Hi guys. :)
I am interested in picking a new knife this spring and am torn between the Caly 3.5 in VG10 and the Stretch in VG10. See, I have a Caly 3.5 in Super Blue and am worried about corrosion issues once the hot, humid Texan summer arrives. Although I love the Caly design, I have never handled a Stretch. I know it has a devoted following, much like the Caly.
I have already asked a couple of nicer members about their opinion. I would like to hear from the rest of you guys as well. Thanks. :D
Input Needed
I don't own a caly but I do own a stretch and I love it. The ergos are great and it's a great little knife. As far as the caly 3.5 I think it may be a step up from the stretch as far as handle material. In my opinion there is probably better knives with better steel that can be had for less than the price tag than the caly 3.5. I have quite a few vg-10 knives now, So I'm focused on getting knives with better steels than vg-10. Vg-10 is no slouch but I just want to get the higher end steels that spyderco offers.That's just my opinion though, I bet you though if you buy a knife with a hole in the blade and a bug stamped on it, your gonna be happy.
I've been bitten for about a year now, and I haven't been the same since...My name is Allen and I'm a spyder-holic
If you are worried about corrosion on the SB, just take extra precaution daily and wiper it down and protect it. I recall some of the guys putting some kind of oil or something to help preserve the knife.
I have the CF ZDP stretch and can say Its an awesome knife. No matter what version stretch you would be very happy and amazed by the ergos of the knife.
There are so many knives to choose from and they are all great. Maybe make a list of all the ones that interest you, break it down to you few favorites and we can help you decide.
The one thing I do not like about the caly 3.5 is that it seems very narrow at the edge of the handle, not sure what its called. It is a great knife though.
What particulars are you looking for in your next knife? Appears you want close to a 3.5" blade, your on a budget of around $100. Let us know and we can help you better.
I honestly think you should try a different design like the stretch or something else. I would not go for the same knife unless you really love it. However if you try something new, you will end up like the rest of us with a whole army of Spydies :D
I have the CF ZDP stretch and can say Its an awesome knife. No matter what version stretch you would be very happy and amazed by the ergos of the knife.
There are so many knives to choose from and they are all great. Maybe make a list of all the ones that interest you, break it down to you few favorites and we can help you decide.
The one thing I do not like about the caly 3.5 is that it seems very narrow at the edge of the handle, not sure what its called. It is a great knife though.
What particulars are you looking for in your next knife? Appears you want close to a 3.5" blade, your on a budget of around $100. Let us know and we can help you better.
I honestly think you should try a different design like the stretch or something else. I would not go for the same knife unless you really love it. However if you try something new, you will end up like the rest of us with a whole army of Spydies :D
CF Balance, CF Caly3 ZDP, Caly 3.5 SB, CAT 440C, Chaparral, Orange Jigged Damascus Delica, Blue Jigged Damascus Delica, BRG Delica ZDP(SOON TO BE G-10!), FG G-10 DragonFly, Gayle Bradley, 2012 Jester, H1 Ladybug Salt Hawkbill w/G-10 scales, Tan Manix 2 M4, MoonGlow Manix 2, C22CF Michael Walker, BRN Millie XHP, Native 5, PM2, All Black PM2, Gray PM2 20CP, Blue PM2 M390, Sage 1, Sage 2, Sage 4, Terzuola, CF Stretch ZDP, UKPK Drop Point
I've handled a lot of Spyderco varieties, but never a Caly 3.5. I own three Stretches however, and I love them, just absolutely love them. As good as all the others are, I always go back to the Stretch. I also have no bias against FRN. It works well, it's easy on the pocket (unlike my G-10 scales which I can hear literally sanding my pocket each time the knife goes in or out), and it's cheap and lightweight. This may not be particularly helpful but hey that's what I got.
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The Deacon
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I own both. Caly 3.5 spends most of its time on a shelf. Stretch spends a good deal of its time in my pocket because I prefer the handle ergos and the narrower blade. OTOH, if you're looking for the ultimate slicer, or prefer thinner and lighter, the Caly 3.5 edges it out in those areas.
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
I have both, and would the choose the Stretch if you're looking for a worker that slices like a light saber. The 3.5 is more of a gentleman's demon slicer. The fit and finish is so nice I don't often carry it...then again, I'm guilty of babying most of my spydies. I say since you have the Sb 3.5 that you get the Stretch.
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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mikerestivo
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- Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:19 am
- Location: Indiana
The Stretch is a knife that I have no problems with, other than it is funny looking, but I don't really care about that. I also have the Caly 3.5. For whatever reason, I carry my Caly quite a bit more than the Stretch.
I once had a Stretch CF, but I did not like how it felt in my hand. The FRN version feels better, but I prefer G10 to FRN. Maybe that's why I carry the Caly more often.
Both are really practical for most applications. I don't think that there is a bad choice between the two. Enjoy.
I once had a Stretch CF, but I did not like how it felt in my hand. The FRN version feels better, but I prefer G10 to FRN. Maybe that's why I carry the Caly more often.
