Help me decide:Meerkat vs. Dragonfly

[hungarian nativ]

Hi All!
I have a Native III FRN and now I would like to buy a new Spydie.The two racers are Meerkat DP and Dragonfly FRN.
-Which one would you choose?Why?
-Would you buy SE or PE?
The Dragonfly has a better steel,but I think the Meerkat has a better grip.
I'd like to use them as an EDC.

So?

[Slvgx]

I do not own nor have I ever handled a Meerkat. I must say that the Dragonfly is one of the best looking Spyderco knives IMO. I own a CF PE Dragonfly and I use it for EDC and I LOVE it. My favorite knife changes quite a bit but I think my Dragonfly has been my favorite more than any other favorite, if that makes any sense :confused:

...I sure wish they'd update the steel to VG-10 and add a metal clip on the FRN verion...all in good time.

While I'm at it, I'd like to see a pumped up version of the Dragonfly to ~3" VG-10 blade with G-10 handle (~7" OAL)... that'd sure make me happy :D

[hungarian nativ]

"While I'm at it, I'd like to see a pumped up version of the Dragonfly to ~3" VG-10 blade with G-10 handle (~7" OAL)... that'd sure make me happy"

That would be a REAL good knife :)

[JDEE]

One advantage of the Meerkat is that you can ask your friends to close it and watch their reactions. Seriously, I would rate the Meerkat a heavier duty knife than the Dragonfly so it really comes down to what you will be using it for. The Meerkat is also heavier if that has any influence on your decision. I am biased I only buy PE blades.

[The Deacon]

Both are good little knives. Being left handed, my personal choice for carry between those two would be the Meerkat. The clip is ambidexterous and (better yet for me as I prefer to carry my knives loose in my pocket) removable. If you do like clipped carry, the Meerkat rides very discretely due to the mounting location of its wire clip, while the Dragonfly leaves a considerable chunk of itself exposed. Some folks prefer one style, some the other. The one "downside" of the Meerkat is that it is consderably heavier than the FRN D'fly, but we're still talking a pretty light knife.

Mostly out of an old dog's reluctance to learn new tricks, I'd stick with the PE drop point blade as it is the simplest to sharpen on a benchstone.

[konstantkev]

I have a CF SE Dragonfly and a Navigator which is the same shape of a Meerkat. The blade on the Dragonfly is really nice because of the full flat ground, but I like the grip on a my Navigator more since it fills my hand better.

But if I had to choose I'd buy a Meerkat since it has the better grip, the wire clip (instead of the integral FRN one), the phantom lock, and I'd get a plain edge since I prefer them. But if you like flat ground blades and a nice grip you can wait til the Navigator II comes out :)

[silverback]

Welcome to the forum!

I have both and like them both.
They will both satisfy as EDC, but I like the Meerkat a little better because the Phantom Lock is just too cool. :D
Also, it is discontinued, so get one while still possible.
For EDC I like PE better, it's more practical. Consider getting the reverse s blade, though, it makes the Meerkat very versatile. When I was working with leather to make a sheath, I tried the Meerkat reverse s (I have both now, though not at that time, I admit) and was surprised how comfortable and precise the handling was. It is the knife I have clipped to my trainers when at home.
Everything else about the knives has been summed up in other posts.
One more thing comes to mind. I would buy the ss Dragonfly, it looks much better IMHO.

Hope this helps!

[jsholli]

Both are good little knives. Being left handed, my personal choice for carry between those two would be the Meerkat. The clip is ambidexterous and (better yet for me as I prefer to carry my knives loose in my pocket) removable. If you do like clipped carry, the Meerkat rides very discretely due to the mounting location of its wire clip, while the Dragonfly leaves a considerable chunk of itself exposed. Some folks prefer one style, some the other. The one "downside" of the Meerkat is that it is consderably heavier than the FRN D'fly, but we're still talking a pretty light knife.

Mostly out of an old dog's reluctance to learn new tricks, I'd stick with the PE drop point blade as it is the simplest to sharpen on a benchstone.

I was hoping someone would have mentioned the ride tendencies] and state that I feel the Meerkat would be much more useful as an EDC. True it is heavier, but the d'fly is one of the lightest knives I own...maybe SS would change my mind, but I find the d'fly almost useless b/c I just can't open it easily

I don't EDC my meerkats, but have played with 'em enough to see that I need to relieve some clip tension before it would be highly appreciated either. The steel liners envoke a sense of a little 'mightly mouse' IMO though. Edge type is clearly your choice to compliment your EDC's primary uses: delicate/detailed cutting=PE. voracious slash & burn applications=SE.

