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Spyderco's small knives

Z

Zeppelin

Joined
Oct 5, 2003
Messages
153
I lost my Spyderco the other day. I had a delica with the discontinued polymer/carbon-fiber handle. I was leery of Spyderco's at first until a guy sold me this one at a gun show a few years ago for $30.00. It was well worth it, and now that it's gone and that model is discontinued, I'm probably going to buy another Delica with the steel handle soon.

Since I was looking at what was available, I saw some really odd and neat looking little knives like the cricket, navigator, and dodo. Are any of these little fellows really capable of doing or are the blades too small for practical purposes? What about ergonomics? Can you hold the handle without fear of your hand getting over the blade? I'm considering getting one of the above mentioned Spyderco knives as a stable mate to my Delica. I'd appreciate your opinions. Thanks
 
Looking fer sumpin a little smaller? Check out the Dragonfly. The Delica has a 3" blade. The fly has a 2 5/16" blade. Not as good steel though. If it was me, I'd get the S30V Native. Same blade length, better steel, and GREAT ergonomics. You'll never worry about your hand slipping up on this one. Careful, it might just become your new favorite.Let us know what ya get.
 
I am very happy with my Salsa.
Also, the Calypso jr. Kicks serious ass,
both flat ground.
 
Hi Zep
Welcome to the forum. Of the knives you mention I own a Navigator and a stainless cricket. They're both excellent little knives. The Navigator in particular fits my hand very well although I've been carrying the Cricket more lately just because its such a nice little piece. Both models feature VG-10 steel and are extremely sharp. I don't think you'd go wrong with either. If you can, try to handle them and see which suits you best. Slices is right about the Native too though it's a bit bigger than the models you mentioned. Hope you find the right knife for you.
Phil
 
I've owned a couple of Navigators and they are excellent knives. You may also want to look at the Co-Pilot. New Graham Knives has them for sale in their Discontinued Spyderco section. Don't worry about the ergonomics of the small Spydies or any other Spydie for that matter. Sal and his folks put a great deal of thought into ergos which is obvious as soon as you take any of their products in hand.
 
The crickit should be coming back soon for another passaround.

The Dodo will be back afetr a few more people as well. If you want to wait you could probably get in on the passarounds. (US Addresses)

You could try the native as well.
 
There isn't a bad knife among the small Spydercos.


And, let me tell you, it is not possible to stick with only one. You will buy one, and then thing about the next one, and before you know it, you will have them all.

It started for me many years ago with a Co-Pilot. Then it was an Executive, then a Pegasus, a Calypso jr, a Military, and maybe another 15 more (I'm not counting any more!)

You will see that it will happen to you, too!
 
I appreciate all the information. I can only afford one knife right now, so it'll definately have to be another Delica. I loved the one I had too much not to get another one. As for later, I'm stuck between a Cricket, a Navigator, or a Meerkat, but that "hidden lock" on the Meerkat kind of spooks me. Also, thanks for letting me in on that New Graham place. I usually buy knives from Smokey Mountain Knife Works, and this place seems a little cheeper.

I'd love to be on that passaround for the dodo. If you'll tell me where to put my address, and ya'll trust me enough, I'd be glad to play with it for a couple of days. They're a little too high for me to buy one, but it still looks like something interesting to mess with for a little while when it doesn't cost me anything but shipping. Thanks again.
 
Hey Zepp, forgot to say welcome earlier so welcome to BFC. Don't be spooked by the lock on the Meerkat, it's actually quite easy to use.
 
Of all of Spyderco's small knives, I think that the Salsa is probably the best for general use, although I must admit that the Kiwi that I just got has much going for it. Some would say that the Li'l Temperance is a better small knife than the Salsa and the Kiwi, and it IS a better knife, but I don't really think of it as being in the same "small" class as the others, mostly because of its large hilt.
 
Can't go wrong with the SS Dragon Fly or a Micarta Calypso, both knives are designed to provide secure retention in multiple grip styles.
 
Just got a ss dragonfly about a month ago. Very good knife, ergonomics are great, good steel. Came from spyderland SHARP. Wish the clip was tip down like my co-pilot, which is another great knife. These small knives can cut way above their size would indicate. Great pieces, all of them.
 
i have a 10+ year old dragonfly, FRN, with G-2 steel. i have never seen a folding knife survive more abuse than that one has. still locks up well, though i'm considering sending it back just to pretty up the rather scratched up blade again.
 
Originally posted by Zeppelin


.......

stuck between a Cricket, a Navigator, or a Meerkat, but that "hidden lock" on the Meerkat kind of spooks me. Also, thanks for letting me in on that New Graham place.

.......
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Don't be too put off by the Meerkat's lock mechanism. It works OK once you get used to it. My main complaint with it is that it's designed for right handed people and for lefties like me it's a bit fiddly but other than that the Meerkat is a great little knife. My first Spyderco but it won't be my last.
 
If you are looking for an all around utility knife that will cut anything, fantastic ergonomics, a monster front finger choil, G-10 scales, high-end steel with exotic grind -- live on the edge and try the Dodo. The Dodo likes a big hand and is ahead of its time in design and functionality.
 
Originally posted by bell
If you are looking for an all around utility knife that will cut anything, fantastic ergonomics, a monster front finger choil, G-10 scales, high-end steel with exotic grind -- live on the edge and try the Dodo. The Dodo likes a big hand and is ahead of its time in design and functionality.
Click to expand...

I can't comment on the Dodo, never seen one in the flesh, but your comment about had size is certainly relevant. I have relatively small hands so smaller knives work just fine for me but I can see how somebody with a big hand could have problems with knives that I find perfectly comfortable. I think all questions of what makes the "perfect" knife need to consider the size of the person using them.
 
Also consider the Kiwi and original Mouse, if you can find one.

Or, since you already have a 3" blade, try a keychain-sized Jester or LadyBug/Ladybug II. The Ladybug II is discontinued, but you can find it on closeout several places. The serrated sheepsfoot blade complements a larger plain edge blade nicely.
 
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