H1/ZDP189 Jester/Ladybug?

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safong

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It might cost a bit more, but what does everyone think about these little buggers in a better steel? What about VG10, if H1 or ZDP is too cost prohibitive?
 
Personally I don't see much reason for it. The best reason for a premium steel is to stand up to regular use or heavy cutting with less need to resharpen. In my opinion, small knives such as the Jester or Ladybug just don't get the amount of use to make the increased edge retention a significant advantage - especially if a significant additional cost is incurred. My impression is that these knives are generally a secondary EDC on a keyring, serving as a backup to a larger primary EDC. It's the larger primary EDC which I think provides the most benefit from use of a premium blade steel.

David
 
In that particular setup, you make perfect sense. But what I notice about most people (not just knifenuts) is that the knife that is always with them is the one hanging on their keys. In my case, there are countless times that I leave my house without my EDC (always in a hurry) and just have my lil' jester to rely on.

Also, I once had a Baby Goddard in GIN1 that was just one heck of a cutter. Sadly, some moron swiped my keys and my knife.
 
I'd like VG-10 on my Jester, but as David said, it's not needed. I use my Jester a bit, but I also can touch it back up to snuff with a few strokes on the 204. Neither of the two knives are really used on heavy duty cutting and I can't see them having massive problems. Also, remember that the Ladybug and Jester are priced for normal non-knife toting people can carry a little blade, and won't want to buy an expensive keychain knife because of better steel. So I doubt a real upgrade to all models is in line, but yes, I'd be very interested in a sprint run of VG-10/ZDP-189 steel, just because :D
 
I like your thinking - a sprint run is all I'm asking for
 
safong said:
But what I notice about most people (not just knifenuts) is that the knife that is always with them is the one hanging on their keys.
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Maybe it's just me, but I don't carry my keys with me all the time - just when I go away from the house. But I do carry my EDC (a blue G-10 BladeForums Spyderco Native PE) ALL the time. I sometimes add a CF Delica in a neck sheath when I go out. These two EDCs have premium steels and the burgundy Micarta Jester on my keychain (which is then third in line) doesn't really need it.

I think it more likely the case that for most knife carriers, the Jester or Ladybug is not their primary EDC, but is on the keyring as a backup. Maybe we'll get more opinions and feedback on the subject because of your post :)

I'm not arguing against good steel in either the Jester or Ladybug, just suggesting that it may not be worth the additional cost for improved perfomance in view of the most common use.

David
 
Good point, David. But wouldn't you be tempted by a $30-$40 VG10 jester?
 
At least AUS8! My last keychain knife was a CRKT in AUS6 and that one convinced me that the AUS6 simply is not worthwhile in a keychain knife. I vote for a Jester in VG10 or (thinking a bit differently) H1.
 
I've started a similiar thread a while ago and Sal said it is actually one undergoing idea from them. Not sure if it is still on. I hope so, though. :thumbup:
 
Well if Sal really is thinking about it, let's keep egging him on. All we really want is a sprint run for those of us who want a lil' keychain knife with some real bite
 
I guess I'm an oddball. I love the Jester, and have carried a burgundy micarta one on my key ring for over two years. I would rather pay for a premium handle than an upgraded steel, unless you're talking stainless damascus, that's a whole different story, and something I'd cheerfully pay for. AUS-6 takes a razor edge and holds it well enough to do ten times the work I would ever consider using the Jester for. And, when it does get dull, sharpening it is easy. It also is far less likely to chip than the more brittle "super steels" when an idiot friend borrows it and uses it as an eyeglass screwdriver or to pry the battery cover off the back of their watch.
 
If I had a VG10/ZDP/H1 Jester, my buddy would have to pry it from my fingers to use it. As for the handle, my only concern with not using Zytel would be the scratching that inevitably comes from hanging on a keychain. Anyways, Zytel has always worked fine for me. Damascus? Oh man that would be sweet.
 
safong said:
If I had a VG10/ZDP/H1 Jester, my buddy would have to pry it from my fingers to use it. As for the handle, my only concern with not using Zytel would be the scratching that inevitably comes from hanging on a keychain. Anyways, Zytel has always worked fine for me. Damascus? Oh man that would be sweet.
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Ironically Safong we had a similar discussion concerning handles of the Jester over on spyderco.com forum just recently. The Deacon's posted pics of his micarta Jester should dispell any ideas about holdup of quality high end handle materials.;)
 
I must be tougher on my knives than Deacon. When I still had my Baby Goddard,
the micarta handle looked like it got in a fight with a cat.:)
 
I would just like to see a ladybug with SS handles then I would buy it regaurdless of what type of blade steel it had (VG10 or ZDP sounds really cool though). Has there ever been a SS ladybug offered by Spyderco?
 
safong said:
It might cost a bit more, but what does everyone think about these little buggers in a better steel? What about VG10, if H1 or ZDP is too cost prohibitive?
Click to expand...

I would buy several Jesters in a better steel. Despite the rather diminutive size, mine is an EDC that is used to cut pretty frequently, which translates in to quickly dulling the little blade. Better steel for longer edge holding would be a plus.
 
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