Chicago or g-10 dragonfly?

freedoom

freedoom

Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
1,897
I need a knife to travel with, some states it's illegal to have a blade of a certain length so i'd rather be safe than have a knife confiscated. If my travel knife is going to be a spydie then i've narrowed my choices to the chicago or the g-10 dragonfly. the g-10 dragonfly is nearly twice the price of the chicago and the chicago has the better blade steel but i can't stop thinking about how nice spyderco's g-10 handles are.

So what's the consensus on these two knives? Are there any other suggestions that would be legal to carry most places in the US?
 
Either blade would be legal to carry in MOST places in the U.S. The issues are in the big cities throughout the country. Even a small, 2 inch blade with a lock is frowned upon in NYC, for example. Just be discrete and you should be fine.

I have neither knife but I have heard that there have been a number of QC problems with the Chicago/Cat knives. To be fair, I've also heard that Spyderco has taken care of those customers with issues. I've heard very good things about the G10 Dragonfly. The only issue with that knife is a very stiff lock. I'm sure that would loosen with use, however. Fit and finish for the Dragonfly is also top-notch.

Another knife you might want to consider is the Ladybug. Many owners carry it in their shirt pocket or on their keychain. It provides a lot of cutting performance in a very small, light package. Plus, it's cheaper than both the Dragonfly and Chicago, so if you get it confiscated or lose it, it won't hurt the wallet as much. Ladybugs also come in H1 and VG10 (both of which are very high-end steels).
 
Last edited:
my job won't take me to NYC so that won't be a problem. I already own a lady bug in purple FRN but it's got a bit too much side to side play on the blade and the handle is a little small. but i know what you mean about losing a cheaper knife. I could go even lower and get the byrd finch.
 
I just received a Chicago for valenitine's day and it's been by office carry knife ever since. The first few of the Cat/Chicago line did have issues. But some newer ones have recently trickled into the market that do not have the initial QC problems of the first few batches. Just make sure it's from one of the more recent runs and you should be fine.

As far as the knife itself...well it's a smooth little liner lock that operates flawlessly. No blade play, deep carry wire clip and that good lookin CF. I can't complain. I'd also like to mention the detent is a solid one and really adds to the "solidity" of the knife.
 
I could carry my Meerkat it's blade is small enough but i wanted it in my collection instead of in use. plus i don't like carrying tip down.
 
Last edited:
i would get a leafstorm, if budget allows, the Ti RIL lock is one of, if not my favorite lock. and you can replace the scale with a wilkinsgrip if you wish. if not that i would go with the cat. it is one heck of a value.
 
D1omedes said:
Either blade would be legal to carry in MOST places in the U.S. The issues are in the big cities throughout the country. Even a small, 2 inch blade with a lock is frowned upon in NYC, for example. Just be discrete and you should be fine.
Click to expand...

maybe frowned, but you can still carry up to 4" concealed

Knives are a very personal thing. I think only you can decide which is best. Hold both of them, even if you have to buy both and return 1. It might be a pain but its the best way to make a decision.

I prefer the dragonfly g-10, the vg-10 is slightly easier to sharpen and the knife is simply amazing in the hand
 
The Spyderco Dragonfly G-10 is the most aesthetically pleasing design to my eyes, open or closed. The VG-10 is excellent and like a few posters said above, it sharpens easily and is an above decent steel.
SP28GPFGa.jpg
 
freedoom said:
I could carry my Meerkat it's blade is small enough but i wanted it in my collection instead of in use. plus i don't like carrying tip down.
Click to expand...

I would buy another Meerkat. :thumbup: I thought about collecting mine but decided it's such a great, fun user that I carry it instead.
 
Right now i'm leaning towards the dragonfly as it has a bigger handle. The FRN dragonfly feels good in the hand and i think aesthetically it's nicer looking with that swedge. i'm still torn though because the chicago is classier with it's carbon fiber and cheaper.
 
I have the Dragonfly and it's ok but if you can get the Chicago cheaper, it seems like a lot more knife. S30V, carbon fiber, and a way better clip. That's one of the things I like about the Meerkat. I don't think I'll own another Spyderco without the wire clip. Sorry, I just remembered you're looking at the G-10 dragonfly.
I stand by my Meerkat recommendation due to the thicker grip and cool lock.
 
hoopster said:
I have the Dragonfly and it's ok but if you can get the Chicago cheaper, it seems like a lot more knife. S30V, carbon fiber, and a way better clip. That's one of the things I like about the Meerkat. I don't think I'll own another Spyderco without the wire clip. Sorry, I just remembered you're looking at the G-10 dragonfly.
I stand by my Meerkat recommendation due to the thicker grip and cool lock.
Click to expand...

The meerkat can't be carried tip up, that's the only reason i'm ruling it out.

the clip is the reason the g-10 dragonfly is one of my choices, i can't stand the clip on the FRN dragonfly i have.

I'm going to order the dragonfly tonight. i'm sure i'll get the cat and chicago for my collection at some point.
 
freedoom said:
The meerkat can't be carried tip up, that's the only reason i'm ruling it out.

the clip is the reason the g-10 dragonfly is one of my choices, i can't stand the clip on the FRN dragonfly i have.

I'm going to order the dragonfly tonight. i'm sure i'll get the cat and chicago for my collection at some point.
Click to expand...

Good call Freedom!:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top