caly 3 or the delica 4

[eric1975]

i am looking to buy a full serrated caly 3 vg 10 or a delica 4 with zdp-189 which one should i buy ? thanks

[cougar337]

I really like the wire clip on the Caly3 but the ZDP on the Delica 4 wins with me. I don't think you could go wrong either way and most would say 'both!' including myself but I have really been impressed with zdp-189

[MANIXWORLD]

Go for the ZDP Delica4..it will impress you and its tough as nails..

[Dagon]

I have both. I do strongly prefer the feel and elegance of the Caly 3. Yes, the ZDP will stay sharp longer, but really, VG10 is excellent as well, and it's easier to sharpen than ZDP.

[Netsquash]

Both are nice. Have you considered a waved Delica?

[bh49]

I have both. I do strongly prefer the feel and elegance of the Caly 3. Yes, the ZDP will stay sharp longer, but really, VG10 is excellent as well, and it's easier to sharpen than ZDP.

+1
I will take Caly3 over Delica at any time. I used to carry two Delica4: blue ZDP and SS SE, may be for month each, sold them. I EDC Caly3 G10/ VG10 for more than two years and cannot imagine EDC better in this price range.

[tomoto]

I have both and I prefer the Caly hands down. The VG10 holds an edge well and is MUCH (x100) easier to sharpen then the ZDP. The caly feels very sturdy and solid in your hand and the fit and finish won't disappoint! I also find the caly fits better in my hand is more comfortable in all grips (including reverse). The choil allows for precise cutting as well.

If you do get the D4 though, might I suggest to not forget to touch it up, cause once the ZDP gets dull, its extremely hard to get an edge back.

[RIOT]

even though im a huge Delica fan, i would recomend the Caly3 over the Delica 4, its built alot better than the D4 and more solid locking up,

but if you asked a Caly3 vs a Carbon Fiber Delica, id go with the CF Delica

[Jay_Ev]

I'm another one who prefers the Caly 3. It's my favorite knife. With that being said, if you like the Caly, but prefer the steel of ZDP-189, look into the Caly Jr (not Caly 3). The Jr is a very comparable knife to the ZDP Delica. (both have FRN handles with ZDP steel, and are similar in size). Hope this helps!

[Sequimite]

Caly 3, would be the hands down choice for me. I prefer it's ergos and the FFG leaf blade.

Sierra trading has the Caly 3 SE for $74.95 with today's discount (25%) bringing it to $56.21. The current discount includes free shipping, but you have to order $100 to get that.

[The Deacon]

Serrated version of the Caly 3 has been discontinued, will become hard to find soon. It has a full flat grind but a thicker blade, a more acute but more fragile tip, a clip which rides lower but offers less mounting options, and a usable 50/50 choil but it cannot be fully disassembled. Which is "better" depends which of those characteristics are most important to you.

[ozspyder]

The Caly 3 wins in this mini battle :) . I have the pic in my sig for a reason and not only because it looks good. Mine is the PE version though but I know the SE version cuts like a demon on roids :D

[dalefuller]

'Nuther vote here for the Caly 3. I started with Spyderco Delicas and still have a couple of CF D3s as well as a couple of ZDP D4s. My wife uses her D4 at the office (library) for really dirty work and I keep mine in my M-1 bag in the car with emergency stuff.

My Caly 3 is something else, though. I carry it just about everywhere including camping and it handles anything that I'd want a folder to do. It's really easy to bring the edge back after use and the flat grind is an effective slicer.

I've grown to like the pinned & washerless construction. I didn't at first, but over a couple of years of carry, I've found that it's nice not to have to worry about screws loosening up and gunk getting in the pivot area around the washers. I took the blade out of my Caly 3 last year after carrying it for about a year. There was nothing around the pivot but a little leftover lube. Not that I baby the knife... but w/o washers, there's just no room for a lot of crud to collect.

Not being able to disassemble it is not a big deal for me. I've taken most of my screw construction knives apart at one time or another. None of them was dirty enough that they really had to be d/a to be cleaned... it was just a fun exercise. I can clean my knives just fine with some running water, a little WD40, and canned air. For me, at least, there's no need to d/a a knife to clean it.

[liltemp1]

Delica, my choice.

[Pneumothorax]

I gotta vote for Caly 3 since I just got one last Friday. Got it because its discontinued (great deal on Sierra Trading Post) and the ergonomics of the handle, choils and the way it sits so naturally in hand (learned from my UKPK). And love the G10 scales. In spirit of full disclosure, I got rid of my old FRN Delica years ago - so Im not doing a direct comparison... :eek:

[DMgangl]

Caly 3. First while they are easy to get since they have been discontinued, but get one before they are gone. Also the delica doesn't fit me hand very well and the Choil on the Caly 3 will give you some extra room for a comfortable grip. That and I much prefer a SE knife.

DM

[calyco]

Another vote for the Caly 3, I had the limited blue and regular black Delica but sold them both off after I got my Caly. Beautiful knife to look at and play with but also fits perfectly in the hand for daily use. I like it so much I am now looking to pick up the carbon fiber model.

[toddholt]

I have a caly 3 and delica 4 g10. I really like both knives but have to go with the delica 4. In real life use, the caly 3 handle is just too slick. Also, in hard use, I'm not crazy about the choil, my hand feels really close to the blade and combined with the slick handle I am concerned about hand slipage. I do like the ZDP steel. My caly came with much better fit and finish than the delica (rough opening and uncentered blade). That said, the one I choose to carry (unless it is date night or something like church) is the delica. Very functional, great feel, great working knife.

[cckw]

I like the ergonomics of the caly much better. Basically Delica is a dated design but due to the price point and reputation it continues to sell well.

I hope I said that is a way no one is offended.

[Pneumothorax]

I gotta vote for Caly 3 since I just got one last Friday. Got it because its discontinued (great deal on Sierra Trading Post) and the ergonomics of the handle, choils and the way it sits so naturally in hand (learned from my UKPK). And love the G10 scales. In spirit of full disclosure, I got rid of my old FRN Delica years ago - so Im not doing a direct comparison... :eek:

Above is what I posted last year on 9/29/09. Now 8/2010, I just got a Delica G10 and I have to say its a great knife. I dont know if I like it better than my Caly 3, but its close. I know it doesnt have a choil, but thats not a deal killer for me. I think one reason I like the Delica is that its blade shape is a little more traditional. Theres nothing 'to get used to' like the shape of the Caly 3. I still go with the Caly 3 since the ergos are better, but I was given a Delica and couldnt have a Caly 3, I could be happy.