Why did you think you needed it in the case where you had a function that didn't need parameters? That sort of relinquishes the point of currying. (Should just be passing the function itself)

I had a function taking parameters and wanted a function without parameters. Using this style the function would be called immediately when all parameters are supplied, instead of in the callback as I intended.

Ahh, I see what you meant. That should work with a correct currying implementation for sure

It isn't better; it's the same thing less a few minor details. _.partial is a from of currying. It's just a matter of which syntax you prefer.