Old Dragonfly?

Jazzman

Jazzman

Joined
Jan 11, 2001
Messages
2,750
I have a question about a Dragonfly that I bought at a show this past weekend. The profile of the blade is different as is the plastic pocket clip. I had a brand new Dragonfly a while back and it looked alot different even as far as the size of the hole and it's placement. Is it an older/newer model? If any of you Spydie nuts have any insight on this, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
 
Hrm, I figure there are three possibilities.

1. You got yourself a Carbon-Fiber Dragonfly. This model comes with a similar blade yet is bade of ATS-55. The pocket clip is actually a silver, deep pocket tip-down carry.

2. Most likely you got yourself a Michael Walker. Blade is different shape and a bit longer, handle is different, yet knife has similar clip to Dragonfly in that it is a black plastic one integrated into the handle.

3. There was another model of the Dragonfly I never heard of! If so, please contribute to this thread!

-Flood
 
Hi Jazzman. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

No you're not nuts. The original Dragonfly was a little different. the hole placement was 5mm closer to the tip and 5mm lower. The clip did not have the "Pinky" shelf that the current model has.

I wasn't pleased with the model and felt it could be improved on with regards to one hand open. We changed the molds to improve the model. Yes, expensive. But I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to design refinments and felt it was a necessary improvement.

sal
 
I have one of the older (FRN? Zytel?) Dragonflies, and I gotta say, there are some things I prefer about it over the newer style. Namely, with the hole lower and further forward, the thumb ramp is significantly less pronounced and pointy when the knife is open, and when it's closed, that same hump is a much more subdued protrusion. True, the hole placement makes for a larger thumb opening arc, but I have fairly large hands
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, and the blade is a (uh, proper term? not "full", thus "partial"?) hollow grind ala the Delica, rather than the current full flat grind (I generally prefer flat grinds). But overall it's quite a cool little package -- for not all that much more mass/size than a Ladybug, you get a slim little package that opens up to present a decently sized, useful edge with a surprisingly secure grip.

Not complaining about your redesign, Sal, just saying that even before that it was a cool little knife.

That original Dragonfly is one of those knives where I went to the shop to look at something entirely different, and Dennis (Wright) handed it to me saying, "hey, just got these in", and I played with it for a while, and ended up just having to take it home. (Another one like that was the original micarta experimental CX03, now the Calypso Jr., though my box says "Dragnet".)

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Carl /\/\/\ AKTI #A000921 /\/\/\ San Diego, California

Think this through with me ... Let me know your mind
Wo-oah, what I want to know ... is are you kind?
-- Hunter/Garcia, "Uncle John's Band"
 
Thank you all for your responses. Mr. Glesser, about when did the production of the Dragonfly start? Are the originals rare? And when did you make the change? Thank you for your time and for such great knives.
 
Can someone post a pic of the different versions side by side?

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"Don't do what Donny Don't does"" - The 10 Do's and 500 Don'ts of Knife
Safety.
 
Jazzman. I think we made the changes within the first year. The model was quite popular so I don't think I would consider them rare.

The pattern is unique in many ways and quite popular. I'm sure we'll make "sprint" variations in the future, probably in the 1200 unit range.

Probably an interesting topic.

We've used FRN, Stainless steel and carbon fiber for handle materials on this pattern. If we were to make a "sprint" run of dragonflies, what handle material, blade maerial or any other "details" would interest you?

sal
 
Sal,

I wouldn't mind seeing a dragonfly in G10 with VG-10 steel. I already have the carbon fiber version and think it's great. G-10 would give the knive a little more heft, and it would be a great little carry knife.
 
Oooooh yes! A G10/VG-10 would be great. So would an anodized aluminum or titanium/VG-10 or 440V (what's the new name?)

I've got both the FRN and the Stainless Drangonfly and favor the stainless model, but the FRN sits lower in the pocket.

gm
 
Oh now you did it Sal.
I would love to see this wonderful knife in a tip down/ tip up configuration with almite handles and a VG-10 blade. That would be a sweet little knife. But I also wouldn't mind seeing it in G-10 since the Navigator in G-10 got discontinued. Just my 2 cents worth.

Jey
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I agree with the rest of these guys. I would love to see a Dragonfly with an almite or even a G10 handle. As far as steel, ATS-55 like on the Carbon Fiber version would be great. I don't have alot of experience with VG-10, but from what I have heard about it, it sounds even better! Thanks again!
 
I have three versions of the Dragonfly. My original (and first Spyderco) is the same as the one described in the thread's first post. Zytel handle, lower "hump", etc. I also have the SS and CF Dragonflys as well.

I have to say, I like the original blade shape better than the latter versions. My ideal Dragonfly would be an Almite version with the original hollow ground blade with a plain edge. (I know I'm in a definite minority here, but I really like the looks of the hollow grind better. And for what I use my knifes for, I can't tell any difference in performance!)

Anyway, my $.02 worth.
 
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