Spyderco Forums

I saw some photos of the lightweight Calypso Jr and it looks really interesting.

Can anyone give me a lowdown on this folder?

thanks.

Ken,

The Calypso Jr is my only lightweight Spyderco and I like it a lot. The blade's flat grind makes it a excellent slicer and, being VG10, it take and holds a superb edge. For my hands the handle design works pretty well although I sometimes wish that the thumb ramp was slightly longer. I also have a micarta version which is a very attractive knife but I like the appearance of the "fishscales" on the Ltwt nearly as much.

The Calypso Ltwt is my "beater". It gets clipped inside the waistband of my running shorts and track pants. It is the knife I carry in situations where I'm afraid that I might lose one of my more expensive knives (either by misadventure or confiscation <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>). Try it, you'll like it <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Take care,
Clay

Its CUTE but the older Micarta-handled one ROCKS! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>I think the scales on the Jr lightweight RULES!

Sam

I own quite a few knives, and the Calypso Jr. is easily the sharpest of the bunch, thanks to the full flat grind and thin edge. I have found the blade shape and size to be quite versatile for the kinds of cutting I do most often, from opening letters and packages to slicing bagels and peeling fruit. The reversible clip is nice.

My only recommendation for future evolution (if Spyderco hasn't already done it) is to round off the peak next to the thumb hole and flatten or round off the spine. The Calypso Jr. Lightweight being so efficient in every other respect, why sacrifice thumb comfort for the sake of appearance? Incidentally, the modification is fairly easy to perform with a Dremel tool.

It's my favorite small (three inches or less) folder.

David Rock

i've ordered one. i can't wait!!!

Thanks for the info everyone. I must say that I have read lots of positive things about the blade geometry of the Calypso.

But I haven't read anything about the steel VG10. How does that compare to CPM440V in terms of edge retention? I have a Native in 440V and it's fantastic. Really keeps its edge well.

But the thing that I like about the ltwt Calypso are the scales- they look great! So, having a real think about getting hold of one....hmmmmmmmm.

I´ve owned my Calypso Jr lt for about a month now and I like it very much. But there is a thing you should know about it. The first batch showed a slightly warped curve of the blade. I´ve spoken to Sal about this and he sad that rather than trash all the blades, the company lowed the price and attached a yellow warning note to each knife informing the consumer about this. However, I never saw any note at all! So watch out and don´t pay full price if you´d detect this deformation!

I just got a little parcel from James Mattis this morning and it had a wonderful Calypso Jr Ltwt in it. Fantastic! I have quite a few Spydercos and this is by far the sharpest straight outta the box. I'm lookin forward to seeing how the VG10 compares to the CPM440V on my Native. Lots of great design features on this knife....love the fish scales and the ambi screw holes but most of all, I like the little cut-out on the lock release.

I think that I'd like a little deeper finger choil though.

Overall a very nice piece. I would recommend it along with the CPM Native as must have lightweights.
cheers
Ken

I have both a micarta handled Calypso Jr and the lightweight version. I think I would like the lightweight version better if I hadnt also got one with a warped blade. It really bugs me that it isn't straight. Oh well. Does anyone know if something can be done to straighten it up? It's nearly touching the handle, but not quite.

--Matt

I really like the look of the Calypso Jr. How easy is the VG10 to sharpen? Some knives have great edge retention, but are a bear to sharpen.

Sorry Mundele, according to Sal, there is nothing to do <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> The deformation depends on the difficulty in heat treating the very tough VG-10 steel. We´ll just have to live with it and either actually use the knife (instead of keeping it in a cupboard, as my self)or buy a new one that is totaly free from faults.