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

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
User avatar
d.2.the.p
Member
Posts: 211
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:18 pm
Location: Washington DC

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

#1

Post by d.2.the.p »

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. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful knife. It's the PERFECT size for an EDC knife - almost like a pimped out Delica with a choil, higher quality handle, and better clip. However, I'm not digging on the laminated blade. I'd hate to be able to easily scratch up such a classy looking knife. And the CF is a little smooth for my gross, sweaty hands.

I didn't buy it, but, I dunno, perhaps I could learn to love it.

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...
User avatar
Evil D
Member
Posts: 28603
Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2010 9:48 pm
Location: Northern KY

#2

Post by Evil D »

I have said practically word for word everything you just said. I would EDC the crap out of a VG10 Caly 3, and that's saying a lot because i'm a big ZDP fan...i just can't bring myself to really use a CF knife. I just haven't warmed up to the Caly 3.5 yet.
~David
User avatar
Blerv
Member
Posts: 11865
Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 11:24 am

#3

Post by Blerv »

You might consider the Caly3.5 if your carry laws are cool with the extra .5" blade.

I'm with you on the CF ZDP-189/420j2 model. It was a little slick for my liking and didn't have that "glove" feel.
User avatar
Bolster
Member
Posts: 6147
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 12:27 pm
Location: CalyFRNia Desert

#4

Post by Bolster »

I also hope Spyderco's working on a "Caly 3 - 2". The ZDP Caly 3 has never replaced my G10 Caly 3 which I prefer to carry.

Maybe next time around, colors, or with a bolster, or comp lock, or some other nice spyder surprise for variety...but my biggest desire would be a lighter version of the knife with an open back.

The Caly 3.5 is very nice, but just large enough it jabs my thigh when bending or working on the ground. And both of my 3.5s have a scootch more tip play than I'd prefer.
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
Shakyamuni
Member
Posts: 296
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:14 pm

#5

Post by Shakyamuni »

Enhancing the Caly 3 or 3.5 would be great. These knives fit a sweet spot for people who like the wire clips and a better blade:handle ratio than the delica/endura. I also like the Caly handle which is much thinner than a Sage or Para 2 (both of which I tried and sold because their handles were thicker than my Caly 3.5).
User avatar
d.2.the.p
Member
Posts: 211
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:18 pm
Location: Washington DC

#6

Post by d.2.the.p »

Blerv wrote:You might consider the Caly3.5 if your carry laws are cool with the extra .5" blade.
I got a chance to handle the Caly 3.5 at the same time. It is another great knife, but it was just a little too stabby looking for me. I felt like people would think it was a prison shank or something :) . Besides, I live in Northern VA just outside DC and spend a lot of time in the district. Unfortunately, the laws don't allow that extra .5". I tend to gravitate towards blades 3" or shorter anyway just out of personal preference.
User avatar
d.2.the.p
Member
Posts: 211
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:18 pm
Location: Washington DC

#7

Post by d.2.the.p »

Shakyamuni wrote:Enhancing the Caly 3 or 3.5 would be great. These knives fit a sweet spot for people who like the wire clips and a better blade:handle ratio than the delica/endura. I also like the Caly handle which is much thinner than a Sage or Para 2 (both of which I tried and sold because their handles were thicker than my Caly 3.5).
I agree. I EDC'ed a Delica for a while, but it eventually made its way into my camping/beater rotation.

I EDC a Sage 3 when I want something with more blade than my Chaparral, and I love the Sage knives, but sometimes I just want something that has the same or similar blade length but doesn't take up so much freaking pocket space.

The G10 PE Caly 3 would fit the bill perfectly.
User avatar
Bolster
Member
Posts: 6147
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 12:27 pm
Location: CalyFRNia Desert

#8

Post by Bolster »

Like Shak says, what the Caly3 has going for it, is compactness and a good blade:handle ratio. We all wish it could be screwed together but it can't be, to retain the very efficient and compact overall envelope. Its strong points are concealment, ergonomics, deep carry, & compactness with a reasonably large blade...none of THOSE elements should change.

But any changes that could enhance those strong points would be welcome. The blade could be lengthened 5mm and still fit, the solid backspacer could be removed for a lighter open design, tip play could be reduced, etc.
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
User avatar
Paradiggum
Member
Posts: 102
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2010 7:45 pm

#9

Post by Paradiggum »

While I've carried and owned Spydercos for a long time, I hadn't been an active forum member or buying them until just after the Caly 3 was discontinued. It's one I wish I could have found. I did get the CF version. I'd have liked a G10 though.
User avatar
bh49
Member
Posts: 11466
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:37 pm
Location: former Constitution state

#10

Post by bh49 »

