ladybug or dragonfly

K

K.Berge

Joined
Jan 17, 2010
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59
So, it's about time for a new spyderco, but I need help deciding between a Ladybug or a Dragonfly.
This would be my secondary blade for small tasks and for when non knife friendly people around.
I like the ladybug but from what I've heard it might be tooo small.. But on the other hand I'm a bit prejudice towards the molded FRN clip on the dragonfly. Also, my plan is to just toss the knife in my pocket, so the clip isn't necessary.
How does the size of the ladybug compare to the dragonfly?
Opinions, suggestions, and comparison pics greatly appreciated.

Ps. I'm not ready to get an endura/delica..yet
 
I, personally, prefer the ladybug over the dragonfly any day. I just think that the ladybug fits my hand much much better and is less awkward to open and close. Also, for some reason, the ladybug just seems to perform everyday cutting tasks much better. I love the overall design of the dragonfly, don't get me wrong, but in my honest opinion, the ladybug is the much better choice between the two. I hope this helps in your choice. The hardest part about buying a knife is figuring out which one to get. So many to choose from, so little to spend!
 
The Ladybug with a small clip like the McGizmo stainless steel clip works for me. The clip adds that little extra length to the handle. See the last pic with the 2 H1 Yellow Ladybugs, one has the clip on it.
As for the Dragonfly, have you considered the G10 version? It's a different class of knife compared to the FRN version.

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Thank you both for the info. I have considered the G10 version dragonfly. I love the feel of G10 and I'd choose it over FRN anyday, but getting into that price range opens up even more options. I've come across several Sage 1's for around that price. I've also considered the stainless version but it would be scratched up in no time being in my pocket. I'm leaning more and more towards the ladybug.
Mystic, would you choose the ladybug with your clip setup over the dragonfly?
 
I love my Lady Bugs (H1 plain, serrated, VG 10 Plain, Hawkbill) size to cutting ability is incredible + lockable blade to boot, adding a clip or fob makes it handier and I'd highly recommend doing that for additional grip purchase.

That said I have a G10 'Fly enroute in the mail, here's my rational, I've been looking at the Dragon fly design, cutting edge wise it's marginally longer, but ergonomics allow for more secure control (more fingers on the knife itself, finger choil right close to the cutting edge; 2 1/2 fingers vs 4 on the knife). In terms of construction, steel liners, blade thickness etc vs the Lady Bug = + heavier duty usage ability, FFG blade still makes it a good slicer even though it's thicker. It's a more rugged knife with more control-ability. The more I think out the design behind the G10 Dragon Fly the more I appreciate it.

If I were to weigh it up in simple pro's and cons for me:

Lady Bug vs G10 Dragon Fly
Size(for "smallness" factor) + -
Ergonomics - +
Construction - +
Usability ("hard usability" & control) - +
Price + -
Collectability - +

At the end of the day it's relative to what you are looking for in your small knife and the cutting tasks expected for them, my Bugs serve me really well, you won't go wrong getting one as a key chain knife! The Lady Bug is quite a powerhouse of a cutter for it's size. My choice to get a 'Fly was more as a sprint run collector piece which I can justify in my head with higher hard use potential (better construction materials, superior form and functionality) should I need it, which in all honesty I probably wouldn't! As for knives at the same price level as the G10 Fly, the Sage 1 I believe is larger, I'd classify that as a medium size along with the Endura and Caly3) you'd probably get more value out of getting a Sage 1 at that price, again boils down to how much form and function vs size & price?

New in the box (NiB) G10 Fly's can be had for $80 and Bugs for about $29 if you look for them online from some stores -and these are reliable stores with good reps too, $80 for a G10 Fly is very good value for what you get.

Have fun deciding their both good knives!
 
