The Calypso Jr. was my first spydie, and it is still my most used spydie. It combines size and package really well. I think it might be time to let it sit and bring a new spyder into EDC. Most of my other purchases have been niche knives. I expected to EDC them at the time, but always found myself going back to the calypso for general EDC.
I have a few requirements.
1. a lefty clip - this is a must for my EDC
2. low pocket profile. This primarily refers to how much of the opening to the pocket is blocked. The idea of a clip for me is to save verticle space. My phone and maybe a pen are in the bottom of the pocket, while my knife is in the top area. Verticle size and width are also important here.
I would rather spend less money, but I am open to more expensive knives. I also think I would like a relativly short blade. I really am not looking for something much shorter or longer than the calypso, I really like its length. I have long blades that I can take if I expect to need one, but normally thats just too much steel.
I have a few ideas. Firstly is the Delica 4. I have never owned a delica, and the 4 seems like a great one to start with.
I am also considering the polywog, dodo, yojimbo, and the D'Allara drop point.
With all of these knives, I am a little worried about pocket profile. For example, I hate carrying the salsa, because I cant fit my hand into my pocket easily. (I carry it at the top of the pocket b/c its a righty clip, this position usually reduces that problem significantly, esp for small knives...but its still no good). I think the polywog and dodo would have both of these problems. I consider the yojimbo because I love my paramilitary to death, but its a bit too big for EDC doesnt have a lefty clip. The D'Allara just seems interesting as ****, but what worries me here is thickness.
I have not carried any of these knives, though I have handled the yojimbo and dodo, I really didnt get a feel for how they fit in my pocket. My minimalist attitude developed when I became a college student and realized that it's impractical to carry a large hunk of steel around just because its cool. I really think the 80mm manix is one of the coolest spyderco knives, but I also think its too much of a hulk to be practical.
For consideration, I also am alright carrying a native (though its a bit large still), and have no troubles with my benchmade 940 (nice and narrow great pocket ergos...not so great when you try to use it though...thick grind and "stick" handle)
Calypso Jr replacement...
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smcfalls13
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Of the 4 you mentioned, the Dodo and Poliwog are the two that best fit your requirements.
The Yojimbo and D'Allara both take up a significant amount of pocket space. The Yojimbo because of it's length, and the D'Allara because of it's thickness.
Both the Dodo and Poliwog are small enough that you forget you have them in your pocket. I carry a Dodo in my left rear pocket, and I don't even feel that it's there even when I sit down on it. Poliwog is even smaller, so I'd predict the same pocket feel.
Both are fully ambi and have superior ergos.
In this case I'm going to give the nod to the Dodo, solely for the versatility of the blade shape. I don't care for spear point style blades, I have little use for them. I prefer Hawkbills and recurves. In this case, it all depends on which blade style you prefer.
The Yojimbo and D'Allara both take up a significant amount of pocket space. The Yojimbo because of it's length, and the D'Allara because of it's thickness.
Both the Dodo and Poliwog are small enough that you forget you have them in your pocket. I carry a Dodo in my left rear pocket, and I don't even feel that it's there even when I sit down on it. Poliwog is even smaller, so I'd predict the same pocket feel.
Both are fully ambi and have superior ergos.
In this case I'm going to give the nod to the Dodo, solely for the versatility of the blade shape. I don't care for spear point style blades, I have little use for them. I prefer Hawkbills and recurves. In this case, it all depends on which blade style you prefer.
:spyder: Scott :spyder:
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
My friend, have you considered the Centofante 4 Wharncliffe? Very slim profile knife, and a great cutter as well :)
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
The handle is a little longer than the Native
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
But slimmer(Cento 4 in center)
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
Here's the best part- Very low pocket clip!
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
The handle is a little longer than the Native
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
But slimmer(Cento 4 in center)
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
Here's the best part- Very low pocket clip!
<img src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... Yt27Jy0Ztw>
Yeah, I wish there were more lefty models, though its pretty nice how many they do have, considering that we are a minority. Also, I don't really like the centofante handle. I tend to prefer more pronounced ergos.
Would the dodo or polywog really take up less space in my pocket than a calypso? I think I would prefer the polywog because the blade is pointed down and it has a good ammount of belly. I have never extensivly used anything but a flat grind, or high saber grind for my normal EDC. I definately would feel more comfortable with a spear or leaf shape blade, and I think the agressivly turned point is awesome. I appreciate the advice guys. How would the polywog (or dodo) compare to the calypso in length closed, width, and thickness? Also, a lower clip profile is better for me.
