Small & lightweight EDC? (BM 530 or Dragonfly?)

Indoril

Indoril

Joined
May 27, 2013
Messages
130
After having lost my 5th SOG Flash, which was my EDC knife model of choice for the past 6 years, I want something a little different and maybe higher quality.

Mandatory reqs:
  • 2 ounces or less
  • 2.25 - 3 inch blade (slightly over is OK)
  • locking blade
  • Tip up carry
  • Slim, non-bulky & easy to carry profile (sadly the mini-grip is disqualified for this reason)
  • Under $100

Preferred reqs:
  • Deep carry pocket clip
  • Not a liner lock (disqualifies many kershaws)
  • Under $50

Right now I'm going back and forth between the BM 530 and the Spyderco Dragonfly. The 530 was a knife I've always wanted, but I'm afraid it might be "too scary" for carry, since it has an almost dagger/switchblade like look, and unfortunately the place I live is not knife friendly (even if it is legal to carry). However in the end it might just be worth carrying anyway, soccer-moms be damned. I've heard good things about the Dragonfly, but, having never owned a Spyderco before, I'm skeptical of the design and ergos. I would have to handle it before committing. If both options turn out to not be viable I may just go back to the good ol' Flash.

Opinions? Also feel free to suggest any options I may have missed.

For reference:

530_dragonfly.jpg
 
In my experience, as long as your knife stays in your pocket and is used quickly and then returned to your pocket, no one really notices or cares that you have a knife.

Spydercos are great knives and they make many light weight models that feel nice in your hand. I'd check out their catalog. Also I carry my mini grip in gym sorts all the time and it works quite well for me.
 
If your worried about that spearpoint grind on the 530(and trust me, youre not the only one) check out the new benchmade 531. It sports more of a ffg drop point blade that makes it appear less "stabby".
 
Wow, what's the world coming to when the 530 is considered "scary"? That's a new one to me. Have you considered an old Barlow folder?
 
jla3156 said:
Spydercos are great knives and they make many light weight models that feel nice in your hand. I'd check out their catalog.
Click to expand...
After having perused their catalog I can say with certainty that I like the Dragonfly the best

Stoney26 said:
If your worried about that spearpoint grind on the 530(and trust me, youre not the only one) check out the new benchmade 531. It sports more of a ffg drop point blade that makes it appear less "stabby".
Click to expand...
Wow, thanks for the tip. I didn't think the 530 could be much better looking but that 531 is something else. I may have to get that purely for cool factor, even if it's not for EDC. Anyone know when it will be available?

rajincagin said:
Wow, what's the world coming to when the 530 is considered "scary"?
Click to expand...
Honestly I don't know for a fact that it's scary, I'm sort of just making that assumption. I don't truly know how "sheeple" think. I could be acting overly cautious
 
Indoril said:
After having lost my 5th SOG Flash, which was my EDC knife model of choice for the past 6 years, I want something a little different and maybe higher quality.

Mandatory reqs:
  • 2 ounces or less
  • 2.25 - 3 inch blade (slightly over is OK)
  • locking blade
  • Tip up carry
  • Slim, non-bulky & easy to carry profile (sadly the mini-grip is disqualified for this reason)
  • Under $100

Preferred reqs:
  • Deep carry pocket clip
  • Not a liner lock (disqualifies many kershaws)
  • Under $50

Right now I'm going back and forth between the BM 530 and the Spyderco Dragonfly. The 530 was a knife I've always wanted, but I'm afraid it might be "too scary" for carry, since it has an almost dagger/switchblade like look, and unfortunately the place I live is not knife friendly (even if it is legal to carry). However in the end it might just be worth carrying anyway, soccer-moms be damned. I've heard good things about the Dragonfly, but, having never owned a Spyderco before, I'm skeptical of the design and ergos. I would have to handle it before committing. If both options turn out to not be viable I may just go back to the good ol' Flash.

Opinions? Also feel free to suggest any options I may have missed.
]
Click to expand...

