Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is the next generation knife of the original Dragonfly, and is only slightly bigger than that. Spyderco Dragonfly 2 review can be compared with Spyderco Dragonfly review for a better comparison.
It also features FRN handle, as opposed to G-10 scales on the original. Even though Dragonfly 1 also comes with FRN scales, the one with the G-10 stood out.
Like Dragonfly 1, the Dragonfly 2 also has different variants. It comes in various colors, steel material and handle material.
However, all Dragonfly variants have two things in common: Japanese origin, and consist of a Lock Back. They are also ambidextrous with tip-up carry position.
Summary of Dragonfly 2 variants:
- Steel material: Super Blue/SUS410, VG-10, CPM S30V, K390, H-2, CPM 20CV, CPM Cru-Wear, & CPM S35VN.
- Handle material: FRN, FRN Zome, & Carbon Fiber.
- Colors: Yellow, Dark Blue, Electric Blue, Black, Black & Red, Orange, Dark Pink, Light Pink, Gray-Blue, and Silver-Gray.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Best Options to Buy
When it comes to picking the best variant of Dragonfly 2 for ladies, we believe it is best to choose one with a S30V steel blade with bi directional FRN handle scales in Pink Color which is currently having an offer with free shipping and one free gift item as well
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Review
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 warrants some basic product description. The VG 10 steel outperforms other steels in terms of hardness, toughness, edge retention, and wear and corrosion resistance. The black blade also undergoes extra processing to clip it in a protective coating.
Thus, the black coating acts as a surface protector for the steel blade to fill the surface imperfections for faster clip, smooth coating and protection against rust. Therefore, it also costs more than the silver S30V steel, and harder to sharpen.
The Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) handle is another distinctive feature with Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texture pattern for a non-slip secure grip. It fits the knife’s reversible wire clip for deep pocket carry. It is suitable for both left and right-handed people. Also, the lock bar along with the pocket clip and blade coating sport non-reflective black coating. These features make the knife perfect for knife collectors and knife enthusiasts.
Main Features of Spyderco Dragonfly 2
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is slightly bigger than the original. Its open length extends to 5.56” with a closed length of 3.25”. The blade length is of 2.38” with a 0.09” of blade thickness, making it an excellent small-sized pocket knife. It is also lightweight, weighing only 1.2 oz. with an ambidextrous and tip-up carry position.
Key Specifications of Spyderco Dragonfly 2
First Impression of Spyderco Dragonfly 2
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 came in a standard Spyderco packaging detailing its specs and model number. It also inscribed ‘Made in Japan’ to authenticate its origin
It was carefully wrapped inside the bubble wrap, which protects it during shipping. It was a relatively thinner knife in overall profile. Its entire profile was also encased in liners and held in place.
The first time I held the knife, it felt sturdy with a good grip. And as soon as I opened it using the thumb hole, the action was the smoothest. The FRN handle was very much slip-free with a fine finish. I also liked the pocket clip.
The pocket clip is just old style Spyderco wire pocket clip which easily slips inside the pocket and gets out just as smoothly; even though it is not deep-pocket carry because of its size.
The FRN handle also makes the knife feel lightweight in the hand. It does not feel like you are holding anything, in a good way. However, if you had chosen the carbon fiber handle, it would feel hefty in the hand.
The DF2’s blade was also securely screwed in place, and I liked its overall design and build. The finger choil felt smooth and comfortable. I could hold it in whatever way I wanted with absolutely no blade play. The deployment and lockup was also as good as I had expected.
So overall, no complaints in first impression. It seems like a good knife, providing good value for money.
Blade of Spyderco Dragonfly 2
The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 has the added advantage of the balanced performance in terms of edge retention and sharpness of the blade having VG10 steel. Although it might be a challenge to sharpen it, it would not be required too frequently. And once the job is done, the knife would be ready for enhanced EDC tasks. Therefore, these properties make it a balanced steel blade in terms of all basic functions.
The blade thickness of 0.09” with an edge length of 1.875” makes it ideal for seamless cutting tasks, along with the belly of the blade. Although the belly is not as flat as the larger knives, it can carry out paper cutting and cardboard cutting tasks swiftly.