Would the dodo or polywog really take up less space in my pocket than a calypso? I think I would prefer the polywog because the blade is pointed down and it has a good ammount of belly. I have never extensivly used anything but a flat grind, or high saber grind for my normal EDC. I definately would feel more comfortable with a spear or leaf shape blade, and I think the agressivly turned point is awesome. I appreciate the advice guys. How would the polywog (or dodo) compare to the calypso in length closed, width, and thickness? Also, a lower clip profile is better for me.
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dialex
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The Delica is a fine choice. I heard the Delica 4 is a wee bit more bulky than the older one, but it's fully ambidextrous and a marvel of functionality. A Delica was my very trusty EDC for a few years (it was replaced by the Adventura, which is pretty slim itself BTW: 7 mm - less than a cigarette) 
The mind commands the body and it obeys. The mind orders itself and meets resistance.
[quote="dialex"]The Delica is a fine choice. I heard the Delica 4 is a wee bit more bulky than the older one, but it's fully ambidextrous and a marvel of functionality. A Delica was my very trusty EDC for a few years (it was replaced by the Adventura, which is pretty slim itself BTW: 7 mm - less than a cigarette) ]
I do really like carrying the adventura. I got the forum edition and I carry it as my dress knife. It doesn't see a ton of use, but it's not quite a safe queen either. I like the adventura's size alot actually. I would rather not buy another adventura for EDC, and get more diversity instead though. Plus, I greatly prefer frn or g10 for EDC for weight and grip (though the adventua's vents help alot in that regard). I also prefer to use a stone to sharpen, which also makes me question the dodo. I dont have a sharpmaker, only a few sticks and whatnot that I can use for a recurve like the dodo.
That is one thing that worries me about the polywog. How do its handles perform? Is it really good for an EDC or not so much? Finally, it seems to weigh alot, is this difference noticable in pocket?
I do really like carrying the adventura. I got the forum edition and I carry it as my dress knife. It doesn't see a ton of use, but it's not quite a safe queen either. I like the adventura's size alot actually. I would rather not buy another adventura for EDC, and get more diversity instead though. Plus, I greatly prefer frn or g10 for EDC for weight and grip (though the adventua's vents help alot in that regard). I also prefer to use a stone to sharpen, which also makes me question the dodo. I dont have a sharpmaker, only a few sticks and whatnot that I can use for a recurve like the dodo.
That is one thing that worries me about the polywog. How do its handles perform? Is it really good for an EDC or not so much? Finally, it seems to weigh alot, is this difference noticable in pocket?
Did not see it mentioned here yet, but given the size, low profile clip and leftiness, Meerkat comes to my mind.
It might be a bit smaller on the blade size, though not much smaller than Caly Jr. and a bit bulkier on the handle. But it's recognized for its low-riding wire clip which can be mounted for left side.
It might be a bit smaller on the blade size, though not much smaller than Caly Jr. and a bit bulkier on the handle. But it's recognized for its low-riding wire clip which can be mounted for left side.
I actually have a meerkat SE. It might be neet to carry a PE recurve though. I am carrying it right now and it's fine (my calypso jr needs to spend a few minutes at the sharpening stone actually), but a little smaller than what I like. It is also heavy with its full steel liners. Plus, being left handed, the lock is not the most ergonomic thing, it can work but its not really something I want to deal with.
Probably the deal breaker here is the aus-6 blade steel. I find vg-10 and s30v to be really great steels to work with. I am very familiar working with vg-10 and reprofileing. I have also done a bit of work with the s30v. This didn't make it into my first post because I didn't think about it, but I definately want vg-10 or s30v. I would also think about ZDP, but I don't want something that will be dificult to sharpen. (my friend has a zdp caly jr and it is WICKED sharp).
Will the ZDP delica be on the delica 4 platform? I am assuming it would be priced under 100 bucks too right?
Probably the deal breaker here is the aus-6 blade steel. I find vg-10 and s30v to be really great steels to work with. I am very familiar working with vg-10 and reprofileing. I have also done a bit of work with the s30v. This didn't make it into my first post because I didn't think about it, but I definately want vg-10 or s30v. I would also think about ZDP, but I don't want something that will be dificult to sharpen. (my friend has a zdp caly jr and it is WICKED sharp).
Will the ZDP delica be on the delica 4 platform? I am assuming it would be priced under 100 bucks too right?
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Rockbuster
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I am not a lefty, but do carry both the Poliwog and Dodo as EDC secondary knives. I work in a large city for a Fortune 500 company. The both do extremely well for ease of carry.
The Dodo goes with my almost always because I like it that much. The poliwog was displaced by the Dodo due to the Dodo's cool factor and being useful in a work environment for cutting things like the plastic bands off of printing paper boxes. The reverse-S blade is hard to beat for this purpose. Also, I can carry it in my hand and play with it at times and no one can tell what it is (the Poliwog and Lil' T excel in this regard as well).
