Looking for comparison pics (Lava, D'fly, Polywog, Nav II) suggestions etc...

[Fred Sanford]

Anyone have any comparison pictures with the following knives?

Lava
SS Dragonfly
Polywog
Navigator II


I am considering buying a new Spydie. It will be only for office carry and/or dress carry. It will be something I carry daily at work.

I've owned both the SS Dragonfly and Navigator II and I have liked them both. A while back I sold them for some reason. How does the Lava and the Poliwog compare to the two I've already owned?

Suggestions?

Naturally I'm thinking of a Lava, but I kinda want something more pointy. I had a Salsa long ago and the blade just didn't have enough point for me. I don't really want a Kopa because I want something in all SS. I would consider a Kiwi but it doesn't have a clip so that's out. :)

[spyderdog]

I wish I had some comparisons for you, but I only own one of those......the lava. It is my "carry to work" knife. I'm in an office environment everyday where knives would be frowned upon if seen, but I don't worry too much about the lava being seen. I feel like the size of the it makes it relatively office friendly. To me, it's also just got a certain "cool factor" about it. Everyone I show it to likes it...then I go into who designed it, etc. etc. etc., and they're more interested. When I use it, it doesn't feel small at all. It's got some weight to it as all stainless ones do.

[The Deacon]

Open...

[CENTER][/CENTER]

Closed...

[CENTER][/CENTER]

Weights -

Dragonfly 74 g.
Navigator 86 g.
Lava 94 g.
Poliwog 110 g.

My personal choice for would be the Lava, but I'll freely admit to being prejudiced. :o :D Every one of them has its pluses and its minuses. Poliwog would be at the bottom of my list. Ball lock is a bear for me to close, my 62 YO sensibilities just can't deal with the "vents" in the handle, and I my distaste for swedge grinds grows stronger every time I look at one.

[markg]

The Dragonfly and Navigator, seem very similar, in my book.

I have a Polliwog, and I like it. It does look cool, and in many ways provides the "Dodo" experience in ergo's and cutting performance. Keep in mind, it is a bit, "wide" and might be an issue when you carry it in the pocket. Since it is thin and small, it does not bother me. I think it is a really cool looking knife. The wire clip and thin "end" make for discrete carry.

I don't have a Lava, but folks love it.

[Fred Sanford]

Dang. Thanks for the quick pics Paul. Much appreciated Mark and Paul both.

I really want to just grab the Lava. Hey, why not right. I mean I can always get something else later. :)

Plus, I just want to have something designed by Chad.

I didn't realize that the Lava was the same size as the Nav II and the D'fly with a tad shorter blade. That's cool. I love how it looks closed. I think it looks the best closed. Maybe I'll just get a Lava and see if I can deal with the lack of a super pointy tip.

[Lostification]

They look like keychain knives.

I suppose these are good when you don't want to be carrying anything large or heavy. :D

[Detdaddy]

The Lava would make a great office knife. I'll eventually want to get one. It does look cool when it's closed. For some reason it reminds me of a ying and yang symbol. However, I suspect you will not like the tip if you were not happy with similar tips in the past.

I really like my newly aquired Navigator II. The tip is more pointy, and l love the grip and feel of the knife. I will probably carry this on days when I'm in a suit. I only wish it was tip up. But, for what you described, my vote would be for the Navigator II.

Note to self... I just saw another picture of the Polliwog. Bump it to the top of the want list. Thanks Paul.

[cobrajoe]

I don't think you'd be disappointed by the Lava. It does take a little getting used to because of the slightly strange shaped handle, but once you see how it forms to your hand, every other handle just seems flat and insecure.

True, it dosen't have much in the ways of a pointy tip, but I have not missed it in my uses. That high flat grind and deep belly makes for a great slicer, and the handle design puts the curve in the belly in the perfect spot when cutting.

[The Deacon]

They're all made in Japan, so country of origin is either acceptable for all, or for none. With the blade steel of the Dragonfly recently being upgraded to VG-10, material quality is a non-factor - they're all basically identical in that regard too. I would rate build quality as "good" for the Dragonfly, and "excellent" for the other three. Beyond that, here's my mix of objective and subjective observations.