However, after cutting through multiple cardboard boxes, the blade showed wear and tear on edge but the edge still remained very sharp. Moreover, even though the blade length of 2.33” may look tiny, it has a fully supported finger choil on both ends. The choils help hold the blade and use it with just your thumb and index finger, even if you do not hold the handle. But for cutting heavier items, you may need to use all your fingers.
The best thing about that is that it applies lesser pressure in your wrist than you would expect. It spreads out the pressure evenly. The full-flat grind with drop point blade shape thinned at the edge provides good edge retention, and makes an excellent EDC knife.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Handle, Ergonomics & Pocket Clip
The FRN handle of the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is a nylon-polymer mixed with glass fiber and injection molded into lightweight and textured, yet high-strength knife handle. Its texturing consists of Spyderco’s bi-directional, same as found on Spyderco Delica and Spyderco Endura.
The best thing about the handle is that it provides a firm grip even if the hand is wet, or covered in sweat or gloves. However, unlike Delica and Endura, Spyderco Dragonfly 2 does not have stainless steel liners.
However, that does not hinder the knife’s performance. It is also one of the reasons for its lightweight. It also does not require liners due to its size and uses.
You will find stainless steel liners in the G-10 handle. Therefore, if you prefer one with liners, then G-10 is the one to go for. It is also screwed in all the right places given the knife’s profile. It is also easy to unscrew to clean and put it back together. However, only do it if you are a pro knifer and have prior experience with unscrewing folder knives.
Because of the knife’s size, I did not expect the ergonomics to be exceptional. Spyderco’s Dragonfly 2 surprised me with refined ergonomics, sturdy grip, finger choil, and the large thumb ramp. The finger choil and thumb ramp have ample jimping for a comfortable hold.
Another good thing about the ergonomics is that it does not leave out the pinky finger, as I had initially expected. It supports the pinky finger at the back end of the handle. It helps support four-finger grip and provides more control.
The Dragonfly 2’s wire clip is one of the best pocket clip designs that I have experienced. Although some people may not like it and find it susceptible to breakage or brittleness.
However, it will work fine if maintained and handled well. And although it is small, it hangs securely inside the pocket, buckle, or collar – however you want to carry it which works well with blue or black jeans or dress pants.
My Experience with Spyderco Dragonfly 2
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 review would be incomplete without demonstrating its usage. For people who are used to carrying smaller and lightweight folding knives, Dragonfly 2 is a breeze when used over time. However, for those who have used larger knives may need some getting used to.
As someone who has used knives of all sizes, I found Dragonfly 2 exceptionally well when it came to performance. Although it required regular cleaning and maintenance.
The blade showed some considerable burs and roughness on edge after cutting papers and cardboards. However, the sharpness of the blade remained intact. It was also able to cut through dry wooden sticks with exceptional ease. The finger choil provided the much-needed support for precision cutting during food preparation.
The handle however, remained intact throughout the task and even after that. It did not show signs of tarnish after considerable usage. I was able to carry it in all seasons, even while wearing gloves. Although it proved to be a challenge after consistent usage. My hand started to hurt because of the pressure in my arm.
The lock back remained smooth and safe throughout. I flipped it open and close even when I was not using it, and every time it worked fine.
The pocket clip also remained sturdy, and I was able to use it as money clip. It stayed in my pocket securely and easily clipped off when I needed it.
Therefore, my overall experience was better than I expected. Although it is not the best knife for constant usage in one task. You may need to take a break to take the pressure off your arm. However, it did deliver what I had paid for. It performed all EDC tasks without much effort.
Comparisons
In comparisons, I ll be comparing Dragonfly 2 with Spyderco Delica 4 and also with Spyderco Lady Bug 3
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 vs. Spyderco Delica 4
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 and Delica 4 share many qualities that make them worth comparing. The blade steel on Delica 4 is VG-10, also of Japanese origin. It is corrosion and wear-resistant, easy to sharpen and has good edge retention. On the other hand, although Cru-Wear is harder, it is challenging to sharpen.
