Dragonfly H1 vs Para 3

[mountainguy]

I've been trying to figure this out for a while. I recently bought the Delica 4 and love it, but I'm wondering what my next spyderco purchase should be. I've heard such great things about the para 3, but I have also heard really great things about the H1 steel that comes on the dragonfly. I don't have any knifes as small as the dragonfly, and I would love to add one to my collection, but people absolutely love the para 3. The para 3 is also significantly more expensive.

What do you guys think? Which one would be the best choice?

[Evil D]

H1 is a great steel but some of that "great" is really is dependent on your uses and what you're accustomed to as far as steel traits go. So, if you're used to steels like Maxamet and expect that level of edge retention you might be disappointed. But, it's extremely easy to sharpen and extremely tough and rust proof, so what are your uses and are those traits more beneficial than all out edge retention?

As for the two knives, I'd probably choose the Dragonfly but that's only because I don't need a shrunk down Para 2.

[SG89]

get the df now and the para 3 later

[Mushroom]

I'd personally go with the H1 Dragonfly over the Para 3, since you already have the Delica. The Para 3 blade will offer very similar reach and cutting capability when compared to the Delica, but with a much pointier tip. :spyder: The Dragonfly, like you said, would be a great small knife to add to your collection; especially if its a first of that size.

Though, if the Para 3 was the direction you were thinking of heading, I would actually suggest looking into the Paramilitary 2 over the Para 3. It will offer very similar ergonomics to the Para 3, just slightly larger and with about half an inch more blade length. Most of the good things you hear of the the Para 3, can be said of the Paramilitary 2.

[carrot]

The Dragonfly is much more complementary to the Delica.

I enjoy knives of all sizes but the Dragonfly took years to finally "click" for me. After carrying and using it exclusively for a few months I came to the realization that I never felt "under-knifed" -- it has more than enough blade for real work! Now I struggle to carry bigger and heavier knives because I know the Dragonfly has me covered. It is also great to keep a knife in the collection that can survive sweat (or ocean!) all day without a care.

The Para3 may be too similar in size to justify at this moment where your Spydie collection is small and young! I also see that you live in Colorado- if Golden is not too far it is absolutely worth dropping by the Spyderco Factory Outlet.

[abbazaba]

DF2 is a near perfect knife that everyone should own. Jury is still out on the Para3 in comparison. I say get the DF2 now in whatever steel makes you happy. H1 is great if you really need corrosion resistance. Otherwise I'd go with the VG10 or ZDP189 models which will have been edge retention and a full flat ground blade like your Delica.

[twinboysdad]

You can carry a D4 and Dfly together, I personally would not carry a PM3 and D4 at the same table me

[ejcr98]

Get the DF2. If you like serrated edges, get it in H-1. You will be hard pressed to find a steel that has a better combination of rust resistance (essentially rust proof), toughness (tougher than pretty much any other stainless steel), and edge retention (as far as I know, in serrated edge, it has the best edge retention as tested by Spyderco).

If you don't like serrated edges, H-1 in plain edge will still give you the corrosion resistance and toughness advantages but not the edge retention, although it is still adequate in that regard. Hence, if you prefer plain edge and edge retention is high on your list, go for VG-10, or ZDP-189 (even better).

[ZrowsN1s]

As others have said, unless you need a heavier duty utility or Self Defense knife, the Delica will do almost anything the p3 will cutting wise. That being said I own 3 delicas and I will be buying a Para 3 in the near future. So... take that how you will. My honest recommendation is to get them both. As to which one you should get first, I would say the Dragonfly in H1 Spyder Edge, I would also strongly recommend you wait for the new Salt Hawkbill Dragonfly that is coming out very soon. The Hawkbill + Serrations + rustproof + little big knife = the Ultimate companion blade to any Spyderco. Heck you could probably just carry it by it self and still be ready for anything, I can't say enough good things about little hawkbills, I think it would be worth waiting for.

[kwselke]

If you are comfortable with your Delica 4, a Para 3 or a Dragonfly will not bring much more to the table for you. I'd recommend a Ladybug H-1 Hawkbill or a Manbug HAP-40 or ZDP. Just my thoughts.

[twinboysdad]

If you are comfortable with your Delica 4, a Para 3 or a Dragonfly will not bring much more to the table for you. I'd recommend a Ladybug H-1 Hawkbill or a Manbug HAP-40 or ZDP. Just my thoughts.

My dog...my 2 companion blade are LBHB in H1 and Manbug ZDP