I just received email notification that the newest Spyderco Dragonfly 2 EDC folding knife is available for purchase.
If this is the first you’re hearing about this knife, you probably shouldn’t buy one. I still felt its launch to be noteworthy, so please bear with me as I try out a new post format (and chime in with a comment if you love it and want it see applied to other types of tools, or if you hate it).
See Also: We Love it, You Might Too: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Knife
You should buy this knife if…
You want a small knife. This one has a 3.33″ closed length, 5.62″ overall length, and 2.29″ blade length. It’s not “keychain-sized” small, but it’s quite compact, although not uncomfortably so for casual use.
A knife this size is perfectly suited for EDC (everyday carry), but I think it’s going to be a little too small for anyone not specifically looking for a smaller knife.
You want to try its K390 blade steel alloy. Here is what Spyderco says about K390:
K390 is a high-alloy particle metallurgy tool steel enriched with high volumes of vanadium, tungsten and cobalt. Produced by Bohler-Uddeholm, its advanced alloy composition offers exceptional edge retention and toughness and makes it an ideal choice for steel connoisseurs.
In other words, it holds an edge (which means it stays sharp longer), tough (usually less prone to chipping), and pricier than their knives made with other types of steel.
Based on the information provided, and the alloy breakdown specifications, a blade made from K390 steel should be quite robust.
You like the color. Spyderco knives are often available with different FRN handle colors, and this one is described as a distinctive blue which some stores call “cyan blue.”
You want a basic knife with thumb-hole opening, lockback lock, and wire pocket clip.
Not to mince words, this is a knife for Spyderco fans, Dragonfly 2 fans, and knife enthusiasts or collectors. It’s a knife you buy if you already love the Dragonfly 2 size and shape.
Price: $98 with free shipping
If you might like the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 knife, consider less expensive versions of it. You can find it with VG10 blade steel for $66.50.
The K390 blade steel and blue handle color costs nearly 50% more than a “standard” Dragonfly 2 with VG10 blade and FRN handle. Or, looking at things from the other direction, you can save nearly 33% by going with a standard Dragonfly 2 instead of the new K390 version.
There are other colors available as well, and other specialty blade steels or shapes.
The Dragonfly 2 is a good knife for regular and even daily users who don’t want the bulk of a larger or full-size knife clipped to their pocket.
The version described above is a new premium variation, with the K390 blade steel alloy seemingly designed to stand up to frequent use, and even harder use – although the size of the knife can be limiting for what I would consider “hard use.”
See Also: Dragonfly 2 via Amazon
See Also: Dragonfly 2 via BladeHQ
See Also: Dragonfly 2 via Knives Ship Free
If the Dragonfly 2 isn’t a good shape or fit for your needs, what are you looking for? We have more knife reviews on the way – see our prior knife reviews here.
The Dragonfly 2 is made in Japan.
