Dragonfly needs to be updated - Need input

Sal Glesser

Sal Glesser

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We think it's time to update the Dragonfly. We would be interested in your opinion as to what would make it a better knife.

What will make it jump higher and run faster?
What will make it more user friendly and ergonomic?
What will make it more attractive?? (It has been said that I design in the dark. This question would be for those of you that buy in the light).

Since new tooling is requuired, minor adjustments and refinements to the pattern are acceptable, but not enough to make the design be identified as other than the Dragonfly. I would prefer to keep the full flat grind.

Other than that, push the envelope. no rules.

What would you do?

sal
 
G-10 scales would be the best improvement I can think of. A limited run in Micarta might also be nice.
 
Funny you should ask, just received a SS Dragonfly on Saturday. Very nice little knife. Drilling and tapping both sides would be a great boon to lefties like me, doing that for both tip up and tip down carry would be even better, especially since so much of the knife is exposed carrying tip up, and the holes for tip down could probably be placed a lot closer to the end of the knife. Grooves on the thumb ramp would be nice, increasing the size of the hole to that of the Navigator would also be good, and a cobra hood would be super neat.
 
Yes,colored G10 would be the best up grade and maybe make the scales a little wider.
 
Sal, The Dragonfly is an awesome little knife. I am glad you are looking into a change instead of discontinuing. Flat grind is perfect for this knife, glad you wish to leave that alone also. As mentioned G-10 would be great especially in Blue or any non black. Micarta scales (even black) would be awesome. I have 5 of them and really like the Carbon Fiber version with single liner and tip down configuration best. How 'bout S30V, flat grind and blue G-10 with single spacer and chrome clip tip down??? (I think Ivory micarta is the absolute most beautiful, but sadly I think, I am in the minority).

Edited to add: No change would make it perform better or be more ergonomic, your basic design in my opinion, approaches perfection along with the Calypso Jr. The only changes to increase performance would be better steel (I think the AUS-8 is great, just increase performance in theory). Upgrading scales etc. like the CF version would make the little gem nicer looking and give it the quality build that this design deserves!
 
To be honest, I think for it's size it's pretty much perfect.

The only new direction I can see it going is to take it more upmarket like the Kiwi.
Small knives like this tend to be more for dress (gentleman's knife), the office, or the ladies purse. In all these instances the knives tend to be a bit more show'y than plain black FRN. How about black Micarta (something I consider more elegant than CF) with an inset silver "spyder" similar to the Vesuvious.

If we are allowed to go radical, I would say that a knife this sizes does not need the inherant stregnth of a lock-back, and possibly a smoother opening and closing knife might have more appeal for a gent's/ladies folder. Perhaps a liner lock or an intergral compression lock as found on the new Cricket.

But at all costs keep the full flat grind.

BTW - I don't think any one can accuse the Dragonfly of being designed in the dark. Together with the Calypso's I think this is one of the most elegant knife designs going.

As always, thanks for listening.
 
Anyone who reads my writing, knows I love my ss 'fly.

the only things I can think of to improve it are simple adjustments.

1. pinky flat at the rear: could have a slight indent

2. left clip capability

3. little more on the thumb ramp, which could be brought out to 1/8" or so, and then a little wider blade(I have used my highly sharpened 'fly as a spoon for lunch). I lost about 1/8" tip on mine, not noticeable unless you hold it up to a nib model. That slight difference in tip hasn't hurt it(I just sharpened the tip around into a slight curve), so even with an 1/8" width increase the length can stay at 2 1/4".

4. No Boye Dent I have one of each, and the 01 model is far easier to cycle than the 03.

5. Steel upgrade would be nice, up to a vg-10 even. ATS-55 does hold a working edge a LONG time if you do it right, so this isn't a required thing. I've been using(almost abusing) my current edge for a month, quick strop of 3-5 each side end of week 2(still didn't bring it back to shaving, just touched the edge up), and thats probably all it needs is a quick strop on 2 weeks. Slices like the day I sharpened it(sandpaper on the flats(marker shows me I got just about the edge) and 800grit low enough to still hit the edge(20ish inclusive)).
 
I think the SS Dragonfly is the best-looking Spyderco ever made, and the blade is about as good as it gets in this size knife. The only complaint I've ever had was the width of the knife when closed in the pocket, and I'd keep that width rather than change that wonderful blade.
This is one of the few knives I've owned where I just couldn't see much room for improvement, and aside from maybe upgrading the steel to S30V or VG-10, IMO, changing it would be fixing something that isn't broke to begin with...what a great little knife.
 
