I know you were talking about the Mini-Grip's blade size, but the overall size of the Mini-Grip is actually smaller than the Persistence by a decent bit (Persistence is longer and wider, I've got them both in front of me). So if the Mini-Grip's size is a concern, you may want to take the Persistence off your list (or add the Mini-Grip back on).
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choosing a smaller folder
- Thread starter JCK
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I know you were talking about the Mini-Grip's blade size, but the overall size of the Mini-Grip is actually smaller than the Persistence by a decent bit (Persistence is longer and wider, I've got them both in front of me). So if the Mini-Grip's size is a concern, you may want to take the Persistence off your list (or add the Mini-Grip back on).
The FRN VG-10 dragonfly is already up on their website, and I was looking at it before, looks pretty nice.
@kya - how much wider are you talking about, Could you give me a picture maybe?
also about the mini grip, its bl;ade length is about 73mm long, so about the same as the perisistance, I'm more focused on a smaler blade. The overall handle size is something I'm not too concerned about, as long as its not too big, I guess I don't know what I'd be comfortable with, as I can't really handle any of them beforehand.
EDIT: also I'm a bit confused, as according to the specs, the persistance and mini grip are basically the same length, only about 1mm difference in overall length, and about 3mm difference in blade length, and in that case I really think I'd prefer the dragonfly or the cat, just not sure which one.
the cat has the longer blade, by about 4mm, but longer length overall, closed and cutting edge, and weigs about twice the weight - 69 grams as opposed to 33 grams. Also, and this is probably the major difference, is that the, cat is a cpm S30v liner lock, and the dragonfly is a vg10 lock back - decisions, decisions
@kya - how much wider are you talking about, Could you give me a picture maybe?
also about the mini grip, its bl;ade length is about 73mm long, so about the same as the perisistance, I'm more focused on a smaler blade. The overall handle size is something I'm not too concerned about, as long as its not too big, I guess I don't know what I'd be comfortable with, as I can't really handle any of them beforehand.
EDIT: also I'm a bit confused, as according to the specs, the persistance and mini grip are basically the same length, only about 1mm difference in overall length, and about 3mm difference in blade length, and in that case I really think I'd prefer the dragonfly or the cat, just not sure which one.
the cat has the longer blade, by about 4mm, but longer length overall, closed and cutting edge, and weigs about twice the weight - 69 grams as opposed to 33 grams. Also, and this is probably the major difference, is that the, cat is a cpm S30v liner lock, and the dragonfly is a vg10 lock back - decisions, decisions
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nah, thats a perfectly good pic, helps clarify what you were saying.
hmm I see, well I really don't know. It is definately wider like you said, but it does *look* a bit more comfortable.(the persistance, with the bigger choil)
Could I maybe hit you up for another pic of the blades open side by side or something?
thanks though, pics really help me with comparing sizes, as I can draw it up on paper and it still won't seem as clear to me, or will be misleading
hmm I see, well I really don't know. It is definately wider like you said, but it does *look* a bit more comfortable.(the persistance, with the bigger choil)
Could I maybe hit you up for another pic of the blades open side by side or something?
thanks though, pics really help me with comparing sizes, as I can draw it up on paper and it still won't seem as clear to me, or will be misleading
The first thing you should do, before picking the knife you want, is to check the university's policy on knife carry/storage on university premises.
The university's rules may prohibit the carry of a locking folder that can be "flicked open".
That would knock out the various Spyderco's - and in fact all of the knives mentioned in this thread so far other than a traditional or SAK slipjoint.
The university's rules may prohibit the carry of a locking folder that can be "flicked open".
That would knock out the various Spyderco's - and in fact all of the knives mentioned in this thread so far other than a traditional or SAK slipjoint.
can I ask which one do you prefer?
like is one better at certain tasks or carrying in certain environments/clothes than the other. or it it more personal preference?
and do you only have the persistence? or do you also have the dragonfly?
@rifon2 - I will have to ask, but I'm assuming they would have the standard qld knife laws i.e. cant carry one unless you have an appropriate reason to do so, of course I do have an apple or similar almost everyday, so there is a reason, maybe
But I guess really, its between the cat and the dragonfly, unless the persistence is that much better in strength, edge holding and such
like is one better at certain tasks or carrying in certain environments/clothes than the other. or it it more personal preference?
and do you only have the persistence? or do you also have the dragonfly?
@rifon2 - I will have to ask, but I'm assuming they would have the standard qld knife laws i.e. cant carry one unless you have an appropriate reason to do so, of course I do have an apple or similar almost everyday, so there is a reason, maybe
But I guess really, its between the cat and the dragonfly, unless the persistence is that much better in strength, edge holding and such
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The Persistence is constructed with thicker stainless steel liners and grippier G-10 scales. The added thickness, weight, and liner strength, the bigger and heavier blade all combine for a heavier duty knife. The 8Cr13MoV steel is tougher (able to handle lateral stresses better) even if it's not as hard as S30V. So you can really beat on it w/o fear of chipping.
The size and weight of the knife is completely up to you. There's plenty of folks that carry large and heavy folders. I'm more in line with your preferences for smaller, lighter knifes. I've carried both and while they are both good choices, I pick the Cat.
As for the Dragonfly, I haven't tried the G-10 version but by all accounts, it is an excellent EDC choice but at a higher cost. Now compared to the FRN DF, I'd still choose the Cat. I polished up my Cat and it looks really good.
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so this is a noobish question, but then does s30v being harder mean that it will hold an edge longer, but the other steel being softer, it can handle stresses better like you said?
I think i will go with the cat or dragonfly, but I'm liking the cat slightly more
I think I want the size of the cat but the toughness of the persistence, and a good steel so being maybe too picky. Any suggestions? for 100 bucks.
