Wish they'd bring back the G10 Caly 3...

[Blerv]

Have you tried a Sage? The CF Caly and i didnt get along but the Sage was like sunbeams from heaven :) .

I hear great things about the Chap too. Its even a better slicer than the Caly.

[Bolster]

How would you remove the backspacer on a lockback?

I was thinking comp lock. Heretical so I was trying to say it softly. But now I'm out.

[gull wing]

Gosh, they don't make the G10/VG10 Caly anymore?
Thought it would go on forever.
Although, I like the Caly 3.5 better, longer blade/handle suits me better. The
"3" is too narrow for me.

[d.2.the.p]

Have you tried a Sage? The CF Caly and i didnt get along but the Sage was like sunbeams from heaven :) .

I hear great things about the Chap too. Its even a better slicer than the Caly.

I picked up a Sage 1 and ended up selling it to a friend, and then I received a Sage 3 as a bday present, so I'm good in the Sage department... until the Sage 4 comes out...

The Chaparral is currently my favorite knife that I own, however I really want something that splits the Chap and Sage in size.

Bring back the G10 Caly 3!!!

[rodloos]

I guess I'm in the minority here, I really love my CF Caly 3 and the laminated steel doesn't bother me at all, keeps a sharp edge well without worry of rust. I was a little concerned with the slick CF when I first got it, but I got used to it, and I have carried it in-waistband nearly every day for the last couple of years. When I try to carry a G10 Caly 3.5 in the same position, it tends to grab my shirt uncomfortably.

Don't get me wrong, I love the grippiness (is that a word?) of G10, for knives I have in my pocket, but tucked in-waistband with the deep carry clip, I find the CF Caly 3 purrrrfect. :) I like my CF Michael Walker too, it just feels classy - of course I also like the Sage I type of CF, not as slippery. And I like my CF Lum... have started picking up quite a few Spyderco's with different CF variations, CF Stretch is nice too... I guess that's the problem, I like too many of the different Spyderco's and have spent waaaaaay too much $$ :D .

[JNewell]

The ZDP/CF Caly3 is a funny item in my view. Use of "premium" materials notwithstanding, the G10/VG10 version is much more appealing visually IMO and also slightly better ergonomically.

[Knifewing]

I've been thinking about the Caly 3 today as I just sent my EDC through the wash clipped to a pair of jeans. I didn't discover it until it began clanging around in the dryer. The VG-10 and G-10 came out unscathed, although much cleaner :)

Anyway, to the point being discussed: Spyderco is about as wonderful a company as there is, and I rarely try to second-guess any of their corporate decisions. BUT, that said, I never could understand why the Caly 3 G-10 was dropped. Even the 2009 Spyderco catalog copy refers to many calling it "Spyderco's finest folder design to date." I couldn't agree more; it is to my mind the perfect EDC and I've been carrying one for years. I live in L.A., where there is a 3" blade limit so I had to rule out the 3.5 for EDC. And, honestly, I just don't see how 1/2" of blade really improved upon the original. I did buy a CF Caly 3, but I'm not a big fan of slick CF (the Chaparral's textured CF is way better). And the Sage, while close in specs, just doesn't appeal to me for reasons beyond the Chinese manufacture. Sometimes the original design is just better, period. So, I also urge Spyderco to bring back the Caly 3 as close to the original as possible and drop the CF/ZDP version. If you have to change something, swap textured CF for the G-10, or go to S30V (for example) instead of VG-10. But keep the original ergos and design intact and make the knives in Japan or, even better, Golden.

[Shakyamuni]

Have you tried a Sage? The CF Caly and i didnt get along but the Sage was like sunbeams from heaven :) .

I hear great things about the Chap too. Its even a better slicer than the Caly.

Tried a Sage 1 and while I REALLY wanted to like it, I didn't like it because the handle is too thick. I wear jeans and the Caly 3.5 has a nice thin handle and fits perfectly in my right front pocket.

I do have the Chaparral and it is also very thin and fits well in my pocket, but I'm having trouble coming up with a scenario where I would want a shorter knife than the Caly 3.5.

[Bolster]

I've been thinking about the Caly 3 today as I just sent my EDC through the wash clipped to a pair of jeans. I didn't discover it until it began clanging around in the dryer. The VG-10 and G-10 came out unscathed, although much cleaner :)

Anyway, to the point being discussed: Spyderco is about as wonderful a company as there is, and I rarely try to second-guess any of their corporate decisions. BUT, that said, I never could understand why the Caly 3 G-10 was dropped. Even the 2009 Spyderco catalog copy refers to many calling it "Spyderco's finest folder design to date." I couldn't agree more; it is to my mind the perfect EDC and I've been carrying one for years. I live in L.A., where there is a 3" blade limit so I had to rule out the 3.5 for EDC. And, honestly, I just don't see how 1/2" of blade really improved upon the original. I did buy a CF Caly 3, but I'm not a big fan of slick CF (the Chaparral's textured CF is way better). And the Sage, while close in specs, just doesn't appeal to me for reasons beyond the Chinese manufacture. Sometimes the original design is just better, period. So, I also urge Spyderco to bring back the Caly 3 as close to the original as possible and drop the CF/ZDP version. If you have to change something, swap textured CF for the G-10, or go to S30V (for example) instead of VG-10. But keep the original ergos and design intact and make the knives in Japan or, even better, Golden.

Good post.

My only comment is, don't worry about second-guessing Spyderco corporate. We are their ongoing marketing focus group...we're part of the team...it's our job! And Sal has dropped in many times to remind us he appreciates the input.

I have a new question: when the Caly3 G10 was in production it was said that it could not be converted to screw construction without getting larger, which would destroy the intent of the knife.

