SS or FRN Dragonfly - thoughts?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
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Hi all,

I've got a thing for the full flat-ground knives, and have owned an FRN SE Dragonfly in the past. I only sold the FRN version since I didn't like the serrated edge. I'm about to make some other purchases, and I am thinking about throwing one of these in with my order.

My only reservation is that I remember other SS knives being somewhat difficult to open, and I am thinking that this would be an even bigger problem with the SS Dragonfly due to the smaller handles.

At any rate - what say you? Which do you like better, and why?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
I have the SS Dragonfly, and it can be somewhat difficult to open one-handed if you're not holding it exactly right. I haven't handled the FRN version, so I can't attest as to whether that holds true for both or not.
 
I believe the Stainless ones have ATS-55 blades (I could be wrong) but if they do still come with ATS-55 or if they changed to VG-10 I'd def buy stainless. Also, the clip on it is thinner, the dragonfly is not a good knife to buy for one-handed open in either case, (but is a great gent's folder) for that I'd MUCH rather have a Delica or Calypso Jr.
 
As having both CE and PE in FRN and SS, I have no problem with opening and closing with either left or right hand. :)
 
I forgot that the SS version uses ATS-55, a steel that I do not have experience with. How does it compare to AUS-8?

Also, how do the scales hold up to pocket carry? Is the steel polished, or does it have a brushed finish to hide scratches and fingerprints?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
ATS-55 is one of my favorite steels. I have several knives (Spydies) in ATS-55 and I am very pleased the way they perform. I also have the equivalent in VG-10 or AUS-6 (when available), so I'm aware of the difference. Between ATS-55 and AUS-6 (or 8) I preffer by far ATS-55.
I don't have any problems in opening the Dragonfly one handed either.
The only "extra" thing I'd like at the SS Dragonfly would be a set of holes drilled in the handles for tip down carry (like at the SS Delica).
 
I have the SS model with the ATS-55 blade. It's my at-work knife. I have no difficulty whatsoever opening or closing it one-handed. I removed the clip for a lower profile deep pocket carry. The ATS-55 performs very well.
 
difficult choice. i think this is one choice you can only make yourself matthew, a matter of taste.

the frn might give you some better grip, but the plastic zytel also looks somewhat cheapish. the ss model looks classier, but the slippery steel would probably make this little knife even harder to open than it already is, its small 11mm round-hole doesn't help much either......

if i were you i'd choose both, that prob. won't cost you a fortune. might want to see if you can find a carbon fiber one though. i have one of those and it's easily the prettiest dragonfly. not sure if it came plain edged though.

ats55 is much much better than aus8, don't worry. in fact i'd say it's pretty close in quality to vg10.

now go shopping!

PS. agree on flat-grinds, gotta love 'em! :)
 
Thanks for all of the input. I always thought that the SS models were paired up with slightly inferior steel (as compared to the FRN version), but it looks like a few of you have different opinions!

My own thought: I've been carrying a SAK Soldier for both work and at home, and the knife has seen all kinds of work lately in home improvement. I've been laying down laminate wood floors in my house, and have used the Soldier to cut underlayment (with concrete underneath), trim molding, etc. My point is that the blade steel on the Soldier has held up fine, and I am sure that the SS Dragonfly has to at least be the equal of whatever Victorinox uses :)

Thanks for all of your help!

Matthew
 
been carrying my ss/pe 'fly since aug '01... 3yrs+ of abuse, 2yrs of neck carry.

love it. haven't had a problem opening it.
 
Starfish said:
Thanks for all of the input. I always thought that the SS models were paired up with slightly inferior steel (as compared to the FRN version), but it looks like a few of you have different opinions!
Click to expand...

I used to think that too because of the SS Endura and Delica; cheaper steel to offset the more expensive SS handles. However, the SS Dragonfly and SS Cricket come with better steel than the FRN version.
 
I am always a fan of Spydie's FRN, my vote would go for the FRN Dragonfly, too, IF, it has a metal clip. Don't like the molded clip on the dragonfly that much. The verdict: SS version wins this time. :)
 
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