Having read many knife reviews and acquiring a collection of Gerber, Case and Buck Knives, I decided to try the much touted Spyderco brand. I've heard it repeated that the steel in the former knife brands is "cheap", but that the steel in Spyderco is high quality. I think that is rather odd, especially in light of the Gerber Prodigy 31-000558 Tanto knife that according to a review, is issued in the military for field use only. Makes me wonder whether the military is known to issue cheap bladed knives, or does that not count with the Prodigy because that blade is so dang thick? ;) I have both of these, and I must say that the edge on the Spyderco Ladybug is sharper than the blade on the Prodigy. Not sure that matters to the one carrying the Prodigy, because the bulk and style of that knife and blade overcomes not having the sharpest blade.
This blade is made in Japan. The shape makes it more substantial than that of my most comparably sized knife, a Case Texas toothpick. It is sharp and very easy to open one-handed because of the hole in the blade, and it seems to lock open well. I had read a review prior on the Spyderco Pacific Salt plain edge, where the reviewer said that the knife seemed to "flop" closed when unlocked. I think I know what the reviewer meant, because when this Ladybug is unlocked, it feels loose and requires virtually no effort to close. As other reviewers have said, the color shown in the picture is of an older model. I call this color grey. The handle material feels cheap, especially compared to other knives that don't have plastic/vinyl-type handles. The Gerber Prodigy and Gators both have similar materials for the handle, but the quality on those is superior - however, if you like something very lightweight, you would like the handle on this Ladybug. It IS a small knife, after all. I wouldn't use it on a keyring, as I wouldn't want my keys in the way of my use of the knife. This is a good, sneaky, subversive and utilitarian knife, certainly not at all threatening to look at. I like the spider on the blade, nice touch. I do expect the Japanese steel to perform well, and think this is a very useful knife to have. Easy to carry, but also seems as though it would be easy to lose. It feels weightless, so you wouldn't know when it is or is not actually there in your pocket. I will probably attach something to the hole so that it will have more of a feel to it. Cell phone strap, lanyard or something like that.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Carving |
|---|---|
| Brand | Spyderco |
| Model Name | 4004454 |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Locking Blades |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon |
| Color | Foliage Green |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Foliage Green - PlainEdge |
| Blade Length | 2 Inches |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Item Weight | 18.14 g |
| Blade Shape | Clip Point |
| Blade Edge | Plain |
| Item Length | 4.38 Inches |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00716104004454 |
| Manufacturer | Spyderco |
| UPC | 716104004454 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.17 x 1.89 x 0.91 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.04 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4 x 2 x 1 inches |
| Brand Name | Spyderco |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Warranty |
| Material | Synthetic |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 4004454 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Size | 2" |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
