Comparison Console
Benchmade Proper vs Spyderco Caly 3
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Benchmade Proper stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 22% gap from the closest alternative. Benchmade Proper stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Benchmade Proper stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Proper stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 22% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Proper stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Proper stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 4% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 5% 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$135Cheapest
US$150Most expensive
Weight
66 g (2.33 oz)Lightest
85 g (3.00 oz)Heaviest
Dimensions
Blade length
72.6 mm (2.86 in)Shortest
76 mm (2.99 in)Longest
Overall length
170 mm (6.69 in)Shortest
178 mm (7.01 in)Longest
Closed length
95 mm (3.74 in)Shortest
103 mm (4.06 in)Longest
Blade thickness
2.3 mm (0.09 in)Thinnest
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CPM-S30V or CPM-S90V stainless steel
Laminated ZDP-189 core with 420J2 outer layers
Handle material
G10, Micarta, or Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber
Finish
Stonewash or satin finish
Satin
Lock type
Slip joint
Lockback
Opening method
Nail nick
Thumb Hole
Clip type
Unknown
Wire clip, reversible, tip-up carry
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday carryLightweight EDC tasksCollectors of traditional style knives
Everyday carryPrecision cuttingLong-lasting edge retentionErgonomic use
Not best for
Heavy-duty or hard use tasksTactical applications requiring a locking blade
Flick opening or fast deployment compared to modern knivesUsers wanting easily sharpened steel
Common praise
High quality CPM-S30V or CPM-S90V blade steelLightweight and thin with excellent blade-to-handle ratioWell designed handle with good grip and ergonomicsDisassemblable with torx screws for maintenanceClassic and charming traditional knife aesthetics
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
Lacks a locking mechanism (non-locking slip joint)Price can be high compared to other traditional knivesSofter action compared to some slip jointsEdge can be slightly chip prone due to steel type
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