Behind the code “SC28FP2WK390” lies one of the gems designed in-house by Sal Glesser. The Dragonflies are legion.
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Quoting Spyderco: “The Dragonfly 2 is one of the most size-efficient folding knives ever created, especially when expressed with a straight-edged Wharncliffe-style blade. When that blade is crafted from tough, wear-resistant K390 tool steel, the result is a compact powerhouse cutting tool that will take and hold an exceptional edge.

Like the standard Dragonfly 2, this knife also features a user-friendly back lock and a reversible deep-pocket wire clip, but its linerless FRN handle is molded in the signature blue color of Spyderco’s K390 family of knives.”

The Dragonfly is a very small locking knife that has been produced in many variations: stainless steel handles, Salt Series rustproof versions, and numerous sprint runs. This version uses a Wharncliffe blade in one of the finest modern tool steels available: K390. Such a capable steel on such a small, thin blade is always worth experiencing.

Wharncliffe blades offer outstanding cutting performance, and I’ve reviewed them many times. Backlocks (or lockbacks) are among the strongest folding knife mechanisms by design. The hand pressure is transferred directly through the choil and spine, meaning the force goes into the blade rather than the handle, preserving the mechanism even under hard use.

Despite its reduced size, the handle still allows a full four-finger grip. This is a true tour-de-force of design.

My Pingo features a thicker blade and, with its slipjoint mechanism, has proven to be a truly reliable everyday companion.

The Dragonfly, on the other hand, offers a more aggressive cutting geometry in a much more compact package.

The Wharncliffe blade really shines in use: only the tip makes initial contact, which helps preserve the edge from harsh impacts on hard surfaces such as ceramic plates. As a result, this small knife can even function as a surprisingly capable compact steak knife.

As my friend Jur once told me, “The older you get, the smaller the knives you’ll prefer.” Over time, I’ve come to realize just how true that is.

The Dragonfly in K390 is a remarkably refined combination. Ultra-compact and slim in the pocket, yet equipped with a blade that performs far beyond its size, it delivers outstanding cutting power and edge retention in a minimalist format.

Lightweight, discreet, and highly capable, it’s the kind of tool that quietly earns its place as a daily companion — equally suited to anyone who appreciates precision and performance in a compact form.