Navigator or Dragonfly?

Lately, I have had the urge to get one of those small Spyderco knives.

Cost is not so much a factor, but as I will probably order it off the internet, I won't be able to get a feel of it before buying.

The Dragonfly looks very elegant and simple to me, but I am thinking maybe the Navigator has a handle that is easier to hold.

However, I don't like the looks of the Navigator compared to the Dragonfly. It looks like a plump caterpillar to me(apologies to Spyderco). But if the grip is really much better, then function over form.

Perhaps the forumites might give me some advice here.

SYK
 
C

Costas

Joined
Feb 22, 1999
Messages
485
I have both, and I like them both.

The handle of the Navigator is more comfortable when you put a lot of pressure, and it really gives you a better leverage to the blade. On the other hand, the Dragonfly uses ATS-55 which I have found that is a little bit harder to sharpen, but it holds a razor edge for longer.
Can't really decide...
If only there was a Navigator with the flat ground ATS-55 blade of the Dragonfly and the liner lock of the Cricket...
 
I've got a SS plain edged Dragonfly and a G-10 fully serrated Navigator and I prefer the Navigator a little more. It's mainly because of the handle and the way it's perfectly shaped for the hand. I actually like the looks of the Navigator over the Dragonfly as well. There's something about the stubiness and how it's unique. But that's just my opinion. I find the Dragonfly is better for formal wear. Maybe it's the stainless steel handles, I don't know. Bottom line is that if you really are looking for function over form go for the Navigator and you won't be disappointed.

PS Take a look at the almite Navigator. I think it's discontinued now but the almite handles gives it a nicer look. Maybe that will suit your liking.

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ET
 
I have 2 (plain) Navigators and 0 Dragonflies ... my choice is obvious !
I know of no small knife which handles as good (in my medium sized hands) as the Navigator.
 
I have both a CF Dragonfly and a G10 Navigator. If function is more important than form, I'd say go with the Navigator. The Dragonfly is nicer looking but when I want a small knife to actually do some work with, I reach for the Navigator. Personally, I prefer flat grinds to hollow grinds (Dragonfly flat, Navigator hollow), but the GIN-1 of the Navigator does take a hair-poppin edge (by the way, only the CF and SS Dragonfly use ATS-55, the lightweight uses AUS-8).

The Almite Navigator might just be what you're looking for.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
 
syk,

I guess you've also looked at the slightly larger (but more useful) Native LW (Zytel) series, huh?.
smile.gif
.

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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663

[This message has been edited by glockman99 (edited 08-12-2000).]
 
I have a G10 Navigator and SS Drangonfly, both plain-edged. They're very cool little knives and you couldn't go wrong with either of them.

I was going to say that I like the Drangonfly more, but I carry the Navigator more often, so maybe I actually like the Navigator more. The Navigator has a larger hole, better clip placement, and a bit more practical blade shape.

On the other hand, the Drangonfly has a more versatile handle and looks better to me. Plus, I like the position of it's lock release, which is farther back on the handle.

I don't know... tough decision!
 
I couldn't have said it better.
I have both,like the looks of the s/s Dragonfly, but carry and use my G-10 Navigator more often.
If there is anyway you can spend a bit more, get both.
Bill
 
SYK, I own both a Delica and an Almite Navigator. The Nav is my house carry knife/airport knife. Truth be told, I like the Gin 1 steel more than the grip. However the hole itself is bigger than on the Delica. I haven't decided which is grip is better but I don't like the clip on Nav.
 
Thank you for all your replies.

I am going to think abt it a bit more and then decide later on, but now I am thinking more of the Navigator.

I can also see why Spyderco knives are so popular compared to the other makes. They are priced reasonably, so you think, this one I bought was not too bad, why not get this other one...and another and another.

Before you know it, you've got 5 or 10 knives, and you still want to get the next nice-looking one.

In contrast, how many Sebenzas can you buy? At the most one or two, then you may not feel the urge to get any more.

glockman99--I have been considering the Native, but for that size, I prefer the delica that I already have because the Native to me is more of a utility knife, due to its index finger choil position. Honestly speaking, my knives have to be "tactical" first and utility second. I don't mind the same sort of choil on the Dragonfly/Navigator, as for that kind of size, there's probably no other way to get a good grip on such a small knife.

Smoke and other forumites--thanks for your advice.

SYK
 
SYK,

I wanted to mention that I've got the SS Dragonfly, plain edge, and it's an excellent knife. Like you, I was looking for a smaller, travel, and all-around-carry knive for day to day use. I also looked at the Navigator, but wasn't keen on its appearance (call me shallow, but looks count for something).

The Dragonfly is an excellent blade that holds an edge for a LONG time. I'd strongly recommend it, without reservation. Granted, I've never owned the Navigator, but I compared both before buying. More importantly (to me anyway), I've never looked back!

I'm sure you'll be happy with either.

 
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