Similar Quality Para2

SolidState · #21

+1 Caly! I can't wait to get one, but I will have to wait.

rodloos · #22

Always hard for someone else to pick a knife to suite your tastes :) but you have received some excellent suggestions so far. My Chokwe is the absolutely smoothest Spyderco I own, but would probably be too large. I have both the Sage 1 and Sage 2, but find I like my Caly3 even more -- initially I was turned off by how smooth the polished carbon fiber scales were, but found it is perfect for in-waistband carry with dress pants, only a hint of the wire clip is visible under my belt, and it is thinner than my Sages.

For something a bit smaller but still refined, I really love my Michael Walker CF, but it was a sprint run and not easily available unless you look on ebay or places like that. But it is probably my best-slicing folder.

For some really classy-looking knives which don't have clips, you might consider some of the Santa Fe Stoneworks modified Kiwi's with very decorative scales, I think New Graham still has a few of them in stock (Just don't look at Deacon's fantastic collection of them :) or you'll never be satisfied).

Kopa's are nice too.

Funny thing about Spyderco's, they grow on you. Models that used to seem ugly and ridiculous to me suddenly find their way onto my wish list, and some that *look* like they would be uncomfortable are really fantastic to hold.

gunnut35 · #23

Caly 3 CF zdp

nightburn · #24

Another vote for the Sage 1, just picked one up for a friend's birthday as a group gift.

The Mentaculous · #25

My votes are Caly 3 or Sage 1. Sage 1 is smoother than the Para 2 for me, and smoother than the Gayle Bradley. It's my second smoothest next to the Chokwe, which is as smooth as a Sebenza. And the Caly 3 in polished CF and ZDP steel is simply my favorite compact EDC folder in existence. It's build quality, materials, and design are impeccable in my opinion, and the way it's designed and constructed just says "modern classic" to me when I use it. It is also very smooth for a lockback. If I had to pick one "gentleman" style knife, and 3" wasn't too long, it would be the Caly 3 CF for sure.

I agree with the Kopa as well too, if the 3" knives are too big. The Kopa I have is the smoothest lockback I have ever had, it comes open so easily I was actually shocked when I first got it. It's the perfect knife for non-knife people.

Some of my other "gentleman" friendly knives I use are the UKPK (the CF version is gorgeous, on my want list), Urban, Walker CF, and Dragonfly G-10.

jossta · #26

I vote for Sage 1, Gayle Bradley or Lum Chinese. Military and Chokwe are good, but probably too big. I carry a Bradley every day at an office.

v8r · #27

Chinook II.......oh you said "office friendly". Sorry

toomzz · #28

Suit/tie asks for a gentleman-folder..... :rolleyes:

I'd say Caly 3, Caly 3,5, Sage1, BobT slipit (suits perfectly to a suit, but a little stiff in the action), the upcoming Des Horn 'Jugendstil' folder perhaps?

There is a great difference in opening-closing action between the Millie and your PM. The first has a linerlock, the PM has a 'linerlock on the back', i.e. the compressionlock. I prefer a liner. I love the fast deployment and closing of that lock. With an adjustable pivot that works smooth enough. I work in an office as well and people are used to my knife-mania, but again the liner is the fastest and (for me) prettiest lock. My hand, when closing (opening is the same action) is less tense, more relaxed, with a liner-lock.
I have a supersmooth Millie in S90V with Carbonfiber handles and some collegues don't even see me cut open that pack of copying-paper...

(BTW: this week I infected another NKP with the bug: I ordered him a Caly3 in ZDP)

Cheers and happy :spyder: hunting,
T.

IrishSpyder22 · #29

Caly 3 CF, caly 3.5, small Persian 2

Cave Dave · #30

I just got a PM2 on Fri and I am super impressed by the quality, but yet the CF Caly3 was back into my pocket today. My fav spydie by far. If you have big meaty hands than consider the Sage instead.

angusW · #31

There are still Delica's in G-10 out there even though they are discontinued. I have the Endura in G-10 and it's much smoother than the other two in FRN that I own. Also the Dragonfly with G-10 is another option.

aedmband21 · #32

Thanks so much for all the responses. I was researching the Caly and seem to continually get reports of gritty action. Not sure how true it is, but all I hear about the sage line is how smooth it is. I've heard quite a few people recommend the sage 1, but not too many for the sage 2 or 3. Any stand out reasons as why you prefer the 1 over 2/3? Also - I keep coming back to the Gayle Bradley... man is that a nice knife. More and more I start to get away from my initial requirements....

DeathBySnooSnoo · #33

The Caly has no washers, and can be gritty, but with a bit of soap and water, then compressed air and lube you will have an extremely smooth knife.

And the responses were based on your conservative office requirements. The sage 1 is CF and looks more refined and gentlemanly.

The GB is a more than excellent knife. But it is fairly large and heavy.

I think that your solution is to buy one for the office and then several more for not in the office :D

IrishSpyder22 · #34

All 3 of the sage series are very smooth it all comes down to your preference in material and lock design .

aedmband21 · #35

Oh I'm definitely buying more for not in the office... I have a "to buy" list going as we speak. Anyone else do that? Spreadsheet style with best vendor/prices?

As far as the CF on the sage 1, I think I may have misled in my OP. I don't plan on using my knife at work. I was more trying to say it would be uncomfortable to carry in a suit. I need to have a knife in my pocket constantly which I'm sure is just like everyone on here. So when it comes down to it, I'm not overly concerned about looking like Rambo at work, it's more from a comfort of carrying perspective. Trying to get rid of the bulge look in my pants.... Insert jokes here

Blerv · #36

aedmband21 wrote:Thanks so much for all the responses. I was researching the Caly and seem to continually get reports of gritty action. Not sure how true it is, but all I hear about the sage line is how smooth it is. I've heard quite a few people recommend the sage 1, but not too many for the sage 2 or 3. Any stand out reasons as why you prefer the 1 over 2/3? Also - I keep coming back to the Gayle Bradley... man is that a nice knife. More and more I start to get away from my initial requirements....

The Sage 1 is 25-30% cheaper. I hear good things about both (only owning a 2) but would go with your preference of Ti vs CF.

Some Seki models do some a bit gritty. This is usually solved with a little water (or preferably lube) in the pivot and compressed air while working the action. I use canned air dusters. :p My Massad Ayoob came grittier than any other Spyderco to date and after a minute of working with it you would think it's a Sage 2.

Best case scenario a knife like the Caly or Persion will be smooth but they will always have a touch more tension due to the backspring. Probably second in self-close of the locks I've experienced is the ball-bearing or caged ball-bearing locks. The Comp/Frame/Liner locks have a mild detent/self-close and then a free-flow action.

Rutgrr · #37

Either Sage 1 or 2.

DeathBySnooSnoo · #38

For carrying in a suit I would want thin and light. I often use my MW, but I think that a Caly would still be the best. Or the up coming Chaparral. Suits are notorious for easily showing any bulk...and I find that I like the MW a lot because they don't get much lighter and that thin zdp is amazing.

noddy · #39

G10 Caly 3 again :)

Dragonfly2 is nice too

BDNX · #40

Getcha a Balance! :)