Help With Spyderco Purchase

[Tjt564]

Hi everyone,
This is my first post on this forum and I came here because I need some help on deciding which spyderco knife I should get for around $55.00. I edc a mini grip and I like it very much, but I feel like a smaller blade length might be nicer for me to carry.
The blades I have been looking at (in no particular order):
1. Delica 4 ffg ($55.00)
2. Chicago ($41.00)
3. Cat ($44.00)
4. Manbug zdp-189 ($47.00)
5. Dragonfly 2 salt se ($47.00)
6. D'fly 2 g10 vg10 ($45.00)
Here are my thoughts:
1. Pros: Great nutnfancy review, ffg seems to excel at cutting tasks, thin blade is nice for precision, cool handle colors, great vg-10 steel
Cons: Lockback
2. Pros: Really nice design, g10, price, lock
Cons: Blade Steel
3. Same as Chicago
4. Pros: Top notch steel, easy to carry, nice handle material
Cons: May be to small for some cutting tasks, lockback
5. Pros: Do not have to worry about it, great for emergency rescue situations, small size makes for an easier carry, steel, and I like the yellow handle color.
Cons: Lockback, small blade may be to small for some cutting tasks.
6. Pros: Vg10 steel, easy to carry
Cons: Lockback
This is what I think of these blades from online research but I would really enjoy it if someone could lead into the right direction for which one I should get. I know many people love the Delica 4 ffg and I know its size is very similar to my mini grip but I don't know if a smaller blade would be nicer for me per say.
Thanks in advance.
Also, I open to any other suggestions for spydercos in that price range. This would be my first spyderco.

[jon1all]

Hi... well, first off... you won't find #6 (Dragonfly G10) for $45. More like $85. The FRN version is about $45. That said, both will function equally the same and therefore getting the G10 version is only a matter of preference (BTW, I have the G10 version... much prefer it to the FRN).

Ok, that said... you seem to have narrowed your choices down to a pretty good selection. It's obvious you don't care for lockbacks, but I think on small knives like this you may find (as I did) that you actually prefer them. Anyway, of all these the Delica is the biggest and what I would call medium sized whereas the others are all smalls. So if you are indeed wanting a smaller knife then I would suggest one of the two Dragonflys you listed. The Dragonfly is just a great little knife in any of its configs. If you live near water or in an excessively humid environment go with the Salt. If not, go with the VG-10 version. H1 steel, while rustproof, probably isn't as good at edge retention as VG-10. I don't own any Salt/H1 blades (I live in Arizona, very dry so no need), so I can't speak from personal experience, but from what I have read it has similar edge retention characteristics to AUS8 (someone please correct me if I am wrong).

Anyway, others will chime it, but put me down for the Dragonfly! :)

[Blerv]

I would probably get the Delica. With FFG it's different enough from the Grip to do a great comparison.

[gbelleh]

I'd go with the Delica. As an EDC knife, it's pretty hard to beat. It's comfortable in the hand, it's a great size, has very good blade steel with a nice, useful blade shape.

[Clip]

Not sure why the lockback is a con. Tried and true! I'd definitely go Delica, as the FRN handle and the blade steel/shape is a joy to use.

[Tjt564]

Thanks everyone, and yeah I made a mistake by saying the g10 version. I am now torn between the regular d'fly and the delica. I like the idea of having a blade that I can just put in my pocket and not even really feel it, however, the delica seems to be one of the most highly recommended spydercos out there. Do you guys think I should get one of these, or save up a little extra cash and go for the translucent blue manix 2 for $68.80. Do you think the manix 2 would be worth the extra cash or do you think I should just decide between the delica and d'fly?

[ChaoticMayhem65]

May i make a suggestion. The Ambitious and persistence are very good and strong blades for the money you pay $30-$40. I love mine thats for sure. And yes the manix 2 is an awesome knife also, probably the one i would pick.

[linuxology]

Delica 4

[Pockets]

Just to make your choice harder: plain edge H1 is like AUS8, but serrated is amazing.

[vaisforlovers]

Tjt564,

I think you've done well narrowing your choices to either a Dragonfly or Delica. Your first post mentioned " a smaller blade length might be nicer for me to carry". If that is the case, avoid the Manix. It is definitely not smaller. While it is a great, well built knife, smaller it isn't. While it may not be a heavy knife, it takes up well more pocket space than the others. If "having a blade that [you] can just put in [your] pocket and not even really feel it" is important, stick with the Delica or Dragonfly.

You can't go wrong with either, but out of principle, I'd suggest the Delica first. For a good reason, I'd guess it is most peoples first Spyderco knife.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck with your hunt!

