Comparison Console
Spyderco Caly 3 vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative. Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 1% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 1% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 1% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 9% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Caly 3 stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 14% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 16% 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$150Cheapest
US$151.5Most expensive
Weight
85 g (3.00 oz)Heaviest
78 g (2.75 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
76 mm (2.99 in)Shortest
88 mm (3.46 in)Longest
Overall length
178 mm (7.01 in)Shortest
211 mm (8.31 in)Longest
Closed length
103 mm (4.06 in)Shortest
122 mm (4.80 in)Longest
Blade thickness
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thinnest
3.7 mm (0.15 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
Laminated ZDP-189 core with 420J2 outer layers
CTS BD1N
Handle material
Carbon Fiber
FRN
Finish
Satin
Satin
Lock type
Lockback
Compression Lock
Opening method
Thumb Hole
Thumb Hole
Clip type
Wire clip, reversible, tip-up carry
Wire Clip
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday carryPrecision cuttingLong-lasting edge retentionErgonomic use
Everyday carry (EDC)Tactical and utility cuttingOutdoor and field tasksHeavy-duty cutting
Not best for
Flick opening or fast deployment compared to modern knivesUsers wanting easily sharpened steel
Heavy-Duty Prying and TwistingDeep-Pocket/Low-Profile CarrySmall Hands or Glove Use
Common praise
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
Lightweight and comfortable handleVery good blade steel balance of edge retention and toughnessStrong and reliable compression lockAmbidextrous use with thumb hole opening and reversible clip
Common complaints
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
Fragile TipLow Blade-to-Handle RatioCleaning Difficulty