In this post, we’ll share our thoughts on the Spyderco Bug knife after using it for more than two years. Read on for all of the details.
No one can argue the usefulness of carrying a good pocket knife. They are by far the most popular EDC item, and most guys use theirs at least a few times a day. But, you could make an argument that most knives are too big for some situations. For those scenarios, you might consider a keychain knife.
In this Spyderco Bug review, we’ll take a look at one of the smallest models available. But before we dive in, you need to understand that a keychain knife is more about its convenience than its utility.
While keychain knives are useful, their real value is in their tiny size, minimal weight, and the fact that they’ll always be in your pocket as long as you have your keys.
Spyderco Bug Review: What is it?
The Spyderco Bug is a very small, very compact keychain knife with a simple design. It’s so small that Spyderco refers to it as “micro-sized,” and it’s the smallest knife in the brand’s lineup.
It measures just 1.63 inches when closed, meaning it’s actually smaller than some house keys.
When open, its 1.27-inch blade brings the overall length to just under 3 inches, which is shorter overall than some of the blades on some fan-favorite EDC knives.
The Spyderco Bug features a 3Cr13 stainless steel blade with the brand’s PlainEdge, which is the typical shape Spyderco is known for. It has a slip joint action and a smaller version of Spyderco’s Round Hole for easy opening and closing. It’s available in plain stainless steel or an all-black version.
Spyderco Bug Knife Review: Pros and Cons
The Modest Man reviewed the best small EDC knives a few months ago and found the Spyderco Bug to be the best overall compared to the other models available. But, like any other knife, it has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each.
Pros
Here are a few pros of the Bug…
- Very compact and lightweight
- Surprisingly useful
- Excellent price
The overwhelming benefit of the Spyderco Bug is its compact size and minimal weight. When it comes to knife reviews, anything under 4 ounces seems to garner recognition, but the Spyderco Bug weighs just less than half an ounce (.4, to be exact).
That’s very similar to the weight of a house key. And, on a keychain, it’s likely to blend in with the house keys as well, thanks to its tiny size.
The Spyderco Bug is also surprisingly useful. Yes, it’s tiny, but it has two finger grooves and a ramp on the blade’s spine for thumb purchase. With a keychain or lanyard attached, users will have plenty of grip when using it. Also, the blade is just as sharp as any Spyderco, so it can easily slice open a package or box.
The Bug might seem a little gimmicky at first, but given its usefulness and design, it doesn’t take long to figure out that this is a real Spyderco. And, for its price, it offers a ton of value.
At between $12 and $25 (depending on the seller and when you buy it), you’ll be purchasing a high-quality EDC knife that you can keep on yourself at all times.
Cons
There are a couple cons. Here they are…
- No lock
- Too small for any real work or self-defense
The Spyderco Bug is a simple slip joint-style pocket knife, meaning it doesn’t have a lock of any sort. The blade stays open by utilizing a piece of spring steel that snaps into place.
This could very well be a deal-breaker for some, but this knife’s not really useful for heavy-duty tasks. The lack of a lock shouldn’t hamper its utility at all.
Along with it lacking a lock, the Bug isn’t going to do anyone much good for self-defense. It doesn’t flick open like an assisted opener, and the small blade isn’t very intimidating. If you’re looking for a knife to protect yourself, this would not be the one.
But, if you’re in the “the best knife is the one you have” camp, it’s better than nothing.
Spyderco Bug Review: Final Thoughts
The Spyderco Bug certainly has its place among EDC knives. While it’s anything but mighty, its pure convenience and the ability to go anywhere make it worth considering.
There are plenty of reasons why the Bug was chosen for the best overall spot on our list of small EDC knives. It’s small but handy, light but sturdy, and sharp enough for almost any light-duty task. And, at such an affordable price, one could argue that every keychain should have a Bug hanging from it.
I like my Quiet Carry Bandit better. Similar size, with better blade steel, and a lock. It is more expensive, though.
Oh, that looks awesome! We’ll have to check it out…
Good review of the Spyderco Bug. I carry one on a tether in my lifejacket when I kayak. I also carry one in my pocket. It’s so small that you sometimes forget that you have it especially when going through a security checkpoint like at the airport or the courthouse. I “lost” one when TSA wouldn’t let me take it on the airplane and it was too late to put the Spyderco in my check luggage or to mail it home. I had to abandon it. I think a TSA employee ended up taking home my Spyderco Bug.
I’ve forgotten about it at the airport a few times too…so far so good. Sorry yours got taken!