Small Spyderco's (Ladybug, Manbug, Dragonfly)

[DAVE_M]

I've come to the conclusion that my Benchmade Griptilian is the perfect EDC knife.
However, I'd prefer something smaller for the office and when I'm bumming around in gym shorts.

I did get to fondle a few Spyderco knives over the weekend (with my opinion of each):
G10 Manbug - Super small, but has enough weight that I won't forget it's in my pocket.
FRN Manbug - Super small and too light, I would forget it in my pocket easily.
FRN Delica - Small and thin. The FRN handles weren't bad, but the action was not smooth.
FRN Endura - Good EDC size, but the handles and action were the same as the Delica.
Carbon Fiber Chapparal - Slightly larger than I'm looking for, but I liked the overall size and ability to get a full grip. The carbon fiber looked great, but had a strange texture to it. I'm assuming it was intentional from the factory.

They didn't have any Dragonfly's in stock, but I'd really like to see one in person. How much smaller is one compared to the Chapparal?

Also, I'm thinking about picking up a Ladybug or Manbug as a keychain/letter opener type knife. Which is the better of the two?

 

[Zippofanatic]

I would assume that if the chaparral is larger than your looking for then the delica and endura are out. The dragonfly is one of my all time favorites though! I have had the g10 version and the h1 salt version. It is smaller than the chaparral by almost an inch but it is still a very capable small edc knife. If you got a dragonfly you would not regret it.

As for the manbug vs the ladybug I can't really comment because I only have a ladybug but it is a fantastic knife!
Good luck with your decision!

 

[Barman1]

G-10 Jester.

 

[DAVE_M]

I would assume that if the chaparral is larger than your looking for then the delica and endura are out. The dragonfly is one of my all time favorites though! I have had the g10 version and the h1 salt version. It is smaller than the chaparral by almost an inch but it is still a very capable small edc knife. If you got a dragonfly you would not regret it.

As for the manbug vs the ladybug I can't really comment because I only have a ladybug but it is a fantastic knife!
Good luck with your decision!

I ruled out the Endura and Delica based on total length. I have plenty of 3" to 4"+ folders in my collection, but not many short folders. To put it in perspective, my DPx Hest is my shortest folder.

 

[Sparki]

What about a cat? If you look hard you can find a S30V/CF one.

 

[Handwrecker]

I would go with a Ladybug for your keychain and a Dragonfly for your pocket. I had a Ladybug for 3-4 years, and that thing was way tougher and more useful than I ever expected. I use my Dragonfly heavily at work too and really like it. I have large hands and it feels great to me.

Biggest secret to either of those small knives is to get the serrated version. Those SE edges make the tiny blades kick ass.

 

[Surfingringo]

IMHO, the dragonfly is about the smallest knife I have owned that I could still get a full comfortable grip on. It is an excellent design ergonomically, but having said that, I probably like the chaparral even more. I don't have the two with me but I would assume they are pretty similar in size, though the dfly is probably a bit smaller.

 

[XxdrpxX]

Get the dragonfly in h1. Especially if you are going to work out. Being that your sweat won't rust the knife at all. I either carry the dragonfly h1 or a titanium necker for working out.

 

[DAVE_M]

IMHO, the dragonfly is about the smallest knife I have owned that I could still get a full comfortable grip on. It is an excellent design ergonomically, but having said that, I probably like the chaparral even more. I don't have the two with me but I would assume they are pretty similar in size, though the dfly is probably a bit smaller.

I'm looking at comparison pictures and the Chapparal is not that much larger than a Dragonfly. Of the two, I would lean toward the Chapparal, solely based on the carbon fiber and the slightly larger size. It's either I go for an EDC size or a super small folder, it may seem.

 

[Surfingringo]

I'm looking at comparison pictures and the Chapparal is not that much larger than a Dragonfly. Of the two, I would lean toward the Chapparal, solely based on the carbon fiber and the slightly larger size. It's either I go for an EDC size or a super small folder, it may seem.

Up to you. They are both great, but I will second the opinion of others. If you go dragonfly, have a look at the serrated H1 version. Super tough, lightweight, spydercos serrations make even a small knife a hell of a cutter and on top of all the other benefits of the salt knives, h1 serrated has excellent edge retention. (Unlike its pe counterpart). So in short, if I were you I would get one of the exact two knives in that photo. Personally, I'd probably go se dfly salt just to add something different to the collection. Variety is the spice of life.

 

[Mr Krieg]

dragonfly all the way, im not a fan of serations so i would plain edge, but thats up to you, either way you can never go wrong with the dragonfly

 

[Brules1]

Definitely the Dragonfly.. I have several and they are my favorite small EDC knife. More useable than the Manbug or Ladybug.

 

[SpydrMan]

Dragon Fly for sure. I have a plain edge VG10/FRN version. Super light, excellent clip, and great ergos for such a small knife.

 

[mostho]

Dragonfly for sure. VG-10 or ZDP better. Plain.
Close to the perfect EDC in your denim watch pocket.

Cheers.

 

[lazy otter]

I got a dragonfly on a whim and wow it was worth it super light but has handled every task I've asked of it