Poliwog

Heaviest and most expensive of the lot. Consider this, using Spyderco catalog weights for both, the G-10 Military weighs only 4 grams more. Of course the Milie takes up a LOT more pocket room. Reversible clip makes it one of the two that are 100% lefty friendly. Ball lock makes it the smoothest opener, and the only one of the four that can be flicked open while holding the handle. Downside is, it's a ***** to close if you have arthritis, or if you hands are not dry and warm. It's screw construction would ran as a plus for many. It is certainly the most striking looking of the lot. You could remove the clip, put it on a chain, and wear it outside your shirt, and while many might question your taste in jewelry, 99.5% of the population would never realize it was not purely decorative. On the other hand, it's the only one of the four any of my somewhat woolly associates have ever described as "nasty" looking.

Lava

By virtue of its sub 2" blade, the Lava has the advantage of being the only one being fully legal anywhere in the USA where you're allowed to carry a knife at all. It is drilled for RH or LH carry, a huge plus if you're a southpaw, three holes in the side of the handle you have to look at if your not. It's the second heaviest of the lot, some will consider that a plus, some a minus. It's also the second most expensive, which may tip the scales against it for some.

Navigator

One of the two most "conventional looking", and the most comfortable of those two in the hand. Right hand carry only, but the only one set up for tip down. A serrated version is available for those who prefer their blades to have teeth. Probably it's biggest plus right now is the rock bottom price Sierra has on them.

Dragonfly

Normally the least expensive of the four. Only one currently available with an etched finish, which does improve grip considerably and hides "pocket rash" very well. Pointiest tip of the group. Tied with the Poliwog for the longest blade, but a better slicer by virtue of being thinner, and having a full flat grind. For those who like serrated blades, it and the Navigator are the only two available that way. Lightest of the lot. Least comfortable handle for extended use, at least to me.

[Fred Sanford]

Thanks everyone. I just decided on the Lava. I just ordered it from Knifeworks. Should be here in a few days. It will be my daily office carry knife.

When I get home I have been throwing my Military in my pocket. Now I'm throwing my FG D2 Mili in my pocket. :)

Again, thanks.

[MAT888]

I don't like SS steel handles . How about a G10 Robin??
The Cara Cara impressed me except for the Stainless handle. These just don't work for me. To slippery and hot or cold....
I could live with a nice wood/ mircata inlayed one maybe.

[jaislandboy]

I don't like SS steel handles . How about a G10 Robin??
The Cara Cara impressed me except for the Stainless handle. These just don't work for me. To slippery and hot or cold....
I could live with a nice wood/ mircata inlayed one maybe.

MAT888 : the G10 byrds are all great performers....ya can't go wrong....
btw: Nice choice on the Lava D.L...

[minnshooter]

Great choice on the Lava, I love mine and it goes with me everywhere.

[Simple Man]

I considered each of these and ended up with a SS PE Cricket. :D

[The Deacon]

Fine choice David (of course any of those four would have been :D ). Use it in good health.

I considered each of these and ended up with a SS PE Cricket. :D

That's certainly another valid choice among all the current models in this general size range, as would be the Kopa and the Kiwi and I'm sure some would toss either the Spin, or the Micro-Dyad, or both, into the mix as well. Cricket is a very well made little light duty knife at a reasonable price and certainly as good a choice as any of the others for a right handed user. Did you go for the etched version?

[Fred Sanford]

Thanks Paul!

The Kiwi is next on my list followed by the Mini Persian. :)

[Simple Man]

No, I got this one before the etched ones came out. I may change my mind if I ever handle an etched one, but for now I like the clean looks of the plain ones. I also have never had any issues with SS being to slick.

[Fred Sanford]

I decided while I am picking up a Lava that I might as well order something else so I can save on shipping. :D

So now I have Knifeworks shipping me a Lava and a "Clown Kopa".

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha David!

Cripes...finally found the source to the "ringing in my ears"...someone is actually thinking of buying the Lava? :eek: No, no...just kidding. :rolleyes:

I cannot speak for the Poliwog, but the Nav II has one of the best finished handles on a SS Spyder ever. The D'Fly has always been one of my faves, and you know this one for a fact David. As for the Lava...ya know, it's been very underestimated. Some say it is the most ugliest :spyder: ever, and that is a compliment IMHO. I think the Lava is a fully functional "art" knife. Well, art is art isn't it? Still on the other hand, water is water. And east is east and west is west and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does. Now uh...

Keep us posted bro, and mahalo much!
God bless :cool:

[KaliGman]

The Lava is my favorite "suit and tie" knife and I pretty much carry it daily. Carry it in good health, David.

Don't worry, Chad. After seeing me do a few quick little demonstrations and videos and then getting to play with my Lava, I can assure you it is on more than one of my student's Christmas lists :D . My wife is looking hard at mine, too--which means that it might be hers soon and I'll have to pick up a couple or three new ones for myself :eek: