Recommendations for a thin, small-ish, ambi EDC Spydie?

[Will V.]

I think I would like to get a Spydie for a discreet EDC, when the Native FRN and Caly3 CF just take up a little too much room in my pocket.

My primary requirement is the knife have a thinner handle than those two knives, but it would also need to be generally smaller in all directions. It would also need to be configured for lefty carry. And I would prefer a flat grind, but that is not completely necessary.

Are the SS models generally thinner than corresponding FRN, G-10, and CF models?

The Dragonfly SS would probably be perfect, but it's not capable of being configured for lefty carry. Has anyone added clip mounting holes to a SS Spydie like the Dragonfly? I wonder if that can be done successfully.

I've also considered the SS Delica 4, but it seems about the same size as the Caly3. But the variety of carry configurations are attractive. The SS Lava is also on the radar, but I'm not crazy about the handle shape.

TIA for any assistance.

[Billy]

What about the Caly Jr.? I just got mine with the ZDP steel and it is about the perfect EDC. Hasn't left my pocket since I got it. Clip is ambi, but only tip down carry (I prefer tip up most of the time). I might also add the Adventura, even though it's not flat ground. Despite it's full stainless construction, with all the cutouts, it actually weighs quite a bit less than my SS D2, though not as light as most FRN knives. The Adventura has been my EDC for the last two years and has been a fantastic knife. Clip options are four-way too.

Billy

[JPatrick]

I've looked, and all the smaller Spydies (D'fly and smaller) either are right-hand only, or no clip at all.

As far as modifying a D'fly for left hand, I would recommend checking with STR. He's done a lot of work on various knives and clip modifications. You can find him at his forum over on BladeForums.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=810

He does good work. Everyone who's had something done by him are highly satisfied.

[The Deacon]

Am sure there's someone out there who could set a Dragonfly up for LH carrry. That's about your only option since you've effectively ruled out the entire Spyderco lineup. It's a shame that you find the Lava, which meets all of your criteria and is full flat ground, unacceptable. It may look odd, but it feels great in the hand. Everything else fails on one point or the other - it's either too big, too thick, or not drilled for LH carry.

[Will V.]

Thanks for your comments. I haven't completely ruled out the Lava, but I may have to get one in hand before I'm sold on it. I agree, it sounds like the ideal candidate.

[vampyrewolf]

have you checked out the polywog yet? tip up, left/right wire clip, ball bearing...

Usually I've got an endura, delica, lava or the poly that rotate on left/front. I've always got my subcom with a house key in my rear/left pocket.

[tap]

The E4/D4 NEED a little brother. Handle should be a full inch+ smaller than the D4. Blade would be approximately 2-1/4". Prefer ZDP-189 with CE. Same basic overall shape of handle and blade (slightly thinner on both). Saber grind right up to the bottom of the Hole. Could live with full flat IF it will be stong without making it into a "leaf". Keep it light with FRN including liners. 4 way clip. Maximize the cutting surface of the blade to within 1/8" of the handle.
The Byrd Robin comes close but it is not any thinner (than the D4) and the cutting surface is less than 2" even though the blade is a full 2-1/2" long. The choil just doesn't work for me. I would rather have a 3 finger handle than have to hold onto the blade. Keep it light. What weighs more, a comet or a hole? The comet is faster AND lighter.

[Tank]

Take a look at the Adventura, very thin. practically disapears in your pocket and its 4 way ambi. And not to mentions awesome knife

[spyderdog]

I think the handle on the lava is great. Don't eliminate it because of that.

the caly jr is also nice and thin, and can be set up for left hand carry

[Brad S.]

The SS D-fly could be very easily set up for left hand carry. Just a few holes and a tap and we can mount the clip for left hand carry. Myself or STR could do that.

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Don't like the lava handle? That can only mean you've not held one! Remember, we're talkin' Spyderco here! The lava is ergo city! So amazingly comfortable! The only bad thing about the lava is that it drove Simona away! :( :spyder:

[jaislandboy]

you might consider a Byrd FRN Robin .... or even a Spyderco "S" would be a great ambidextrous spydie... http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=269

[LOOKABIRD]

Did you think of the Cricket? It's not ambi but for something that small i would think it wouldnt matter about the clip. it would be a cool thing to carry in general with any other spydie.

[The Deacon]

Did you think of the Cricket? It's not ambi but for something that small i would think it wouldnt matter about the clip. it would be a cool thing to carry in general with any other spydie.You must be right handed. Have you ever opened a Cricket left handed? Did you fail to notice it was "a bit" less easy than opening one right handed due to the hole being almost half occluded by the right scale? Have you ever closed one left handed? Again "somewhat" clumsier due to the lock being on the wrong side. Clip placement, although once again wrong, is a minor annoyance for left handed users compared with those things. Yes the Cricket "can" be opened and closed left handed, for that matter I can pick up a pen between my toes and print my name with it, but I'd hardly recommend either as methods of choice.

Poliwog would be a reasonable choice, I tend to forget it because hand problems make grasping the ball to close the knife very difficult.

[GarageBoy]

The poliwog is pretty tiny folded up. About the size of a pocket watch

[Vincent]

I think the adventura is your best bet, thats one awesome knife.

[bladese97]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: I am in agreement with the Poliwog...It is my favorite small Spydie!

[Will V.]

Thanks, all. I've decided to take my chances on a silver almite Spydie S model. The styling is a little "out there" but I like it, I just hope it's compact enough to fit the bill.

If that doesn't work out, I may get an etched Dragonfly, and have it converted for lefty carry. Thanks again.