I think I’ve got a line on one of these, in plain edge. Of course it has VG-10 steel and Micarta handles. A friend turns out to have one after all and may sell it to me. How much do you think I should pay for it? I really want to buy this knife. Perhaps it would even replace the G-10 Police model in my imagination for desirability, at least for now. I mean, they still MAKE the Police model.
What is the overall opinion of this full-sized Calypso? I realize that the Calypso Jr. (both past and present) is highly regarded - especially in VG-10. Is there any reason that this full sized version would not be just as good or better, in terms of it’s flat grind, great edge geometry & VG-10 blade? By the way, I still intend to buy a VG-10 Calypso Jr. (in FRN) once my local dealer get’s them in. This large Calypso would be a separate thing completely.
I think that this knife is absolutely beautiful. I very much want to buy it. I’m really just trying to decide how much I should be willing to pay for it...looking for a little justification, I guess.
Thanks for any help you can offer. Jeff/1911.
Calypso (C54) – how much is too much?
I've just been searching for old threads about the large Calypso in bladeforums Spyderco archives and the reports look pretty favorable.
Anybody here want to tell me how great these knives are so I can get on with the business of going out Monday morning at the crack of dawn and buying this thing? Grin. Jeff/1911.
Anybody here want to tell me how great these knives are so I can get on with the business of going out Monday morning at the crack of dawn and buying this thing? Grin. Jeff/1911.
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Clay Kesting
- Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
G'day Jeff,
From memory they were retailing on the net around the US$90 mark. However what you pay depends on the condition of the knife and how much you want it <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. The only criticism I can recall was that some felt the handle was a little too long for comfortable carry, particularly in relation to blade length. IIRC Sal designed this as the sort of knife he would like to carry, so mere plebs like us can't go too far wrong <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. I sort of wish I'd bought one just to use for preparing my lunch at work.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Edited by - Clay Kesting on 4/22/2001 12:47:09 AM
From memory they were retailing on the net around the US$90 mark. However what you pay depends on the condition of the knife and how much you want it <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. The only criticism I can recall was that some felt the handle was a little too long for comfortable carry, particularly in relation to blade length. IIRC Sal designed this as the sort of knife he would like to carry, so mere plebs like us can't go too far wrong <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. I sort of wish I'd bought one just to use for preparing my lunch at work.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Edited by - Clay Kesting on 4/22/2001 12:47:09 AM
Clay - Good to hear from you. How are things going at your place? Settling down at all with the new baby yet?
This knife appears like it is brand new. I don't think that's it's been used much at all. You know a funny thing is, as soon as I saw this one I thought "Whoa, wouldn't that be great for slicing up my tomatoes at work...". No kidding. In fact, what this knife strikes me as is a sleek, classy, folding kitchen knife.
Thanks for your reply. Jeff/1911.
This knife appears like it is brand new. I don't think that's it's been used much at all. You know a funny thing is, as soon as I saw this one I thought "Whoa, wouldn't that be great for slicing up my tomatoes at work...". No kidding. In fact, what this knife strikes me as is a sleek, classy, folding kitchen knife.
Thanks for your reply. Jeff/1911.
More Calypso musing...Clay (& others)
If I like the length of this knife closed, then there's no reason that this shouldn't be an absolutely great knife, isn't this right? Many here talk about the incredible desgn of the Calypso Jr. so isn't this knife going to be just as good, assuming it's not too large for carry? Or, is there something particular about the design of the Jr. that sets it apart?
Any owners of both a Jr. and a full sixed Calypso out there who would care to comment?
Jeff/1911.
If I like the length of this knife closed, then there's no reason that this shouldn't be an absolutely great knife, isn't this right? Many here talk about the incredible desgn of the Calypso Jr. so isn't this knife going to be just as good, assuming it's not too large for carry? Or, is there something particular about the design of the Jr. that sets it apart?
Any owners of both a Jr. and a full sixed Calypso out there who would care to comment?
Jeff/1911.
Jeff/1911 yes I'd like to comment on this knife thank you. I own both a calypso jr lwt. AND a calypso
mircarta large. As I've commnted before the smaller calypso is an amazing little knife, always enough
never to little for daily tasks. The larger Calypso is well....elegant & sleek in design and function. I didn't
care to much for the large until I learned how to hold it then it just snaps into position. THIS IS A KNIFE!!
The combination of vg10 steel,flat grind excellent geometry of shape makes the calypso line sleepers first
class. The only concern I have about the large is the slick micarta handles make for careful handling with
wet hands. I'm going to checker mine a bit. What has always amazed me about the large calypso is how it
just disappears in the pocket when carried. As to how much would it be worth? Buy it . Whatever the price.
