Ladybug or Nopal or ???? for Wife

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FordTrax

Joined
May 31, 2011
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My wife works in a professional office but we have a small farm and horses. I wanted to get her an inexpensive knife for her to EDC as a stocking stuffer. Primary uses would be opening boxes/packages, cutting open feed bags, bags of shavings, cutting twine to open hay bales, etc. I was thinking $50 or less. Small none threatening blade that is easy to open (not sure we want assisted) - maybe 2-2.5 inches.

I was thinking a:

Boker Nopal - 440C steel is decent and one handed opening is nice. Liner lock built pretty solid for a small knife. Good blade style for uses.

LadyBug - Vg10 steel is excellent, one handed opening. Lockback is nice. Probably not as solidly built as the Nopal but more than adequate. Blade style is okay.

Other thoughs were a Cold Steel Mini-tuff but I thought the Nopal was a bit nicer.

Any thoughts on these knives or recommendations for others I should consider would be appreciated.
 
My recommendation would be a Spyderco Delia 4 FFG (around $60). And with so many colors, you can probably find her favorite one.

Another great option is the Spyderco Cat. It's within your price range at about $45. Blade steel is 440C and has a 2.44 inch blade.
 
I would recommend a spyderco dragonfly. If you do want the tiny size atleast get a manbug. The LB is intended as a keychain, its not very ergonomic and can be difficult to hold for any real use (like opening feed bags), I have a ZDP-189 manbug and while it serves as my keychain more than a knife it is much easier to hang on to and cut things with, I even broke down some cardboard the other night cause I didn't want to pull out my fixed blade where I was and it was comfy for that.
I would get her a dragonfly, a slightly larger Delica would be good too. For a more professional environment friendly look go for the stainless handle version (both dfly and delica have the option) and get it monogrammed for her.
 
Man you dudes are too dude like. First off.... ask yourself would your wife even want a smaller knife you probably know better than us!

Next does she usually keep long painted nails? These are some things to consider. From what you made it sound like, it sounds like she needs two knives!

I would get her a Rough Rider peanut or an Alox Secretary for the handbag and then I would get her a real utility knife like a Skyline, Delica or Mini Grip. ***Emphasis on the Benchmade if she paints her nails and keeps them long, as the axis lock knives will prevent her from breaking nails its super easy to open and close. I do like that Cat a lot too. I had an Ambitious and the size was very interesting. Not the best grip though vs a Skyline, Delica or Mini


Full disclosure: my wife somehow knows where my EDC is which is a Peanut pattern and she reaches for it whenever a box comes in the mail. When we garden she grabs the benchmade mini presidio or mini grip and clips it to her jeans every time she says she likes the axis lock.
 
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Is she the type who would like pink handles? If so my 10yo daughter has a pink RAT 2 and loves it. I know it's slightly larger than what you mentioned but I would consider it nonetheless.
 
fetzer85 said:
Is she the type who would like pink handles? If so my 10yo daughter has a pink RAT 2 and loves it. I know it's slightly larger than what you mentioned but I would consider it nonetheless.
Click to expand...

Good luck finding one of these in stock. I can't find the standard black/satin one anywhere.
 
I'd go for a Dragonfly--it's a more useful size while still being small. Alternatively, the Spyderco Spin is a great knife (my wife carries one), but I don't know whether it is still available.
 
My daughters really like the Spyderco Squeek in pink. It's a slipjoint, but easy to open without breaking fingernails and such. It is small but still offers great grip with the choil. I've found my wife doesn't like locking mechanisms that require much pressure to release, but basic back locks seem to be her favorite. Now that I think about it, I think they'd really like a small fixed blade for their purse - maybe an Izula or CS Pendleton mini.

Before I got them knives I had them handle many of mine to see how they liked different locks, handle shapes, and sizes to better pick out something they would really use. Great idea for a gift!
 
I love the Spyderco Dragonfly, and the lady loves hers. There are several color choices in the FRN version (w/o steel frame). It's big enough AND small enough. Smaller would be really inconvenient.
 
GF loves the Spyderco LadyBug3 Tatoo on her keychain. I copycatted her!

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I like the Kershaw leek.
Personally, I left a spyderco native III in my wifes car and now I can't have it back.
 
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