Newbie: Caly3 or Mini Persian

bltkmt · #1

Hello everybody...newbie here. I have been a lurker for awhile, but thought I would jump in with a question. I am fairly new to knives--own a number of pocket folders (Ladybug, Chive, Scallion, Baby Boa, Keycom). But I want to get my first "real" knife and have narrowed down the selection to the Caly3 (for obvious reasons) and the Mini Persian. I know many of you own both...can you please compare/contrast the two and give thoughts on which might be better?

Thanks.

Billy · #2

Welcome to the forums! Lots to learn here. As for your decision, oh man, that's a tough choice, but for me, it would be the mini Persian. I have both, but like the mini Persian's combination of aesthetics, ergonomics, class and usefullness, just a tad more than the the Caly 3's. It really comes down to looks for me since they are both supremely useful and easy to carry. Both also fit my medium-sized hands exceptionally well. I don't think one is "better" than the other, but here's some things to consider:

-full flat ground leaf-shaped blade vs. hollow ground slightly upswept
-G-10 handles vs. micarta w/ steel bosters
-Caly 3 is super smooth right out of the box, while the Persian requires a bit more break-in time
-low-riding wire clip vs. more traditional Spydie clip

I don't think you can go wrong with either, and if you can swing it, get both! You will not be disappointed with either knife. Let us know what you decide.

Edit: My comparison was based on the G-10 VG-10 Caly 3. if you're talking about the CF ZDP Caly 3, well, that's a whole 'nother comparo and I would choose the mini Persian hands-down (I'm not a fan of ZDP).

bh49 · #3

bltkmt,
Welcome to the Forum. Welcome to obsession.
I would say, impossible choice. Both are terrific knives, great design and well made. They are my favorite knives and I have two of each.
IMHO, you need to get both without doubt. If money is a concern, which always is, you need to decide which one to get first. Both of them are about the same size, both are tip up carry, both have finger choil. You need to determine your use. I think that Persian is more than Caly3 suited for dress up occasions and office environment. Caly3 is little better EDC, handle has a better grip, choil has jumpings. Also blades have different grind, which can be important as well.
If you buy any of these two, you will never regret.
good luck

Murdoc · #4

Two very different animals.
If you like the classy looks of a Mini Persian, get one while you can. I wouldn't be surprised to see it discontinued by the end of the year.

The Caly 3 is a fine knife, too (I own 2 of them). Definitely a more "modern" design. Flat ground blade cuts like ****, wire clip makes it riding in your pocket virtually invisible.

The rest of my opinion is the same as Billy's, so I don't repeat it all over again :)

You will get both eventually, anyway :D

Dennis

Water Bug · #5

Both are great knives, and one's not better than the other. It would come down to personal preference and intended use, although I agree with others that you should get both.

The Caly3 carries quite discreetly, if that's important to you. The wire clip has it riding deep in the pocket. And, I guess you could say it looks more PC when used in public. For the G-10 model, the handles have a nice grip. Plus, you have your choice between PE and SE.

The Persian 75 mm is quite elegant in looks, has the "traditional bolsters, liners, and exposed pins in the handles" design that many of us love from folders such as the Buck 110 Folding Hunter, has a smooth, silky feel due to the steel bolsters and micarta handles, and is available in PE only.

Hope that helps.

bltkmt · #6

Thanks all! Are the mini Persians tough to sharpen because of the blade design? I love their looks.

bh49 · #7

bltkmt wrote:Thanks all! Are the mini Persians tough to sharpen because of the blade design? I love their looks.

I didn't sharpened my mini Persians yet, but sharpened and reprofiled it's big brother C83 Persian. Blade shape is about the same. I am using sharpmaker and I have no problem, just rotate a little your wrist, when you sharpen edge close to the tip.

Billy · #8

They are not hard to sharpen at all and mine takes a wickedly sharp edge. Right on par with the Caly 3 and sharper than any of my Delicas or Enduras.

ozspyder · #9

I am HUGE fan of both these blades and a Persian hoader myself :D I love them both so much that I have multiples of them because I use and carry them all the time.

As had already been mentioned above, both blades are quite different.

Personally and in my experience the Caly 3 would be sharper and slightly easier to maintain an edge. It also looks less 'threatening' to NKPs. In its carbon fibre clothing with ZDP189 steel it looks and performs extremely well :)

IMHO the Persian is slightly more elegant in a dangerous manner :p The upswept blade with its pronounced deep belly gives it a longer cutting edge than its size might suggest. Sharpening is just a tad trickier but easily handled after some experience on any sharpenin device. Its micarta handles is a lot less grippy than the standard Caly 3's G10 handles but probbly a touch grippier than the carbon fibre Caly 3.