James

[Brisket]

I would go for the Delica 4 or Dragonfly in ZDP-189 if you can increase your budget a little and VG-10 otherwise. Keep in mind that not everyone considers a back lock a con, particularly a well designed and executed lock one like these have.

[DAYWALKER]

Thanks everyone, and yeah I made a mistake by saying the g10 version. I am now torn between the regular d'fly and the delica. I like the idea of having a blade that I can just put in my pocket and not even really feel it, however, the delica seems to be one of the most highly recommended spydercos out there. Do you guys think I should get one of these, or save up a little extra cash and go for the translucent blue manix 2 for $68.80. Do you think the manix 2 would be worth the extra cash or do you think I should just decide between the delica and d'fly?

aloha and welcome Tjt564,

I think that Manix you're talking about is a bit too bulky for what you are looking for. I handled one at a shop here recently. Great knife and trick looking though!

The 1stGen Dragonfly was one of my main EDC knives back in the day. (Read 1st Gen) :eek: and I loved it, still do. Yes, it was sometimes too small for some cutting tasks in that a slightly larger blade would have gotten the job done "faster", but none the less, the D'Fly got the job done, only a few more cuts were required. Obviously the D'Fly would disappear in pocket better than the D4 due to it's size. However...

I used to carry a Mini-Grip CE...size wise, it's about the same as the D4, but the D4 is thinner, easier to close for me, and yeah...why is a lockback a con for you? Just curious.

Honestly, once you get either the D4 OR the D'Fly, you're going to end up getting the other one too. It's gonna happen. Trust me. That being said:

I say try the D'Fly 2. I'm assuming the wire clip is more secure compared to my 1st Gen molded FRN clip, and well...you're gonna be surprised at how many different locations on your person you'll be able to carry this knife. Just remember where ya have it clipped! :) I mean, you been carrying the Mini-Grip...the D'Fly may be just what you need for that, "change of pace".

Keep us posted and take care! :cool:

[BDNX]

Sounds like the D'fly should be right up your alley....I might also recommend a Ladybug or Manbug....

[kbrouwer]

Welcome to the forum. You owe it to yourself to spend $10 extra and go with the Native Lightweight. It's made in Golden and has very high quality CPM-S30V steel. It's available for like $65 on amazon. See this link to buy it.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Native-L ... rco+Native

[Spyderbro]

Sounds like the D'fly should be right up your alley....

[CENTER]I agree. Get the H-1 Dragonfly first,

[ATTACH]21271[/ATTACH]

and make it really yours ! You'll be back for more regardless ![/CENTER]

[Tjt564]

Thanks everyone for the help. I think I am leaning towards the d'fly but is h1 salt se better than the regular plain edge or salt pe?
Also, I view a lockback as a con for myself, I know it is a strong and very reliable lock, I just enjoy the ease of opening and closing that a linerlock, axis lock, etc... bring.

[DAYWALKER]

Thanks everyone for the help. I think I am leaning towards the d'fly but is h1 salt se better than the regular plain edge or salt pe?
Also, I view a lockback as a con for myself, I know it is a strong and very reliable lock, I just enjoy the ease of opening and closing that a linerlock, axis lock, etc... bring.

aloha Tjt564,

That my friend is relative. It depends on the majority of the materials being cut. For example, due to the weather today, I actually have a PE Salt in my pocket via pjrocco. I was trying to cut open a cat food bag, and it wasn't grabbing. So I reached for a SE Byrd I got near the catfood container which I haven't sharpened for years and it cut through the bag like a charm.

In my experiences, a SE lasts longer than a PE without maintenance. However, I am going back to using my Spyderco Pro-File brown stones only on the Salt I got in my pocket...seems I get better results on H1 with them.

NOTE: My 1st Gen D'Fly was an SE, as I do not think PE was available IIRC. That thing went without sharpening for a LONG time mostly because I didn't know how to sharpen an SE at the time. Yet it just cut, and cut, and cut, and...well, you get the message.

Again, don't give it too much thought...you'll be getting your "other choices" soon enough! :p

Mahalo and take care :cool:

[Tjt564]

Thanks DAYWALKER, you have been of tremendous help to me. I like the idea of a rust proof blade and I heard that h1 steel goes best with serrations so I think I amgoing to try that. Thanks again!

[DAYWALKER]

Thanks DAYWALKER, you have been of tremendous help to me. I like the idea of a rust proof blade and I heard that h1 steel goes best with serrations so I think I amgoing to try that. Thanks again!

Aloha Tjt564,

You are VERY welcome. Trust me, a rust proof blade in my neck o' the woods is a God send! I hope it works well for you. IIRC, I believe H1 gets "better" as you use and sharpen it, so in SE, and having a rust proof blade...you made a great choice!

Enjoy and do keep us posted!
Take care :cool:

[Holland]

id get the dragonfly as well