Spyderco is great in making “little big knives”. One of these is the Dragonfly. Currently the Dragonfly is available with two different handle materials either FRN or stainless steel. The FRN version features a flat ground blade of AUS-8 with a plain edge or fully serrated, while the SS version sports a blade of ATS-55 with the same edge variations. This year (2007), Spyderco also introduced a variation with an acid etched SS handle and a PE only VG-10 blade.

Both models have the well known pocket clip (designed for tip-up carry), only the FRN model presents itself a little bit nostalgic with a molded integral clip. Spyderco used to use these kind of clips on many models years ago but today to my knowledge the only knives that still have them are the Catcherman and the Dragonfly. I was a little bit doubtful when I bought the FRN version of this knife, because I thought that the now usual metal clip would be superior in all ways compared to the old style molded clip. Interestingly I found out that this is not true.

The molded clip carries more comfortable than a metal one because the material wont “eat” your trousers pockets like many other clips do and it holds the knife in place better than I thought it would. It also feels better in the hand while holding the knife to cut something, because the overall shape of the clip is much more rounded than any metal clip is and it feels warmer than metal does. Despite that it could be useful to modify the knife with a removable clip just in case it brakes or the user wants to remove it anyway. The only downside for me is that the FRN Dragonfly is to lightweight for my taste but on the other hand (if the clip could be removed) I really would tend to put it on my keychain instead of my trusty Jester just because of its weight (approx. 30 g or slighly over 1 oz. as opposed to the SS version which weighs more than twice as much).

I consider the SS version of this model as one of Spydercos three possible gentlemens or dress knives. The other two would be the Kiwi of course and the Cricket. All of them are small enough to avoid too much attention by NKP and have a classy look but I prefer the shape of the Dragonflys 58 mm (slightly over 2 inches) blade over the others.
The plain steel handle of this knife also offers a variety of possibilities for engraving or embellishment which in my opinion is also a very important point if you consider to give it away as a present.

For collectors it might be interesting that there are actually two more versions of this knife. One features a handle made of carbon fiber. The other one is the 1st generation model which has a hollow ground blade of a slightly different shape that was changed in the mid 90ies to the current appearance. While these two particular knives are somewhat hard to get, the current SS and FRN version can be bought almost everywhere for very little money.

Compared to other well known Spyderco knives I would say that the size of the Dragonfly lies between the Calypso Jr. and the Jester. This doesnt qualify it as a heavy duty folder for sure but it is the perfect size for cutting string, opening letters, opening boxes and whatever comes along during the day. The full flat ground blade makes it a real slicer and due to the choil and the very pronounced thumb ramp you can grip it very secure unlike other knives of the same size.

So what will you get for your money? A small but very useful knife that has the capability of great cutting power compared to its size. If you have very large hands you will most likely not be happy with it. The best way to find out if it is comfortable for you is a short trip to the dealer of your least distrust . If you dont like what you feel, I recommend you to try out the Calypso Jr.

What kind of changes would I personally like to see? Basically I would like Spyderco to add three more holes to the SS model so that the clip can be changed to tip-down carry. Just like the handles of the SS Delicas or SS Enduras are. Carrying tip-down knives for years and then occasionally switching to tip-up can be rather strange when you try to get the knife out of your pocket and open it in the same motion you are used to.

Although I found out to my surprise that I like the feeling of the molded clip, I think a removable clip for the FRN model would be a good improvement, as I stated earlier. I think a there would be too little space for a clip with a barrel screw but a three-screw clip with inset threads like on the C52 could work (and look) very good. Maybe with one of the black clips that has the golden bug on it…

My absolute dream model of the C28 would be a sprint run with a handle of blue Diamond Weave G-10, which woven texture almost looks like carbon fiber but in bright blue.

Please take also a look at my article “History of the C28 Dragonfly” for much more detailed information about this model.

Cheers,
Rob

March, 2005 /partially revised: October 2007