I’m currently borrowing/sharpening my grandfather’s Ladybug 1 he’s had since 1997. After using it for a few days I’m really seeing the utility such a small knife presents (especially as a complimentary blade) and I’m now looking for something similar. Here’s his, because pictures spice up a thread:
I really like the thin tip, and that it resembles a mini Endura. The handle fits my hand very well too. I’m aware that the modern ladybugs have a somewhat different form factor; I’m interested in what those of you who have been around longer than I have to say about the changes.
Right now I’m eyeing the K390 Ladybug, but I’m curious to hear your recommendations. Steel, FFG vs saber, manbug? I don’t think I would go for the hawkbill salt as I already have that blade shape and steel. Heck, I’m not even set on the ladybug as a model; if you have a recommendation that’s similar in price and size shout it out—I’m all ears!
Tenacious G10 PE, Tasman Salt 2 PE, Tasman Salt 2 SE, Yojimbo 2, KJ Endura 4 D.P.S. 15 VG-10, LadyBug K390, TKJ Jester 20CV, UKPK Salt, Crucarta PM2, 204 Sharpmaker
The k390 Ladybug is the peak Ladybug... Get you one! Ffg, tool steel, bidirectional texture frn, torx screw construction. If frn isnt your thing get the hap40 Pakkawood exclusive from knifecenter.
The k390 Ladybug is the peak Ladybug... Get you one! Ffg, tool steel, bidirectional texture frn, torx screw construction. If frn isnt your thing get the hap40 Pakkawood exclusive from knifecenter.
I agree ffg k390 is a great choice in the ladybug. The bugs are great knives. For the size, they sure cut a lot. Very handy and no one thinks twice when used in public.
+1 for K390 Ladybug! If the LB fits your hand well, the Manbug is not an upgrade for you IMO. The Dragonfly2 is worth checking out if you have not... It adds a lot of capability at about double the size, while remaining very small.
That's a great looking classic LB in red, BTW! Here is some more LB "spice" for the thread:
I also like the idea of the K390, however, the Salt version in H1 will never rust, ever. You can get it in fully serrated and the edge on the serrated will last a long time.
I Pray Heaven to Bestow The Best of Blessing on THIS HOUSE, and on ALL that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof! (John Adams regarding the White House)
Follow the Christ, the King,
Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
Else, wherefore born?" (Tennyson)
my first knife was an early '90s ladybug. the ergos are even better on the newer models, so if you like the older model, you'll like the new model even more.
as far as which model to choose, everyone is making good suggestions. personally, i went with the hawkbill salt because i wanted something different from my main edc knife. if you don't like the hawkbill design, i'd still recommend the serrated salt. clearly everyone doesn't feel this way, but a small backup knife is not something i want to have to worry about maintaining. i just want it to always be there and ready to go without much thought. that's where the salt series excels.
another great option is the dragonfly salt. it's not much bigger than the ladybug, but adds a pocket clip and a full grip.
my first knife was an early '90s ladybug. the ergos are even better on the newer models, so if you like the older model, you'll like the new model even more.
as far as which model to choose, everyone is making good suggestions. personally, i went with the hawkbill salt because i wanted something different from my main edc knife. if you don't like the hawkbill design, i'd still recommend the serrated salt. clearly everyone doesn't feel this way, but a small backup knife is not something i want to have to worry about maintaining. i just want it to always be there and ready to go without much thought. that's where the salt series excels.
another great option is the dragonfly salt. it's not much bigger than the ladybug, but adds a pocket clip and a full grip.
i'll add some pictures in a bit...
I absolutely agree, as I said above. The serrated edge Ladybug Salt is the one to have as it cuts and doesn't rust.
I Pray Heaven to Bestow The Best of Blessing on THIS HOUSE, and on ALL that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof! (John Adams regarding the White House)
Follow the Christ, the King,
Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
Else, wherefore born?" (Tennyson)
Thanks for the replies so far! I’m still considering K390, but in terms of utility/performance would it be worth holding out for a Lc200n ffg serrated ladybug?
Tenacious G10 PE, Tasman Salt 2 PE, Tasman Salt 2 SE, Yojimbo 2, KJ Endura 4 D.P.S. 15 VG-10, LadyBug K390, TKJ Jester 20CV, UKPK Salt, Crucarta PM2, 204 Sharpmaker
Thanks for the replies so far! I’m still considering K390, but in terms of utility/performance would it be worth holding out for a Lc200n ffg serrated ladybug?
Could be. There is a new reveal coming up in May... Might wait until then to decide. Who knows what will be announced
Could be. There is a new reveal coming up in May... Might wait until then to decide. Who knows what will be announced
So - being new to all of this - if there's an announcement in May, how long before those announcements are actually available (on average)? Is there a general sense of that?
It seems I remember reading that Spyderco generally doesn't like to announce something until they can actually release it within three months or something like that.
Thanks,
Jason
Jason
Current Rotation:
Pacific Salt 2 PE (H1)
Spydiechef
Stretch 2 (K390)
Chaparral LW
Dragonfly 2 Salt SE (Bonus 2nd blade!)
I will also parrot the recommendation of SE on the little guys. It makes them WAY more useful, in most situations.
The aggression that SE provides to these tiny blades, is a huge boost to their cutting ability/utility.
I'm not trying to dissuade from K390, I just think that SE will FAR outweigh any benefits that K390 would bring to such a small blade. Especially, if the SE is rust proof.
"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so."
my first knife was an early '90s ladybug. the ergos are even better on the newer models, so if you like the older model, you'll like the new model even more.
as far as which model to choose, everyone is making good suggestions. personally, i went with the hawkbill salt because i wanted something different from my main edc knife. if you don't like the hawkbill design, i'd still recommend the serrated salt. clearly everyone doesn't feel this way, but a small backup knife is not something i want to have to worry about maintaining. i just want it to always be there and ready to go without much thought. that's where the salt series excels.
another great option is the dragonfly salt. it's not much bigger than the ladybug, but adds a pocket clip and a full grip.
i'll add some pictures in a bit...
pictures as promised. sorry they aren't very good, but it's a busy day.
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as you can see, the ladybug has a very similar cutting edge to the df2, but the df2 offers a lot more handle. you have to decide which you prefer. also, not the difference in grip between the old and new ladybugs. the new offers more defined grip and stronger texturing.
Could be. There is a new reveal coming up in May... Might wait until then to decide. Who knows what will be announced
So - being new to all of this - if there's an announcement in May, how long before those announcements are actually available (on average)? Is there a general sense of that?
It seems I remember reading that Spyderco generally doesn't like to announce something until they can actually release it within three months or something like that.
Thanks,
Jason
Supposed to be 90 days but not always especially with how covid has been impacting things
I will also parrot the recommendation of SE on the little guys. It makes them WAY more useful, in most situations.
The aggression that SE provides to these tiny blades, is a huge boost to their cutting ability/utility.
I'm not trying to dissuade from K390, I just think that SE will FAR outweigh any benefits that K390 would bring to such a small blade. Especially, if the SE is rust proof.
Yeah, despite just ordering the k390 I can see the SE argument. I’ve had the Manbug Salt on my keys since they dropped and also have the hawkbill. These tiny knives have really grown on me though and I enjoy having a variety around.
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