- Best all-around UL folding knife
- Ultralight – just 0.61 oz (17.4 g)
- Hard VG-10 steel holds an edge longer
- Easy opening, secure back lock
- Tactile, slip-resistant, ergonomic handle
The Ladybug 3 is one of the best all-around ultralight little big knives out there. It’s a serious, highly capable cutting tool scaled down to a compact size. And at just 0.61 oz (17.4 g) it’s certainly featherlight. So guys, you’ll just have to get past the name.
The blade is made from hard VG-10 stainless steel (60-61 HRC) that holds an edge incredibly well. It’s a modified clip-point, hollow ground blade with a plain edge grind. It’s uniformly thick from heal to tip for tremendous cutting power.
The Spyderco signature round thumb hole on the back of the blade makes for simple opening; even opening with one hand. A thumb rest with jimping on the rear of the blade improves grip. The middle of the handle has a blade lock which is easily depressed with your thumb to close.
The lightweight fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handle with a waffle pattern provides tactile grip and resistance from slipping. It has an ergonomic shape that fits nicely even in a large hand. And a lanyard hole is on the end of the handle, but no pocket clip.
Specifications
Open Length: 4.43 in. (112.7 mm)
Closed Length: 2.48 in. (63 mm)
Handle Thickness: 0.33 in. (8.3mm)
Weight: 0.61 oz (17.4 g)
Blade Material: VG-10 stainless steel
Blade Hardness: 60-61 HRC
Blade Length: 1.97 in. (50 mm)
Edge Length: 1.77 in. (45 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.079 in. (2 mm)
Blade Style: Modified clip point
Blade Grind: Hollow ground
Edge Grind: Plain edge
Handle Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN)
Handle Color: Black
Blade Lock: Back lock
Lanyard Hole: ø0.19 in. (ø4.8 mm)
Pocket Clip: None
- Very sharp. To avoid possible injury, point blades/tips away from you and others and use with caution when handling. Close or keep covered when not in use.
- Keep away from children to avoid injury.
In no event shall Litesmith, LLC be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, or special consequential damages, to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of its products.
4 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Sharp and tiny
have this knife clipped to the strap of my backpack. It feels sturdy and it's pretty wicked sharp. Made in Japan.
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BEST lightweight Knife I've found
I have several lightweight knives but this is the best. Small but I put a small continuous ~ 1 inch loop (with Zing-it with a locked Brummel (buy the spicing hook on this site to do)) and hook my little finger in it and then very easy to hold onto such a small, useful knife. I carry in my purse and backpacking. Love the quality (hence cost) and hole to open. Just another product that Litesmith found that I didn't know about. Good place to find many little “light” things that you didn’t know you needed or can’t find on own. By now I trust their judgement and great customer service!
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Perfect small knife for backpacking or everyday carry
I bought this knife for my 17-year old son for Christmas. Looks like I will be buying 2 more: 1 for my wife and 1 for me
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Smaller but just as well made as the larger Spyderco knives
I have a large 5" Spyderco knife which I've owned for many years and I adore. I've been looking at the Ladybug because it's literally half the size and obviously much lighter but still with the Spyderco quality. I knew it was small from the pictures but it's still a bit of a shock to see just how tiny this is when you hold it. The quality of build and materials is the same as my larger knife so I don't expect any problems from it. The round hole allows you to open it one handed and it locks securely with a pleasant snick. The release is easy to press but you would never be able to do it accidentally. The knife has small ridges by the hole to allow you to use your thumb without slipping and the shape of the handle (while very small) still allows you to have a firm grip. I always feel in control when holding the knife. The blade is sharp and because of the VC-10 it should hold an edge well. While it's significantly smaller than my larger knife, I don't see that it will be a problem because normally I use just the tip of the blade or a small portion of the blade so having a larger blade isn't necessary for most tasks. The only "downside" to this knife is the same for all Spyderco knives -- they're not cheap. I still buy them because, while you can buy cheaper knives, a Spyderco is guaranteed quality and I find that worth paying for.
