Small Spydies. Which one, and why?

[DRK]

I also carry a salt dragonfly 2 but this is probably my favorite LBK

 

[RamZar]

ManBug VG-10 or H-1 with FRN are ideal on the keychain due to lightweight. I'm able to hold it better than LadyBug. Both steels offer great corrossion resistance unlike the ZDP models. Dragonfly Salt is great for shorts when exercising or the at the beach. Very lightweight, a more substantial grip and the necessary H-1.

 

[pwest]

I looked at a bunch of the small Spydercos at the blade show this year and much preferred the Lava over the other offerings. It has a usable handle, SS liners, a lock back style locking mechanism, nice G10 scales and a blade that's < 2".

-Phil

 

[powernoodle]

I bought [the] Cat instead.

Yeah, that's my favorite of this genre too. It is small enough to disappear in the pocket, especially with the deep, wire clip, but has enough blade for just about any EDC task. And the price is right.

 

[DocT]

Hi Manowar,

I'm going to try to steer your thinking. Blades are for cutting, handles are for holding. While the cutting edge between the man/Lady bugs and the D'fly might be similar, the purchase available with the D'fly is much more substantial. Lady/Man bugs are a way to carry a cutting edge in a very small package, but while a sturdy grip is possible on the smaller models, the larger handle of the D'fly is greater.

I carry a Manbug regularly, along with a larger knife for bigger tasks which are easier to perform with the larger handle. Just some thoughts to share.

sal

I have the Manbug G10 and it does see pocket time. It looks like a modern take on a traditional knife. But I normally only want one pocket knife for all of my usual daily tasks. I most often carry a Dragonfly G10 (and a Nishijin on Sunday). This knife is simply the most perfectly designed pocket knife I have ever encountered. The handle is good enough for even my large hands and the blade adequate for most tasks. A good plus is that if, in the doubtful occurrence, the lock should ever fail, the sharp blade will not connect with my precious fingers. I do not really need a bigger knife for daily tasks, but if I do, I am in love with the Delica 4 FFG.
So, the point of this rambling is that, based on my experience, the Dragonfly would be a better all around choice. My wife loved mine so much that she took one from me and I had to order another one.

 

[DocT]

Yeah, that's my favorite of this genre too. It is small enough to disappear in the pocket, especially with the deep, wire clip, but has enough blade for just about any EDC task. And the price is right.

I forgot to mention that I sometimes pocket my Cat instead. It is a really ideally sized knife for general duty. It will never replace my DF, but it gets a lot of pocket time, depending on what I am doing on that particular day. Great knife (now...if only it had slightly better steel and a compression lock).

 

[gooeytek]

In order of preference: Air, Cat, Dragonfly.

 

[Lee48]

I have a Cat but it's taking me a while to really get into it. It's a replacement from Spyderco for one that had problems with lockup. The Cat size is right for me but every time I reach for it, the Dragonfly jumps out and ends up in my hand and then in my pocket.

 

[neffarious]

Chaparral is my choice. I just for rid of my dfly because i always carried the Chap instead when i wanted that size knife. the Kiwi 4 fits the bill too.

 

[hom76]

The Air is small and light with very good steel!

 

[shuutr]

I'll echo Sal and say the dragonfly is the best balance of grip and small package. I have two, the G10 and the Salt. Both are great to use for decent cutting tasks. I can't say that for my ladybug, which I would say is not comfortable for breaking down boxes or opening packages without a grip extension of some sort.

 

[lazy otter]

Leafstorm and dragonfly....and if it counts the smallfly....love them all!

 

[deskil]

Notalotta love for the Cricket ?

 

[blades&wrenches]

Chaparral, not too big, not too small. Excellent materials and F&F.

 

[gen11]

A small spydie is next on my list as well. These are some great options.

 

[RayseM]

A small spydie is next on my list as well. These are some great options.

Yes and I thank you folks for all the photos (Rasco - and others) - very enlightening (or is that enlitening?)

 

[MatthewSB]

Spyderco makes the best small knives.

I can't believe no one mentioned the Lava yet! It's the only sub 2" bladed folder I've ever handled that affords a full 5 finger grip for excellent control. They're available with G10, something many of us had been waiting years for. Mine came blue, but I 'fixed' it:

 

[jazzz]

Manbug all the way. If you put a wee fob on it, it extends the handle just right for using and opening. It's a solid knife - very capable. Here's a gif to either annoy you or for you to see what I'm saying...



You can't go wrong with a Dfly either, but man, I love the Manbugs.

 

[rexromic]

:thumbup:

 

[Tdhurl1103]

My Persistence, with its under 3 inch blade and G10 scales has been my suit knife for the last month. Love it, but I'm also liking the Cat. Might pick on up soon, who knows.