Three Cheers for the Ladybug

[Blerv]

I have not carried a medium or large folding knife for the past three days. In my lazy stupor it's been easy enough to grab a Ladybug off the nightstand rather than fumble around in my humble collection and make a decision at 5am. :D . Overall I'm not missing a larger knife much in my mundane office environment.

That isn't a statement to how unnecessary larger folding knives are. On the contrary, I adore having a full handle, clip, and reasonable amount of edge. Rather it's a testament to these diminutive cutters.

It's the white serrated VG10 version if anyone is curious. A great little folder and I've made each tooth and valley scary sharp with minimal effort on the 701 Profile Set fine stone.

In the midst of having access to almost everything for legal carry, these LBK's are amazing. Knowing where society could be going they would be some of the last to face the heat. Whether it the Manbug, Ladybug, or some of the larger ones packing tiny blades they simply perform well. Serrations give a bit more "oof" to the edge, at least for my uses.

Give it a shot. If you don't have a serrated knife it's a nice little platform to try one out. Who knows? For those times you don't want to risk losing a great friend or are amongst sensitive folk a tiny carry option might leave you with less separation anxiety. It's sure a Helluva lot better than digging an incisor into plastic packaging. :p


Cheers,

[Evil D]

I'm a big Ladybug fan. I'd be lost without my ZDP Ladybug. I've tested using only that knife for an entire shift at work, and it's shocking how well it can perform for such a small knife. It may seem like simple logic but the only place it doesn't excel is where a longer blade is needed, like in food prep. Otherwise you can do most typical EDC tasks no problem with a Ladybug.

[WireEdge Roger]

I've been enjoying the fully serrated Manbug only because I prefer full flat ground. It's amazing what the little knives are capable of!

[Drkknight614]

The Ladybug is freaking awesome. I love mine, especially in H1 steel.

[Pockets]

I've been thinking of getting one of the bug, grasshopper, or honeybee slipits. Do you have any opinions which size is "best"? Should I just get a lady bug?

[jnichols2]

Pockets, The 3 Bug Slipit Set has all three for just a few dollars more ( $ 23.68 at Amazon). But the Ladybug is so much better.

I don't carry my ZDP Ladybug because it's easy to lose something so small. It stays handy on my desk for most around the house tasks.
It makes short work of those pesky plastic bubbles.

[SpyderNut]

I've been thinking of getting one of the bug, grasshopper, or honeybee slipits. Do you have any opinions which size is "best"? Should I just get a lady bug?

Although there's nothing inherently wrong with the Honeybee, Grasshopper, or Bug, I would certainly get the Ladybug first. I’ve had several Ladybugs over the years (including a couple of the older “first generation” models) and I honestly can’t find a better quality knife of similar size. For starters, the Ladybug has a locking blade (unlike the non-locking slip-joints mentioned above). The steel quality is also going to be better than that of the Honeybee, Grasshopper, or Bug. In addition, the Ladybugs are incredibly lightweight thanks to their FRN handles. (Yeah, I suppose the Bug and Honeybee are also pretty lightweight too, but that’s beside the point). Finally, there are now several different variations of Ladybugs to choose from, including different handle colors—and more importantly, different blade steels (e.g. H1, ZDP-189, or VG-10).

[Blerv]

I bought a dozen Bugs as novelty gifts. Used one for months at the office for light jobs (but a little packaging and a zip tie :D ).

Having a blade is so much better than not. Even a $5 Spydie trumps some expensive contenders.

[Drkknight614]

I still havent grabbed a Manbug, anyone think it is special enough to warrant buyin or replacing a ladybug in daily carry or use?

[Cheddarnut]

I'd wait for the Laddybug to be released.

[Blerv]

I'd wait for the Laddybug to be released.

Haha :D

[skatenut]

I love Ladybugs. I have 10 laid out ready for view plus several more still in their boxes. I even have an "old" model with the old, more pointed blade shape and the smaller Spyderhole. Was deeply upset when a US Dealer refused to sell his dealer special orange model (Bentobox?) overseas.

A little OT:

a Ladybug may not be carried in Germany without "good" reason in public, being a one-hand lockback folder. However, a Street Beat may be carried legally... Go figure, who says laws have to make sense?
Apologies for the OT excursion!

[Evil D]

If the Bugs came in VG10 I'd own all of them. For real EDC use I'd still take a Ladybug over the others.

[Mr Blonde]

I never leave home without a Ladybug in some flavor. They're also great among NKP, shows the benefits of an actual knife (instead of a key for example) and makes the transition to a -for us- 'real' knife much easier for them.

[dbcad]

I always have 2 L'Bug's in pocket and a razorsharp Bug in my wallet A very affordable and usable model :D

[Evil D]

I'll play along :)

[Blerv]

Nice edge work David :D . I bet that little ZDP lady is a beast.

[Evil D]

It's a slicer that's for sure. I'm thinking about taking it ridiculously low since i like to save that edge for delicate work..we'll see.

I like this pic too

[SolidState]

I love my zdp lady and have been looking at the H1 hawkbill. It's a knife that doesn't intimidate non-knife people. My mom still has hers from 10 years ago that I gave her as a present. It's neat to see how far the design has come.

[ChaoticLuck]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but if any of you have them could you please post a picture of the orange CountyComm ladybug, and the yellow H1 for a color comparison pic. I'd surely appreciate it.