Spyderco Dragonfly™ Stainless Tattoo Folding Knife | C28PT | VG-10 | Poly-Chromatic Dragonfly Etching

The Experience

Spyderco built the Dragonfly to prove that a small knife doesn't have to cut small. At 5.54 inches open and 3.22 inches closed, the Dragonfly Stainless Tattoo disappears into a shirt pocket, clips cleanly to a waistband, doubles as a money clip, and delivers a four-finger grip with cutting authority that consistently surprises everyone who picks one up for the first time. The blade is VG-10 — the same premium Japanese stainless steel found in professional kitchen knives worldwide — full flat ground to a thin, precise edge that slices with a confidence completely disproportionate to its 2.31-inch length. The handle is stainless steel throughout, giving the Tattoo a solid, weighty presence in the hand that FRN handles simply don't produce.

But the Tattoo is something beyond a standard Dragonfly. Collaborating with an American tattoo artist, Spyderco laser-etched a multi-color poly-chromatic dragonfly-and-grass graphic into the stainless handle — a detailed, vibrant piece of wearable nature art permanently bonded to the surface of an already remarkable field instrument. The result is a folding knife that earns equal attention in a field kit and a display case. For the naturalist, the estate steward, or the serious collector who understands that beauty and function are not opposing values — the Dragonfly Stainless Tattoo is both, without compromise.

Only a limited quantity is currently available.

Scientific Engineering

• VG-10 Full Flat Ground Blade: The 2.31-inch blade is precision ground from VG-10 stainless steel — a cobalt-enriched Japanese alloy manufactured by Takefu Special Steel and heat-treated to approximately 60 HRC for an exceptional balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. Full flat grinding produces a thin, consistent geometry from spine to edge that maximizes slicing performance across the blade's entire length.
• Trademark Round Hole™ One-Handed Opening: Spyderco's signature blade opening feature — a precisely positioned round hole in the blade — allows smooth, reliable one-handed deployment using either the thumb or forefinger. The Round Hole's location relative to the pivot is engineered to hit the correct ergonomic pressure points in the hand for a natural opening motion without mechanical assistance.
• Four-Finger Ergonomic Grip: Despite its compact dimensions, the Dragonfly's handle geometry accommodates a full four-finger grip across all hand sizes. An index-finger choil and thumb cusp on the blade spine provide natural hand positioning and cutting control that transforms a pocket-sized instrument into a surprisingly capable field tool.
• Stainless Steel Handle Construction: The handle scales are solid stainless steel — the same construction found in Spyderco's earliest and most enduring designs — providing a substantial, weighty feel and a flat, smooth surface that is exceptionally receptive to engraving or personalization.
• Poly-Chromatic Dragonfly Tattoo Etching: In collaboration with an American tattoo artist, Spyderco laser-etched a multi-color dragonfly-and-grass graphic into the non-clip side of the stainless handle. The poly-chromatic etching is permanently bonded to the stainless surface — resistant to everyday wear, field conditions, and the passage of time.
• Lockback Mechanism: A stout back lock on the handle spine secures the blade firmly in the open position during use — one of the most time-tested and mechanically reliable locking systems in folding knife design, with decades of proven field performance.
• Steel Pocket Clip / Money Clip: A three-screw steel tip-up pocket clip positions the Tattoo for right-hand carry and doubles as a functional money clip — providing two independent carry configurations in a single integrated component.
• Lanyard Hole: An integrated lanyard hole at the handle end allows the Tattoo to be secured to a pack strap, zipper pull, or field kit attachment point for immediate access without occupying a pocket.

Boutique & Conservation Values

• Wearable Nature Art: The Dragonfly Tattoo occupies a rare category — a precision field instrument that is simultaneously a collectible piece of nature-themed art. The multi-color dragonfly etching reflects the same aesthetic values that define the Midwest Nest catalog: scientific detail, natural beauty, and craftsmanship worth preserving.
• The Gift Standard: Blade HQ describes the stainless Dragonfly as "a highly thoughtful gift for the person who thinks they have everything." The Tattoo variant raises that standard further — the flat, smooth stainless handle is ideal for custom engraving, making it a genuinely distinctive gift for the naturalist, the wildlife steward, or the field professional in your life.
• Limited Availability: Only a limited quantity of the Dragonfly Stainless Tattoo is currently available through Midwest Nest. When it's gone, it's gone.
• Proudly Made in Japan: Handcrafted in Seki, Japan — the precision cutlery capital of the world — under Spyderco's exacting quality standards.
• Spyderco Lifetime Warranty: Every Dragonfly Stainless Tattoo is backed by Spyderco's manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.31" (58.7mm)
• Cutting Edge: 1.94" (49.3mm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.098" (2.5mm)
• Blade Steel: VG-10 Stainless Steel
• Blade Finish: Satin
• Blade Grind: Full Flat
• Overall Length: 5.54" (140.7mm)
• Closed Length: 3.22" (81.8mm)
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel with poly-chromatic dragonfly etching
• Lock Type: Lockback
• Weight: 2.6 oz. (73.7g)
• Pocket Clip: Right-hand tip-up / money clip
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Shipping Weight: 1 lb. (estimated)
• Warranty: Spyderco Manufacturer Warranty