Spyderco Forums

The grip on the Dragonfly has always looked too dainty to get a solid purchase on, both in use, and in the one-hand opening and closing. I aim to score a PD1 variant as a gift once they release, so I'll finally be able to assess that theory.

What are some areas of everyday or specialized knife use where a Dragon Fly or Man Bug or other of these ultra tiny Spyderco knives would be an improvement over larger models?

nosuchagency wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 14, 2024 6:35 pm

That is a nice custom. Thanks for sharing.

weeping minora wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 14, 2024 7:01 pm

The grip on the Dragonfly has always looked too dainty to get a solid purchase on, both in use, and in the one-hand opening and closing. I aim to score a PD1 variant as a gift once they release, so I'll finally be able to assess that theory.

I thought that before I actually held one. I was also reluctant because other models that forced the placement of my index finger are awkward to me. However, it all changed when I got a Dragonfly in hand. It found superb purchase, anchoring perfectly at the right spots in my hand.

Even more surprising, I'm not a fan of back locks either. Yet, I can flick a Dragonfly easily enough. Any play is also stabilized with my thumb and index finger wrapped around the base of the blade.

So it has become my EDC MVP, often as a secondary carry and sometimes as a primary. The Wharncliffe version is my favorite and I'm still waiting to see it in more interesting stainless variants, but that VG-10 does its job. I have a few of them with one living permanently in my favorite jacket. Here is the one I carried today, alongside a custom from David Mary.

SpyderEdgeForever wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 14, 2024 8:11 pm

What are some areas of everyday or specialized knife use where a Dragon Fly or Man Bug or other of these ultra tiny Spyderco knives would be an improvement over larger models?

I would always reach for a full size model rather than a Dragonfly if given the choice, because of the added control that a hand-filling grip provides. However, the advantage of the Dragonfly is that it can be on your person at all times, something you can drop into a pouch or watch pocket on your way out the door. And it's capable of tackling common urban tasks like cutting cord or opening packages.

SpyderEdgeForever wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 14, 2024 8:11 pm

What are some areas of everyday or specialized knife use where a Dragon Fly or Man Bug or other of these ultra tiny Spyderco knives would be an improvement over larger models?

IMO there are no absolute answers to these kind of questions, only preferences.
To me the DF2 wharncliffe is the perfect EDC, whereas I suspect it would be pretty much useless to someone like vivi.

I would also add that the DF2 should not be viewed as being in the same size category as the gender bugs. The cutting edge is comparable, but the grip area is not. Using the choil (which is the natural way to hold a DF) the DF provides a full four finger grip for medium sized hands.

I touched on my use in my previous post:
viewtopic.php?t=96968#p1794226

To sum it up;
Great control of both tip and cutting edge. Depending on your grip you can have your index finger right at the heel of the edge or right behind the tip. It provides a sense of complete control.

Maneuverability. A short blade/edged portion of the blade combined with a handle that just filles the hand makes it easy(er) to maneuver in tight spaces and or where obstructions are present. Working with electronics and control systems, I often need to cut tie wraps or unsheath cables inside small enclosures or even larger enclosures that are packed with cables and equipment. When working in these scenarios you don't want a long edge and a tip that reaches far beyond your index finger/reference point as it just increases the risk of cutting and damaging cables or equipment unintentionally. And the short overall length makes it easier to position your knife under a tie wrap or making circular cuts around the cable sheath without the handle (or tip) hitting an obstacle.

Friendliness and carry comfort. The legality and public perception of lager knives varies greatly by location, so while it may not be important to everyone, the DF2 is a rather safe choice. Where I live the laws are quite vague, so it's hard to know what's actually legal or not. There is also the fact that folding knives don't really have a foothold in our culture, so for a lot of people pulling and deploying a 3" inch folding knife would be more unsettling than if you were to unsheath a 6" Leuku. I guess it's just that when people recognize the tool, they are less doubtful of the motives.
Carry comfort is a more universally applicable parameter. The DF2 is thin, light and short. You hardly notice it in pocket. That's a big win for me, but less important for others.

I have been carrying a DF2 Salt in right pocket going on six years at least 90% of the time . It may not work for everybody but gets the job done for me where my big knives just get in the way . My fancy pants DF2 , MG2

I do believe the dragonfly is the


… but you’re missing a serrated one!

prndltech wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 15, 2024 6:25 am

I do believe the dragonfly is the


… but you’re missing a serrated one!

Ok , Ok , I will put an SE on my list . Dan

prndltech wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 15, 2024 6:25 am

I do believe the dragonfly is the


… but you’re missing a serrated one!

Y;all have convinced me. I am hoping Santa brings one for the holidays.

Went primary with a Dragonfly today. It did all the things I asked of it. The biggest job was cutting separate doodads out from a large multi-pocket clam shell package.

I am in love with my K390 wharncliffe Dragonfly. It’s a great little knife that really does disappear until you need it. I doubt if it will ever happen but I would love to see a HAP40 version, like the wharncliffe Delica sprint from a few years ago.