Dragonfly 2: FRN or G-10?

M

Mister Coffee

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Bob Denman (Everybody knows Bob. He's the guy who's always causing the trouble around here.) recently started a thread on little knives, and it has concentrated my thinking about the Dragonfly 2. I'd like to know if everyone thinks that this little knife is best expressed with FRN lightweight handles, or if anyone is attracted to the model with G-10 scales and steel liners. I'm always impressed when I see pictures of Spyderco knives with full steel liners, but would it be missing the point to go with full liners on this flyweight Dragonfly?

Just wondering what you think. You, too, Bob.

Thanks. :)
 
As an owner of many Delicas and Enduras, I'm quite content with Spyderco FRN and their texturing on it.

For me, I'm not sure the G10 is worth another $52. But I'm also admittedly a frugal person.

If I had to spend more $ on a Dragonfly, it would be to move up to S30V over the handle material.
 
gazz98 said:
As an owner of many Delicas and Enduras, I'm quite content with Spyderco FRN and their texturing on it.

For me, I'm not sure the G10 is worth another $52. But I'm also admittedly a frugal person.

If I had to spend more $ on a Dragonfly, it would be to move up to S30V over the handle material.
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Good point. I ought to learn to go for good character instead of good looks. :)
 
I carry a SE Dragonfly daily along with my primary folder to have the added utility of that SpyderEdge in pocket, and have swapped SE blades into various versions of the Dragonfly. I have the Pakkawood version with steel liners that I carry from time to time, and I had intentions to get the G10 version as well (I may still at some point) and perhaps get some micarta scales made up for it, but in the end I think I've come to the conclusion that the FRN is the ideal choice for this knife for me. In recent years I've gotten over my prior aversion to "plastic" handles/scales, and have particularly come to appreciate Spyderco FRN.

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I've got the g10 model and really dig it. Even with the full liners it's crazy light in hand and pocket. Although I don't prefer frn, I'm definitely not opposed to it. I like it on my Stretch. With the dragonfly being so small I wanted a little mass to it, hence getting the g10 model.

When I first bought it in 2012, it was $80 new. Absolutely worth it at that price. I stopped carrying it for a bit and ended up trading or selling it away. A few years later my tastes came back around and I was wanting one again.

At $122 new, I couldn't pull the trigger on it. Is it worth it? Yeah, probably so. I just couldn't justify spending $40 more for the same knife. I found one on the exchange for I think around 80 or 90ish darn near new. Definitely bought that one and have no plans for it to go anywhere. Besides my pocket of course.

If you can find a used one for under $100 I would definitely go for it.
 
I have the SE Salt and I like it, but would also like the G-10, just so I can do a scale swap. I also like the SS handle version, including the Tattoo.
 
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I like both. My only gripe with G10 is how it grates your pockets. A lot of times the FRN is plenty grippy and the clip rests on a smooth area.

As far as the materials themselves go, FRN seems to have the advantage when it comes to manufacturing because it's able to be molded. In use it's seriously tough stuff, and aside from minor discoloration it's never given me any real trouble.

G10 comes in slabs which somewhat limits what you can do with it, it pretty much has to be machined. It's an incredible material nonetheless.
 
Option 3 : stainless.
I have G10 and FRN ‘flys as well but my stainless one gets all the carry time. It’s heavier and feels like a knife, doesn’t shred pockets, no jimping which I prefer and the fact that is pinned construction really isn’t an issue for me.



Even better, a Kopa, if you can find one
 
I have a Nishijn fiber and a G10, as well as a number of FRN models. If forced to keep one, I'd keep the G10 or Nishijin. They are not heavy and feel more like a traditional pocket knife in the pocket or in hand. I love the looks. However, on a more practical side, the FRN are a lot less maintenance and even more so, the Salts. Plus, they are so light you forget you them in your pocket. So, for nice feeling, the G10. For practicality, the FRN.
 
I only have the FRN version but the Dragonfly 2 is an exceptional little knife. I have no complaints about the FRN. It seems well suited to the form factor of the knife. The wire clip is great if you actually use it. (I often just drop mine into a smaller pocket so for me, the clip just serves as a finger rest for opening.) For utility purposes, consider the Wharncliffe version.

As far as K390, I really like that the VG-10 model is stainless. It gets thrown in watch pockets, tossed around, etc. It is literally the knife to go anywhere. Being stainless just feels right for what it is. So however much better the edge retention is on K390, I'll never find out. I also haven't been disappointed in the edge retention for what I ask of this knife. If they ever offer the Wharncliffe model in a better stainless like M390, MagnaCut, etc.; then I'd be down. Until then, VG-10 is fine for my needs.

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mwhich50 said:
I have both, as well.
They are too small for most of my needs, and they are also a little pricey for what you get.
I prefer the frn for edc. High visability orange frn is always a plus IMO.
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Agreed on the attributes of high vis. That zome green one I posted above was really cool, but I actually lost it this summer. I was on the way down from a somewhat strenuous 12 mile hike and stopped at an alpine lake to cool off. As I was kneeling there I heard a small "clink" sound. I turned around to search and saw nothing, then checked my pockets for all of my carry gear, but since the Dragonfly is so unobtrusive and goes so unnoticed clipped in the corner of my back pocket I didn't notice it was missing. I went back a few days later because I know exactly where it happened, but it was a lost cause. That was the inspiration for my brightly colored replacement above
 
Bob Denman said:
Has anybody found G10 scales for the Dragonfly?
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If I'm not mistaken, there was a guy selling a G10 replacement for the frn on etsy. So just solid G10 without the steel liners. I'm pretty sure I saw a YouTube video about it.

Edit: actually it was micarta
 
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