Robin 2 to Dragonfly 2?

[10SBUM]

I currently EDC the Byrd Robin 2 and love everything about it...perfect size, sharp, great weight, good balance when using it, easy to open, great size opened and closed.

It seems like the Dragonfly 2 is the 'official' Spyderco version of the Robin 2....true?

Is it worth the $45 to move from the Robin 2 to the Dragonfly 2?

Is there another Spyderco knife that makes a great upgrade from the Robin 2 that's almost an identical size?

Thanks for any help.

10SBUM

[Ryno]

I've never held the Robin, but looking at Google images comparison to the DF, the Robin looks bulkier. The DF always amazes me because it's so light you can forget it's there, even when attached to a Polo shirt or in a shirt pocket. If the Robin is that light, there is probably little or no advantage.

[sal]

Hi 10SBUM,

The D'fly and the Robin were both designed to meet the design requirements of a general everyday carry in a particular blade size range. The price difference is more the result of countryof origin. (cheaper Chinese Yuan) The D'fly does use a better steel and is made by more experienced makers (Seki) so the quality is better.

sal

[abbazaba]

The DF2 is infinitely lighter. You should definitely pick one up. The standard VG10 version will be a decent upgrade from the 8Cr13MoV in edge retention. The ZDP-189 version has been called the ultimate EDC more than once. ZDP-189 cuts like a laser for a very long time.

[TomAiello]

ZDP dragonfly is well worth the price. One of my favorite Spydies, for sure. At lear until Sal brings us a Hawbill DF Salt. :)

[Ryno]

I keep my zdp df2 in my polo shirt collar everyday and can't feel it there. Holds an edge forever.

[dplafoll]

Better ergos, better weight, better steel, better build quality... what's not to love? The Robin is a great knife, and makes a great beater substitute or entry-level or backup. But the DF2 is a highly-refined design with excellent materials and build quality, and is totally worth the money.

[araneae]

Buy the D'fly. Robins are great, D'flies are greater.

[10SBUM]

Better ergos, better weight, better steel, better build quality... what's not to love?

I notice in your signature that you also own the Chaparral.

How does the Dragonfly compare to the Chaparral?

Thanks for the input!

10SBUM

[Nasgul]

I wanted to do the opposite, try the Black SS Robin 2 as I already have a fewwwwwwww Dragonfly's.
Dragonfly is my favorite Spyderco !!!!
Small package but a really good knife !

[dplafoll]

Better ergos, better weight, better steel, better build quality... what's not to love?

I notice in your signature that you also own the Chaparral.

How does the Dragonfly compare to the Chaparral?

Thanks for the input!

10SBUM

They are both absolutely fantastic as small EDC knives. The Chaparral is less a "working" knife, as it was intended as a gents folder, but mine is a user and it does plenty of work just fine. The DF2 is going to be better with gloves or in a wet situation, as the CF scales on the Chaparral can be a bit slick in comparison to the patterned FRN. The DF2 blade is also a bit more sturdy. Ergos are spot on for both of them, and it would be very hard for me to pick between them if I were forced to do so. I'd probably lean towards my DF2 in HAP-40, but I think I'd rather have the Chaparral in CTS-XHP more than the DF2 in ZDP-189 or VG-10. They're all excellent steels, but XHP has been really good at attaining and keeping a really nice edge, and then being sharpener-friendly unlike the ZDP-189. And while VG-10 is still a good steel, I definitely prefer the XHP.
Personally, I'd stay away from the expensive versions of the Chaparral, unless you just really want them for the aesthetics. Otherwise you're only gaining weight.

[abbazaba]

The Chaparral is a crowd favorite for sure, and in my pocket more than any other. In many ways, it fills the same role as a DF2 for me, but as a bigger classier knife. That said, I own one Chap and several DF2s. You won't regret purchasing either.