And to lastly address steel quality; I think the meerkats are AUS-6...everyone seems to rate this steel the lowest among :spyder: s. Owning several knives with AUS-6 blades has caused me to appreciate the quality of 'spyderco's worst steel'...Just ask yourself though, "Which ferrari is the lowest ranker?" and "Would you be happy with it?" b/c IMHO, spydercos are the best composed, most useful, and most diversified knives I've seen.

Best of luck!

[jfm]

I have them both and like them both (they alternate, with others, as an EDC for me).

As others have said, the Dragonfly FRN is super light, while the Meerkat is heavier (but not truly heavy) and has a more ergonomic handle. The wire clip on the Meerkat, in my opinion, is much better than the FRN clip on the Dragonfly. That being said, the Dragonfly is so light and slim that I just carry it in my pocket without using the clip. I use the clip when carrying the Meerkat and it rides nice and low.

You can get great deals on the Meerkat right now on Ebay (around $20 US) and elsewhere - Dragonfly deals are rarer, although both are inexpensive.

Hope this helps.

Joe
:spyder:

[Fisher of Men]

I own a FRN Dragonfly PE but I have never held or owned a Meerkat. For that reason I'd have to say go with the Dragonfly :)

Cheers,
Fisher of Men

[clovisc]

i carry my PE reverse-S meerkat more often and in more different situations than any other knife, except the manix. it just vanishes into my change pocket... which means that it doesn't compete against my other knives for pocket space.

and the phantom lock is just too fun.

[fret]

Both are equally nice. I like both. Buy both if you can. You may want to get the Meerkat first as the supply will be getting low faster than the Dragonfly. :spyder: The Meerkat locking mechanism is fun to play with. The handle is larger. The clip is nice and could be removed if necessary. The Dragonfly is a little less bulky and lighter. Right and left hand friendly as far as closing unless you get used to closing the Meerkat with your left hand. I don't see any problem with either knife tho. Get what you like, I guess. :)

[hungarian nativ]

Thank you Guys!
There are 2 new racers:SS Dragonfly and SS Delica.
The perfect would be the Delica but I don't know AUS 6.
I have a CRKT AUS 6 blade and that's not so good in edge retention.
But I think Spyderco makes a better heat treating..

[jsholli]

I don't really appreciate CRKT knives personally; mine will be one of the first I sell, if I have my way...I don't even know with what steel it is made. It looks pretty good actually, but I just prefer my spydies hands down to any other brand

[vampyrewolf]

Just to be difficult, I'm gonna stick in my 2 cents that go against the grain... :p

I had a drop point meerkat, stropped before work daily when I was working in a kitchen. While it would cut boxes for 4hrs straight, it had very little reach.

I've been carrying my ss/pe 'fly since aug 01, 24/7 since jan 03. I prefer the longer handle and over all size of the 'fly.

As far as strength goes, the meerkat depends on grip strength to stay open... So as long as you don't twist it and keep your fingers around it, you'll be fine. I beleive the 'fly is in the 50-80lbs/inch range, and I'd personally put in the upper range of that. The last time my grip was tested I hit 56kg on my right hand, and I haven't gotten the 'fly to fail in 3.5yrs.

[dialex]

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum. You have to pick between two fine knives. The Dragonfly is smaller, fills your hand nicely and the full flat grind blade cuts like ****. It also makes for a great thrower, if you're into that sort of things. The Delica, OTOH, is a wonder (my alltimes favorite) :) And the best part, it comes now with a VG-10 blade :D

[hungarian nativ]

So.
I went to the local knife dealer.He had a SS Dragonfly,a Meerkat DP and a Delica SS.The Meerkat was very good,but the drop point blade is not so good in a small knife,I think.The Dragonfly is so nice,but the handle was too short for my tastes.So ladies and gentlemen,the winner is a Delica SS SE!! It's a fantastic folder and the serrated edge is very sharp.I think the best point is the little Spyder on the clip. :) So I am very happy now :) )


:spyder: is the best ever!

[Mr Blonde]

Congrats with your purchase! The Delica is a very nice design. Thanks for letting us know what you ended up with. Although, something tells me that sooner or later you will get a Dragonfly and a Meerkat. At least, that's what usually happens to me!

Wouter

[CKE]

Congrats!!!The Delica is a classic. You chose well. Take Care!!!

[crahen]

The Delica is what got me started on Spydercos way back in the dark ages So I have a very warm spot in my heart for it. Great knife :D