My dream knife: the Para-Caly?

[fliktrik]

I have a Caly 3 that is my main EDC and have been thinking about getting a bigger knife; either the Para 2 or Caly 3.5. The problem is, neither one is exactly what I'm looking for. What I'd really like is the basic form-shape-size of the Caly 3.5, but combined with some of the best features of the Para 2. So the knife would be something like the following:

Blade shape: Caly 3.5 (elongated leaf) FFG
Handle shape/size: Caly 3.5
Lock: Para 2 compression lock
Pivot: Para 2 pivot bushing system (i.e. smooth and slick)
Construction: open-post flow through, screw-together
Handle Material: G-10
Clip: Caly low-profile wire clip, deep carry
Blade steel: CPM-S30V
Origin: Golden, Colorado, USA Earth

Really, the Para 2 smooth-opening pivot bushing system along with the strong easy-to-use Para 2 back compression lock are so good that they probably ought to be incorporated into many of the other Spyderco models. My vote is simply to do this (first please ) to the Caly 3.5... that's a knife I would love to buy. I expect the compression lock in particular would require significant model changes (e.g. open-post construction), so this wouldn't be a change that could just be "dropped in" to any model and would be different enough that it might warrant a new model designation. Nevertheless, I hope Spyderco is considering the possibility of expanding these features to other models.

David

[Evil D]

Yeah that would make for a slick knife, but then the lefty/pro back lock crowd would throw a giant fit over the lock if you changed the Caly 3.5. For what it's worth, performance wise the Para 2 is **** near unmatched as far as i'm concerned. Also, the straight spine will grow on ya.

[fliktrik]

Do lefties have major problems using the Para 2?... I figured a lefty would simply use their thumb to operate the lock, rather than the index finger. Of course, not (yet) owning a Para 2, I haven't yet experimented with left-handed use, just some short try-outs using my right hand.

[Evil D]

You'll hear varying opinions on how lefty friendly it is. By comparison though, the back lock is completely ambidextrous so it's a hard argument to make.

[fliktrik]

For what it's worth, performance wise the Para 2 is **** near unmatched as far as i'm concerned. Also, the straight spine will grow on ya.

I agree the Para 2 is a great knife; but I love the form, size, and easier carry-ability of the Caly. Since the Para-Caly doesn't exist (yet :D ) I suppose I'll eventually end up getting both, but I haven't yet gotten past my reservations about the larger size and less-desirable (to me) blade shape of the Para 2.

[Evil D]

Well, i'm pretty sure the Caly 3.5 and the para 2 are nearly the same size, at least blade wise. The Caly 3 has about 1/2 inch less blade, but is nowhere near as stout as a Para 2, depending on how important that is to you. I own a Caly 3 ZDP, but if it came down to that knife over my 20CP Para 2, it'd be Para 2 all day everyday.

[fliktrik]

Well, i'm pretty sure the Caly 3.5 and the para 2 are nearly the same size, at least blade wise. The Caly 3 has about 1/2 inch less blade, but is nowhere near as stout as a Para 2, depending on how important that is to you.

Yes agree the blades are similar size, but the Caly 3.5 is quite a bit slimmer and less intrusive in the pocket. And it carries deeper, which I like. I made the pilgrimage today to the Golden factory-outlet to try them both out. Bottom line: I liked them both, and haven't yet decided which to get next. I spent some time pocketing both in the store; for me the Caly 3.5 is noticeably less-in-the-way while riding in a front pocket. On the other hand, I do love the smooth slick way the Para 2 operates. The Caly is a much tighter knife, at least out-of-the box. My Caly 3 has had some use now, and is reasonably broken in. But it still isn't nearly as slick and smooth operating as a brand-new un-broken-in Para 2... and given the different pivot design, I doubt it ever will be.

So... still pondering...

[Evil D]

Yeah you'll have that with back locks. For me all the better things about the Caly are defeated by the compression lock. I do love the wire clips though and the Caly is a far better slicer. Ergonomics are pretty similar but that'll probably come down to the individual and their hand size. The original Caly 3 is probably the best feeling ergos i've ever felt in a knife...and i have pretty huge hands. the Vallotton is a very close runner up though, that knife feels awesome in hand.

[tap78]

fliktrick, what about Superleaf, not that handle shape that You wish, but all the rest is very simmilar.

