Comparison Console
Benchmade AFCK vs Spyderco Caly 3
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative. Benchmade AFCK stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 20% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Benchmade AFCK stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 20% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 25% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade AFCK stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 41% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade AFCK stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 25% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade AFCK stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 34% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$120Cheapest
US$150Most expensive
Weight
119.7 g (4.22 oz)Heaviest
85 g (3.00 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
102 mm (4.02 in)Longest
76 mm (2.99 in)Shortest
Overall length
235 mm (9.25 in)Longest
178 mm (7.01 in)Shortest
Closed length
135 mm (5.31 in)Longest
103 mm (4.06 in)Shortest
Blade thickness
3.175 mm (0.13 in)Thinnest
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
M2 tool steel
Laminated ZDP-189 core with 420J2 outer layers
Handle material
G-10 handle scales with stainless steel liner
Carbon Fiber
Finish
Black finish on blade, stonewashed pivot screws
Satin
Lock type
Liner Lock
Lockback
Opening method
Thumb Hole
Thumb Hole
Clip type
Steel pocket clip (tip down)
Wire clip, reversible, tip-up carry
Use case profile
Best for
EDC utilitySelf defenseCollectors
Everyday carryPrecision cuttingLong-lasting edge retentionErgonomic use
Not best for
Left hand users (clip and lock are right hand oriented)
Flick opening or fast deployment compared to modern knivesUsers wanting easily sharpened steel
Common praise
Very sharp blade edgeComfortable, ergonomic handleReliable liner lockDurable constructionGood for utility and self defense
Exceptional edge retention due to ZDP-189 laminated steelErgonomic handle design with comfortable thumb ramp and finger choilLightweight and slim profile ideal for everyday carrySolid lockback mechanism with good lockup
Common complaints
Handle flex with G-10 scales (addressed in later models or by replacing scales with aluminum)Heavier compared to some other folding knivesRight hand only clip and lock
Relatively slow and stiff blade deploymentDifficult to flick open compared to modern knives420J2 outer steel layer scratches easilyTang rubbing causing circular marks around the blade base during deployment