Dragonfly vs. Kopa

C

Chewy1

Joined
Jun 5, 2006
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Let's consider these two knives on a more equal playing field, if you'll let me. Assume they cost the same and that they have the same handle material because price and decoration is irrelevant to me for this discussion. What other differences come into play?

It looks like the blades are the same except that the K has a slightly thicker blade. And there's a very slight difference in blade length and overall length.

Is the VG10 much better than the AUS8? This is the biggest functional difference that I see.

Which feels better in hand?

Do they have the same smooth action? same tight lockup? Are the same for one-hand use?
 
I would consider the Kopa's handle shape, full width spine, and slightly longer blade as giving it the advantage. The handle makes it feel better in my hand, and the full width spine feels better if I need to press down on it. FWIW, if you're comparing the Kopa with the stainless or etched stainless versions of the Dragonfly, the catalog is a bit out of date, they too are VG-10. So for current production knives steel only enters the picture if you are using the FRN D'fly as your point of comparison. As far as lockup and smoothness of the action, the FRN version of the D'fly does not compare well even to its all stainless brother in those areas. The all stainless D'fly, on the other hand, holds its own against the Kopa in those regards.

Paul
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Maybe this should be another topic, but why does Spyderco not sharpen the 1/2" of the blade nearest the bolsters? Seems like a waste of potential cutting area to me. I like my blades to be sharp to the hilt.

Thank you for your reply. I thought you might say as much. Good info on the steel, too.
 
That area is left unsharpened as a finger rest for choking up on the knife, effectively lengthening the handle. It is called a finger choil, which is usually shortened to choil. I have rather large hands, and find that choil a blessing on small knives like the Dragonfly.
 
I much prefer the ergos of the Robin over that of the Dragonfly...."feels" more refined imho....only thing I'd want changed on these Byrds is a more discrete wire clip :rolleyes::)
 
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