Today I finally got my own Spyderco. I recently noticed that over the years, whenever I've wanted to get a good knife for someone as a gift, I have on almost every occasion chosen Spyderco, but did not have one of my own. Most recently I got a delica 4 for a good friend of mine for Christmas. I was so impressed with it, that I carried it around the house for a week or two before reluctantly giving it to him.
I could not justify buying a delica for myself, though, with very limited funds, and no need for a folder that size. What I did have a need for was a bottom of the pocket folder, for times when a clip wasn't appropriate. At the same time I wanted it to be unintimidating and lock up solidly, so that I could let someone borrow it on such an occasion without frightening them or watching them stab at a package and collapse the sharp little slipjoint blade back into their index finger.
The Ladybug 3 seemed to fit the bill nicely for this role, and when I saw that it was available with SS handles and a VG-10 blade for about $30, I knew I had to have it. It just came in the mail today, and am I ever impressed.
First of all, the excellent fit, which is the most important variable for me. When the Ladybug locks up, there is not even a tiny hint of "blade wiggle" in any direction. It is as solid as can be. When the knife is closed, the tip is centered perfectly, and the blade doesn't rub at all when closing, even though the scales are almost touching the blade since it is so thin. When the blade is locked, the corner of the lock bar meets perfectly with the back corner of the blade. Opening was a little stiff, but a little tuf glide and a few openings later, it is smoothing out nicely. The detent is nice and strong when closed. Overall, the fit far exceeds what I would expect at this price point.
The finish is also extremely good for the price. The blade came sharp enough to shave arm hair. All of the appropriate edges and corners are nicely rounded. Everything has an even, almost mirror? polish. The only imperfection in this regard is a barely noticeable machining mark inside the spyderhole, which is quite acceptable and doesn't bother me.
I am very pleased with the design. Even though it is all SS, it is small enough that the weight goes unnoticed in a pocket. I am impressed by the solidity and apparent strength of the knife, considering the thinness of the knife as a whole, which looks to me like about 1/4". The blade has a good amount of thickness for its size, and it does not taper too quickly, so the tip stays strong, which is something I liked about the Delica as well. Actually, I really like the practical nature of the Delica blade shape in general. My medium sized hands get a surprisingly well-locked 2.5 finger grip on the handle, thanks to the finger grooves, which could easily be augmented with a lanyard if desired. Meanwhile, the texturing on the thumb ramp is also much appreciated, it gives a good feeling of control, and I think it is just a classy, quality inspiring touch at this price point. Same thing with the boye dent.
Mine came with a number on the blade next to the spider. Does anyone know if these were numbered?
Looking forward to doing some cutting with this knife and testing out the VG-10.
I'm also thinking about getting a leather slip sheath for it, now that I see how nice it is.
These Ladybugs are definitely worth picking up if any of you are on the fence about it. My thanks go out to Sal & co for another well designed and well executed knife.
I could not justify buying a delica for myself, though, with very limited funds, and no need for a folder that size. What I did have a need for was a bottom of the pocket folder, for times when a clip wasn't appropriate. At the same time I wanted it to be unintimidating and lock up solidly, so that I could let someone borrow it on such an occasion without frightening them or watching them stab at a package and collapse the sharp little slipjoint blade back into their index finger.
The Ladybug 3 seemed to fit the bill nicely for this role, and when I saw that it was available with SS handles and a VG-10 blade for about $30, I knew I had to have it. It just came in the mail today, and am I ever impressed.
First of all, the excellent fit, which is the most important variable for me. When the Ladybug locks up, there is not even a tiny hint of "blade wiggle" in any direction. It is as solid as can be. When the knife is closed, the tip is centered perfectly, and the blade doesn't rub at all when closing, even though the scales are almost touching the blade since it is so thin. When the blade is locked, the corner of the lock bar meets perfectly with the back corner of the blade. Opening was a little stiff, but a little tuf glide and a few openings later, it is smoothing out nicely. The detent is nice and strong when closed. Overall, the fit far exceeds what I would expect at this price point.
The finish is also extremely good for the price. The blade came sharp enough to shave arm hair. All of the appropriate edges and corners are nicely rounded. Everything has an even, almost mirror? polish. The only imperfection in this regard is a barely noticeable machining mark inside the spyderhole, which is quite acceptable and doesn't bother me.
I am very pleased with the design. Even though it is all SS, it is small enough that the weight goes unnoticed in a pocket. I am impressed by the solidity and apparent strength of the knife, considering the thinness of the knife as a whole, which looks to me like about 1/4". The blade has a good amount of thickness for its size, and it does not taper too quickly, so the tip stays strong, which is something I liked about the Delica as well. Actually, I really like the practical nature of the Delica blade shape in general. My medium sized hands get a surprisingly well-locked 2.5 finger grip on the handle, thanks to the finger grooves, which could easily be augmented with a lanyard if desired. Meanwhile, the texturing on the thumb ramp is also much appreciated, it gives a good feeling of control, and I think it is just a classy, quality inspiring touch at this price point. Same thing with the boye dent.
Mine came with a number on the blade next to the spider. Does anyone know if these were numbered?
Looking forward to doing some cutting with this knife and testing out the VG-10.
I'm also thinking about getting a leather slip sheath for it, now that I see how nice it is.
These Ladybugs are definitely worth picking up if any of you are on the fence about it. My thanks go out to Sal & co for another well designed and well executed knife.