I carry them differently though. I clip the poliwog into my pocket because it doesn't have any surfaces that can tear up wool dress pants. It is secure, but slides right in and out without having the cheese grater effect on the pants. The Dodo goes into the right pocket "key holder" insert in my pocket. That is the little pocket inside the pocket to keep your keys from swinging around wildly like change in your dad's overloaded pockets. The Dodo is so light it just disappears.
My MBC blade is always clipped into the same pocket, but they do not bang together due to the aforementioned key pocket. 9 times out of 10 my primary is a CF Millie :D :D that I don't take out much unless I really need it. I just can't leave it at home - I am a flat grind junkie. They really need to bring the Lil' T back, but those are not made for lefties, yet.... although I have heard rumors about the Millie getting steel inserts
The Dodo goes with my almost always because I like it that much. The poliwog was displaced by the Dodo due to the Dodo's cool factor and being useful in a work environment for cutting things like the plastic bands off of printing paper boxes. The reverse-S blade is hard to beat for this purpose. Also, I can carry it in my hand and play with it at times and no one can tell what it is (the Poliwog and Lil' T excel in this regard as well).
I carry them differently though. I clip the poliwog into my pocket because it doesn't have any surfaces that can tear up wool dress pants. It is secure, but slides right in and out without having the cheese grater effect on the pants. The Dodo goes into the right pocket "key holder" insert in my pocket. That is the little pocket inside the pocket to keep your keys from swinging around wildly like change in your dad's overloaded pockets. The Dodo is so light it just disappears.
My MBC blade is always clipped into the same pocket, but they do not bang together due to the aforementioned key pocket. 9 times out of 10 my primary is a CF Millie :D :D that I don't take out much unless I really need it. I just can't leave it at home - I am a flat grind junkie. They really need to bring the Lil' T back, but those are not made for lefties, yet.... although I have heard rumors about the Millie getting steel inserts
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Mr Blonde
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I'd support the suggestion for a UKPK, but take your time in switching the clip. You're fighting against the entire backspring.
How about a Mini Manix? Perfectly lefty convertible and it rides pretty low. It's thicker and surely takes up more pocket space, but it is a nice variation on the Calypso jr., it's beefed up big brother.
Wouter
How about a Mini Manix? Perfectly lefty convertible and it rides pretty low. It's thicker and surely takes up more pocket space, but it is a nice variation on the Calypso jr., it's beefed up big brother.
Wouter
The PKPK would definately be cool, but are they not hard to get in the US? Also, IIRC they are fairly expensive, which to me is a detracting factor. If I decide a knife is definately right for me, then I have no problems shelling out for it, but I would definately like to keep the price down. The more expensive the knife, the longer I have to wait. Sadly knives are not a part of my college budget.
I think that the mini manix would be too much bulk in my pocket. I have held, used, and carried (for a short period) a full size manix and it was rediculously heavy. I have one pair of jnco jeans with huge pockets and the manix just fit in perfectly, but I don't wear those often so I would like something a little smaller. A side by side comparison of the two might help me consider that though. It is definately a knife that I would love to have, and buy, but because of money, I need to keep my purchace to a utility focus. It needs to be something that I will carry.
EDIT: I was looking around the online catalogue collecting some specs and I couldn't find the dodo. Have they discontinued it? If so, would it be harder to find in the future, because I definately like it and getting one would become a higher priority.
I think that the mini manix would be too much bulk in my pocket. I have held, used, and carried (for a short period) a full size manix and it was rediculously heavy. I have one pair of jnco jeans with huge pockets and the manix just fit in perfectly, but I don't wear those often so I would like something a little smaller. A side by side comparison of the two might help me consider that though. It is definately a knife that I would love to have, and buy, but because of money, I need to keep my purchace to a utility focus. It needs to be something that I will carry.
EDIT: I was looking around the online catalogue collecting some specs and I couldn't find the dodo. Have they discontinued it? If so, would it be harder to find in the future, because I definately like it and getting one would become a higher priority.
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smcfalls13
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Yes, it's been discontinued, so if you're going to get one, now's the time.Zerileous wrote:EDIT: I was looking around the online catalogue collecting some specs and I couldn't find the dodo. Have they discontinued it? If so, would it be harder to find in the future, because I definately like it and getting one would become a higher priority.
:spyder: Scott :spyder:
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
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severedthumbs
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jaislandboy
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Hello Zerileous.....if you're a fan of the Calypso Jr size.....I think the UK Penknife, Delica4, or DODO should meet your needs! how's about a ZDP189 Delica4? :eek:Zerileous wrote:...
I have a few requirements.
1. a lefty clip - this is a must for my EDC
2. low pocket profile. ...
:cool:brian
"All paths lead back to the Spyderhole..."
"All paths lead back to the Spyderhole..."