If you have not heard, there is a knife called the Caly 3.5

[bjz]

^the entire caly line lives in a strange space. For folks like myself (not too old but also not too young), these were very much on my radar when they were in their hayday, but at that time I hadn’t learned the life lesson that quality tools were worth the extra expense! Then somehow other models seemed to have pushed these out of the limelight and their collectibility sent prices sky high.

Now that I’m wiser, I find myself scratching my head wondering why such a shift away from these compact models with lots of edge length happened! The kapara is easily my favorite Spyderco design at the moment, but others such as the tenacious family, Watu, chap etc that pack a lot of edge length and less thick blade stock are certainly grabbing my attention! The caly line is at the top of my future acquisition list!

[RadioactiveSpyder]

I didn't mean to offend. It's just old threads get lost in time. I have had my eye on it for some time and finally pulled the trigger thanks to a fellow member. I felt like this model needed a shameless plug. For someone like me who discovered Spyderco later in life, I get to rediscover a lot of these models like they are new. Maybe we talk about it again and others see it and get to enjoy it too. Maybe some that would not have considered it. Hopefully that is good for Spyderco and good for the model. I would hate to see it discontinued.

So again, I apologize for bringing something old up. Did not mean to waste anyone's time.

Hi Jeff, that was absolutely not my intent of my post! I’m happy to see as many threads as possible extolling the virtues of this awesome model. It’s just that I was a bit surprised (early in the morning with no coffee) to see that folks weren’t as aware of it as I thought. Zero apologies needed, and in fact I’m sorry you took it that way - that wasn’t my point of posting it at all.

[benben]

This thread prompted me to dig my 3.5 out and carry it to church this morning!

[benben]

I am eagerly waiting on the upcoming (?) Caly 3.5 lightweight...

Though even featuring a finger choil it has a closed length just like a Delica, but cutting edge just like a PM2, backlock, slim profile... a lot to like here!

It is hard to believe, but yes. Longer edge than the Manix. I wish I had a PM2 still to compare it. Maybe someone could post a comparison pic, but holding it closed in your palm it is amazing to see how much edge is unleashed.

Here ya go…..

[benben]

Having that 26 already on my side, it was the quickest, straightest straight edge I could find.

[JSumm]

Hi Jeff, that was absolutely not my intent of my post! I’m happy to see as many threads as possible extolling the virtues of this awesome model. It’s just that I was a bit surprised (early in the morning with no coffee) to see that folks weren’t as aware of it as I thought. Zero apologies needed, and in fact I’m sorry you took it that way - that wasn’t my point of posting it at all.

Got it I misread. Yep, just an overly excited new Caly owner over here.

[JSumm]

I am eagerly waiting on the upcoming (?) Caly 3.5 lightweight...

Though even featuring a finger choil it has a closed length just like a Delica, but cutting edge just like a PM2, backlock, slim profile... a lot to like here!

It is hard to believe, but yes. Longer edge than the Manix. I wish I had a PM2 still to compare it. Maybe someone could post a comparison pic, but holding it closed in your palm it is amazing to see how much edge is unleashed.

Here ya go…..
3C978957-C07F-4E70-B3E8-AA25B689D502.jpeg

Yes, thanks for the pic. It is incredible how much edge is in that little handle.

[bjz]

^that caly vs pm2 photo makes me want a caly even more! Y’all are filthy enablers.

[Bill1170]

Wasn’t it a Caly 3.5 that some fellow used to save his child from being killed by a mountain lion a few years ago?

[benben]

Wasn’t it a Caly 3.5 that some fellow used to save his child from being killed by a mountain lion a few years ago?

Yep, in Texas if I remember correctly?

[JSumm]

Wasn’t it a Caly 3.5 that some fellow used to save his child from being killed by a mountain lion a few years ago?

Wow, I looked it up. 10 years ago.
viewtopic.php?t=54132.
There are other articles too if you search it up. There you have it. Per the Google, the Caly 3.5 can also save you from mountain lions.