I think you NEED to get both eventually as they are both awesome. Handle them both first if you can before you buy is probably good advice. Good luck with making a decision, and let us know how you go.

bltkmt · #10

Thanks Datan....my post was really directed at you as I have admired your collection for awhile, including the Kopas. I will most likely start with a Caly3.

ozspyder · #11

Caly 3 is a great first one to start with. Actually, once you get it you may not need anything else for a long while. It is almost the perfect one for me, ticking the boxes of:
1) Low ride wire clip
2) Full flat grind
3) Leaf shaped blade for general usage
4) Enough belly for tougher cutting tasks

If you plan on EDCing and using a lot, I would also recommend the following:
a) Native (any of them :) )
b) Mini Persian
c) Delica/ Endura (you can't go wrong)
d) Military/ Paramilitary (great designs)
e) Kopa/ Kiwi (for an office carry or gents folder)

Best of luck trying to keep your wallet csahed up :D :p

amen74 · #12

I am also a supporter of the Mini Persian. Get one or two before they get discontinued.

MANIXWORLD · #13

For general edc and harduse,i say the Caly3 G10 fits the bill perfect. As for the Mini Persian,its more of a dress knife or gentleman's knife to me/still nice.
if you feel like giving the knife hard use,and not worrying about getting it scratched and maybe beaten a
little,then the standard Caly3 could be your best choice IMO.

DainBramage · #14

I faced a similar dilemma several months ago... I am sure I'll eventually have both, but until then, I'm extremely happy with my Caly 3. As others have said, I think your intended use will effect which one will be "better" for you, but some of the more significant differences to me are:

:spyder: blade shape - Caly has a more useful/functional shape, the Persian's is more exotic/attractive
:spyder: blade grind - I tend to like full flat grind of the Caly over the hollow grind
:spyder: handle - Caly's G-10 is nicely grippy, Persian's shape is "sexier" although not as grippy
:spyder: weight - as long as there isn't a sacrifice in strength, I prefer a lighter knife to a heavier one... Caly is a bit lighter than the Persian.

Hmmm... looking back at my list, I guess the Caly is a much better EDC choice FOR ME, but I'm sure I'll get a Persian one of these days because they are just so cool looking!!! Whichever way you go, I'm sure you'll be happy.

LowTEC · #15

^^ agree everything you said there. They both are my favorite, if I'm forced to pick one, hmmmm, I still can't :D , can you take my wife instead?

Dagon · #16

Both lovely knives. The Caly3 more the workhorse of the two, the small Persian more its elegant yet supremely capable cousin.

In your place I would first buy the small Persian as it may become discontinued soon, or so I have read several times here on the forum. It will become more expensive afterwards.

Clawhammer · #17

'bltkmt' you've got good taste :)

IMHO,

I reckon the Mini Persian is the quintessential "Gentleman's Folder" ! Easily one of the nicest Spyderco has produced :cool:

A little thick (and possibly too pretty :) ) for EDC, but like Amen74 says get one before they're gone!

(The Full-sized Persians are as rare as hens-teeth. And owners (nee 'hoarders') won't release them onto the 2nd hand market...won't they OzSpyder!!!

:p )

The Deacon · #18

Clawhammer wrote:'bltkmt' you've got good taste :)

IMHO,

I reckon the Mini Persian is the quintessential "Gentleman's Folder" ! Easily one of the nicest Spyderco has produced :cool:

A little thick (and possibly too pretty :) ) for EDC, but like Amen74 says get one before they're gone!

(The Full-sized Persians are as rare as hens-teeth. And owners (nee 'hoarders') won't release them onto the 2nd hand market...won't they OzSpyder!!! :p )

FWIW, the C105 Persian is virtually identical in thickness to the CF Caly 3. In fact, if you count the protruding pivot pin, the Caly 3 is a good bit thicker. There's a chance the G-10 Caly could be thinner, but I'm inclined to doubt it.

Both very nice knives and very close in all dimensions, so it's really just a matter of which suits you better.

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bh49 · #19

Dagon wrote: In your place I would first buy the small Persian as it may become discontinued soon, or so I have read several times here on the forum. It will become more expensive afterwards.

The rumor is that both of them are going that way

Clawhammer · #20

The Deacon wrote:FWIW, the C105 Persian is virtually identical in thickness to the CF Caly 3. In fact, if you count the protruding pivot pin, the Caly 3 is a good bit thicker.

I stand corrected :o ... Thanx Paul :cool: