I have the Native (CPM440V) and Calypso Jr (VG10) and I reckon that one of these as got to be the ultimate in lightweight clipits.
Comparison....
Native:
more comfortable to hold thanks to the deeper finger choil, spear point blade with swedge, thicker blade produces more resistance when slicing thru materials like card board, tip up carry, back of the blade is textured for grip.
Calypso:
Thinner blade and flat grind helps slicing thru materials, clip is mounted very close to the edge of the handle, tip down carry (anyone know why?), I can open the blade with a just flick of the thumb, smoother opening, the lock lever has a slight indent.
Both have great steels and hold their edges very well (in fact are there any other brands that offer steels like this at this price point? I can't think of any..). Dont know if they are equally stain resistant but I am sure that their performances are similar. Both have innovative scale textures and are very grippy.
But deciding between them is difficult. I would rate the Calypso Jr Lightweight very slightly ahead for the attention to detail in the little touches like the locking lever, tip down carry but mostly for its thinner flat grind blade. The Native is more comfy however. Swings and roundabouts!
Like to hear what others opinions are and whether they think another lightweight is better.....
Ultimate lightweight?
-
- Member
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
I don't have the Calypso, but I really like my Native. It was my first Spydie, and the quality and feel prompted me to go out and buy another Spydie, the Endura. I just spent a week on vacation, swimming, sweating, etc, and the Native was in my pocket the whole time. I don't normally abuse my knives this way, but it still looks brand new. I would have to say that the Native is my favorite knife.
- Clay Kesting
- Member
- Posts: 1241
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
Ferret,
Sorry mate, I've been away on a school camp for most of the week and only just saw your post. However I can tell you, without looking in the book, that I don't agree. The C22 Michael Walker is a fabulous light knife but it is not a true lightweight i.e. FRN. The C37 Michael Walker Ltwt fits the category but is not, IMHO, in the same class as either the Calypso Jr or the Native. As for choosing between them, I can't, although I do find myself carrying the Calypso more often these days because of its flat grind, particularly if I think I'm likely to be cutting food. I've got to say though I can't think of any knife from any manufacturer that could replace them (with the possible exception of the Chinese Folder <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>). Spyderco rules OK.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Sorry mate, I've been away on a school camp for most of the week and only just saw your post. However I can tell you, without looking in the book, that I don't agree. The C22 Michael Walker is a fabulous light knife but it is not a true lightweight i.e. FRN. The C37 Michael Walker Ltwt fits the category but is not, IMHO, in the same class as either the Calypso Jr or the Native. As for choosing between them, I can't, although I do find myself carrying the Calypso more often these days because of its flat grind, particularly if I think I'm likely to be cutting food. I've got to say though I can't think of any knife from any manufacturer that could replace them (with the possible exception of the Chinese Folder <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>). Spyderco rules OK.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
-
- Member
- Posts: 2936
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia