Dragonfly

[vampyrewolf]

I have a couple questions fr my fellow SpydieFreaks...



1> FRN vs SS

I am accustomed to FRN, and use a SS multi-tool. Trying to decide which way to go. This affects my 2nd question...



2> Aus-8 vs ATS-55

FRN/Aus-8 vs SS/ATS-55

I am used to ats-55, but I don't like SS that much. What is your opinion on Aus-8?



I asked the Aus-8 question in BF, and basically just got told:

-same as ats-55 for durability

-easier to sharpen, but won't hold an edge as long

-better for stainless properties



Any help is appreciated. I will be getting it this summer.





We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[The Stare]

FRN vs SS -- I'm a fairly big fan of FRN, because of how it has lasted for me, particularly on an old Gerber LST. I'm doing ok with both my Camillus EDC in 154CM and my new Paragee. Both have SS handles, but have a considerable # of holes/grooves cut out to remove weight and provide something to hang onto. Somewhat reluctantly, I've had to admit that I like the texture of the handles on my Sebenza. That bead-blast finish somehow feels kind of velvety, and provides a fairly decent grip. The few solid SS handled knives I've checked out felt quite slick to me. I simply have no use for a handle that one cannot hang onto. Of course, engraving could well provide a substantial amount of grip not natively part of SS handles, and meet some appearance or sentimental needs. Don't know what knive(s)-- obviously, had forgotten your topic name -- you're considering, but I love the FRN grip on the Calypso Jr Ltwt.

I wish I could provide you worthwhle info re the differences between AUS8 and ATS-55. I just don't give my knives enough use to be able to do this.

I will say that I've been disappointed in the corrosion resistance of AUS8 on my beadblasted CRKT M16. I haven't carried any of my ATS55 knives nearly as much as I carried the M16. Thus far, however, I've yet to see spot 1 on any of them. The M16 blade looks kind of sorry.

On the other hand, I purchased my Walker Ltwt used. It shows no sign whatsoever of corrosion. (While in good condition, I believe that my Walker had substantial use before I got it.)So, in a satin finish, I'd have to say that AUS8 has proven to be very good about stain resistance.

I haven't needed to sharpen any of my ATS55 blades yet. Nor any AUS8 blades. So, simply can't help with an opinion on edge holding, ease of resharpening. Have read many times that AUS8 is easy to resharpen. Haven't read anyhting either way about ATS55.

Stare

Edited by - The Stare on 7/2/2001 8:45:42 PM

[vampyrewolf]

btt

I guess my question should have been:
ATS-55 vs Aus-8. Pros/Cons of each...

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[vampyrewolf]

Well, just got back from handling both SS and FRN at the knife shop. I spent about 45minutes in there just handling the 2 back and forth.

I am ending up getting the SS version. I think it will one of the dress knives, as well as a user. It just felt better in my hand. Getting it in about 3 weeks.

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Jeff/1911]

VampyreWolf,

I was going to recommend you chose the stainless version. I think you'll be happier w/ the durability of ATS-55, and I've really come to like the s/s handles. I don't find them slippery at all. I enjoy the heft and the perception of strength they give. A stainless Dragonfly is on my list too.

So, what's it gonna be...plain edge or serrated?

Jeff/1911.

[Clay Kesting]

I think that's a good choice VW. The stainless Dragonfly is the most elegant of the small Spydies and makes an excellent dress knife. I'm also very impressed by the superb ergonomics and the cutting ability of its thin, flat ground blade. In fact the only knife I like better is the carbon fibre Dragonfly I got yesterday <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[vampyrewolf]

Clay, send it my way, I'll be happy to take care of the CF Dragonfly for yah...

Nice job finding one. I've only seen it once and it looks nice...

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Clay Kesting]

Thanks for the offer VW, but I think I can find room for it in my knife roll <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. It took a while to find one. I searched the &quot;For Sale Forum&quot; at BF for about a month before one came up and I haven't seen one since. It was worth the effort though, it is one of the nicest knives I own.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[Alan2112]

I have the frn Dragonfly in plain edge. I got it, for the unlikely event of haveing to fly some where(always be prepared). I'm partial to frn for being light weight. Although I may in the future get a stainless model, in serrated edge. I haven't had to sharpen my ATS-55 Delica yet, so I can't comment on how easy it is to resharpen. The edge retention has already proven to me, that it is superior to 8A. 8A is the Japanese version of 440C, and I like it a lot. The Dragonfly is a wonderful small knife; I'm crazy about ours! I hope this helps! RKBA!