IMHO G10/VG10 Caly3 is a great knife. I love mine. I also do not care much for ZDP/CF variant basically for the same reasons: I do not like laminated blades, especially polished, when uneven laminated line even more pronounced, and I do not care for polished CF. I was very sad and disapointed when Spyderco discontinued this knife. I EDCed Caly3 for about four years, at least five days a week. Fortunately I love Caly3.5 even more that Caly3 a little :) . I will be very happy to see Vg10 Caly3 sprint:bolsters, wood/micarta/bone/stag/polished G10. Dark green or Orange G10 would be great as well. I will be happy to see even more than one sprint and most likely will buy all of them. IMHO Caly3 is one of the best looking Sal designs, I do not heed to comment on ergos or slicing abilities. I love the knife.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"

My top choices Natives5, Calys, C83 Persian
marcdurant
Member
Posts: 60
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 7:04 am

#11

Post by marcdurant »

Well, I'm going to chime in with the exact opposite opinion... I just bought a Caly 3 specifically because of the carbon fiber. I wanted a knife that would be smooth in my pocket instead of skinning my knuckles every time I go for my keys. I looked at the 3.5 as well, but since it wasn't carbon, I said "no".

It's a wonderful thing that Spyderco has so many models and variations. A G-10 Caly 3 can't be far off.
.357 mag
Member
Posts: 1258
Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2010 3:29 pm

#12

Post by .357 mag »

I'm up for a caly 3 VG-10.
Tdog
Member
Posts: 1853
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:04 pm
Location: The woods of Florida

#13

Post by Tdog »

My wife asked me why I burned my wallet tonight? :spyder: :D
DeathBySnooSnoo
Member
Posts: 3660
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 6:30 pm
Location: Toronto Canada

#14

Post by DeathBySnooSnoo »

Get a UKPK...might not lock, but so what. Give you the same ergos and if you get a G10, CF or Ti version you get S30V.
On the hunt for...
VashHash
Member
Posts: 4997
Joined: Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:49 pm
Location: Louisiana

#15

Post by VashHash »

How would you remove the backspacer on a lockback? I guess you could cut part of it out but i dont think it would help much
Diamondback
Member
Posts: 529
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:22 am

#16

Post by Diamondback »

I think I'd go for the Caly 3.5 if it were in the budget. I think for just a bit more handle length than the Caly3 you get a whole lot more blade length. It seems like the perfect EDC to me.
"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."
"Measure for Measure"
-W. Shakespeare
User avatar
d.2.the.p
Member
Posts: 211
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:18 pm
Location: Washington DC

#17

Post by d.2.the.p »

bh49 wrote:I will be very happy to see Vg10 Caly3 sprint:bolsters, wood/micarta/bone/stag/polished G10. Dark green or Orange G10 would be great as well. I will be happy to see even more than one sprint and most likely will buy all of them. IMHO Caly3 is one of the best looking Sal designs, I do not heed to comment on ergos or slicing abilities. I love the knife.
I'd pretty much take any kind of sprint on the Caly 3 as long as the blade was made of one steel and not laminated - VG-10, ZDP-189, or Super Blue. I simply want a blade made of one steel and a handle with more grip than the smooth CF. I'm a simple man that likes simple things :D
Shakyamuni
Member
Posts: 296
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:14 pm

#18

Post by Shakyamuni »

Diamondback wrote:I think I'd go for the Caly 3.5 if it were in the budget. I think for just a bit more handle length than the Caly3 you get a whole lot more blade length. It seems like the perfect EDC to me.
It is. Do yourself a favor and pick one up :)
User avatar
The Deacon
Member
Posts: 25717
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Location: Upstate SC, USA
Contact:

#19

Post by The Deacon »

VashHash wrote:How would you remove the backspacer on a lockback? I guess you could cut part of it out but i dont think it would help much
True, since it also serves as the spring carrier. OTOH, a CF backspacer might be a bit lighter.
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
User avatar
dalefuller
Member
Posts: 469
Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2005 12:37 pm
Location: Atlanta

#20

Post by dalefuller »

Evil D wrote:I have said practically word for word everything you just said. I would EDC the crap out of a VG10 Caly 3, and that's saying a lot because i'm a big ZDP fan...i just can't bring myself to really use a CF knife. I just haven't warmed up to the Caly 3.5 yet.
I agree with both the G10 Caly 3 as EDC and not carrying CF. I'm just not interested in it.

The Caly 3.5 is not an acceptable alternative IMAO. I've tried it. The blade's too long for my taste and even though they're close in length, the handle feels too narrow back-to-front for it's length compared to the G10 Caly 3. That was a perfect all-around EDC knife for my uses. I bought about 10 of 'em while they were available. Unfortunately, they were so nice that I ended up giving a bunch of them as gifts so I eventually ended up with only one.
Regards,
Dale

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
~ Will Rogers, 1879-1935
Post Reply