[Skywalker]

I've been looking forward to the LW version. Had the 3 and 3.5 both in CF/ZDP for a while before coming to the conclusion that the clad ZDP-189 blade just doesn't do it for me.

Liked the design, though, and will be picking up a LW (in something other than ZDP, hah).

[Bolster]

Caly 3, 3.5, and Jr are my favorite Spyderco knives of all time; no knives are more deserving of threads!

Although I usually carry some version of a Caly, there are improvements possible IMO. Spyderco has already targeted the weight issue with its upcoming LW version. In addition, there is the vertical play issue which I'd like to see resolved. But on a knife as near perfection as the Caly series, not sure improvements are necessary!

Here is my "100,000 mile stress test" review of a Caly 3...from 2008!

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35699&hilit=100%2C000+mile

This same Caly 3 is STILL in my regular rotation...15 years...after it was purchased!

[JSumm]

Wow! That is quite the review Bolster. You definitely got your money's worth in that model. I do like it when a nice looking knife that may appear to be too "weak" for work gets used. These smaller and thinner models can withstand a lot. Thanks for sharing!
2008!? I think I probably was carrying a small Kershaw from Walmart back then. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It was a great little knife I would still have if it didn't get stolen.

[Bemo]

This one and the Native CF in S90v are constantly in the rotation. I actually prefer the aprearance of the 3 inch version I was able to pick up. Sounds odd I know. My one gripe (more of nit pick) is that the compromise of stuffing that much blade in the handle is you have to situate your index finger differently to avoid being bitten when closing one handed for me. So unlike the native where closing one handed your finger can stay safely in the choil as is, I have to choke up on the Caly 3 and 3.5 with my index finger to the "point" of the choil. Have to be a bit more focused and intentional and not just on autopilot. I close the UKPK with a totally different technique given it's slippy design. But I agree aside from that minor accommodation, the Caly 3 and 3.5 are great knives. And to me the laminated blade makes it look that much better too.

[TkoK83Spy]

It's a knife I've always desired, especially after getting the HH UKPK a few years ago and just knowing from that, that this 3.5 would be a dream in hand!

I think THE ONLY thing that's held me back is the laminated steel. Not that I have a problem with the steel itself, I'm sure I'd love it...but working in a warehouse, I've EASILY scratched up laminated blades. I don't mind signs of use on some knives, but this one I know I'd like to keep looking nice.

I don't have much use with my knives outside of work or around the house, so I've never pulled the trigger. Glad to see you and many others seem to love theirs though. Not a model you see around very often for some odd reason. I bet it's amazing.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

I agree on the laminated steel opinion, it’s just not for me. I really dislike how the 420J2 cladding gets scratched up just going in and out of the pocket, let alone with a decent amount of use. I appreciate they still offer ZDP-189 as a steel option for the sole remaining Caly 3.5 model, but I was always a bit confused why they didn’t keep the VG-10 model going versus the CF version. They discontinued the VG-10 version in late 2014 due to poor sales but I personally doubt sales are much better for the CF version. Another sprint run would be much appreciated, but only if it wasn’t a cladded steel (I’m looking at you HAP40). That’s the main reason I love the Super Blue version, not only for the amazing edge it takes but they wisely didn’t clad it like the other SB sprints they ran a few years back. They also ran ZDP as a pure blade option in several models too, go figure.

[Wartstein]

It would be great if Sal could chime in and give a rough perspective on how far away that Caly 3.5 LW still is... very hard to do in these times though, I know (giving such an perspective, I mean)!!

....and it is not like we´d not be blessed with quite some new LW lockback Spydies anyway, that are either already there, or very close... (Stretch 2 XL.. Chief FRN... Police LW.. "Cliff Jumper"...)

[cabfrank]

I had one, liked it, sold or traded it (just what I did back then), regretted it, but moved on. Now that I see the comparison with my beloved PM2, I believe another, LW, is definitely in my future.

[JSumm]

I'm hoping the lightweight version is in the same development stage as the Leaf Jumper and Native Chief Lightweight. If so, 2022 is going to be a good year. I expect the Stretch XL to be in distribution on or before summer based on what Sal has said.