[10SBUM]

They are both absolutely fantastic as small EDC knives. The Chaparral is less a "working" knife, as it was intended as a gents folder, but mine is a user and it does plenty of work just fine. The DF2 is going to be better with gloves or in a wet situation, as the CF scales on the Chaparral can be a bit slick in comparison to the patterned FRN. The DF2 blade is also a bit more sturdy. Ergos are spot on for both of them, and it would be very hard for me to pick between them if I were forced to do so. I'd probably lean towards my DF2 in HAP-40, but I think I'd rather have the Chaparral in CTS-XHP more than the DF2 in ZDP-189 or VG-10. They're all excellent steels, but XHP has been really good at attaining and keeping a really nice edge, and then being sharpener-friendly unlike the ZDP-189. And while VG-10 is still a good steel, I definitely prefer the XHP.
Personally, I'd stay away from the expensive versions of the Chaparral, unless you just really want them for the aesthetics. Otherwise you're only gaining weight.

Thanks for the input.

So many choices (blades, styles, and prices) when it comes to the Dragonfly: FRN VG10 Orange ($50), FRN VG10 Black ($44), FRN Salt VG10 Yellow ($57), Stainless VG10 ($60), FRN ZDP189 Green ($75), FRN Foliage Green G10 VG10 ($85).

From a price stand point I obviously like the $44 model, love the looks of the orange model (favorite color, not sure if I want orange for an EDC, especially when I don't want my knife seen at all when I'm at work), and I don't really like the green but it seems the ZDP189 would be a nice blade upgrade. Tough call!

If I went with the FRN VG10 Black, would I be able to tell a good bit of difference between it and my Bryd Robin II?

Thanks again for everyone's help!

10SBUM

[dplafoll]

DF2 vs Robin2:
DF2 is an ounce lighter, if you get an FRN version. The G-10 DF2 is only .2oz lighter. The DF2 is smaller in dimensions as well, but has the same cutting edge. I haven't handled the Robin, but the DF2's ergos are just about perfect for me. 8CR13MOV isn't awful, but VG-10 is a good bit better.
The only thing the Robin2 might give you that the DF2 doesn't is the 4-way clip, and the cost savings. I don't think the money's worth it, but if you just have to have tip-down carry you'll need the Robin.
And I'm only saying this to be sure we're on the same page: the last DF2 you mentioned says "FRN Foliage Green G10 VG10 ($85)"; that one's handles are all-G10, no FRN present. That plus the liners makes that one heavier, but certainly not heavy. Personally, unless you just really like the looks or the feeling in-hand, I'd opt for a cheaper FRN version.

[weaponwh]

problem with zdp189 is its lower corrosion resistance, which is why a lot ppl prefer vg10/8cr steel. also it just take few stroke to sharp these steel vs long time on zdp189

[abbazaba]

Thanks for the input.

So many choices (blades, styles, and prices) when it comes to the Dragonfly: FRN VG10 Orange ($50), FRN VG10 Black ($44), FRN Salt VG10 Yellow ($57), Stainless VG10 ($60), FRN ZDP189 Green ($75), FRN Foliage Green G10 VG10 ($85).

From a price stand point I obviously like the $44 model, love the looks of the orange model (favorite color, not sure if I want orange for an EDC, especially when I don't want my knife seen at all when I'm at work), and I don't really like the green but it seems the ZDP189 would be a nice blade upgrade. Tough call!

If I went with the FRN VG10 Black, would I be able to tell a good bit of difference between it and my Bryd Robin II?

Thanks again for everyone's help!

10SBUM

I'd spurge for the orange. It's actually less threatening somehow in safety orange than even the black. And if its your favorite color, you might like it more!

The ZDP green is VERY dark, and tasteful IMO.

ZDP189 Dark Green, HAP40 Orange, H1 Yellow, VG10 Orange

Didnt realize I had four until just now :eek:

[10SBUM]

I'd spurge for the orange. It's actually less threatening somehow in safety orange than even the black. And if its your favorite color, you might like it more!

The ZDP green is VERY dark, and tasteful IMO.

ZDP189 Dark Green, HAP40 Orange, H1 Yellow, VG10 Orange

Didnt realize I had four until just now :eek:

I appreciate the info as well as the pics!!!

Is there more than one model of the FRN VG10 Orange? The one I see on a website looks really pale compared to the one in your pic.

Thanks again to everyone!

10SBUM

[abbazaba]

No, its the same orange if it's the VG10 model. It's very much a safety orange.

[Sharp Guy]

This is a Delica but maybe this pic shows the orange a little better. It looks much brighter when I view it on my phone vs. my PC