Spyderco Caly 3 Carbon Fiber Handle Folding Knife
July 5, 2010 | Posted by admin 
- Ambidextrous deep pocket tip-up wire clip; Spine and choil jimping; Mid-positioned backlock; G-10 handle; Flat-ground blade
- Specifications: Closed – 4-1/16″; Overall – 7″; Blade – 3″; Blade Steel – Laminated ZDP-189/420J2
- Weight – 3.0 oz.; Handle Material – Carbon Fiber
- Hole Diameter – 15/32″; Blade Thickness – 1/8″; Plain Edge
Product Description
The Caly3 has a VG-10 blade shaped like a leaf, thick at the tang, tapering to a robust tip. The sharpened edge is flat-ground and finely honed for precision and resistance-free cutting. There is a substantial finger choil while the thumb settles directly above the blade’s spine. The spine is textured with slip resistant jimping so the knife cannot slide forward or backward while cutting. Carbon fiber handle and ZDP-189 steel blade laminated between two layers o… More >>
Spyderco Caly 3 Carbon Fiber Handle Folding Knife
Categories: Any Brand, Spyderco | 
Tags: Caly, Carbon, Fiber, Folding, Handle, Knife, Spyderco | 
5 Comments »
This is the nicest pocket knife I’ve ever owned.
Its not the most expensive knife I own, but as far as fit and finish is concerned its on a level all it’s own.
The knife sharpens easily, don’t believe everything you read in other reviews.
With the low profile clip, it rides low and snug in the pocket…excellent.
I didn’t know if the carbon fiber handles were going to have sufficient enough grip or not, but once I held the knife those worries disappeared.
The only reason this knife got 4 stars instead of 5 is that it was made in Japan instead of the States.
I would recommend this knife to anyone, it’s a quality piece through and through.
Rating: 4 / 5
I’ve been carrying and using the Caly 3 CF since Christmas, about 6 months now. I have a small collection of good knives made with good steel, including S30V, VG10, 440C, 420HC, and a few non-stainless. The ZDP189 steel is head and shoulders above everything else I’ve used as far as edge-retention. I generally use the knife for common chores such as opening packages, some cardboard and paper cutting, food prep, twine cutting, etc. I have not yet had to resharpen it with stones. Stropping it on the back of an old leather belt loaded with green grinding compound has brought it back to hair-shaving sharpness, and I have only needed to do that once so far. I have been amazed on several occasions when after I have banged the edge hard against porcelain plates, it has not bent or chipped. It really is awesome. The one thing I cannot attest to is how the blade would stand up against lateral forces as I have never used it as a pry bar. Hopefully, if I do ever need to use this knife to pry in an emergency, the soft 420J2 component of the blade will work as designed and allow the blade to give instead of snap. I do not always keep the knife as dry and clean as it deserves. Still, the blade, screws, pins, liners, and clip show no signs of corrosion.
The ergonomics are awesome. It fits my medium-sized hands perfectly and comfortably. The CF feels smooth and polished in the hand- luxurious, even. For my non-tactical uses, I have never had problems with grip slippage.
This knife opens and closes like silk. I have not had to clean or lubricate it yet, whereas my other knives seem much more apt to get gummed up with pocket lint, dust, and etc. With a little practice, a flick of the thumb opens it as quickly as if it was spring-loaded. If you press the back lock and allow the blade to drop closed, a detent holds the blade in a half-open position. So even if your index finger is not high enough to catch the kicker, you will not get cut. None of my other Spydie lockbacks have this feature.
My one and only complaint is that there was not an instruction sheet with info such as torx driver size, clip changing instructions, etc. It was more difficult than I expected to change the clip to lefty. Still, it is an amazing knife made out of the finest materials, with perfect fit and finish, excellent ergonomics, and beautiful looks. It is the perfect EDC for me.
Rating: 5 / 5
Just got the Spyderco Caly 3 with ZDP-189 blade. I agree with previous reviews here and many on YouTube. If there are sharper knifes out there I haven’t seen them. This one is one scary sharp knife….be very careful! Overall quality and design is excellent in all respects and a practical size for an EDC, and feels great open or closed. Appearance close is all business – and open is a little threatening. If you are looking for a fancy knife this isn’t it but…your fancy knife won’t match this as a quality knife. Sharpening may be an issue but this should hold its sharpness longer due to the blade hardness.
Rating: 5 / 5
I started collecting knives a year ago or so. Like many people I suppose, I started with some less expensive ones, some a little flashy, maybe some assisted openers etc, the lower to middle end of the
decent mass produced knife makers, various brands. Ended up with 20+ nice knives and in the process I learned a lot. I don’t really use many or them, or occasionally I will carry one for
a day or two, but they are mainly for fun, or just for the hunt of the next one. I like getting them out and enjoying the design and feel of every one I have purchased and kept.
This CF Caly 3 is the best knife I have ever had. I have some other more expensive ones, but none I like better. I have been carrying it everyday since I got it, and plan on keeping it
with me until I lose it…. It is balanced, simple in its elegance and functionality, unobtrusive but serious in appearance and totally understated but excellent in every way. This is all the knife anyone
could need for EDC and more. Just a fantastic piece of design excellence that is a joy to have with me. When there is down time…..you mess with it and never get tired of it. It will change
the way you think about buying your next knife.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is my 1st Spyderco and because of the bang for the buck it will not be my last. This knife is super sharp straight from the box. I own a Chris Reeve and a Strider which cost much more than this Caly 3 both of which are dull compared to this razor. The carbon fiber has a dry look to it and doesn’t feel slippery as I would have imagined. It’s also very light. It’s very easy in the hand and pocket. Don’t hesitate to buy this.
Rating: 5 / 5