Both are really practical for most applications. I don't think that there is a bad choice between the two. Enjoy.
Have you thought about any Other models? Why just either the Caly 3.5 g-10 or the frn stretch?
I know you asked which one we would recommend between those two, but I must ask------have you ever considered a Para Military 2? :D
If you go stretch, be sure to get the zdp-189. I have heard feedback from several members saying that is one of their sharpest spydies!
I know you asked which one we would recommend between those two, but I must ask------have you ever considered a Para Military 2? :D
If you go stretch, be sure to get the zdp-189. I have heard feedback from several members saying that is one of their sharpest spydies!
-Ryan
-Techno, cruwear Mule, Dragonfly 2 FRN, Assist, Endura FRN ATS-55 SE, Endura SS aus-6 PE, Persistence(Wife's)
-Wicked Edge
-Techno, cruwear Mule, Dragonfly 2 FRN, Assist, Endura FRN ATS-55 SE, Endura SS aus-6 PE, Persistence(Wife's)
-Wicked Edge
Thanks for the replies everyone.
I have narrowed it down to the Caly 3.5 and the Stretch because those are two knives in the 3.5 category that are similar in weight and size. I have had two Para 2's but sold both. They were just too big to comfortably EDC, IMO.
I really do like my Caly 3.5 in SB and will probably pick one up in VG10 for summer carry. I have been coating the knife and have had slight pitting. I prefer not having to worry about that, so VG10 is the likely answer. It has taken me a while, but I have found that I am a big fan of the Caly design.
Still, I am intrigued by the Stretch. I think I will pick one up in ZDP at a later time, since it is cheaper than a ZDP Caly.
Have any of you guys had corrosion problems with VG10 during humid summers? I have not read of this before but I would like to be sure before I place an order. :p
I have narrowed it down to the Caly 3.5 and the Stretch because those are two knives in the 3.5 category that are similar in weight and size. I have had two Para 2's but sold both. They were just too big to comfortably EDC, IMO.
I really do like my Caly 3.5 in SB and will probably pick one up in VG10 for summer carry. I have been coating the knife and have had slight pitting. I prefer not having to worry about that, so VG10 is the likely answer. It has taken me a while, but I have found that I am a big fan of the Caly design.
Still, I am intrigued by the Stretch. I think I will pick one up in ZDP at a later time, since it is cheaper than a ZDP Caly.
Have any of you guys had corrosion problems with VG10 during humid summers? I have not read of this before but I would like to be sure before I place an order. :p
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DeathBySnooSnoo
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Should we all be insulted that we are classed as not the nicest members? :p
I do love the Stretch. Mine in ZDP was and is one of my favorites. It has been displaced by the GB...but that Stretch is just light and comfortable. Slices like crazy too...if you haven't got one, you should.
The only time I might steer you clear is if you have large hands. The handle config can be a bit tight for large hands.
I do love the Stretch. Mine in ZDP was and is one of my favorites. It has been displaced by the GB...but that Stretch is just light and comfortable. Slices like crazy too...if you haven't got one, you should.
The only time I might steer you clear is if you have large hands. The handle config can be a bit tight for large hands.
Zdp isn't stainless?Donut wrote:I don't know why anyone would suggest the ZDP Stretch if the OP is concerned about rust.
I would be interested in seeing the OP spend $15-20 on some Tuffglide and see how well his Super Blue performs with that.
-Ryan
-Techno, cruwear Mule, Dragonfly 2 FRN, Assist, Endura FRN ATS-55 SE, Endura SS aus-6 PE, Persistence(Wife's)
-Wicked Edge
-Techno, cruwear Mule, Dragonfly 2 FRN, Assist, Endura FRN ATS-55 SE, Endura SS aus-6 PE, Persistence(Wife's)
-Wicked Edge
The Super Blue has performed well with Tuff Glide but prior to me regularly applying lube, I had some slight pitting. Nothing major but it did cause concern. I know that the summer is going to be hot and humid in TX and I'd like to not have to worry about coating the blade every night. Thus, the desire for a stainless steel.Donut wrote:I don't know why anyone would suggest the ZDP Stretch if the OP is concerned about rust.
I would be interested in seeing the OP spend $15-20 on some Tuffglide and see how well his Super Blue performs with that.
I absolutely love the Caly 3. And am extremely fond of my SB Caly 3.5, but I would chime in that if you do not yet have anything from the stretch series go for it. The Stretch is just such an incredibly comfortable knife. While my stretch is the ZDP, having used other VG-10 blades in humid summers in Fla and southern Mississippi both I would have no qualms saying it will hold up to the sweat in TX just fine.
Also the Bigger handle just seems to go with Texas a little better. I think folks in Texas expect you to pull out a big knife from your pocket. I know no one bats an eye at my orange manix :)
Also the Bigger handle just seems to go with Texas a little better. I think folks in Texas expect you to pull out a big knife from your pocket. I know no one bats an eye at my orange manix :)