Question about dragonfly vs. leafstorm

S

spd

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Jan 27, 2013
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4
Being a student, i'm limited to 2.5" folders. I initially wanted a leafstorm because I love how it looks, but got turned off by the ergo complaints. I have a dragonfly, and I guess I have really skinny hands, because I can easily get all 4 fingers on the handle without using the choil. For those who have held both knives, do you think I can 4 finger grip the leafstorm without putting my index on the forward part of the handle? Any comparison pics of the handles side by side? Thanks!
 
I don't have experience with either, but just wanted to point out if you did not already know the Leafstorm is being discontinued. That is good and bad, because you will have to jump on it soon, but you can shop around and find places selling them for a discount.
 
Well, the Leafstorm has a longer handle than the Dragonfly. Can't say that it's comfortable, but it's fine for light duty and occasional use.
 
I use my DragonFlys all the time - and normally carry them deep in-pocket. I found a while back that adding a short (~ 2 inch) lanyard on the end gives your fingers more to latch onto and also gives your DFly some additional style points. These lanyards are quick and simple - and the best part is that you can cut them off and re-tie them in another color or style if you grow tired of them.

TedP

Here's my ZDP-189 DFly with a bronze Atwood Lanslide and two diamond knots on the end. And yes, the cut on my finger was from the DFly! :o

2012-06-2511-59-00749.jpg
 
That's a great lanyard, phillipsted! Any resources on how to make one like that? I can do crappy hangman's lanyards but that's about it.
 
I can get a good 3-1/2 finger grip on the Dragonfly when choking up on the blade. The Leafstorm doesn't have that choil to choke up on, so using just the contours of the handle, I get a 3 finger grip on it. I can get a 4 finger grip on the Leafstorm with my index finger and pinky on the extended parts at the base and top of the handle, but it's not the most comfortable grip in that position.

Leafstorm_Dragonfly_front_800x369.jpg


Leafstorm_Dragonfly_top_800x293.jpg
 
flarp said:
I can get a good 3-1/2 finger grip on the Dragonfly when choking up on the blade. The Leafstorm doesn't have that choil to choke up on, so using just the contours of the handle, I get a 3 finger grip on it. I can get a 4 finger grip on the Leafstorm with my index finger and pinky on the extended parts at the base and top of the handle, but it's not the most comfortable grip in that position.
Click to expand...

Thanks for snapping the pics! Which of the two knives do you like better/gets more use?
 
spd said:
Thanks for snapping the pics! Which of the two knives do you like better/gets more use?
Click to expand...

I like the design of the Leafstorm more, but the Dragonfly has a more practical feel. In my case, I think it's because the handle size of the Leafstorm just doesn't match my hands quite as comfortably. If the handle on the Leafstorm was about 1/2" longer, it would likely be a better fit. As such, the Dragonfly gets more pocket time and use between those two.

That said, the Delica by far gets the most use from me out of my Spydercos. The blade is only 2.563" (according to the Spyderco site), which is really close to your 2.5" limit. The Delica is a fantastic EDC knife. Good sized handle (4 finger grip without having to jam all my fingers together), great blade profile and steel, and excellent ergos. I still like how the Leafstorm looks more, but the functionality offered by the Delica is really top-notch.
 
What put me off about the leafstorm was that the back end of the edge kept
getting snagged on some of my cuts. That being said, I also like how it looks.

While I no longer have a leafstorm, I still have a g-10 dragonfly for those times
when I feel like changing it up or just something smaller.
 
flarp said:
I like the design of the Leafstorm more, but the Dragonfly has a more practical feel. In my case, I think it's because the handle size of the Leafstorm just doesn't match my hands quite as comfortably. If the handle on the Leafstorm was about 1/2" longer, it would likely be a better fit. As such, the Dragonfly gets more pocket time and use between those two.

That said, the Delica by far gets the most use from me out of my Spydercos. The blade is only 2.563" (according to the Spyderco site), which is really close to your 2.5" limit. The Delica is a fantastic EDC knife. Good sized handle (4 finger grip without having to jam all my fingers together), great blade profile and steel, and excellent ergos. I still like how the Leafstorm looks more, but the functionality offered by the Delica is really top-notch.
Click to expand...

Careful with measurements when concerning the law... the cutting edge is 2.563" while the blade length is actually 2.875"... and they may choose to measure from the handle to tip. Lame I know, but we should consider these things ;)
 
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I'd say get the Leafstorm if you really like it, it's a fantastic little knife. Wilkins design, great materials, top notch fit and finish, RIL, and great appearance. I have big hands, I can only get three fingers around it but it hasn't been an issue. The blade may be small but it has a beefy, thick spine. Love it, one of my favorite Spydies.
 
I had a Leafstorm. I really wanted to like that knife, primarily because of its very cool design and jade green/ti handle combo. That said, I found the ergonomics to be totally off for me. If you have a chance, I strongly recommend you try holding one before you spend the money. I don't think I am alone with my ergonomic complaint. I never felt that confident using it and so I sold it off.

On the other hand, I also have a Dragonfly Salt and I have to say, it is probably my favourite small locking folder. I have had my fair share, to be certain, but the Dragonfly just works very, very well for me. It fits my hand well, is lightweight and rust-proof and easy to find with its yellow handle scales. I'd pick the Dragonfly over the Leafstorm any day. Good luck with your decision.
 
somniloquist said:
I had a Leafstorm. I really wanted to like that knife, primarily because of its very cool design and jade green/ti handle combo. That said, I found the ergonomics to be totally off for me. If you have a chance, I strongly recommend you try holding one before you spend the money. I don't think I am alone with my ergonomic complaint. I never felt that confident using it and so I sold it off.

On the other hand, I also have a Dragonfly Salt and I have to say, it is probably my favourite small locking folder. I have had my fair share, to be certain, but the Dragonfly just works very, very well for me. It fits my hand well, is lightweight and rust-proof and easy to find with its yellow handle scales. I'd pick the Dragonfly over the Leafstorm any day. Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, I would definitely want to hold it but I'm not sure where I could find one to try out. The dragonfly definitely has great ergos, but my hands are small enough where I feel I may be able to be comfortable on the leafstorm too. I may just wait till I find a good deal on a leafstorm before I bite. Plus the dragonfly fits so well in my coin pocket, not sure how the thicker leafstorm will feel there.
 
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