Blue G10, like that in the Dodo. I love that stuff. And if you can manage to squeeze in the ball bearing lock, you'd make my day :D
 
G-10 handles would be great as well as VG-10 steel, but I'd like D2 even if limited run. There are too few under $60 knives with D2 blades.
 
Grooves on the thumb ramp would be nice.

Upgrade the steel on the FRN from AUS8.

An adjustable pivot bolt, instead of the rivet, on the FRN model.

Other than that, leave it alone. Everything else is just right.

I have an SS Dragonfly. Great little knife, one of my favourites.
 
Add a colored G10 handle option (dark blue or khaki/tan) and add some grooves to the choil and thumbramp.
 
I love my Plain SS Dragonfly. There isn't much I would change but if I had the chance I would change/modify these things:

1. Better steel, SS VG-10 Dragonfly would be awesome.

2. Lighter Premium Handles, perhaps Micarta, perhaps Titanium, perhaps G10. Linerless blue G10 would be great, light, strong and stylish. Don't know if a Titanium lock back is possible, but if it were, that would be my dream 'fly: Titanium lock back VG-10 plain edge Dragonfly.

3. maybe a slightly (1mm or so) larger hole.

I'm ambivalent about the idea of grooves for the thumb ramp. I don't think the choil needs grooves. If grooves were to be added to the thumb ramp, I'd prefer that the entire ramp be slightly radiused and the grooves be shallow. Of course, that would probably be cost prohibitive.

I like the current lock back design because it leaves the lines of the handle smooth and uncluttered. An integral or compression lock would mar the unique smooth look of the 'fly in my opinion. And I've never felt the need for a Boyle Dent in my 'fly.

edit: Please, don't ever (ever ever ever) change the full flat grind.
 
Okay, since I suggested an update on the other thread, here is what I would think best:

Micarta handles - dressy rather than tactical. I think of the Dragonfly as more of a gents knife and this would make it appealing to me. Perhaps maroon linen. That has a fine look to it.

The blade should definitely stay flat grind, but of VG-10 steel. It cuts well now, but it would simply be unbeatable with this combination. (I already have a couple of Calypso Jr.'s and Lum Chinese, and these really cut and take a razor-sharp edge. I just need some little brothers for the family. :D)

That's all for materials. As for design, the only thing I might change is a metal clip for tip-up carry and a Boye-detent on the back lock. The design is already very ergonomic for my hand and I would not change the blade at all. I like the broad, thin blade and the needle-like point.

Thanks Sal for the openness. You are a leader among your peers!
 
I think the Dragonfly is a great knife. Unfortunately, I lost my plain edge zytel Dragonfly somewhere in Nigeria this summer.:( I think that ELUs need to remember that the Dragonfly is not a high end knife and that it is not a USA made Spyderco. Therefore, I think that G-10, micarta handles or an S30V blade are not practical suggestions. I think that VG-10 would be a wonderful steel upgrade and I think that a metal clip (wire would be nice)would be a nice touch. Finally, I think that the zytel Dragonfly should be offered in different color handles like blue, red, and green.
 
I think Anthony's on the right track: stick with FRN to keep the price down, but upgrade the steel to VG10. Different colors and a wire clip would be good, too.
 
I managed to get one of these lil guys the other day, and I have to say I would most definitely purchase a Dragonfly with G10 handles. However, I will always say a variety of color may appeal more in the long run. But I understand your rational on the acceptance and sale of colored G10. Perhaps you could post several colors we could give feedback on other then the typical black and see what happens from there. I would like a darker green then the G10 used in the Lil' Temperance or a darker blue then the G10 on the Bladeforums Natives and Spyderco Dodo. Is there a way to maybe get multi-color pattern in G10? I don't know if its feesible...but I've seen a certain paint that can shimmer purple and green on cars by the way light hits it. And the same use has been on certain types of nylon jackets or so. I'm only suggestion a different appearance because Dragonflies do have this color to them in nature sometimes. Just a silly thought I guess but maybe a new idea for a unique handle material for Spyderco. Let me know what you think Sal! Thanks...
 
Black, polished MICARTA handle, black clip with "gold spyder" logo and VG-10 steel would be great...
 
I think the overall design is near perfect. I own a FRN Dragonfly and love it.
To give it a more elegant/dress knife design, the FRN Dragonfly handle could get a new checkering. No more simple little squares, perhaps little grooves that follow the shape of the handle.
I think FRN will not be replaced by other materials due to economical reasons. Perhaps there could be other Handle colors like blue or grey.
 
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