Ladybug vs. Mouse vs. Benchmite vs. AM

T

twhman

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Dec 7, 2006
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Looking at small folders for general pocket carry. Nothing to big around 2-2.25 inch blade. I wanted to spend about $50 or less. I noted that the following four knives:

Spyderco Ladybug 1-3
BladeTech Mouse light
BM Benchmite
Al Mar Ultralight

I believe the Ladybug has the highest quality steel with VG-10. I believe the others are 440c. But what about the ergonomics of these three knives (the Benchmite does not look that comfortable) and the overall quality. The Al Mar looks very interesting. Any opinions or other suggestions?
 
I haven't owned any of them, but I have handled the Ladybug, Benchmite and Mouse.

The Ladybug is very small, more of a key chain knife. It can be opened and closed with one hand, though. The Benchmite isn't very comfortable for me. The Mouse is actually large and beefy enough to get a good full grip on, and would be the best user, but is much larger than the other two. It also has a pocket clip.
 
I can only comment on the Ladybug in VG10.

It is small, but it's also very light, well made, and very sharp.

As a little back-up blade it would be great, it can do most cutting jobs you might get during a day if care is taken. A lot of people get by ok with the blade on the Vic Classic so the Ladybug would be plenty of blade for most users.

It would be about the same as carrying a Case Peanut (another knife you might consider)

What about an SAK? The alox Cadet is a great little knife and it'll open cans and bottles and do much more besides....worth a look.

Depends what you think you might need a knife for?
 
Have you considered a Kershaw Chive or Scallion?

Out of your options I have the Ladybug and the Benchmite. I really like the 'real' Benchmites, but the one that you are most likely referring to are the Benchmite 2's. The original Benchmite was American made with Ti handles and the blades were 154cm, the new ones are made in Taiwan and have stainless handles with AUS8 (I think) for the blades. I don't find them too uncomfortable and I actually carry an auto Benchmite (3100) every day. It works great for the small tasks.

The ladybug is a nice little knife for the money. I have the SS handled variety and find it hard to open with one hand due to the handle being thinner and less grippy than their FRN handles. In the same size range would also be the Jester model. But if you're going to stick with a Spyderco I'd recommend the Dragonfly. I love my Dragonfly and find it much easier to grip than all of the other knives you've listed.

I've handled an Al Mar and for the money I prefer a Spyderco.

Let us know what you choose.
 
I have the mouse and I think this is the best compromise in size, not too big,not too small and has the most cutting area of the lot. For a few bucks more you might get it in the S30V blade if you look hard enough.
 
Love my benchmite II. AUS8. It's comfortable for little work but nothing major. I can also open it with one hand, takes some practice though. I like its all steel construction.
 
Mouselite or Subcomfolder (bokerplus) are my votes if you want an EDC bigger than the Ladybug3 (which I would also consider a "keychain knife" .... the Ladybug3 has the better VG10 steel and is a capable slicer ... but is a much smaller knife....
 
A fully serrated ladybug with a little lanyard attatched for extra grip is what I carry as my "polite society knife" for using with the lames present. Its small and non-threatening, but it is a ferocious cutting machine that RAPES other small knives (chive, leatherman squirt) that I've used. I used mine for an entire moves worth of uhaul boxes, and it was ready for more. On an ounce for ounce bassis, theres nothing more efficient.
 
The LadyBug is a very sharp little blade on my keyring.

The Benchmite is the same lenght but feels much bigger, and I can do real work with it.
The blade shape makes much more beef to the whole knife
 
One to add: Spyderco Spin. I've seen it for about $50.

I have a Ladybug. I carry it because rules at work limit the size I can carry to a 2" blade with 4.5" opened length. I find that the Ladybug is a just a wee bit small for general carry, too hard to get a good grip. I would choose something a bit larger if I were able to carry it without risking my job. I think that 2.25" to 2.5" would be just enough bigger to give a good grip on it..
 
Another for the ladybug.Just got one it great.

Compared to my old ladybug,I don't know which version,the spring seems to be stronger than the newer ones because I've noticed a louder click when opened.
 
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