Spyderco Ladybug 3 Plain Edge Folding Knife

This is one of three Spyderco Ladybug3 Plain Edge knives I purchased for comparison (and use).The Ladybug3 is a "keychain" knife - no pocket clip, but a lanyard hole in the end of the handle intended for a typical bead-chain loop(or split-ring) to snap onto your keys. This is no poorly made, flimsy, quick-to-dull toy, but a well made, strong and useful beyond itssize tool for cutting lots of stuff. It happens to be quite small, yet feels good (useable) in-hand and it works.There are really nice, expensive "gentleman's knife" choices from traditional slip joint makers that can do such tasks but excel as'pocket jewelry'; the Spyderco Ladybug is more utilitarian - light, one-handed, and not-so-conspicuous. Take that Abalone-handled Peanutto a wedding; take the Ladybug to the office.If you want something a bit bigger (handle-wise) to hold onto, look to Spyderco's Dragonfly series made in the same three steel choices.Both Ladybug and Dragonfly have comparable blade lengths/shapes, the Dragonfly gives a longer/larger handle to grip.The three Ladybug3's were:The ZDP189 super-steel version, the VG10 standard-high-quality-steel version, and the H1 rust-proof-steel version.The points for comparison were edge retention and ease of sharpening.The use test was soft-wood whittling and Every Day Carry usage (cutting open those Amazon boxes, cutting tape, cardboard, etc.)Yes, not the best choice of whittling knife - I use a 2 blade Congress - but a choice for steel comparison.The result: Each knife has it's distinct advantage, so one must choose wisely based on what you will do with it.> All 3 are easy to open with one-hand, and quick to task. I use a short colorful lanyard loop to find and fetch from my jeans 'watch pocket'> The Ladybug3 is the well-made, perfect size for a handy man or woman for most everyday urban cutting tasks.> The ZDP-189 is the most expensive, due to a steel that really does hold its edge - I've only needed to strop it.While it may be more difficult to sharpen if really allowed to dull, modern diamond plates or rods do a quick job.The ZDP-189 Ladybug3 is the one for someone who wants that edge to be sharp and can't get to sharpening for a while.While it might seem this edge retention is good for whittling, Brittleness associated with hardness can be a concern, andit is much better to be able to quickly sharpen and strop and get back to it.So I conclude this is the light use ever-sharp pocket pal, not a put to hard use steel.> The H-1 is the next highest price, due to a steel that really will not rust - however, it is softer, so it will show scratchesand the edge will dull the most quickly of the three; the serrated version due to its added work hardening processing willhold its edge quite well. The H-1 takes sharpening quite well... about like AUS-8, a good quality, general use stainless.The yellow handle helps it from 'getting lost', and suggesting safety/work versus tactical intent.This is the one for any who are around water or use their knives with that which can corrode.> The VG10 is the standard for price and performance. Edge holding is in-between the H1 and ZDP189. While it can show rust spotsif 'put away wet', especially after cutting an orange, etc., in most uses and with most users a wipe-down with a damp paper towelwill prevent any corrosion, and most will find the VG10 to hold its edge quite well, and not quite as easy to sharpen as H-1 or AUS-8,it sharpens more quickly than ZDP-189 or other "super-steels".The VG10 is the one for most users - including that opportune stick-whittling or carving initials in a heart (not condoning!)

I purchased this Spyderco Ladybug with the hopes of having a small, lightweight, and fully functional EDC (Every Day Carry) blade. Let me tell you...it does not disappoint and gave me exactly what I wanted!Here are the specs:#1) VG-10 blade steel#2) Foliage Green FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) handles with Spyderco's Volcano Grip which offers excellent slip resistance and feel#3) Open length of: 4.375" inches or 111mm...Length closed is 2.438" inches or 62mm...Blade thickness is: 0.78" inches or 2mm...Blade length is: 1.938" or 49mm...Cutting edge is: 1.687" inches or 43mm...and the weight of this knife is a beautiful: .06 oz or 18g.....*Please Note* (These specs are taken directly from Spyderco's website itself, so they are accurate and true)#4) Adjustable Torx pivot screw for blade retention adjustments#5) Torx screw in handle for blade removal or cleaningPros:Arrived shaving sharpVG-10 steelExcellent GripExtremely lightweight (I'm carrying it in my pocket as I write this!)Conceals very wellSmooth openingplain edge knifeThe Spyderhole IS usable despite it's small sizeWonderful color: It is a foliage green that is used in the U.S. Army's camo design and it actually does "shade shift" as Spyderco proclaims...against a gray background the knife seems to shift to a gray color, but against a darker green background it appears to turn a dark earthy foliage green.Solid lockback lockupLanyard hole for paracord or any other lanyards!Addjustable Torx screws for the blade retention and removal and or cleaning applications! HUGE PLUS!!! That is one of the big reasons I bought it! It's so little and still adjustable to your liking!Cons:I personally have none for the knife, however these are something's to keep in mind that others have mentioned:#1) I have medium sized hands and if you have larger hands it may be difficult to get a good grip on to open it as it is small, but it's not impossible, it may just take some getting use to.#2) The SpyderHole is small. It IS fully functional and can be open one-handed....however with bigger or gloved hands, it may take some getting use to as well.#3) No pocket clip: This may be an issue to some, as you cannot clip it to you pants or a pocket, but I find it to be for the better. I like to slip this knife in the coin pocket in my jeans and it's not even noticeable, or when I go to the gym, it slips effortlessly into some loose shorts; It only has a lanyard hole as mentioned earlier. (***If you want a small knife such as this one WITH a pocket clip check out the Spyderco Dragonfly***)#4) It is a lockback blade, so anybody living in a restricted area or under specific regulations such as the UK may have to check with local laws. However, Spyderco makes wonderful choices for UK or restricted knife law areas residents, such as the UK Penknife or any of the "Bug" series knives.#4) Not made in the U.S.A.: This may bother some folks as some people like to buy "American only" made items. The Ladybug is made in Seki-City Japan and has fantastic quality control backing it...I mean hey, Spyderco's founder Sal Glesser carries one...it's got to be good!#5) Some have mentioned that the name "LadyBug" is an embarrassing title to carry around with you....if it is a problem then Spyderco also makes the "ManBug", however I think this statement is just silly, it's a tool and hey if it works good, what does the name have to do with anything??? But it may rise some issues with some folks.All in all I personally think Spyderco hit the nail on the head with this knife. It's small sure!, but don't let it deter you. You have to use it within it's limits. It is a small knife with big cutting power, but trying to split logs or cut thru mooring lines probably won't work to well.It's an invaluable tool I carry on me everyday and I find at least 1 use for it everyday! Pair it with a small Streamlight Microstream, a Zippo, and a small multi tool, and you have a beautiful EDC setup!Whether it be cleaning your fingernails, to cutting a pesky loose string off your clothes, or to opening a package, this little Ladybug has you covered! I fully recommend picking one up if you need a lightweight, razor sharp, go anywhere knife that won't let you down and gives you more capabilities than one could think! Put it on a lanyard, toss it in a pocket, put it on a chain and wear it, or put it on a keyring, nobody should leave home without a LadyBug on their person!I would also like to tell Amazon thank you for always getting my orders correct and on the time expected! I have been doing business with Amazon for years and I will certainly continue to do so. Excellent customer service, shipping, and prices! Keep up the good work!~Christian~I apologize for the lengthy review I just wanted to help somebody make a well informed decision before they purchase something! Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!