But thanks for the explanation
I think i will go with the cat or dragonfly, but I'm liking the cat slightly more
I think I want the size of the cat but the toughness of the persistence, and a good steel so being maybe too picky. Any suggestions? for 100 bucks.
But thanks for the explanation
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All of these (significant!) feature upgrades over the basic Dragonfly as well as observations that the fit, finish, and construction of the Japanese-made Dragonfly is superior to that of the Taiwan-made Cat is what motivated me to go with the G10 Dragonfly - which should arrive tomorrow! Eeee-haw!
I haven't heard this buzz until now, but I have wondered why Spyderco has not upgraded the much maligned molded-in clip on the basic Dragonfly to the excellent wire clip. The molded clip kept me away from buying the basic Dragonfly. This is good news for the future!
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Another good lower cost option would be the SOG Twitch 1. It would probably meet the needs desired in the OP very nicely.
http://www.gpknives.com/item/sog-twitch-i.html
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The Cat is very appealing, but I understand that the Cat & Chicago fall a little short of the Japanese-made Dragonfly (and the Taiwan-made Sage) as far as fit/finish/build quality. I've read that Spyderco may have set up production of the Cat & Chicago in a different Taiwan plant from the one that makes the highly regarded Sage. No doubt the manufacturing costs in the Taiwan plants are lower than the Japanese plants, which helps keep the cost down. I wonder what differences are associated with the different Taiwan plants.
The Japanese plants (for Dragonfly, et al) have established a reputation for putting out a premium-made product. I've read that there have been a few issues of some sort with the initial release of the Taiwan-made Cat/Chicago and that production of these models has recently surged. Personally, I'm thinking of holding off for a little while until the Cat has been in production for a while longer and perhaps the fit/finish/build quality may improve a little bit. Not that current production is bad, just that over time a slightly better made product may result.
The Japanese plants (for Dragonfly, et al) have established a reputation for putting out a premium-made product. I've read that there have been a few issues of some sort with the initial release of the Taiwan-made Cat/Chicago and that production of these models has recently surged. Personally, I'm thinking of holding off for a little while until the Cat has been in production for a while longer and perhaps the fit/finish/build quality may improve a little bit. Not that current production is bad, just that over time a slightly better made product may result.
Two 'different' suggestions:
Buck #503 'Prince'
Puma P210610S 'Gent'
Both are lockbacks, the Buck being a 420HC blade USA made with nickel silver bolsters, rosewood Dymondwood scales, and right at a 2" edged blade. It was ~$25 at Wally World for quite a while.
The Puma is German made with stag scales, nickel silver bolster, and Puma's SS blade steel at about 2 1/8" edge. It was ~$25 at Academy Sports several years ago - closeout priced less.
Both are sheeple friendly nice pocket knives - great for office duties, like opening letters, boxes, etc - maybe even skinning a small rodent, if you get real hungry. Mine don't get carried much... I like larger knives!
Stainz
Buck #503 'Prince'
Puma P210610S 'Gent'
Both are lockbacks, the Buck being a 420HC blade USA made with nickel silver bolsters, rosewood Dymondwood scales, and right at a 2" edged blade. It was ~$25 at Wally World for quite a while.
The Puma is German made with stag scales, nickel silver bolster, and Puma's SS blade steel at about 2 1/8" edge. It was ~$25 at Academy Sports several years ago - closeout priced less.
Both are sheeple friendly nice pocket knives - great for office duties, like opening letters, boxes, etc - maybe even skinning a small rodent, if you get real hungry. Mine don't get carried much... I like larger knives!
Stainz
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how about the subcom, wharcom or subclaw. i have a wharcom and it's nifty as crap. theyre also coming out w/ a Ti version later in the year! my friends- who dont really see why i carry a knife- said they thought it was really cool and said they could see themselves carrying it.
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The SOG Flash 1 is a decent EDC knife thats in your range.
The part about skinning an animal made me laugh heaps, last time I remember, my uni didn't have any rodents running around
But thanks for the suggestions, however to me they seem to 'old manish' hahaha, yeah I'm picky
This and
THIS^
has got me sold on the dragonfly
It just seems really good, plus as I already have a folder in s30v steel, why not try try VG10? this steel does seem pretty popular with alot of people.
Of course what would be icing on the cake would be orange G10 handles, could this be a possibility, maybe even through a maker?
Now I just need to save, as I think I will go with the more expensive g10 one, as it has a wire pocket clip, which is something everyone is saying is a major improvement over the inbuilt clipit one.
Thanks everyone :thumbup:
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JCK... I've heard so many strong, positive recommendations for the G10 Dragonfly that once you get ok with paying a fair bit more for it, I think it's a very solidly safe and highly satisfying choice.
As for the wire clip... I've learned from the one on my Sage that it enables the knife to sink reaaaally low into the pocket, is very unobtrusive visually when in use, has a strong tension, and adds close to nothing in weight. Not to mention ability to change its location on the knife. The molded clip on the FRN model is definitely a very distant choice when it comes to capability, versatility, tension, and probably durability as well.
If the feedback from others on this forum is any indication, you will be thrilled with the G10 DF. (Mine will be here Monday... yipee!)
As for the wire clip... I've learned from the one on my Sage that it enables the knife to sink reaaaally low into the pocket, is very unobtrusive visually when in use, has a strong tension, and adds close to nothing in weight. Not to mention ability to change its location on the knife. The molded clip on the FRN model is definitely a very distant choice when it comes to capability, versatility, tension, and probably durability as well.
If the feedback from others on this forum is any indication, you will be thrilled with the G10 DF. (Mine will be here Monday... yipee!)