What the very best keychain knife that Spyderco makes as far as steel goes?

Walking Man

Walking Man

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Hi gang,
I'm looking for the best keychain knife that Spyderco makes. I'd like to get it with a good like VG10 or maybe something else. I don't mind putting something a little bigger than a jester on my keychain either, but still reasonably sized for keychain carry. Also, if possible, I'd prefer a serrated Spyderco. Thanks! All of your suggestions are highly appreciated. I'm looking for something that reasonably sized for keychain carry. Also, I'm not a big fan of the cricket shape.
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As of right now, the best that I can see is the SS dragonfly w/ ATS-55 steel. I'd prefer something a little lighter, but that will do. Also, I'd prefer a lockback or any knife that keeps the blade reasonably secure.
 
I haven't had the pleasure of handling the cricket and it's probably a little big (and easily scratched), but the cricket might do the trick...VG10.
 
Also...... I don't mind being recommended discontinued Spydies as long as they're still fairly common.
 
Blue Almite Navigator in VG-10 might be your best bet. Not too hard to find in SE, just have to be sure you're getting a VG-10 one, since the earlier ones were GIN-1. Think there might even be one up on eBay right now. The new, all stainless Navigator II also comes in VG-10 and SE, but is a bit more weight than I'd want on my key ring. Aside from them, and the Cricket, which you say you don't like, everything else remotely suitable for keychain use in VG-10 comes in PE only.
 
I sort of think that all the knives with better blade steel might end up being to heavy to be a keychain knife. I think the Jester in AUS-6 is the way to go. I've been carrying one for 5 or 6 months and have only had to touch it up once on the Sharpmaker.

If you don't have one of the blue almite vented Navigators like Deacon suggests above, you ought to buy one ... just cause .. :D IMHO, it's the best of all the Navigators (including the new SS version).

Razz
 
Razzierb said:
I sort of think that all the knives with better blade steel might end up being to heavy to be a keychain knife. I think the Jester in AUS-6 is the way to go. I've been carrying one for 5 or 6 months and have only had to touch it up once on the Sharpmaker.
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Agree 100% Razz, at least the lockbacks with a lanyard hole and serrated edge. The Toad is pretty light, but no lanyard hole, plus it's not a lockback. The Mouse is pretty light, but no serrations, ditto for the all stainless Kiwi. Personally, I even find the stainless Jester a bit more weight than I like but that's not VG-10. In over two years of carry my burgundy micarta one has only been touched up a couple times, and even those were more because it was within reach and I was in the mood to sharpen than because it really needed it.

On the other hand, if ATS-55 is good enough, the the CF version of the Dragonfly might be worth hunting down. Nowhere near as easy a find as the Almite Navigator, but a bit smaller and feather light, especially if you remove the clip for keychain use.
 
I think that the 2 best Keychain Classics in the Spyder line up are the Carbon Fiber Cricket with ATS-55. But due to its obscurity and rarity the Stainless handle VG-10 Cricket might be more practical.

They also made a Carbon Fiber Ladybug which I heard had either 440C or AUS-8 blade steel. But good luck finding one of them because I have only encountered 2 of them in the last 18 months. I only know 2 collectors that even have one.

The Cricket with the Carbon Fiber handle makes an awesome money clip as well as a Keychain knife. I must admit that I know very little about FRN handled Crickets although I have heard good stuff about them. Happy hunting
 
Personally, I would stay away from any linerlocks for keychain carry.
My vote goes to the C20 Baby Wayne Goddard, I use one myself on the keychain. The "Baby" has a classy look with the micarta handle and the G2 C/E blade is more then capable with any small cutting task.
Anything bigger may lead to a "slight delay" at checkpoints:eek:

dave
 
recoil said:
Personally, I would stay away from any linerlocks for keychain carry.
My vote goes to the C20 Baby Wayne Goddard, I use one myself on the keychain. The "Baby" has a classy look with the micarta handle and the G2 C/E blade is more then capable with any small cutting task.
Anything bigger may lead to a "slight delay" at checkpoints:eek:

dave
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Dave, I love this lil' knife too, but it's gonna be hell finding one. As of now, as far as real keychain knives, I'd say AUS6 is as good as Spyderco makes it.
 
My initial thought was that only FRN or SS would hold up. How does almite hold up after being banged around against your keys?
 
I use a micarta Jester myself, so can't say as far as a knife goes. But I'm fairly sure the body of the little Eddie Bauer flashlight I carry on my key ring is coated aluminum, and it has stood up pretty darn well for over a year now. Micarta definitely holds up beautifully.
 
I have a SS Cricket in VG-10. It is really a borderline keychain knife, but the framelock, serrations, thin profile and steel make it worthwhile for me to carry.
 
What if we used a GIANT key chain with giant keys. Then we could put a dodo on it. The possibilities.

Of course, then we have to get your house giant doors and a giant car.
 
Have you considered the Spin or the Lava? Neither is available for sale yet, but they should be coming out sometime later this year. I don't know if they've been discussed much here, but check out the forum over at spyderco.com for more information.
 
For me, if only Spyderco then you have:
1. SPIN - It is not out yet, but from the look and the weight listed, it will be a good keychain knife. It size would be similar to Cricket. It has only PE though. This knife is in VG-10. I think it is in the borderline between the keychain knife and the small EDC.

2. Starling - This is not out yet as well. It is the Key Chain Knife Byrd line. It has the same steel that use in all the Byrd line, which is hold up well similar to 440C. It is very light, should be the same weight and size of Jester. It has FRN handle. You can also get it in SE version as well.

Or if you do not mind non-spyderco, then another option is Benchmade Benchmite II. The steel is in AUS8 and all steel contruction. The weight is about Cricket.
 
Thanks for the advise everyone! The lava looks tempting. Hopefully they will make it with serrations!
 
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