3 gentlemen's folders (help me decide!)

D

drgnome

Joined
Oct 1, 2000
Messages
4
Hi! Greetings to all.

I'm having a little trouble deciding between 3 gentlemen's folders.
.1)Dragonfly SP C28P Plain Edge (stainless)
.2)Small Micarta Solo SO P1 Plain Edge
.3)MODEL 330 (Mel)PARDUE (Benchmade)plain

Each has its pros/cons:

1) I currently own a Spyderco plain edged Dragonfly with the Zytel handle and totally love this little knife. The stainless version looks beautiful and has an ATS 55 blade (a pleasant upgrade; still a lockback though). Besides, put a black nylon cord at the end and it looks <to me> sort of like a baby Sbenza (though smaller, shinier, and less expensive than a Mercedes!).
But I'm worried about the durability of the stainless handle, particularly scratch resistance and possible corrosion. Also, does it have a pocket clip and if so why (it may scratch more easily while drawing it)? Would the clip be fixed like the Zytel verision?

2) The small micarta SOLO is a beautiful knife. No Law Enforcement agent would be upset if I were carrying this blade. The ladies might tolerate it just a tad more, and the Sheeple may graze in peace. Its GIN1 steel appeals to me as it is a practical metal with good corrosin resistance and has a nice edge to it. Plus the Micarta handle adds to its charm.
Just one problem: I have absolutely no info about this knife (never heard it mentioned here on BF). Would any Solo knife owners please tell me more about it. Also, what's its RC? BTW, what is a leaf-spring lock?

3) Finally, the Mel Pardue is one fine knife made of great materials: ATS-34 blade with Titanium/G-10 handle and liner-lock. It looks solid and has the look of a gambler's knife (rather than classic gentleman). In a pinch, it might be used defensively (but it won't scare a SIFU!). <<Moderators, please don't jump on me for this one.>>
But that is exactly my beef with this knife. It looks a little on the tough side and might alarm the Sheeple. It's price tag (around $90 - 75) although reasonable for its craftsmanship is somewhat on the high end for me. I also find it less esthetically pleasing to the eye than the others (though the recent pictures on Benchmade do catch my eye).

Thanks for your feedback:

------------------
When chaos grows and heroes falter,
a steadfast gnome looks forth undaunted.
 
I would go with the dragonfly. It also comes in a carbon fiber handle. Both the carbon fiber and stainless have a removable pocket clip. The dragonfly is a great little knife, the best of it's size, IMO.

Paul
 
All 3 are great little knives and you can't go wrong with them. In my case, with my (lunatic) style of decision making, I'd get all three and then beg for food at bus stations
wink.gif


The BM330 is a really classy knife which I can recommend if not for the hefty price. I got mine from Skylands for $65 which is the best deal I've seen so far for this knife. Would recommend you take the plain edge since the blade is really too small (approx 2.3") for a 50/50 combo edge to be useful.
http://bobcat.nji.com/skylands/index.html

Regards
Red



------------------
"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
 
Forget all three and get a BM 850 or a WH T10CF, these are true gents knives with style and quality. For a few dollars more you will be a lot happier and have a knife you can be proud to own.

Jake
 
Limited experience here so:

1 - yes, the SS Dragonfly has a removable clip, has solid lockup with no side to side or vertical play. With a 2 inch blade, I wouldn't worry too much about lock integrity ;

2 - Solo: I've handled a few and found them inconsistent when it comes to the pivot - either tight and grindy or loose with blade play. We're only talking 5 or 6 that I played with, so maybe I'm wrong.

3 - I don't particularly like Benchmade and I don't know why. Just my opinion.

Buy the Dragonfly.

RLR
 
I have carried a BM 330 for almost a year now. I would not hesitate to recommend this knife. Of all my Benchmade knives, it has actually taken the best edge. For its size, it is really rugged and very lightweight. The other two knives that you mentioned are also good knives, but I just happen to prefer Benchmade.

------------------
Steve
 
I realize we're talking an extra $100 over your original three choices (easy to say when it's someone else's money!), but Jake hit it on the nose with his suggestion of a William Henry CF Lancet. Very classy, non-threatening, and outstanding fit and finish.

------------------
Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
 
I'd go for the 330 first - used to have one and it was an incredible little knife. Handle it before you buy it to make sure the scales are beveled the same on each side.

After that I'd go for a carbon fiber Dragonfly. The stainless version is too heavy, way heavier than anything else in the list you (and the others) have provided.

If you can spring for it, look at either one of the WhiteWing or William Henry knives. You won't go wrong with any of the knives discussed. Enjoy the decision and carry the knife with pride.
smile.gif


Jon
 
For appearance i's hard to beat anything in the William Henry line but the prices are really up there.
I have a carbon fiber Dragonfly and I've been carrying it for over a year. Just love it. It's a lockback, sure, but with a little practice it opens and closes with one hand. Sometimes I just walk around with it in my hand, just love the feel of it.
smile.gif
 
Thank you Gentlemen, for your fine suggestions. After checking out all of the knives I'm leaning towards the BM Mel Pardue 850. Granted it is 3x the cost of a SS Dragonfly, larger, and heavier. But its appeal is undeniable. I like the fact it is well built like the BM 330 but elegant enough to fool the squeamish (i hope). Don't know how I'll finance this knife...

The William Henry Lancets are gorgeous but prohibitively expensive. And the lower end CF/Amber handled series are actually not to my liking (high end lancets rule though!)

Eventually, after getting that BM 850 I'll probably scrape up for a SS Dragonfly (hey, I love that little knife). Haven't seen a picture in CF though.
 
I have a gaggle of William Henry Lancets and held off getting the Carbon Fiber for similar reasons you call out, but since getting it, and you can find them for around $125 if you look or post a nice post to get one, and it has FAST become my mainstay knife that I use EVERYDAY, rides so well in my shirt pocket, lighter than my pen, but has the regular Lancet blade and strong lockup, it really is almost THE knife for me, if I had to give up that knife I don't know what I'd do.....get another I guess but you should really give this knife a look at, it is a very good knife, small enough and yet the blade is long enough and shaped well to do all but the roughest of chores....

G2

------------------
"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...

G2 LeatherWorks
 
Decisions, decisions.

I just saw the CF version of the Dragonfly and it is an awesome looking knife. CF gives a distinguished look to its already unique design. This is the knife for me.

This may change my entire perception of CF. Maybe the CF lancet pics at WH don't do that blade justice. The appearance of CF handles seems to vary from knife to knife.

Anyhow, the CF Dragonfly is more affordable than the BM 850 and it's size is excellent. I'll just have to wait til I'm raking in the dough (cough, cough!) to buy the BM 850 and eventually a Lancet.

Thank you all for your help.
-(and with that final post, the gnome went back into hiding, knowing that there are pressing matters at stake).

------------------
When chaos grows and heroes falter,
a steadfast gnome looks forth undaunted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top