Jester

T_MAC686

T_MAC686

Joined
Sep 26, 2014
Messages
328
I really like the look of the Spyderco Jester. I like the idea of a small knife that you can take anywhere and with the jimping behind the spydie-hole and the jimping near the tip of the blade it looks like you can really get a firm solid grip with a lot of control over the cutting edge.

My question is, even taking into count how "cool" the knife looks, is it really worth 3 or 2 times as much as a ladybug or a manbug?? Is it not essentially the same knife, but with a different blade shape? I know a lot of the pricing comes from the fact that the Jester is a discontinued model, but I dont know if I could spend that much money when I could get 3 ladybugs or 2 manbugs for the same amount..

What do you guys think? (Pics of all the knives together would be cool to see as well!)
 
G-10 Jester is a sweet knife.
Here it is next to the Ladybug. Both brand new. Unfortunately I found that I won't carry a keychain knife so brand new they'll stay.
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IMHO, the answer is "no", with one exception. The only differences between the current FRN Ladybug and the FRN Jester favor the Ladybug - better steel and the option of FFG versions. The current SS Ladybugs also feature better steel than the SS Jester and, IMHO, both are too heavy for key chain knives. The grey G-10 Jester is a nice little knife, but the liners make it too heavy and grey peel ply G-10 gets grungy looking very quickly. OTOH, if you want what I consider to be the finest key chain knife Spyderco has ever produced, then you want to find yourself a burgundy micarta Jester, they're classy looking and feather light. I've been carrying mine for over 10 years now. :)

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Good info Deacon! I know they made a lot of variants of the Jester with different handles but it just seems like they never come up for sale, much less at a price I could afford ha. You think the Jester model will ever come back into production so I could pick one up at a more comfortable price? People really seem to like them a lot and I feel like I am missing out
 
RickT57- I probably would pocket carry the Jester so "weight" wouldn't really matter to me. Not sure if I'll ever get the chance to though! Ha
 
I own 1 Jester, black FRN. It's an awesome little knife. Much like Barman, I don't carry on my key ring except for keys. I also don't carry small knives, the smallest knife I do carry is a Old Timer 34OT in addition to a Para2 or Military. The added cost could be due to the use of G10 over the existing FRN molded scales.
RickT57 said:
Why use a keychain? I pocket carry always.
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Some people don't like things swimming around freely in their pockets. Especially if you wear slacks, they have a tendency to dump the stuff in your pockets with little effort. The pocket knife I carry, usually rides in the coin/watch pocket or perpendicular to the cell phone if I leave the case at home.
 
T_MAC686 said:
You think the Jester model will ever come back into production so I could pick one up at a more comfortable price?
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There has been some discussion of a sprint run over at spyderco.com and it sounds like Sal is on board.

When this will happen is not clear though.
 
RevDevil- I get that the G10 vs FRN could be a reason for an increased price but even the FRN ones go for around $100 when they come up.. I just dont know if I could spend that on a knife when I could get a similar model (ladybug/manbug) for significantly less..

remnar- I sure hope that it happens, I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open! Ill have to look for that thread to read up on what is being discussed. Thanks for your reply
 
looks like the sprint for 2015 will be a navy blue frn.. not sure what blade steel, hopefully VG-10 so the cost doesnt go up. I've had nothing but good things to say about my Delica 4 FFG so VG-10 would be awesome.
 
T_MAC686 said:
RevDevil- I get that the G10 vs FRN could be a reason for an increased price but even the FRN ones go for around $100 when they come up.. I just dont know if I could spend that on a knife when I could get a similar model (ladybug/manbug) for significantly less..

remnar- I sure hope that it happens, I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open! Ill have to look for that thread to read up on what is being discussed. Thanks for your reply
Click to expand...

I left you a visitor message with a lead for cheaper Jesters!

And I EDC'd a G-10 Jester every day for about a year on my keychain, it's a great LBK. It was my first Spyide and one of the few I could never bear to sell. It's been replaced as of late by the DogTag folder but I try to swap it on every few months. Deals with 95% of my daily cutting I usually do and is lightyears more ergonomic than any of my other small knives. Add a lanyard on it to get a solid 4-finger grip and it's even better!
 
There has been talk of a sprint but no confirmation on if or when. There was a poll on the Spyderco forum about handle color and we decided on dark blue. The rest is up in the air and up to Sal. I am ready and waiting myself.
 
I am not being critical of what anyone likes. I, however, did not buy the Jester. I bought the Manbug instead. I like the blade design better and it is cheaper, to boot.
 
I have both a manbug and ladybug3 and they are both fantastic knives. I too do not have a Jester, however I am intrigued by the blade shape in a small knife and I plan to try and get one this next run.
 
I've got a Jester, Manbug, and Ladybug & Ladybug Hawkbill. I had a stainless handled SE Jester, but gifted it away. Too heavy.
I like the Jester and SE Hawkbill the best.
But... I cannot say if some of the resale prices are really worth it from a value standpoint. Everyone's judgement of value varies though.

That said, I cannot wait for the dark blue Jester Sprint to come to fruition! :thumbup:
I really wish they would have another full size model with the spine jimping, too! :D

Here's my little green funny guy:
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Years ago, I read a post by The Deacon about his burgundy Micarta Jester. I tracked one down and it has been on my keychain since. I am forever in his debt as it's my all-time favorite small Spyderco. I have FRN and G-10 Jesters, but the Micarta is the one I carry daily. I just like its looks and blade shape better than the Manbug, which I had and sold, and the Ladybug. That said, I do carry an H1 Ladybug SE in my travel kit and have a Ladybug Hawkbill as a "desk knife." If there were an H1 SE Jester I'd be all over it...
 
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