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I don't think I can really add much more to what Wyldey said other than this, and this talks to your question K.Berge about which I'd take, the Ladybug or Dragonfly.
I always walk with a small blade or two - Vic Midnite MiniChamp on keychain and either a Grasshopper or Ladybug in front right pocket. Then, depending on where I'm going, I'll walk with a larger folder which will usually be the G10 Dragonfly, G10 Caly3, FRN Delica4, Benchmade Mini Grip or Mini Ritter Grip. So to answer your question, I usually always have the Ladybug on me and complement it with the Dragonfly or bigger. It's usually not a question of choosing between the two for me.
 
I have owned a couple of Dragonflies (FRN and SS) for many years, and they are fine knives. But I've never really warmed to them like I have the Ladybug. It has a lot to do with the handle shape. I carried a red Ladybug for around 10 years on my keyring, and though it wasn't used as much as other knives, when needed it served its purposes very well.

I find the Ladybug feels more comfortable in my hand than the Dragonfly. And I really love flat-ground blades, but even so, I still prefer the Ladybug. And now, the Ladybugs have been upgraded, with bigger opening holes, better grip, wider blades, better blade steel, etc., than my older but still respectable AUS-6 model.
Jim
 
I have a G10 Dragonfly and the Ladybug.

If it's going to be your secondary knife, I'd say get the Ladybug. It's small, unobtrusive, and less expensive than the Dragonfly. I completely forget about it when it's in my pocket. If you're concerned about the size of the handle on the LB, I'd say add a small lanyard. That seems to add space for another finger.

That said, you can't go wrong with the Dragonfly. How's that for unhelpful?
 
Ladybug it is.. After looking at them again, I see how the dragonfly might feel a bit awkward in the hand. Maybe when I get more money i'll get a dragonfly as well, but as for now the ladybug sounds like it'll be perfect for my needs. Again, thank y'all again for taking the time to respond and help me with my decision. I really appreciate it.
 
Ladybug H1 SE, Hawkbill if you can swing it. Regardless of whatever else I carry, I have a Ladybug in a fitted neoprene sheath around my neck.

I dislike the molded clips on the FRN Dragonflys because I've lost one due to low friction in the pocket, and I think the G-10 is a wee bit on the expensive side (though a very nice knife).
 
I didn't like the FRN D'fly, but picked up the G10 D'fly and it is a completely different knife from the stoutness to the great jimping and sweet FFG. I imagine if a person wanted to take the clip off and streamline it, it would disappear in the pocket quite nicely. The Ladybug is what it is, but I only see it as a secondary knife whereas the G10 D'fly will perform as a primary knife in many instances.
 
Good choice. The Dragonfly is a fine knife but you'll be amazed of the Ladybug. It's simply the best knife of this size one can find on this planet. And like VG-10 and H1 isn't enough Sal promissed us a ZDP-189 version as well :D
 
Well, my G10 Dragon Fly landed today in the mail, thought I'd post some comparison pics to illustrate a bit of what I posted earlier about the Lady Bug / Dragon Fly discussion :)

Cutting Edge length: the 'Fly is only marginally longer, the ergonomics and blade geometry of the Fly + FFG make it a better slicer

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2 1/2 Finger Grip, little finger choked up on a photon freedom led light for extra grip

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vs 4 Fingers, the 'Fly is actually comfortable for me and offers more grip options, for example you can extend forward reach by not using the finger choil and using 3 fingers, it's still quite secure, using the choil and or thumb jimping allows you to choke it up very nicely. I'd argue it does offer my secure grip and control which is the purpose of the larger handle. The Dragon Fly handle is best described as a shallow curved pistol grip. It's like Derringer of the knife world. Spyderco's aren't well known for handle to blade ratio :p

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Top down shot comparing skeletonized steel liners on the 'Fly vs plain FRN on the 'Bug. The 'Fly is thicker, if you clip it you will wear your pants/jeans material down with the G10, the 'Bug is slimmer and will occupy less space at the same time it will not be as robust as the 'Fly.

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I have more Lady Bugs then any other type of folder in my line up, so I do love the 'Bug, it is an awesome key chain knife. If you are after a "Little Big Knife" I reckon the G10 Dragon Fly is in a different class. They are all good knives, question of what you'll be using them for.

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