I've carried a stainless Dragonfly as my EDC for over six years, and the ergos are the best of any knife I've ever owned. It is also small enough that it doesn't frighten non-knife types. The flat ground blade also slices nicely, which IME is what most EDC's get used for. I sold flooring for over 16 years, and even the little old ladies never had a problem when I whipped out my Dragonfly to cut samples.

The stainless version costs a bit more than your minimal budget (It's about $70) and is a bit heavier, but IMO those disadvantages are countered by its less "tactical" look and increased sturdiness. If you don't want to break your max budget the FRN-handled version should still be a great EDC for you.

I love knives (obviously), but even I consider that BM to be a bit tactical looking. "Civilians" in a non-knife-friendly town are even more likely to do so.
 
Another incredibly valued dragonfly option to be considered would be the dragonfly in British racing green with a ZDP-189 steel blade. It can easily be had for under $100.
 
The 530 with it's spear point could put some people on high alert. In most any person's hands who is very angry and pumped on adrenaline it can do some serious damage. That said I'm starting to think that I'm just an el cheapo. I've been going back and forth on a ZT566 and a Sage 2 for about a month now and as great as those knives are. I find myself almost knowing that I enjoy carrying a Delica more that those two knives. That said I would try the Dragonfly or a Skyline for sure!
 
I own both, and of the two I prefer the Dragonfly. To he fair, I usually pair it with another knife and I've removed the clip and just carry it loose in a pocket, but it's a fantastic little big knife.

You may also want to look at the Al Mar Ultralight Hawk. It's just under your $100 budget and it's an exceptional little knife.
 
I love my Nishijin-ZDP Dragonfly, It is a small knife and if you have very large hands 2 hand open might be easier than 1 (I have very small hands) Ergonomics are excellent and it holds in hand like a much bigger knife than it is thanks to the choil.
 
I love the 530. I dont think there is an easier to carry/use knife for the size. The axis lock really excels in a thin knife.
I have carried one off and on for the past 5 or so years as my go-to light knife for things like hiking, sports, or when i just dont want a big heavy thing in my pocket. I ground the "pommel" to be rounded in my palm and found that made the knife significantly more comfortable to hold. It is very fast to open and close and the blade is long enough for most tasks.

I have a chaparral as well and it is very pretty and ergonomic but the blade is too short for most food use--and the dragonfly is even smaller. Like you (OP) i always liked the aesthetics of the 530 and was not disappointed when i got it. Soccer moms be damned!
 
Dragonfly is great. It has great ergos for it's size due to choil. If you can save a little more, get the G10 version.
 
William Henry E6

Might not meet your cost option but slays the other two in every other category.
 
For an EDC, I'd go with the 530 over the Dragonfly unless you have super small hands. But I'd take a mini-grip in your flavor of blade shape/material and color over either. It's about the perfect non-threatening EDC, outside of a traditional. If thinking Dragonfly, maybe step up to the Delica.
 
the dragonfly is great with the choil it feels like its a lot larger. i lost mine a few months back. i hate buying the same knife twice and i "thought" i would like a bigger knife so i went with a spyderco persistence i got it yesterday and im selling it to save up for another dragonfly or chaparrel. i owned the spyderco for over a year and never had a moment where i needed a bigger knife.
 
I'd probably recommend the dragonfly too if size and weight are really important. Plus its going to be a lot cheaper than any Benchmade.
 
I have the 530 as well as a g10 and FRN d'fly. I love how thin and lightweight the 530 is but prefer my g10 d'fly due to egos
And superior blade shape (my opinion). I find that the blade is much better for my edc tasks. I prefer the g10 fly for its steel liners. I'm sure the FRN can hold up to the task but I like the added weight and durability I get from the g10 and steel liners.

I will say that in the 5 or so years of owning a 530 no one has ever been shocked or scared when I pull it out. But then again I am tidally discreet
 
You might consider this, although no clip but it's so light it disappears in your pocket.

It's from the Boker Plus Elegance line. Carbon fiber , button lock and a titanium frame.
Looks like a million , costs around $60.



 
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