First Spyderco EDC - Dragonfly, or Harpy?

K

Kiss Me Deadly

Joined
Jan 5, 2010
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I'm trying to decide between the Dragonfly (White) or the SS Harpy as my first Spyderco EDC. It's a tough decision.

I need something small and practical that can do regular cutting tasks, but the Harpy grabs my attention because of it's ability to open boxes and cut line with ease.

On the other hand the Dragonfly is about the right size for most tasks, and it's better at slicing (like for food) I'd assume. Both would be secondary for self-defense, though it's a passive reason to carry one.

I know, the typical answer would be, "Buy Both!" But I need to choose one. If I get the Harpy, I'll pair it with a normal Ladybug instead, and if I get the Dragonfly, I'll pair it with the Hawkbill Ladybug. ;)

Any advice?
 
I don't have any experinece with the knives mentioned.

If it's just for trying out spyderco's, I'd go with a persistence. It's a lot cheaper and functions well. It's a good quality knife for the money. You could also upgrade size wise to the tenacious, which was my first spyderco edc and really started me of as a spyderco nut.
 
I'm not a fan of the FRN clip on some of the d'fly models so if I were you and had the funds I'd go for the G10 model, I don't own a harpy so I can't really compare it to the d'fly. The d'fly, for a small knife, is comfortable in the hand and the one I have with VG-10 takes and holds a good edge. It's also light and small enough to where it would make a nice edc knife, although I prefer larger knives.
 
I have owned every knife that you mentioned in your post. For my EDC needs, the Dragonfly is more practical, and if you are planning to pair it with a Ladybug Hawkbill anyway, I think that would be a great setup.

If you end up going with the Harpy and a Ladybug, I would guess you will find yourself reaching for the Ladybug more than your Harpy.

This is all based solely on my EDC needs, and your situation may be completely reversed. How often will you be cutting line and of what diameter? What type of environment do you live in (Plains, Beach, Coast, Island, etc.)?
 
ChapmanPreferred said:
I have owned every knife that you mentioned in your post. For my EDC needs, the Dragonfly is more practical, and if you are planning to pair it with a Ladybug Hawkbill anyway, I think that would be a great setup.
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That is what I was going to say, you beat me to it:)

The DF is a great tool, it's light weight, discreet, and has great cutting ability. I'd definitely get a Ladybug hawkbill for the keychain as well.
 
I vote for the Dragonfly and I agree with hwpaintballer and get the G10. I like the ergos and size of the DF.
 
One more vote for the D'fly+hawkbill Ladybug setup.

Additional reason to the already mentioned: That way, you will have 2 collectables, because they both are sprint runs AFAIK, in the case of the D'fly even from 2008. I'd buy the white Dragonfly in a heartbeat if I'd see a good offer.

The Harpy and the normal Ladybug are much more ordinary Spydies.... and you can get any of them easily any time later.

Dennis
 
Get the G-10 Dragonfly and it might very well be the last EDC you ever buy. It's that good. Good idea pairing it with the Hawkbill Ladybug.
 
I would go for Dragonfly. IMHO this blade much more universal than SE hawkbill. But I would get either SS or G10 variant because I am not a big fan of integrated clip. Or get lightly used Caly3, which I think is much better knife, I saw few of them on forum and e-bay recently for about $70-80.
 
Dragonfly without a doubt..I have both the White frn and G-10...I find myself carrying the FRN verion and i'm a lefty! It's light and disposable.
 
ChapmanPreferred said:
I have owned every knife that you mentioned in your post. For my EDC needs, the Dragonfly is more practical, and if you are planning to pair it with a Ladybug Hawkbill anyway, I think that would be a great setup.

If you end up going with the Harpy and a Ladybug, I would guess you will find yourself reaching for the Ladybug more than your Harpy.

This is all based solely on my EDC needs, and your situation may be completely reversed. How often will you be cutting line and of what diameter? What type of environment do you live in (Plains, Beach, Coast, Island, etc.)?
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Yeah... I'm convinced - It does sound like a great setup, doesn't it? Probably the way to go.

As for environment, mostly urban, but I do a lot of work that involves opening boxes, cutting electrical wire (before I solder it), and things of that nature. Sometimes cut guitar strings when in a pinch, etc.

Either way, I got the White Dragonfly -- I know most people here are pushing for the G-10, but I was able to get the Sprint Run White D'fly NIB for only 14.00 USD, so I wasn't passing it down before my buddy changed his mind. :D

I don't mind the integrated clip's appearance or side position so long as it isn't likely to snap/break. Is it? :eek:


Murdoc370 said:
Additional reason to the already mentioned: That way, you will have 2 collectables, because they both are sprint runs AFAIK, in the case of the D'fly even from 2008. I'd buy the white Dragonfly in a heartbeat if I'd see a good offer.
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Oh, absolutely. I didn't even think of it this way. :o


V-1 said:
Good idea pairing it with the Hawkbill Ladybug.
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Ordering the Hawkbill Ladybug tonight, most likely, unless one of you guys have one for sale. :thumbup:

Thanks for the help/advice, everyone!
 
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I love my Dragonfly. I never leave home without it.

Hawkbills are excellent for what they are designed for, but a bit specialized, in my opinion.
 
Kiss Me Deadly said:
I don't mind the integrated clip's appearance or side position so long as it isn't likely to snap/break. Is it? :eek:
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I doubt it would break unless you snagged something really good, I just don't like it due to the lack of retention it has when it comes to holding it in your pocket, and great pick up for $14.00 :thumbup:
 
We should all have a buddy like that -- NIB dragonfly for $14!

Congratulations -- and enjoy!
 
flash900 said:
We should all have a buddy like that -- NIB dragonfly for $14!

Congratulations -- and enjoy!
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Yeah - He had a few and knew I was pining over them, so good deal.

Thanks, though. Still waiting on my Hawkbill Ladybug, but the Dragonfly is definitely an awesome little folder. I can see where the complaints about the clip would come from, but I'm actually growing fond of it.

After carrying it for a few days, I start wondering if I should also get a Delica just for the larger size, but y'know how that goes.... Beginning of addiction. :D I do prefer the more leaf-shaped blade of the Dragonfly, honestly.

Does make you wonder, though, does anyone else think of the Dragonfly being just a bit too small, or is it just the collector's bug getting to me? :cool: I do love it, though -- It's perfect for most tasks, and I've already zip-tie modded it. I'm half considering doing a RIT dye job on it as well since I got it for so cheap. :eek:
 
The Dragonfly is perfect for most of my tasks, and I can EDC at work without scaring my colleagues.

For reasons I still don't understand, I started looking for a larger version of the Dragonfly. I ended up with a Persistence, a Delica (VG10) and I'm now trying a third model.

They're all great, my wallet is sorry to say.
 
Congrats on a great deal. If you ever decide to step up to a little larger blade than the dragonfly, I can't recommend the Caly 3 enough. I purchased one shortly after receiving a G10 D'Fly and my D'Fly just hasn't seen much action since. I own a number of high quality folders in the 2-3" range including more expensive benchmades & strider but I like the Caly 3 as well if not better than any of them. Near perfect form & function.
 
I recently got a Harpy and after reading here went a head and ordered a G10 Dragon fly. I have had a FRN Dragonfly for a few years with AUS8 steel. I really like the Harpy and I think the Harpy and Dragonfly just may be the perfect combination.

RKH
 
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