The Older I Get

[Doc Dan]

I love the Dragonfly and the Manbug. However, the older I get the stiffer my hands get and I wonder if I will be able to use them well in a few years. I really do not want a larger knife (I have those). I want something to drop in my pocket. I note that my Cat is a nice size. It is about the same length closed as the Dragonfly, but it is wider/taller from spine to the finger grip area (not sure what to call that). It is enough more hand filling that it is easier to operate with stiff hands. What would it be like to have a back lock knife the size and dimensions of the Cat with a Dragonfly style blade?

[Evil D]

I think your best bet for ease of use in a smallish package may be a Chaparral. They're nearly identical in overall length but the Chaparral just a wee bit bigger and is a bit more hand filling.

[SpyderNut]

My first thought went to the Bradley Air, but the smaller round hole may pose a problem. The upcoming Meerkat Sprint may be a good option. The Chicago or Cat seem to be good options too.

[vivi]

Fixed blade? Would something like the Ark work for you? Its quite small and light.

[elena86]

I allways said that a 2,6-2,75 inch blade Dfly2 would be the best edc ever.But for now, the answer to your quest might be the UKPK.You really don't need a lock for such a small blade.

Marius

[The Deacon]

I think your best bet for ease of use in a smallish package may be a Chaparral. They're nearly identical in overall length but the Chaparral just a wee bit bigger and is a bit more hand filling.

Exactly. He could try the CF Chaparral, or perhaps wait for the FRN version. The Chaparral is only a hair longer closed than the Cat (3.625" vs 3.563"), and has a fairly similar handle shape and 50/50 choil. Blade is not quite as "pointy" as the D'fly, but has a similar symmetry.

[Jazz]

Only problem with the Chap is the thin lockbar. Because it's thin, thus less surface area, and no dent, it doesn't feel good to depress.

[Evil D]

Only problem with the Chap is the thin lockbar. Because it's thin, thus less surface area, and no dent, it doesn't feel good to depress.

Seems like a dent would only make it worse and harder to push.

[Qcrazy]

Just a thought, have you ever tried a Meerkat it is considered a LBK and a new Hap40 is due out soon. Once it is broken in it can be opened or closed using the gross motor skill of just rubbing your fingers together. It is one of my favorite designs and provides nonstop entertainment.

[Larry_Mott]

Spontaneously i think small auto. Like the Cali legal ProTech

[ZrowsN1s]

Time for a DFly XL?

Spontaneously i think small auto. Like the Cali legal ProTech

Funny you should mention that, I was going to start a new thread this week on CA legal versions of Spyderco Restricted Models.

[elena86]

Time for a DFly XL?

Spontaneously i think small auto. Like the Cali legal ProTech

Funny you should mention that, I was going to start a new thread this week on CA legal versions of Spyderco Restricted Models.

Yes SIR ! it's time for a Dfly XL. :eek:

[bearfacedkiller]

I have often wondered why Spyderco doesn't have a small auto or assisted opener under three inches.

[benben]

Yep, Dragonfly XL, I've said it here several times before! About the size of my Wegner Jr.

Overall length 6-3/4
Closed length 3-7/8
Blade length 2-7/8

In whatever handle material and blade steel Spyderco feels like using, I'll be happy with it!

[Evil D]

The Dfly just needs 1/2 inch more blade and 1/2 inch more handle, don't change anything else just make it 1/2 inch longer at each end.

[benben]

The Dfly just needs 1/2 inch more blade and 1/2 inch more handle, don't change anything else just make it 1/2 inch longer at each end.

Those dimensions I listed are just about spot on to your post Evil, the Wegner Jr. is 1.25 longer than the Dragonfly. I completely agree about the shape, keep it the way it is.

[The Mastiff]

My hands are pretty darn stiff and beaten up. I have to leave the spin and crickets in the box to keep from being bit. The dragonfly doesn't pose a problem for me for whatever reason. Likewise the Ti Chaparral. I can use these without difficulty. I do like smaller knives when they work for me but fortunately I can still use the full size ones. If I had to carry smaller knives it would be more important to me I guess.

Joe

[holeshot]

Spontaneously i think small auto. Like the Cali legal ProTech

I agree, I gave my son a Protech Half breed for Xams and it's a great knife. It has the longer handle with short blade. Eventually I'll get one for myself.

[abbazaba]

Chaparral is still one of my favorites, and one of the most practical knives I own. Thin, lightweight, dissappears in the pocket, perfect ergos, **** of a slicer, XHP, and great looking IMO! I carry it clipless since day one. Sounds exactly like what you described.


Native5, Chaparral, Cat, Dragonfly2

[Sharp Guy]

+1 for the Chap!