However, looking at my Dialex, it seems there are very small screw options available...these don't look larger externally than rivets. Maybe the screws are larger than rivets internally where we can't see them? Or maybe rivets can get closer to the edge? I'm just curious if there's been any technological update that would allow the Caly3 to go screws instead of rivets, and keep its trim profile?

(Off topic: I just learned that G-10 is basically fiberglass that's crushed and burned! Sounds like the start of an artificial diamond--the application of heat and pressure, that is.)

[Blerv]

I guess anything is possible, or even sprints of anything if not full production.

Still the chance of it coming back as it was is very rare. They discontinued just recently it for a reason whatever that may be .

It's like the call for the Barong sprints. Maybe in 5+ years?

[Muad'Dib]

I'm also a big fan of the Caly 3. I love my CF version, but I'd really like to get a VG-10 or S30V G-10 version. The G-10 Caly 3 was disappearing right as I was getting into knife collecting, and I constantly kick myself for not getting one of the last ones before they all disappeared.

As for G-10, fiberglass is silicon. If it was Carbon-Carbon, then it would be more diamond-esque.

[Jay_Ev]

I am another who prefers the '3' over the '3.5'. The added half inch is negligible and I don't really see it as much of an improvement upon the original. Had they added a full inch, I would see that as a more significant change.

The Caly 3 (G-10) remains to this day my favorite Spyderco to date.

[Muad'Dib]

I'm not going to deceive, I love my SB Caly 3.5. I just can't decide whether to get another SB (while they are around) or get a VG-10 version.

[d.2.the.p]

The Caly 3 (G-10) remains to this day my favorite Spyderco to date.

It's stuff like this that makes me kick myself. I had a chance to purchase one of these not too long ago on the bay. I had set a price limit for myself, and I gave up once it was exceeded. I know it was the "right thing to do," but I can't help but speculate how AWESOME it would be if I had successfully procured this knife. Maybe next time.

[The Deacon]

Unless legal considerations demand a 3" blade, IMHO, if you really loved the G-10 Caly 3 and have not at least handled a Caly 3.5 you own it to yourself to do so. The closed size difference between them is smaller than you might think, so you may be in for a pleasant surprise. A mere quarter inch longer handle and a piddling 3 grams more weight buy you half an inch more edge and a very similar "look and feel".

[CENTER][/CENTER]

[elena86]

So I recently got to handle the current version of the Caly 3 with CF scales and laminated ZDP-189 blade. And honestly, it didn't really flip my skirt the way that I had hoped it would....

I wish they'd just bring back the G10 Caly 3 with the VG-10 PE blade. It could very well be my perfect knife. Is this what people mean when they speak of a personal "grail" item? If so, I think this might be my first...

AMEN TO THAT ! It was a sad ideea discontinuing G10 Caly !
Bring it back !!! And with VG10 ! It is the best steel for EDC.No more laminated.
And bring back Caly Jr. too.In VG10.

[bh49]

I just sent my EDC through the wash clipped to a pair of jeans. I didn't discover it until it began clanging around in the dryer. The VG-10 and G-10 came out unscathed, although much cleaner :)

Funny, my Caly3 went through the same cycle once as well with the same results

If you have to change something, swap textured CF for the G-10, or go to S30V (for example) instead of VG-10. But keep the original ergos and design intact and make the knives in Japan or, even better, Golden.

May be S35VN or some nice carpenter steel made in Golden would be great. (I know that Golden plant busy over capacity and all difficulties of expanding)
I have absolutely no problem with Caly3.5, it fits my needs even better than Caly3, still I will buy almost any sprint of Caly3.

[dman62]

Love the Caly 3 as is. The laminated blade looks very cool and stays stupid sharp long after VG-10 has given up the ghost. The carbon fiber is also classy looking and is easy on the pocket. For the environment I work in it's perfect.

[JacksonKnives]

I guess you can't please everyone, but I think Sal made the right choice. I think the matte finish on the Caly3CF is sublime (not slippery like the polished stuff, not abrasive like peel-ply) I don't mind the lamination line, and ZDP-189 is fantastic steel for the knife. I think it was the best example of the knife, and I'm glad it's still around.

I'm happy with the Caly3CF as a small-but-not-tiny gent's folder, but personally I'm very, very happy with the 3.5 as an update of the line for EDC purposes. The extra .5" really does allow for a lot more cutting utility, and without noticeable increase in pocket real estate. I'd be even happier with a 'Caly 4' design, but if it never happens I'll be OK EDCing a 3.5 in whatever variations Sal can dream up.

[Bolster]

So much depends on the user's context.

I've seen lots of comment that the size difference between 3 and 3.5 is "not noticeable." For me it's the difference between comfortable and a poke-in-the-thigh when I have to crawl around on the ground for electrical, crawlspace, & attic work. Also, the further out there the tip is, the harder it is to do precision cutting with the tip, such as splitting an electrical wire, etc. I work a little harder to make precision cuts with the 3.5.

When my tasks are slicing cardboard or working in the garden, then the 3.5 is an improvement over the 3. (I've seen comment that I'm illegal when I use the 3.5 here in so calif.) So I switch off between them. But the 3.5 is not a replacement for the 3.

Yes the CF 3 is lovely. I think the general consensus here is, "Since the Caly is widely acknowledged as one of Spyderco's most successful platforms, why not more variations on that theme?"

Seems to me there is a pent-up demand for the Caly Jr, for example, for variations on the Caly 3, and so on.

Now, if the Caly is really only an enthusiast's knife, and was never the big splash with the general population that the Delica and Native were, then I understand. Hard for me to tell, because here on the forums the Caly line seems pretty durned popular. Only Spyderco knows the sales numbers and at the end of the day, the sales numbers rule.