The newest Spyderco Dragonfly 2 folding knife features a K390 steel alloy and blue FRN handle.
You should consider this knife if…
You want a small knife for everyday tasks.
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The Dragonfly 2 has a 3.33″ closed length, 5.62″ overall length, and 2.29″ blade length. It’s small enough to be “keychain-sized”, but it’s quite compact without being uncomfortable.
A folding knife this size is perfectly suited for a wide range of everyday cutting tasks, but I think it could be 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.
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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 manual folding knife with thumb-hole opening, lockback lock, and wire pocket clip.
This model should appeal to Spyderco fans, Dragonfly 2 fans, and knife enthusiasts or collectors.
Price: $107
If you’re not well-acquainted with the Spyderco Dragonfly 2, you might want to consider less expensive versions of it. You can find it with VG10 blade steel for less.
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 SALT version (above photo, rightmost) features a serrated blade, which is better suited for cutting fibrous material such as rope and webbing, a hollow-ground H2 steel blade for greater corrosion resistance, coated hardware, and high-visibility yellow handle. It’s designed for use “in and around the water.”
The Dragonfly 2 is suited for regular and even daily users who don’t want the bulk of a larger or full-size knife clipped to their pocket.
I have found that all versions of the Dragonfly 2 can still stand up to frequent use. However, regardless of blade steel, the size of the knife can be limiting for what I would consider “hard use.”
The Dragonfly 2 is made in Japan.
