Jess Horn

S

Siggyhk

Joined
Feb 8, 2006
Messages
1,645
I was sittin here thinkin about the very best knives I've had over the years and I quickly realized that the Spyderco Jess Horn was, really without a close 2nd, the best knife of it's size I've ever owned. -I had the black handled version back in the 90s, but I was probably too young to appreciate it at the time. Then I got the ZDP version sometime around 2008 or so, man I wish I still had that knife. I hate pinned construction, and I was never particularly fond of the handle color, but that knife was just so sweet it really didn't matter.

I never seem to hear this knife brought up. I'm sure it does from time to time, but I don't catch it. -Why is that? Aren't there others who love this knife too. -Perhaps there just aren't enough of them around I guess.
For those who don't know, this knife is small but with a good edge length. Comfortable simple handle. Disappears in the pocket. Extremely light-weight. One of the thinnest needle-like tips I've seen on a knife. And it cuts like a good knife should.

Am I dreaming to hope for a new production version of this little beauty? Maybe in g10/screw construction w/wire clip, in any number of steels.


-200 views and only 4 responses. Guess that sums up the desire for these knives. Not lookin good for another run of em. -A 4 inch blade version would be awesome.
 
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I still have the small pocket knife sized one that AG Russell sold. Carried it for quite awhile before I put it up so I didn't lose it.
 
Agreed (OP) i have the burgundy version...i could go for a sprint in dark green or dark blue frn & vg10...might keep it affordable.
 
I just looked it up, I'd Definitively be interested in its re-intro. It looks really slim, Right up my alley!
agr_horns.jpg
 
Cravin01 said:
I just looked it up, I'd Definitively be interested in its re-intro. It looks really slim, Right up my alley!
agr_horns.jpg
Click to expand...

I did not realize there were 2 sizes. I have the Maroon, Black, and White handled versions. Beautiful little knives.
 
I never got ahold of the Jess Horn, but I'd love to. Always liked that knife. I'd be down for FRN, or Micarta handles. Great knife no matter what.
 
The white Russell Baby Jess Horn is one of my Grail Knives. Hint, hint Cravin 01 :) I have the Baby black micarta but the white has eluded me. But one of these days...It's a great gentleman's size folder, one of Spyderco's all-time best along with the Bradley Air and the Kiwi. I'd love to see a Baby Sprint in white or burgundy.
 
I have a Jess Horn LWT (unfortunately combo edge but I can live with it) - its a great size knife. I get a very comfortable grip on it without my pinky falling off the back.

I'd be in for a sprint or reintroduction irrespective of what flavor it came in.
 
I had the old first version in Aus 8 I believe? Then the red/burgundy clad zdp lightweight version. It was and is one the best slicing production knives I've encountered. Right there with the clad Caly jr. in ZDP which is also one people remember fondly for it's performance.

Not designed for hard use but a slicer extraordinaire. It has made quite a few top 5 lists for slicer knives, sharpness out of the box and even bang for the buck ( both ZDP Caly jr. and Jess Horn ltwt ZDP) at around $60 to $70 when first released.

I bought up a few of each when released and when I sold off the unused ones they never lasted more than an hour here in the for sale section.

Joe
 
I had ZDP variant and hated scales and uneven laminated lines, but I like the blade shape a lot.
If Spyderco would produce this knife with solid steel and micarta or polished G10 scales, I will be interested.
 
This was my first knife I purchased from Spyderco !!! Paid around 40 bucks at the time (90's) which was expensive for me for a knife. Had her for about three weeks and then she was stolen, never could find another to replace her at the time
 
I bought the black handle with a full Spyderco serrated blade at the New York Knife show in the mid 90's. Converted it to a lefty due to my curse and have carried it ever since. It is the best everyday carry you could ever want. Broke about half a millimeter off the point a few years ago and had it reground. looks good and still a great knife.
 
I had a Maroon version.
Blade and size was ideal.

BUT

The color and pinned construction killed it for me.
 
I just added a Jess Horn to my EDC rotation. For me, it's a Goldilocks blade...not too big, not too small, Just right.
 
uxo2 said:
I had a Maroon version.
Blade and size was ideal.

BUT

The color and pinned construction killed it for me.
Click to expand...

Why would the pinned construction be a "killer" for you. I have never had any problem with pinned construction knives from spyderco or for any of the japanese manufacturers they use. A friend, not a knifeknut, had one that he used a lot and it was a tight knife but showed signs of lots of use.
 
I had the baby Jess in white micarta with the flat grind.

I thought I was on to "bigger and better things" way back when and sold it. All around, favorite knife I've ever carried.

I have not purchased a Spyderco in a long long time. I'd buy another Jess Horn on the spot, and price be damned.
 
I have a black micarta early version that is NIB floating around in my knife box. I'll have to dig it out and take it for a spin.
 
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