Small knife with satisfying action

[OakTree]

I've rediscovered my Dragonfly 2. It's the right size and weight, and the aesthetics please me. Unfortunately, the action does not satisfy me. The action on my Para 3 does satisfy me. I'm not sure why the action on the Para 3 is so nice. Is it the compression lock? Is it the washers between steel walls?
Can you guys recommend a Dragonfly-like knife that has great action? Is the Lil Native what I'm looking for?

[Hambone]

Before I got to the end I was going to say lil native. Big fan of the lil knife!

[SG89]

Lil Native comp lock is what you seek

[OakTree]

Lil Native comp lock is what you seek

Is the compression lock what makes the action smooth?

[araneae]

Use your dragonfly and it'll get smoother. The Para 3 is built very differently and is smoother as a result. Lock mechanism is a part of that.

[Zive]

I also was leaning toward Lil Native, but know that the improved action comes with significantly thicker blade stock.

[VooDooChild]

Lil Native comp lock is what you seek

Is the compression lock what makes the action smooth?

Sort of...

Any lock can have "smooth" action. I would bet your dragonfly is in fact smooth.

I think what you are referring to is resistance to opening/movement.

Anyway, after overcoming the detent, a comp lock probably would have less resistance to movement as there is a small detent ball and probably less spring tension compared to a backlock.

[OakTree]

Use your dragonfly and it'll get smoother. The Para 3 is built very differently and is smoother as a result. Lock mechanism is a part of that.

I'll try that and see how it goes. The opening action is actually not that bad. It's the closing that bugs me. I have to drop my thumb to the backlock, jiggle the knife or push the blade with my finger, then reposition my hand so my fingers are out of the way, and then close the knife. Nowhere near as satisfying as a compression lock close, where I reposition my hand once and the blade folds smoothly into the closed position.

[Ric]

There is nothing available.

I love the action of the Para 3 / Para 3 lightweight.
I carry now mainly the dragonfly as it's smaller and lighter and has still a big enough blade and good action.

I had a few lil native compression locks.
The action is ok but not as good as a Para 3.
It's a tank. A tiny bit too small and the ricasso tab touches the index finger at closing.

I have high hopes for the lil native lightweight.

[Ric]

@oaktree

With the dragonfly I catch the blade at the choil with the index finger. The close it.

[Doc Dan]

The Rhino might be another good option if you like the compression lock.

As for the DF closing, I put my index finger in the hole and push the lock release, pivoting the blade down. Then, I put my index finger on the spine of the blade, or my thumb, and snap it closed. Easy.

[kennethsime]

As for the DF closing, I put my index finger in the hole and push the lock release, pivoting the blade down. Then, I put my index finger on the spine of the blade, or my thumb, and snap it closed. Easy.

I was getting to write the same comment when I saw this. Ditto, Dan.

[Evil D]

Need to pick apart exactly what about the action you like or dislike and go from there. For starters you're comparing a back lock to a compression lock, so I'm guessing part of it may be the stronger self close bias of a back lock feeling harder to open vs a compression lock where you only need to overcome the detent to start the opening process and then there's much less resistance throughout the rest of the opening action.

Ergonomics are big factor here too, things like thumb hole placement and how far the hole stands out from the handle (thumb ramp vs no thumb ramp for example) and for this reason you may not like the Native family since thumb ramps typically make the opening action feel easier and position your thumb in a bit more relaxed position for opening.

If just the general smoothness of the action is what you're focusing on, then it may be washers vs no washers. FRN lightweight knives without washers will smooth out over time, as will back locks in general because part of the resistance you feel during opening is the lock bar dragging along the tang, and where those two meet will wear into each other and smooth out over time. A little lube also helps.

[awa54]

If you just want a more solid feel, but like the D'fly design and lock, there are the G10 and Stainless versions.

[abbazaba]

All my Chaparrals are super smooth. In many ways they feel like a slightly larger upgraded dragonfly, but with smoother backlocks.

[Termite Toothpick]

It's the lock and yes the compression lock is much "more smooth". I love the Lil' Native and I think that would be what you are looking for in a smaller knife. It is flickable, smooth, strong, and a little tank of a knife. Try the Lil' Native (comp lock)!

[FK]

Nano-Oil in 10W will smooth out any Spyderco.

Regards,
FK

[Matus]

It is also my impression that it is easier to make a knife with a larger (heavier) blade with a nice smooth action - especially with back-lock knives (Native Chief has an action that I would definitely describe as satisfying). Litte knives where the blade is short and often lightweight - this gets more complicated as little friction in the pivot/lock suffices for the knife to requite too an aggressive 'wrist flick' to get the blade to move.

With that said - the Lil Native is a cute little knife (the blade is thick, but nobody is going to cut carrots or large volume of cardboard with it), but not everyone loves the way the 'nib' at the end of the finger choil interferes with the compression lock ... I did not (but I only have little time to play with it).

[Dazen]

The Lil’ Native comp lock and Urban are my favorite small knives. Both very different and very satisfying.

[dj moonbat]

I think what you're probably feeling is just blade mass.