Need help choosing between three knives!

D

Da Thurmanator

Joined
Mar 21, 2013
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Hey guys. I have 80 bucks to spend on a knife. Most of my knives that I have now are have around 3.5 inch blades, so I want to get something a little smaller for my collection. Since I am at college in a city, I was thinking it would be nice to have something that is smaller so its not as intimidating to city people. I have been thinking about a Benchmade mini griptilian, Al Mar Falcon ultralight, or Spyderco Dragonfly 2 G10. I like the Benchmade because I don't have anything with an axis lock and it would be fun to open/close it. I like the Dragonfly because I like Spyderco a lot, its unique looking, and I think the size would be really nice for some situations. I like the Al Mar because its so light, I love micarta, and it would be my first Al Mar. Please give me some more suggestions if you have any! I need your help deciding which one to get!
 
VG10, has been pretty impressive stuff in my travels. Not exactly a super steel, but good enough for me. The Dragonfly in particular is surprisingly ergonomic given it's smaller size. They also offer it in orange FRN that makes it look even more utilitarian, and like a tool. The newer ones (Dragonfly 2) are vastly improved with their wire pocket clip, I just couldn't stand the plastic one they used for so long. I like Al Mar as well, but their sorta obscure in this day and age. Not too many people get excited over the AUS8, even though it's quite serviceable.
 
The dragonfly is a surprisingly efficient knife for it's size but you might also consider looking at traditionals. I've found people are way more wary of my tiny dragonfly than they are of my traditionals like the trapper or copperlock, even though they are twice the size.
 
Both knives are great.
I also have The Dragonfly2 which is light as a feather with a great flat ground leaf blade.
I own the Doug Ritter Grip, which I prefer the blade shape and steel over the standard BM mini.
If forced to have only one, it would be the Ritter mini Grip.

Personally speaking, if I was "at college in a city"... I would not carry either of the above, I'd carry a Spyderco Ladybug which
is non threatening to other students and faculty.
Kept razor sharp it's a little monster.

DSCN1413_zpse9977551.jpg


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RitterOrangeMiniRSKMK1_e_zps0e356ed5.jpg


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My two Ladybugs:

SpydercoLadybugSaltH1.jpg
 
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Mini-grip in style and color of choice. The MG rides better in the pocket (not as wide) and has a longer blade. While the Dragonfly feels bigger that it's size would have you think, it's still not as useful as the MG. Just my .02. Oh, and I carry a MG (yellow) daily.
 
I have the Dragonfly 2 but not the G10 version. It is a great little folder that is very slim in the pocket. It has great ergos and I love the VG-10 steel. Spydercos deep-carrying wire clips are my favs. Love the one on my Sage CF. I should probably buy the DF2 G10 since I have the Endura G10 and absolutely love that folder.

I had a couple Mini-Grips in the past but ended up selling them off. I love the Axis lock and all but for such a small folder, I thought it was too chunky in the handle and it didn't carry well for a small folder.

Never had the Al Mar.
 
I'd get your hands on a Doug Ritter Mini Griptilian. I don't feel it's too threatening of a knife, it's great sized, the Ritter model uses S30V which takes very little maintenence because it'll take a great edge and keep it for a long while.

I don't have a Dragonfly but I know you can't go wrong with a spyderco. If it were up to me I'd go for the dragonfly but I already have a ritter grip. It's a hell of a knife. Thin FFG grind slices well and the axis lock is a real nice feature.
 
Let's see, for $80.00, I would buy the ESEE/BRK "Zancudo", and take your partner out to sushi tonight with the $50.00 left over....

 
You're going to college in a city and want a non threatening knife...get something from Victorinox or a traditional knife from CASE, GEC, Queen or another traditional maker.
 
Thanks for all the help guys! I went ahead and ordered the mini griptilian with sand colored handles. The dragon fly is next on my list though! I think I'm going to get the orange dragonfly once I have some more knife money. I decided I just really want both, so I figured it would be a good idea to get the more expensive one now and wait on the Spyderco.
 
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