Calypso Jr. - serrated or plain edge?

[Jeff/1911]

Fellow Spydercoians,



I am posting to inquire about your opinions of a serrated Calypso Jr. vs. the plain edged version. I hope to see how different people use these knives. The flat grind of the blade is touted as very efficient. I wonder whether one or the other of these edges might make the best use of this grind design. Or, maybe I just like to hear myself talk, er write.



I think a plain edge is probably best for my use as it just seems to "fit" with the Calypso blade design. I am interested in the opinions and experience of present owners however. Does anyone out there own one of each blade style? Thanks for any comments you care to offer.



Jeff/1911.

[Tom Percy]

Either blade design is very efficient. Just depends on what you prefer.
I have a Calypso Jr. Micarta, with serrations, and flat grind, and Calypso Jr. II with plain edge, hollow grind.
Both are great knives, but although I rotate their use, I would probably use the Calypso Jr II more.
Do the touchy-feely thing if you get the chance, it may even help you make up your mind to buy 1 over the other (or even both).. ; )

Edited by - Tom Percy on 4/19/2001 8:47:30 AM

[Tightwad]

Jeff/1911 look at how YOU would use a knife. I think if you're like most of us the plain edge is best.
I carry a plain edge calypso jr. ltw. daily in my work shirt pocket and a Myerchin workman (serrated edge)
in the left pocke of my jeans. I find that the Myerchin only gets the "ripping" jobs that need done while
that little calpyso jr. just cut its butt off on everything else. When I'm not at work the little calypso is
my constant companion. (or it's bigger brother). Great little tool! Enjoy!

[Joe Talmadge]

Generally-speaking I favor plain edges, perhaps roughed-up on a coarser stone to get a micro-serration effect. On the Calypso Jr., my feelings are much much stronger in encouraging you to go with the plain-edge. Why?

Okay, let's look at one of the areas where serrated edges can outcut plain edges, like slicing tough rope. I can get the plain edge to give similar slicing performance to the serrated edge by leaving the edge rough, but the serrated edge will still have a bit of a performance edge in slicing. HOWEVER! The *real* most-efficient way to cut rope is to push-cut through it! The Calypso Jr. with a thin edge is on another level from other knives. With all serrated edges and 99% of plain edged knives, you'll need to slice through the rope. The plain-edge Calypso Jr. is such an efficient cutter that you'll be able to push-cut through it! And most anything else, for that matter.

Get the plain edge, and see how much difference great edge geometry really makes.

Joe

[Jeff/1911]

Folks - I appreciate hearing your opinions as they are based upon firsthand experience.

Joe - I suspected what you explained about the Calypso Jr. was true, mostly from what I've heard from others. The picture was breginning to form I and was hoping to have it summed up as you did. I've now heard a lot about edge geometry and how well the flat ground blade of the Calypso Jr. works.
I will be buying mine with a plain edge. I just needed a little help deciding, you see.

Thank you all very much for your help. I'll let you know once I've got my knife and had a chance to try it out.

Jeff/1911.