FOG HORN 2012 Twobirds Flying Publication

Copyright 2012, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Spyderco’s Dragonfly

By: Sal Palma

“…I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (all).” Matthew 25:40 King James Version (Cambridge Ed.) - words to live by, regardless of how you view The Bible. It also closely follows my line of thinking in assessing a company and its products. More specifically, does a company’s design and quality philosophy permeate from its flagship products to its value line? As intuitive as this may seem it’s rare to find that ethic, especially in today’s business climate. So, it is exhilarating to run across a company, like Spyderco, who rejects cutting corners; delivering a superb product across its lines of business.

Spyderco, based in Golden, Colorado, is the perfect example of an American success story. The company was founded in 1978 by Sal

Glesser and his wife Gail, who started producing knife sharpeners and in 1981 Spyderco produced its first folding knife.

Sal Glesser’s Spyderco has had a measurable impact on the tactical knife industry. In recognition of that contribution, Sal Glesser was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame back in 2000 at the Atlanta Blade Show. Spyderco’s commitment to our men and women in uniform is well known and recognized.

With that bit of background out of the way, I’ll jump into my review of the Dragonfly – the little knife that could.

Prior to UPS delivering the knife at my door, I’d been working on a couple of large heavy duty tactical folders, so when I first picked up the Dragonfly, it felt like I was holding a business

Spyderco’s Dragonfly – the little knife that could. 2012

Copyright 2012, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

card; from that experience a love affair ensued.

The Dragonfly weighs a mere 2 oz.; in fact if you let it sit in your hand for too long you’ll forget you have it. Its overall thickness is about .33 inches so the knife fits very nicely in your PAL webbing.

This little gem of an EDC sports a 2.25 inch VG10, flat-ground, razor sharp, plain edge blade that absolutely rocks. Dragonfly’s business end has the traditional Spyderco spear point with the large opening hole.

Now, when you’re dealing with a diminutive little folder it’s easy to lull yourself into underestimating its abilities. So, let me help you dismiss that thought by saying this tiny knife will handle any task, short of a combat role, you can throw at it. It will slice and cut through virtually anything. That ability is directly attributable to the blade steel, blade shape and its incredibly refined full flat-grind, which when combined with a generous thumb rest at the

spine, just forward of the axis point, and aggressive jimping, top and bottom, provide total control and a rock solid grip.

In reviewing folding knives one of several attributes that define a superb knife is how well the blade integrates with the handle. The blade and handle must create a series of angles that allow for the knife to sit comfortably in the hand. That singular quality is what propels the Dragonfly from a great little knife to a stellar folder.

Even in my large chunky hands, Spyderco’s Dragonfly sits comfortably all the way down to my pinky, which rests on a nicely executed flat shelf.

Spyderco’s Dragonfly – the little knife that could. 2012

Copyright 2012, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Adding to the excellent ergonomics is the wonderfully textured G-10 scales. I’m a sucker for G-10 as it is impervious to heat and chemicals. I’ve yet to encounter a structural problem or discoloration in any G-10 application; it is well worth the added cost.

Before moving on to the all-important locking mechanism there are three additional features worth mentioning. Spyderco designed the Dragonfly so that it can be completely disassembled for cleaning. The fasteners holding the halves together are all high quality torx screws. Spyderco also added a wire clip that is movable for right or left carry. The clip is esthetically pleasing and does not encroach on the organic beauty of this very attractive little knife, and allows the knife to sit well into the pocket for a low profile. The Dragonfly can even be carried in a shirt pocket. Although the wire clip is stiff and sturdy it remains gentle on fabric, so you need not worry about damaging your clothes. Finally, Spyderco was thoughtful enough to include a lanyard attachment point.

The lifeblood of a folding knife is its locking mechanism; trumping material selection, aesthetics, artistic flair or what have you. If you don’t have a solid lock you don’t have a usable tool period. The Dragonfly uses a Back Lock system that holds the blade securely in place. I experienced no up and down, or side to side movement of the blade. Its adjustable axis point allows for additional tensioning to ensure that you have a rock solid lockup.

Conclusion

To say that I was extremely impressed by the Dragonfly is an understatement. Everything you’d find in a signature folder is standard equipment on the Dragonfly. No detail is overlooked – machining of the blade, the G10 scales, the frame, etc.; everything reflects the utmost quality.

Spyderco’s Dragonfly is certainly not the company’s hallmark knife, yet it does not suffer from neglect evident with other manufacturers. It’s simply tiny. But, you need not feel short changed because this folder is a sleeper.

Spyderco’s Dragonfly is the little knife that could!

-SP

Manufacturer’s Specifications

• length overall 5.5 " (140 mm) • blade length 2.25 " (57 mm) • blade steel VG-10 • length closed 3.188 " (81 mm) • cutting edge 1.875 " (48 mm) • weight 2 oz. (56 g) • blade thickness .093 " (2.5 mm) • handle material G-10