[w3tnz]

I have a superblue 3.5 and s30v para 2, its always a hard choice to pick between the two. They both have advantages, the 3.5 is alot slimmer and lighter, and the superblue with a good sharpen will out slice the para all day. However I prefer the comp lock because I can close the knife much quicker, and the PM2 is obviously more robust and lower maintenance (bar edge chips). They are two of my favourites, the only sensible option is to buy both and rotate :)

[chuck_roxas45]

fliktrick, what about Superleaf, not that handle shape that You wish, but all the rest is very simmilar.

The man has his mind made up Tap. :D

[Pockets]

What's wrong with sowing doubt in his mind so he buys even MORE Spydies? :D

[Blerv]

fliktrick, what about Superleaf, not that handle shape that You wish, but all the rest is very simmilar.

Ewww logic. Hiss! :D

[D1omedes]

fliktrik, I am in complete agreement, buddy. :D

I love my Caly 3.5 - it's my favorite EDC. If Sal was able to incorporate a compression lock into the design, I would be very happy. Add some U.S. steel on top of that and I'd be ecstatic.

I know that the comp lock would require some changes but it might be possible since the Dialex Junior sports it. Maybe this could be a revamped, U.S.-made Caly Jr comeback?

[phaust]

If it could be done without increasing the handle thickness, I'd be all over it!

[fliktrik]

fliktrik, I am in complete agreement, buddy. :D

I love my Caly 3.5 - it's my favorite EDC. If Sal was able to incorporate a compression lock into the design, I would be very happy. Add some U.S. steel on top of that and I'd be ecstatic.

Yeah. Given that the "ParaCaly" does not exist, I've about decided that my next purchase will be a Caly 3.5 to be the bigger brother to my current Caly 3 EDC. As much as I like the smooth slick operation and compression lock of the Para 2, I like the blade shape and slim carryability of the Caly 3.5 even more. So I think it'll be the next one up to bat. Of course I would still love to see the above-mentioned Para2 features incorporated into a Caly-like model someday. I think that would be my ideal carry knife...

David

[Drkknight614]

Yeah. Given that the "ParaCaly" does not exist, I've about decided that my next purchase will be a Caly 3.5 to be the bigger brother to my current Caly 3 EDC. As much as I like the smooth slick operation and compression lock of the Para 2, I like the blade shape and slim carryability of the Caly 3.5 even more. So I think it'll be the next one up to bat. Of course I would still love to see the above-mentioned Para2 features incorporated into a Caly-like model someday. I think that would be my ideal carry knife...

David

See, if I already had a Caly 3, I wouldnt be choosing a 3.5 over the Para2. Why? Because why pay all that extra money for a knife you already own with .5 inchs of extra steel. I would get the Para 2 to be honest. You already have a Caly. I guarentee later on your gonna feel like your carrying the same knife. I think the Para 2 will be a nice compliment to what you have already.

[SolidState]

See, if I already had a Caly 3, I wouldnt be choosing a 3.5 over the Para2. Why? Because why pay all that extra money for a knife you already own with .5 inchs of extra steel. I would get the Para 2 to be honest. You already have a Caly. I guarentee later on your gonna feel like your carrying the same knife. I think the Para 2 will be a nice compliment to what you have already.

I felt the same way until I got the 3.5. I find the handle more ergonomic, and the blade to be a better length for everything from fruit cutting to general tasks. The tip is also more precise. It is kind of rough though, as my Superblue has some serious blade issues involving acceptable QC (almost all of my Moki models are off ground etc.). I've never seen anything as rough from Golden. The PM2 also doesn't build up blade play like the caly does.

[fliktrik]

See, if I already had a Caly 3, I wouldnt be choosing a 3.5 over the Para2. Why? Because why pay all that extra money for a knife you already own with .5 inchs of extra steel. I would get the Para 2 to be honest. You already have a Caly. I guarentee later on your gonna feel like your carrying the same knife. I think the Para 2 will be a nice compliment to what you have already.

Yeah... I hear you. Believe me, I've had these exact thoughts myself. The Para2 is certainly the more rational choice, esp. given my existing Caly 3. Of course if rationality were really ruling the day, I'd simply convince myself that I already have all the knives I really need. :eek:

[Drkknight614]

Yeah... I hear you. Believe me, I've had these exact thoughts myself. The Para2 is certainly the more rational choice, esp. given my existing Caly 3. Of course if rationality were really ruling the day, I'd simply convince myself that I already have all the knives I really need. :eek:

Your gonna get both of them anyway so I guess it doesn't matter. Lol