Small Spydercos

M

Marc123

Joined
Feb 4, 2002
Messages
482
I am looking to purchase a new Spyderco, but I am looking at their smaller models with a blade length of less than three inches. I know there are several models but I can't seem to determine what makes the coplilot better than the navigator or the dragonfly, etc. This knife will probably replace my delica as an EDC from time to time. Please let me know what you think is the best Spyderco with a less than three inch blade. Thanks.
 
I reckon the Ti Salsa is the best sub3 Spyderco out there. Rock solid, great quality, great steel, full flat grind....slices like crazy.

But....it's surprisingly big. It dwarfs the Navigator, Mouse, Cricket etc.

Of the smaller Spydies I tend to carry the Mouse most (mainly, I admit because I like it's looks), then the Navigator and the Cricket. All are really good.

Get them all :)
 
Thanks, the Salsa is a little too big for what I'm looking for. I am leaning towards the navigator, but what about the dyad jr. Too many choices too few pockets.
 
What about a SS Dragonfly?? The Mouse is a good choice also. Good luck with your search.
:)


Blades
 
I've used my SS Dragonfly for the last yr... bought on Aug 20, 2001... used it on boxes till Nov 16th, and it's cut most things easily.

I have ended up with a convex grind(lot of work with the whites from spyderco, and lots of patience), and love it. I steel about every couple weeks, and strop every few days of use, haven't touched a stone for 6 weeks. I used it for 2 months this summer without so much as a stone, and it needed the stones when I got back.

I'm shipping mine off this week to Normark, to get a rig built for it. Getting a keychain rig, but a bit tighter, and wearing as a neck rig. Only gonna cost me about $15 from him, and shipping to get to him.

The Spyderco Dragonfly is the best choices in the sub 3" range. I bought it because it has a secure grip(even with SS), the weight is there for such a small model(I've had my Millie for about 1.5months, everything is small now), and the ATS-55 holds a sweet edge(at least with convex).

You will not be dissapointed.
 
Of Spyderco's truly little knives, I like the MeerKat best. It is very light, almost invisible in your pocket, somehow fits larger hands, and has a very effective lock once you learn its trick. The 440C steel is not my favorite, but it works ok for the price of $35.79 + shipping at Bayou LaFourche http://www.knifeworks.com/ down in Louisiana. Another vary nice and very light small knife is the Cricket, but I am not as fond of the blade shape.
 
I'd also vote for the Dragonfly, as it's a great little Spydie, but for the "best of both worlds" (serrated AND plain-edge blades), the Dyad, Jr. would be an excellent choice. There is also the Pro-Grip to take a look at, as it's also an excellent little folder that can be had in either FRN or stainless/kraton scales.
 
I have both a Navigator and Dyad Jr. The blade on the Navigator is stouter than either on the Dyad Jr. The plain edge blade on the Dyad Jr. is very thin and has a great point. The Navigator is more comfortable in the hand but the edge on the back of the blade can make it uncomfortable to put your hand into your pocket if you have tight pockets. I carry the Navigator to work because if I am going to carry a small knife I want it to be stout. I carry the Dyad Jr. when I have to dress and the black clip blends better with dark slacks.
 
You seem to be leaning towards a little less money but for a little more the Kiwi seems like a class act.

I have one coming tomorrow and can let you know what I think once it gets here if you'd like.

Also, the Dyad is a neat little knife, you may be able to find one used in Micarta for what you'd pay for a new FRN one.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'm going to get the navigator this month and the dyad jr. next month. As for the kiwi, I am hoping Santa will bring it for me this coming Christmas.
 
Marc123,

Just wondering why you initially wanted to change from the delica ? I just got my first one you see and you got me thinking :) Did it let you down or do you just wanna change ? I suspect the latter but I had to ask :D

Tardis
 
Tardis:

I love my Delica. It has been the perfect EDC for me. I just have the "need" for a new toy/knife/gadget. Spyderco products have never let me down so I will be purchasing another. I doubt this new knife will replace my Delica as my EDC it will probably accompany it. I think my next purchase should be a pair of pants with more pockets. Thanks again for the feedback.
 
If the Salsa is too big for him, then he wants a truly small Spydie. A Delica, no matter how light, is still a bigger knife than a Salsa.
 
Hey 123 is as high as I can count.

I checked out the Meerkat, Cricket and Dyad Jr. at a local camping store. I liked all three, but I really liked the Dyad Jr. but it was twice as much as the SMKW's price. I think I will search around for one with one with a micarta handle. You should have seen the sales clerks trying to close the Meerkat. After a few minutes of them cursing and me quietly laughing, I showed them how to work the phantom lock. In the end I wound up ordering a Navigator but my "to buy" list just grew.
 
You could also consider the Calypso jr. An excellent knife. Though a discontinued model, it can still be found on Ebay.
If you are fond of the Delica shape, try the Standard. Slightly smaller than the Delica, G-10 scales, great knife!
 
Hey Dialex, you the same guy from the spyderco forums?Oh and welcome to the forums. If you are the same guy, what took you so long to get onto this forum??
 
Of the ones you mentioned, the Dragonfly is the best executed design, IMO. The flat ground SS blade is terrific cutter. I am not too fond of hollow-ground blades this small.

The Kiwi is a fabulous knife - but if you have larger hands, it is best opened with the Spyderdrop rather than a direct opening. The handle clearly designed for this. The overall weight of the knife is low enough that it shouldn't have too deleterious an effect on the stop pin, IMHO.
 
There are still G-10 Navigators to be found from time to time.
Can't say enough good things about that knife. Excellent small EDC.
 
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