Rock!

What kind of info are you looking for?

Cheers, Rob

[pjrocco]

Well is it exactly like the Calpyso Jr. FRN but with a different handle or is it total different all together and just based on the FRN model? I was told by the local shop that they are worth around $120 but I see them going on ebay for $49 dollars. Just a little confused. :confused:

Thank you,

Rock

[4077th]

There seems to be a zillion of the serrated version available, plainedge are much harder to find in this model. I've given a couple of the serrated ones away as gifts and have a user and a keeper for myself. Blade steel is AUS-8, action is smooth but kinda tight/stiff, lockup solid, level of polish sharpness and detail is typical Spyderco. Clip is blued steel with gold Spyderbug, tip down RH only. Serrated version can be found on Ebay for 60-85 USD. Plainedge, you're talkin' bigger bucks.

Great version of a brilliant and highly useful design.

[Rob]

Well, I'd say ~ $ 50,-- is a good price! The handle is exactly the same as on the FRN model just the edges are more rounded and the Micarta is a lot smoother than the FRN with it's fish-scale texture.

It feels really comfortable and a little bit different. If you plan to buy it as a user I would consider that you'll see scratches more obviously on the Micarta and it also will scratch easier.

The only "downside" (if you see it as one) is that the steel on the Micarta version is "just" AUS-8 while it's VG-10 on the FRN ones (both, the black and grey ones).

If you like the looks and you can get it for $ 50,-- I'd say get it! :) It's really a classy looking gent's knife!

I hope that helps!

Cheers, Rob

[Joyce Laituri]

The Calypso Jr. Micarta and Calypso Jr. stainless handle were initially released as experimental models numbered CX03, later becoming the C52BM Caly Jr. Micarta and the CX04 turning into the C52 Stainless Caly Jr. At the time Sal would release a new knife as an "experimental model", see how it went over and then assign it a permanent model number and keep it in the product line if it sold well. Both knives did sell, and were entered into the line in 1996-1997.

Both the Micarta and stainless Calys were released well before the FRN version.


C52BM had a black Micarta handle and black-coated clip with a gold Spyderco bug. Very elegant and tasteful.

C52BM Calypso Jr. Micarta:

Overall length- 6-5/8" 170mm
Cutting Edge Length- 2-1/2" 63mm
Blade Length- 2-7/8" 72mm
Hole Diameter- 7/16
Weight- 2.3 oz 65g
MSRP at time of release $ 97.95


C52 Calypso Jr. Stainless. Same blade with a full stainless handle.

Overall length- 6-5/8" 170mm
Cutting Edge Length- 2-1/2" 63mm
Blade Length- 2-7/8" 72mm
Hole Diameter- 7/16
Weight- 4 oz 120g
MSRP at time of release $ 84.95



Joyce @ Spyderco

[Rob]

C52 Calypso Jr. Stainless. Same blade with a full stainless handle.

Hi Joyce!

Do you mean there were also SS Caly Jr.'s out there with the very same blade (full flat ground) as on the other versions? :eek: :eek: :eek:

Or did I just get you wrong :o

Cheers, Rob

[pjrocco]

Thanks for all the quick info, I figured $50 wasn't a bad price.

So much for being good and not buying anymore :spyder: 's. :rolleyes:

Also, Rob great site, your pictures are brilliant. I love the backrounds on your pics. Very professional.

Thanks again,

Rock

[jaislandboy]

hey there rock,
i got a serrated micarta calypsojr from Sooner State Knives; you can get one from John F Jensen's website...Highly recommended knife; the fit and finish of this knife seems much better than my 2 gray frn Cally Jr's; the weight of the Micarta handle seems perfect for "spydie drops" vs. weight of FRN handle; as mentioned before only downside is "older" aus-8 steel; but for an EDC knife "you can't go wrong" with this one especially for "dressier occasions" :rolleyes: ; i think this is my favorite knife right now besides my black Paramilitary for EDC.
brian

[pjrocco]

Thanks for the info Brian, I just bought one.

I have a question.. It may be dumb, but since I have only been dealing with Spyderco for 3 weeks, maybe not.

What is a "Spyder/Spydie Drop"?

Thank you,

Rock

[konstantkev]

Originally posted by Rob F
Do you mean there were also SS Caly Jr.'s out there with the very same blade (full flat ground) as on the other versions?

The SS Calypso Jr's where hollow ground, not the full flat ground of the FRN, Micarta ones. Here's a pic I found on ebay:

[silverback]

Thanks for the info Brian, I just bought one.

I have a question.. It may be dumb, but since I have only been dealing with Spyderco for 3 weeks, maybe not.

What is a "Spyder/Spydie Drop"?

Thank you,

Rock

Welcome to the forums!

Not a dumb question at all. Here goes:

1. Hold your closed Spydie firmly between thumb and index finger so their tips touch through the hole and the knive can pivot around the hole.
2. The tip of the knife points towards the ground and the spine faces away from your hand.
3. Snap your wrist up and down with force so the handle drops into your palm, opening the knife.
4. You have just performed the Spydiedrop.
5. :)

You might want to select a rather long and heavy model for practicing this. Done with confidence it's fast and quite flashy. Around sheeple you might get branded as a homicidal maniac because you play with knives, though. So you might want to practice a crazy grin in front of a mirror. :D

[crahen]

I have a PE micarta. Got it when it was an experimental model. It's really nice, but I never carried it much. The Micarta is so smoooth it would not stay clipped to my pocket and would try to escape :eek: Ony good for pocket carry IMO.

[pjrocco]

Thanks Silver. I have done this many of times with other knives. The hole makes it so much easier. :D

But I have/had a problem. I was messing with my Calypso Jr. and the blade got stuck open. :eek: I couldn't push the lock in to release the blade. I actually had to take both thumbs and push like ****, finally clicked and unlocked. Pretty scary..... :confused:

This is my first Calypso Jr. and that makes me nervous. Anyone ever encounter something like this before?

Not to happy. :mad:

Thanks,

Rock

[hardkiss]

i have a pe ss calypso jr..tip got busted but i grinded that down and resharpened then polished..good as new..

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha!

Let's just say that I got a PE version when they first came out. That was several years ago...immediately after I bought it, I gave it my father, as he needed to have a good knife. I didn't think he'd use such a beautiful knife for work!!!

He's a mechanic...works WAY over 40hrs. a week, and is somewhat "non-knife educated". I gave him a SS Delica and he chipped the tip off breaking ice with it! *UGH* :D I rounded the tip into what is now the Pacific or Salt tip...it still works well, and he has it at home as a beater.

Anyway, since the time I gave it to him, he's been using it DAILY. Cutting ALL kinds of materials...using it hard!!! I asked if I could see it the other day when I stopped by his workplace and aside from clip, blade scratches, it is still functional. That is, the lock up is strong, no blade play. Could teach him how to sharpen it though! LOL! :D

I highly recommend the Caly' Jr. in Micarta if you can find one.

God bless :cool:

[Rob]

The SS Calypso Jr's where hollow ground, not the full flat ground of the FRN, Micarta ones. Here's a pic I found on ebay:

Hi!

I have the same one in PE, that's why I was wondering that Joyce wrote "same blade". In German "same", "similar", "matching" and "identical" and a few other words have the same meaning.

English can be tricky sometimes :rolleyes: so I rather ask before I miss something :D :D :D

Cheers, Rob