What would you choose as the strongest one - Caly 3 or Native?

[Erminio]

If you were looking for the strongest and better built folder and had to choose between the Caly 3 and the Native, both CF, which one would you choose and why? Purpose would be mainly self defense but also EDC. I'm currently partial to the Native - I prefer the Caly wire clip but I am a sucker for the upper swedge.

Thanks!
Erminio

[Cuervo]

I have both models, and EDC both fairly regularly (though I must admit, lately I've been biased towards EDCing the Caly). I think both should be fairly similar in terms of strength and build, as they share the same locking mechanism, and liners. I don't personally feel either of those models in their respective CF slabs would be suitable for SD, for me the finish is too smooth for handle purchase. Additionally, the deep riding clip on the Caly3 rules it out again for drawing and opening. All this to say, I wouldn't hesitate to EDC either, or both. Nor would I feel any less safe relying on them if necessary. But I usually carry a PE Military on those "dark and stormy" nights.

[CanisMajor]

I have neither , so I won't be much help. If I were going to buy one, it would be the Caly3. Looks a lot better, the CF and ZDP is a winning combo, deeper carry wire clip, and the FFG blade makes it the choice for me. I've held the Native, and it's not really to my liking.

Hope this helps a little,
Canis

[The Deacon]

Don't think there's any significant difference in strength. To me, the points in favor of the Native would be the deep choil, four way clip mounting, and lack of Boye dent. Points against would be the partly blocked Spyderhole and less natural (for me) opening motion.

[THG]

If really for SD... The I recommend the Native. I don't think the deep carry would make the Caly as reliable if you needed to withdraw it really quickly.

[Bolster]

On the other hand...a more concealable blade, in my case, means it actually gets carried (as opposed to NO knife being carried). I work in a knife-hostile environment, that's located in a rough part of town. As long as I'm in the building I'm safe. Walk outside onto the street and it's a different story. So in my particular case, the slower-drawing Caly 3 is the better SD choice! Because a Native would be spotted and either demanded (by security) or I'd be fired (by bureaucrat).

I am so thankful that Spyderco makes knives for conditions like mine!

Back to the question: I'm not sure one is stronger than the other. Either choice will likely be much stronger than you'll ever need for SD, which generally requires exquisite sharpness rather than crow-bar like strength.

[texcaliber]

I bought the Pink Native for my wife which she loves and liked it very much myself. I have one on order now just with the black handle. I am not too masculine to use her's if she leaves it unattended until then. I could not say the same about a pink Caly3.
tex

[ozspyder]

I would say that both are just as strong, but for me the Caly 3 seems to be a more wicked cutting tool. The Native has the choil which will aid in certain situations :)

On a personal note, the Native stopped being in my EDC pile once I bought a Caly 3. Now the Caly 3 gets carried especially in my office guise due to the deep wire clip carry.

[texcaliber]

due to the deep wire clip carry.

Good point.

[Bolster]

Now the Caly 3 gets carried especially in my office guise due to the deep wire clip carry.

Amen to that.

[jzmtl]

Both are on par, but native is better suited for larger hands due to wider frame, try both if possible and see which fits your hand better.

[nathan310]

Manix 2

[oldschool]

For SD it seems the Native has the edge due to its blade shape - better for stabbing.

[LowTEC]

Although both of them are similar in terms of strength, I don't think either of them suit the SD purpose. Glossy or matte finish are perfectly classy in appearance, but lack of needed extra grip for SF purpose. If you are set with CF, try the sage twit or peel ply Stretch/Military. For SD, I don't think there is a better model other than the wave series. Affordable, strong tip, sure grip, and the FASTEST deployment equals to fixed blades but in a compact size.