This knife has more class and function then most of knives out there. You just have to own one to fully understand. Enjoy!!
mircarta large. As I've commnted before the smaller calypso is an amazing little knife, always enough
never to little for daily tasks. The larger Calypso is well....elegant & sleek in design and function. I didn't
care to much for the large until I learned how to hold it then it just snaps into position. THIS IS A KNIFE!!
The combination of vg10 steel,flat grind excellent geometry of shape makes the calypso line sleepers first
class. The only concern I have about the large is the slick micarta handles make for careful handling with
wet hands. I'm going to checker mine a bit. What has always amazed me about the large calypso is how it
just disappears in the pocket when carried. As to how much would it be worth? Buy it . Whatever the price.
This knife has more class and function then most of knives out there. You just have to own one to fully understand. Enjoy!!
Tightwad,
I agree. By now, I've pretty much decided to buy this knife. I appreciate your endorsement of the whole idea and the design of the Calypso. I can tell that it's something I'll treasure for a long time, I just needed some help justifying the purchase. I know what you mean about it slipping away into the pocket, as I've already had a chance to try this...man is it ever smooth, likely because of the Micarta handle I imagine.
****, A week ago I was quite prepared to pay more money for a G-10 Police model than I will have to for this knife, so this should have been an easy decision.
Thanks for your help. Jeff/1911.
I agree. By now, I've pretty much decided to buy this knife. I appreciate your endorsement of the whole idea and the design of the Calypso. I can tell that it's something I'll treasure for a long time, I just needed some help justifying the purchase. I know what you mean about it slipping away into the pocket, as I've already had a chance to try this...man is it ever smooth, likely because of the Micarta handle I imagine.
****, A week ago I was quite prepared to pay more money for a G-10 Police model than I will have to for this knife, so this should have been an easy decision.
Thanks for your help. Jeff/1911.
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Clay Kesting
- Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
Buy it Jeff, you know you want to. In any case, if you don't like it you can always give it to me <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Jeff/1911. Read on "bladeforum.com" that you're considering the serrated large calypso from sfo.
Ask that you re-consider that buy. The plain edge is a much better knife with none of the OH! MY
GOD! he's got a knife visuals the serrated has. It's one thing for trouble to find you. Quite another
if you to court it. To say that the large calypso is impressive is true, add the serrations and you've
got visuals that just grab attention. OH! BOY! Take care.
Ask that you re-consider that buy. The plain edge is a much better knife with none of the OH! MY
GOD! he's got a knife visuals the serrated has. It's one thing for trouble to find you. Quite another
if you to court it. To say that the large calypso is impressive is true, add the serrations and you've
got visuals that just grab attention. OH! BOY! Take care.
Tightwad - No. I wasn't really considering the serrated version of this knife. I was asking about opinions for serrated vs plain edge wrt a Native; and possibly a Calypso Jr. lightweight...but not this large Calypso. I agree with you completely with this blade....It would have to be a plain edge for me. And so will the lightweight Calypso Jr. when I get one of them. In fact, I've decided to buy the Native a plain edge too!
I will eventually buy a serrated Harpy or Merlin (hopefully I can find a G-10 Harpy) to make my "main serrated" knife. The rest will probably be plain edges, I think now.
I've really got Spydie fever bad though. I've decided that if (or when) I do get this Calypso, I'll have to start looking for a Calypso Jr. Micarta to go with it. I mean, they're beautiful too! At "house of knives" online is where I first saw a picture of the large, plain edge Calypso and they also have a shot of it with the micarta Calypso Jr. Very, very nice. I thought "Wow. What a nice set...So, I've been thinking if they're discontinued then why not try to get one of each size while I (maybe) can. I can always buy any of the current production knives later.
Anyway, I'll get the large Calypso purchase out of the way first.
Stay tuned...Jeff/1911.
I will eventually buy a serrated Harpy or Merlin (hopefully I can find a G-10 Harpy) to make my "main serrated" knife. The rest will probably be plain edges, I think now.
I've really got Spydie fever bad though. I've decided that if (or when) I do get this Calypso, I'll have to start looking for a Calypso Jr. Micarta to go with it. I mean, they're beautiful too! At "house of knives" online is where I first saw a picture of the large, plain edge Calypso and they also have a shot of it with the micarta Calypso Jr. Very, very nice. I thought "Wow. What a nice set...So, I've been thinking if they're discontinued then why not try to get one of each size while I (maybe) can. I can always buy any of the current production knives later.
Anyway, I'll get the large Calypso purchase out of the way first.
Stay tuned...Jeff/1911.
Sorry folks, that was NOT "house of knives" but "knifecenter" that I saw the nice Calypso pictures at...here is the url:
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/ ... /x034.html
A picture of the large and Jr. together.
Once you look at that, then scroll down the page to where it says in hypertext:
"see more images of these micarta handled Calypso's"
If you click here, it shows both sides of the large Calypso. these pictures are what hooked me. Jeff/1911.
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/ ... /x034.html
A picture of the large and Jr. together.
Once you look at that, then scroll down the page to where it says in hypertext:
"see more images of these micarta handled Calypso's"
If you click here, it shows both sides of the large Calypso. these pictures are what hooked me. Jeff/1911.
Get this! I spoke to the guy with the Calypso this AM and ordered it from him, and during our conversation mentioned that “Now I just have to find a Micarta Calypso Jr. plain edge to go with it...” and he replied; “Oh, do you want that too?” Turns out he has one of these he will also sell.
I think I managed to catch this guy just when he was thinking of selling off some of his knives anyway. I feel very fortunate indeed. So, later this week I’ll take posession of both a full sized and Jr. Calypso in micarta and with plain edges. I don’t think they’ve ever really been used, from the sound of it. He was foremost a collector, keeping knives like these kind of “preserved” and using some others for daily chores. I also think I’ll get a pretty good deal on them. I’ll let you know how I make out. Thanks again for all of the advice and encouragement.
Jeff/1911 (grinning like an idiot).
I think I managed to catch this guy just when he was thinking of selling off some of his knives anyway. I feel very fortunate indeed. So, later this week I’ll take posession of both a full sized and Jr. Calypso in micarta and with plain edges. I don’t think they’ve ever really been used, from the sound of it. He was foremost a collector, keeping knives like these kind of “preserved” and using some others for daily chores. I also think I’ll get a pretty good deal on them. I’ll let you know how I make out. Thanks again for all of the advice and encouragement.
Jeff/1911 (grinning like an idiot).
A few hours later...(indecision sets in)
I'm thinking now that maybe I should put the money I will spend on the Micarta Calypso Jr. towards a Jr. lightweight FRN...better steel, a little lighter (I think) & I've heard they have a better "feel"...
Clay, you've got one right? I should still buy the Micarta Jr. shouldn't I? I mean, it's kind of a classic set (the full size and Jr. together). The only thing is that this double-purchase kind of steals some thunder away from my enjoyment of the full size Calypso, and I'm damned sure I won't know which one to carry for awhile.
I guess I'm kind of funny that way, I seem to need to have a specific purpose in mind (no matter how theoretical or impractical) for these things before I can really enjoy owning them completely.
Obviously the Jr. is a fabulous knife design; in Micarta it's gorgeous hence the attraction for me but if I am only going to have one of this type and size perhaps it should be the FRN model w/ VG-10 steel. I know I could just buy one of these too, but that would make the Micarta version seem redundant. As far as the Micarta Jr. goes; I'll just bet I find that AUS-8 steel fine and dandy. However, I think to myself "For less money I can have VG-10 steel, and then it would be quite a different knife from the full sized Micarta version"...
Man, do I have too much time on my hands or what? Jeff/1911.
I'm thinking now that maybe I should put the money I will spend on the Micarta Calypso Jr. towards a Jr. lightweight FRN...better steel, a little lighter (I think) & I've heard they have a better "feel"...
Clay, you've got one right? I should still buy the Micarta Jr. shouldn't I? I mean, it's kind of a classic set (the full size and Jr. together). The only thing is that this double-purchase kind of steals some thunder away from my enjoyment of the full size Calypso, and I'm damned sure I won't know which one to carry for awhile.
I guess I'm kind of funny that way, I seem to need to have a specific purpose in mind (no matter how theoretical or impractical) for these things before I can really enjoy owning them completely.
Obviously the Jr. is a fabulous knife design; in Micarta it's gorgeous hence the attraction for me but if I am only going to have one of this type and size perhaps it should be the FRN model w/ VG-10 steel. I know I could just buy one of these too, but that would make the Micarta version seem redundant. As far as the Micarta Jr. goes; I'll just bet I find that AUS-8 steel fine and dandy. However, I think to myself "For less money I can have VG-10 steel, and then it would be quite a different knife from the full sized Micarta version"...
Man, do I have too much time on my hands or what? Jeff/1911.
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Clay Kesting
- Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
Difficult question to answer Jeff. Much depends on whether you see yourself as a user or a collector. Basically I carry the micarta Calypso for "show" and the FRN one for "go". If I could only have one it would be the FRN model because of the VG10 steel, however the micarta version makes a very classy "gentleman's folder" for wearing with your Sunday best. I'm in a similar quandary over choosing a Dyad Jr, micarta for looks or FRN for lightweight and serviceability. I haven't been able to decide yet so I don't think I'm really in a position to help you <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Take care,
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Take care,
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Clay,
First off, thanks for not laughing at my silliness. For the record I'd have to say I'm definitely a user, as opposed to a collector. If I was dedicated primarily to collecting, this would be easy. I would clearly "need" both Micarta models of Calypso.
Regarding your comments...the thing is the VG-10 steel. Aside from it's beauty, the reason I wanted the large Calypso is because it has VG-10. I had already decided to eventually buy an FRN Calypso Jr. to go with it as it's VG-10, same design as the micarta model in AUS-8 and a little cheaper. I mean; I could buy these two Micarta's, then later buy an FRN Jr. but I think that would be a bit much. There are so many other Spyderco models I'm interested in... The idea of having two "dress knives" makes me think I'd be trying to decide which one to use all the time.
Do your two Calypso Jr's feel about the same? Do you really notice a difference in the steel performance (AUS-8 vs VG-10)? It's interesting to hear that you're facing a similar decision.
Thanks, Jeff/1911.
First off, thanks for not laughing at my silliness. For the record I'd have to say I'm definitely a user, as opposed to a collector. If I was dedicated primarily to collecting, this would be easy. I would clearly "need" both Micarta models of Calypso.
Regarding your comments...the thing is the VG-10 steel. Aside from it's beauty, the reason I wanted the large Calypso is because it has VG-10. I had already decided to eventually buy an FRN Calypso Jr. to go with it as it's VG-10, same design as the micarta model in AUS-8 and a little cheaper. I mean; I could buy these two Micarta's, then later buy an FRN Jr. but I think that would be a bit much. There are so many other Spyderco models I'm interested in... The idea of having two "dress knives" makes me think I'd be trying to decide which one to use all the time.
Do your two Calypso Jr's feel about the same? Do you really notice a difference in the steel performance (AUS-8 vs VG-10)? It's interesting to hear that you're facing a similar decision.
Thanks, Jeff/1911.
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Clay Kesting
- Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
Jeff,
First let me say that I really like AUS8 steel. It has a very fine grain structure and I can get a better edge on it than ATS34. I think that it is quite satisfactory for most tasks which is why Spyderco stilll uses it even in some of the custom collaborations. However, after a while most of us have become steel snobs and won't look at a knife unless it has an exotic steel. Having said that, during a normal day I sharpen a lot of pencils which dulls an edge very quickly. I find that VG10 holds its edge longer under those cicumstances.
I guess if I was in your position and I already had a large micarta Calypso, I would probably settle for the small FRN version and wear the large one to church <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
First let me say that I really like AUS8 steel. It has a very fine grain structure and I can get a better edge on it than ATS34. I think that it is quite satisfactory for most tasks which is why Spyderco stilll uses it even in some of the custom collaborations. However, after a while most of us have become steel snobs and won't look at a knife unless it has an exotic steel. Having said that, during a normal day I sharpen a lot of pencils which dulls an edge very quickly. I find that VG10 holds its edge longer under those cicumstances.
I guess if I was in your position and I already had a large micarta Calypso, I would probably settle for the small FRN version and wear the large one to church <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Jeff/1911,
I have 3 of the Calypso’s. The Calypso in plain edge, Calypso Jr. Micarta with serrations, and the Calypso II in plain edge.
The Calypso II is EDC, while the 2 Micarta versions are for more dressy applications. With the 2 Micarta handles the 2 knives feel the same with the exception of the blade length to change the balance a bit.
The Calypso is an excellent knife, and I find that it is outstanding as a compact kitchen knife. I take this one along for picnics.
The only way to improve this large knife blade would be to
- increase the blade thickness. I find that for such a long folder, the blade is a bit too slender, but I can always find some applications for this keeper. The blade shape should remain the same.
- The handle could be changed to G10 (preferably) or FRN for better purchase with wet hands.
This is one design that should be kept, IMHO.
I have 3 of the Calypso’s. The Calypso in plain edge, Calypso Jr. Micarta with serrations, and the Calypso II in plain edge.
The Calypso II is EDC, while the 2 Micarta versions are for more dressy applications. With the 2 Micarta handles the 2 knives feel the same with the exception of the blade length to change the balance a bit.
The Calypso is an excellent knife, and I find that it is outstanding as a compact kitchen knife. I take this one along for picnics.
The only way to improve this large knife blade would be to
- increase the blade thickness. I find that for such a long folder, the blade is a bit too slender, but I can always find some applications for this keeper. The blade shape should remain the same.
- The handle could be changed to G10 (preferably) or FRN for better purchase with wet hands.
This is one design that should be kept, IMHO.