Spyderco has a reputation for providing a range of knives of all different shapes and sizes. In fact, one of their preferred terms is the “little big knife”, one that is physically small but handles and cuts like one that is much larger. This brings us to one of the smallest of the locking knives offered by the Golden, Colorado company. The Ladybug 3 comes in a variety of different configurations. The standard blade shape is offered in both plain and serrated edge models with VG-10 or H-1 steel. This particular model is the non-sprint Hawkbill Salt variation which is currently only available in serrated H-1 Steel with Yellow FRN handle scales.
As expected, the Hawkbill Ladybug came out of the box with a sharp factory edge. One of the things that surprised us the most was the ease in which it can be opened and closed with one hand. Even at this scale, Spyderco’s trademark round hole works well. Going further, the knife’s overall design provides for a secure grip. The thumb rests naturally and securely on the thumb ramp which is covered in jimping that provides sufficient traction without creating a hotspot. Three fingers then fall naturally into the indentations on the handle. The result is a surprisingly secure grip on a very small knife which can be further augmented via a lanyard.
Initial impressions of the blade shape and serrations are positive. The blade can easily pierce and cut through materials like tape, cardboard, and thicker plastic/paper materials like those used in dogfood bags and other heavy packaging. The serrations are sharp enough to push cut through paper but also offer extra aggressiveness when cutting through material like paracord and rope. As we continue our testing, we will expand upon any additional strengths and weaknesses discovered. In general, we are impressed with the cutting power provided by the Hawkbill given that its 1.875 inch (48 mm) blade length might seem so small that it would lack usefulness. After all, the blade is not all that much longer than the one found on a Victorinox Classic SD. However, the combination of the blade shape, robust lock, and ergonomic handle make all of the difference.
Spyderco’s FRN continues to provide a quality feel with great traction which benefits a knife as small as this one. While the ultra-light weight of only 0.6 oz. (18 g) might feel cheap to some, we feel that the overall build conveys a sense of quality that makes it worth the price. We have not noticed any major flexing, rattling, gaps, or any other element that would indicate a cheap or poor build. In addition, we like how FRN holds up to wear as it does not seem to scratch easily or lose traction significantly over time.
Lockup is as solid as can be reasonably expected on a knife of this size. Should tuning or deep cleaning be necessary, the pivot and lockbar can be adjusted via small torx (T5) screws. Although, those who seek to disassemble this knife should be aware that it would likely void the knife’s warranty.
Of course, no examination of a knife would be complete without a brief discussion of its steel. This is especially the case with many of the knives in Spyderco’s Salt line which use H-1 steel. In many ways, H-1 is an interesting metal. It uses nitrogen to mostly replace the carbon present in many steels. This change provides it with extreme corrosion resistance that makes it well suited for any use case that exposes it to moisture or salt. H-1 is also interesting for its work hardening qualities which means that grinding, rolling, and other work done over the course of production increases the hardness of the metal. This is a reason why Spyderco and others familiar with Salt knives believe that the serrated H-1 models hold their edge longer than plain edge variants. The increased work done to serrated blades seems to result in a much harder edge. Another potential strength of H-1 is its response to use. While it may be a softer steel that may need to be sharpened more often, it tends to roll and bend as opposed to chip or break. This might make general maintenance easier over time and may make it easier to recover from mishaps or damage from hard use.
Blade Length - 1.875 ” (48 mm)
Overall Length - 4.313 ” (110 mm)
Blade Thickness - .078 ” (2 mm)
Weight - 0.6 oz. (18 g)
Overall, we are impressed with the Ladybug 3 Hawkbill Salt. It fills a role as a compact, ultralight knife with major cutting performance. As such, we look forward to preparing a full review as we complete our thoughts and observations on this model. In general, we feel that this is an excellent companion knife especially to a larger, plain edge blade knife like a Manix 2 or a Para Military 2.
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