Spyderco Forums

I'm a huge fan of the Caly, I find myself carrying both equally, Plus the G10 Caly3. IA f Spyderco ever makes the 3.5 with ZDP it might take the cake.

I'm a big Caly/Calypso fan and have been using the pattern for years. I'd go with the smaller Caly 3. To me the Caly 3 shines as a 'pocket knife' with the 3 inch blade. If the blade gets longer I'd like to see a bit more sweep or belly in the blade; the Stretch 2 does this better. I have Caly 3.5, but I have yet to give it a good workout, I plan to do a review on it, but considering the content I've got in the pipeline and my new job and everything that comes with it - it'll be a while.

Wouter

I prefer the Caly 3. I don't really need the extra .5".

Just ordered a Caly 3.5. A Caly Jr ZDP was my EDC for several years and I loved the knife but I really prefer more stiffness and smoother opening than unlined FRN usually provides. Plus VG-10 has become my favorite folder steel because it not only takes such a great (sharp) edge but is so easy to maintain. Love the way it responds to a loaded strop. Finally, the extra length is essential for me. Carrying the FFG Endura for a while has converted me to longer blades. Once I got used to the way the longer blades handle (which did take a few days), it became hard for me to go back to anything less than 3.5" long for my EDC. So the Caly 3.5 should be just about perfect for me. It will be my first experience with a G-10 handle though, so that will be interesting.

Personally, I think for straight up value, at around the same price, the Caly 3 wins because of the ZDP 189 blade steel. I got the Caly 3 first and am glad that it was my intro. However, the 3.5 is awesome as well, and I use that for EDC probably more than the Caly 3. The Caly 3 CF just screams high-end/classy to me though, it give me enjoyment comparable to a $300 custom. So my answer is-get both, but start with the Caly 3. That's what I did.

For me, it's the 3.5 without a second thought. The size of the 3.5 is as close to the perfect size I've yet to own. After owning the 3.5, the Caly 3 looks like someone ground the blade off too short to me. The only reason I'd look consider the Caly 3 would be if I had to deal with legal restrictions.

While I liked the Caly 3 I was not a huge fan of the CF that was used on the knife. I also didn't like the 3.5 as I thought the slender look of the knife was odd but it has really grown on me. The 3.5 is really a beast in sheep's clothing. It disappears in the pocket, even more so than the Caly 3. It's roughly the same size as a Delica but the blade is much bigger. Mine has been riding in my left front pocket (weak side) in a semi-SD role. Maybe a Super Blue 3.5 will ride in my right front pocket in the future.

I almost replaced my CF Caly 3 with the 3.5, but i didn't really care for the added length. To me and what i use a knife for, a light use thin blade doesn't need the extra length. I voted Caly 3, but you know at some point the 3.5 is going to come out in carbon fiber and ZDP...it's inevitable. When that day comes i'll most likely buy one.

Caly 3.5 g10 all the way.

the zdp is too ahrd to shapin and the knife is too exspensive for an every day user compared to the 3.5

Just broke the tie. I picked the Caly III.

Caly 3.5. Despite the blade length, knife literally disappears in the pocket. I have several ZDP knives and while they are very hard and hold an edge for a long time, they are very hard and sharpening takes a long time. For the past week or so, I've been carrying Delica ZDP in racing green alternating with the Caly 3.5. When I grab the delica, I feel like I'm missing something.

+1 for the 3.5.
Sal said he was toting the 3.5 Cal in a interview with Nutnfancy at the Shot show 2011,what other recommendation do you want?

sixheads wrote:Caly 3.5 g10 all the way.

the zdp is too ahrd to shapin and the knife is too exspensive for an every day user compared to the 3.5

True about the ZDP but the price is about the same on them.

The 3 with the laminated ZDP is the one for me. I think it's a bargain to boot.

Caly 3. Couldn't save up enough for 2, so I dropped the Leafstorm from my list.

Just dropped some loot on a Caly 3.5 - so I have been trawling the reviews.

Just a note to say that it is the G10/VG10 combo that makes the Calys so good.

The CF/ZDP one I have is nice, but not so companionable (seems to be catching looks at itself in the mirror a lot of the time :lol :)

noddy wrote:Just dropped some loot on a Caly 3.5 - so I have been trawling the reviews.

Just a note to say that it is the G10/VG10 combo that makes the Calys so good.

The CF/ZDP one I have is nice, but not so companionable (seems to be catching looks at itself in the mirror a lot of the time :lol :)

I agree I've hardly used mine and the 420j2 portion is really scratched up, I wish it was all zdp

I have the G10 Caly 3, and it is one of my favourite ESCs. I tend to prefer 2.5" to 3" blades for my daily users. They get the job done and attract very few sideways glances in the office.

ForealBoreal wrote:So I am on the fence on what one I should pick.
I am a fan of the G10 but I am also a fan of the CF.
I like the smaller blade of the 3 but I am intregued by the 3.5.
I have never had ZDP-189. Really only H1 and VG-10.

Whats your take guys?
This is a tough choice for me.

you like the 3" blade and you don't have any ZDP, i vote caly 3.

I was surprised at how much difference an extra half inch made in the all around utility and function of the Caly 3.5. You wouldn't think a half inch would make that much difference but, imo, it does. 3.5 to 4 inches has become the length I look for in a folder. The extra half inch over the 3 inch version is far more important to me than ZDP/CF over VG-10/G10, particularly since I happen to like the way VG-10 and G10 perform.

Of course, when the Caly 3.5 is available in higher end steels, like Blue Super and ZDP-189, I'll certainly be purchasing them as well. But for now, the G10/VG-10 Caly 3.5 is one of my favorite Spydercos.