Moreover, Delica 4 has steel liners, which are missing from Dragonfly 2. Although that is not a big deal, some knife enthusiasts may prefer steel liners.
The Dragonfly 2 is more like a compact version of Delica in terms of size. There is a considerable difference between the size and weight of the two knives. While Dragonfly 2 weighs around 1 oz. Delica weighs over 2 oz. It is also more than 2” larger than Dragonfly 2.
When it comes to blade shape, both knives share the same drop-point leaf-shaped blade, following Spyderco’s signature styling. With equal edge retention, both knives are capable of performing EDC tasks exceptionally well.
Both knives also share the same back locking mechanism. However, when it comes to the finger choil Delica 4 has a more comfortable choil than Dragonfly 2. And due to its size, Delica 4 offers a better grip.
When it comes to price, Dragonfly 2 is less expensive than Delica 4. Some knife collectors and enthusiasts may prefer Delica over Dragonfly. However, if you are on a budget, prefer a lightweight small EDC knife, and require it less often, then Dragonfly 2 may be a better choice for you.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 vs. Ladybug 3
The Spyderco Ladybug 3 is an extensively compact knife, even smaller than Dragonfly 2. It weighs less than 1 oz. and its overall length extends up to just 4.41”. Its handle is only 2.48” with a blade thickness of 0.079”. The blade of Ladybug is VG-10, also of Japanese origin with the same lock back and FRN handles as the Dragonfly 2.
Consequently, it also costs significantly less than Dragonfly 2, less than $50. Dragonfly 2 costs almost double than Ladybug.
Although, Dragonfly 2’s Cru-Wear is superior to VG-10, easier to sharpen and with longer edge retention compared to VG-10. The Cru-Wear is also tougher and harder, leading to high strength and impact resistance.
The size of the Ladybug’s blade may be too small for comfort for some users. With just 1.93” of blade, it may be limited to some EDC tasks. However, the drop point leaf-shaped blade with a saber or hollow grind makes it a versatile folding knife.
Therefore, it can be extremely sharp and show exceptional performance. I also like the fact that Ladybug comes in Plain edge, serrated edge, and Spyder Edge options. However, I prefer plain edge as it is easy to sharpen.
The deployment of Ladybug is as smooth as Dragonfly 2, with the same back lock. It also has fine jimping at the back of the blade just like Dragonfly 2, allowing finer cuts.
The ergonomics of Ladybug are just as good as Dragonfly 2, except that its size is 2.48” as compared to 3.31” of Dragonfly 2 handle. However, the jimping along with the finger choil allows a tight hold.
Another major difference is that Ladybug comes without a pocket clip because of its compact design. It has a rather large lanyard hole at the bottom of the handle than the clip. It allows you to hang the Ladybug on a keychain or tie a Para cord around it.
This is very different from Spyderco’s other knives, including Dragonfly 2. Yet, it allows discreetly carrying the knife in your pocket, along with the keys
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, the preference depends on a lot of things. If you want a compact knife that you can hang to your keychain, is economical and exceptional EDC knife, then Ladybug is a good choice. However, I would rather prefer Dragonfly 2, mostly because of the size. The price does not make much difference, as long as you are getting a good deal in return.
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 review comes to an end. We analyzed its blade, handle, ergonomics, and pocket clip in great detail. Some may find it too small and too lightweight.
However, it does not disappoint when it comes to performance. The Cru-wear blade material, along with edge retention makes it a fine gem of a folding knife. Although it may tarnish over time, its sharpness will not dim if maintained well.
The ergonomics of the FRN are also good, as it is slip-proof and grippy. You can use it with wet or sweaty hands, or while wearing gloves, no problems there. The ambidextrous wire pocket clip also has a fine finish.
However, it may not be ideal to continue an EDC task for too long with a Dragonfly, as your arm may start to hurt. I found that out during my overtime experience.
It is a compact version of Delica 4, but larger than Ladybug, hence falling in the mid-tier among the two knives. The choice between the three largely depends on the size, and frequency of usage. I found Dragonfly 2 perfectly capable of carrying out EDC tasks without many problems. Thereby making it a good folding EDC knife.
