Dragonfly's in desperate need of an update.

[Spydiman]

I think that the Dragonfly is in need of a update, as its seem far behind Spyderco knives in other categories. I mean, AUS 8 steel with FRN clip? Not bad, but compared to the others, it just seems old. The SS Dragonfly's a bit better off, but still behind other Spyderco's.

I just received my Byrd G10 Robin a few days ago, and it blew my Dragonfly out of the water. I still carry my Dragonfly, but only because I always have. I love the Dragonfly, and always will, but, with all the new models on the market, it needs to be updated, or disco'd.

So, any ideas for a updated Dragonfly?

Oh, and sorry sal, I know you guys are busy, but were addicted. :)

[Jedi Knife]

So, any ideas for a updated Dragonfly?

How about G10 or CF, with a sweet spydie logo inset into the handle, tip down config? VG10 steel.

[thefly01]

One thing to keep in mind is that this is supposed to be an entry level spyder.

[Spydiman]

One thing to keep in mind is that this is supposed to be an entry level spyder.

Sure, and it's good at that, too. But when the Robin come's along, for two-thirds the price, and with (what I think is) better steel, and steel liners, you start to think, what about the Dragonfly?.....

I'll stick to my Dragonfly for now, but the true test will come when the FRN Robin gets here. :)

I'm not really talking about g10, or anything "too expensive", just FRN with steel liners, and VG-10 steel.

[thefly01]

Maybe it's not in the budget but I love my calypso with zdp. I know it's aliitle more but.. :eek:

[iamerror]

The main thing I would want to see on a new Dragonfly is a reversible metal clip, either standard or wire. The steel is not as important to me for this knife.

[DRod]

Id go with the wire on this one.
Wire clip with the new grip on both sides.
Thumb serrations on the thumb rest..
A torx pivot.

[Derkomai]

If the Dragonfly comes with a reversible clip, VG-10 steel, stainless steel liners, thumb serrations, FRN with Volcano Grip, SE, David Boye dent and a slightly larger :spyder: hole… and oh yes, a Wave :D , then I would buy it immediately. Or is this getting a little bit out of hand? :confused: Well, a men has the right to dream. :o

[clovisc]

the SS 'fly is one of my favorite designs. i would certainly be interested in an "upgraded" version, or a sprint run. colored almite would be hot...

i'm eagerly awaiting the etched SS 'fly...

[redhawk44p]

A G10 Dragonfly with S30V steel would make my day. It is one handy knife deserving of the upgrade.

[dedguy]

I like the idea of the Spyder inset into the handle. Would be interesting to see if some sort of texture grip (be it volcano or otherwise) would work in conjunction with an inset spyder. I normally don't like FRN spyders but I think that just may be because I dont like the volcano texture. I love the FRN on the Caly Jr. and on the Cento III/IV.

[John G.]

I agree - the Dragonfly is in extreme need of an update to VG10 and screwed / linered construction. The D4 is too big (& stiffly sprung) for many Cubscouts younger than 11 or 12-ish. I'd also like a Dragonfly for "unclipped" suit-pocket carry - but I can't deal with the substandard steel, non-adjustable pivot and non-removeable clip . (The navigator doesn't fit my hand well, and the kopa's a little pricey for my sensibilities).

I'd also HIGHLY recommend increasing the grind height to 5/8" (instead to current 3/8") on the D4, and E4. 3mm thick steel would also be nice :rolleyes: . I think a D4 with 3mm steel and a 5/8" high grind would compete very well with the Griptilian - AND give people who want a stronger-tipped Caly3 a MUCH nicer choice :D .


Finally, I'd also really like the SS versions of the Dragonfly, D4 and E4 to be upgraded to have adjustable pivots . Offering bead blasted stainless handles on the dragonfly, D4 and E4 that don't show fingerprints and scratches so easily would also be a very nice option.

[DRod]

John... I like how you think.

[yablanowitz]

... but I can't deal with the substandard steel, non-adjustable pivot and non-removeable clip .

I'd also HIGHLY recommend increasing the grind height to 5/8" (instead to current 3/8") on the Dragonfly.

Okay, I'm a little confused here :confused: . My FRN Dragonfly is full flat ground, I don't see how the grind could be raised more.

I also find it somewhat amusing that the Boker Subcom was UPGRADED to the AUS-8 steel that you consider substandard, and every review I have seen has been favorable. I would like to see VG-10, S30V or even ATS-55, but the AUS-8 on my Dragonfly does quite well on tasks the knife is sized to handle. As for the integral clip and pinned pivot, I don't have a problem with either. I don't baby any of my knives, but I doubt I'll tackle anything with a Dragonfly that is going to loosen the pivot to the point of unusability. I always carry it loose in my RFP, and the molded clip has never bothered me a bit.

Yes I would like to see a steel upgrade on the Dragonfly, but I would hate to see it become an eighty to ninety dollar knife. I think that would kill sales and guarantee the extinction of what is currently my favorite small Spydie.

[J Smith]

I have all ways wanted to see a colored G10 Dragonfly.

[John G.]

Oops - made a mistake (I was thinking about the grind on my older D-fly). The flat grind on the current Dragonfly is even better :D .

I still think raising the grind 1/4" on the D4 and E4 and making them out of 3mm steel would put them into a whole better category though .

I also agree that the D-fly shouldn't be a 80-90 knife - but I don't think the updates I suggested would do that. Spyderco managed to put the adjustable pivot, liners / screwed construction and removeable 4-way clip on the D4 and it still has a street price in the $40-50 range.

[Spydiman]

I also find it somewhat amusing that the Boker Subcom was UPGRADED to the AUS-8 steel that you consider substandard, and every review I have seen has been favorable.

OT: I actually enjoy my Boker Subcom with 420J2 steel, seems a LOT better then some other knives with "better" steel.

Back on topic, I dislike the AUS 8 steel on my Dragonfly, I have a hard time getting the burr off. About the price, I doubt that changing the steel from AUS 8 to VG10 or something like it, will alone change the price much. Look at the old ladybug vs the new one. Same MSRP, same street price.

I don't really care that much about the steel, more about the clip, and texture of the FRN.

My main point is, is that while most models have been disco'd or updated, the Dragonfly has just been out here waiting for its fate to be decided.

[yablanowitz]

Sorry to hear you have a hard time with the AUS-8. I have several knives with it, and feel it is pretty good steel. I have never had a problem sharpening it.

I like to think the Dragonfly was done right the first time, so it has needed very little in the way of improvement. I do think the move to flat grind from saber was a good choice. I would also like to see a higher grind on the E4/D4, although I know it was done the way it was for a good reason.

I don't think the single change of a steel upgrade would have a large impact on price. I don't think any one of the changes suggested would be too much either. But making all of the changes at once would definately have an impact. Adding the steel liners and screw construction to the E4/D4 was no small change, and I would guess the cost of that change was spread over more units than have been sold of the Dragonfly to keep the price as low as they did.

A fully linered G-10 Dragonfly in S30V would be really cool, a true Micro-Manix. I would have to have a couple, even if they were $80 a pop. The trouble is, the total sales for that knife would probably be in the high twenties or low thirties, not enough to cover the cost of making the prototypes.

I may have to get a stainless D'fly and add scales myself :D

[jon shannow]

The main thing I would want to see on a new Dragonfly is a reversible metal clip, either standard or wire. The steel is not as important to me for this knife.

i think the wire clip would be a good addition to the frn dragonfly as it would keep the weight down

i can live with the steel as it is i think it just needs an updated handle with maybe even an ajustable pivot to go with the wire clip

[jon shannow]

Finally, I'd also really like the SS versions of the Dragonfly, D4 and E4 to be upgraded to have adjustable pivots.

totaly agree john this is one upgrade i like to see on all spyders and ref the ss spyders it has all ready started on some like the adventura would be great to see it on all