G10 Jester or G10 Manbug? I Need LBK Advice!

[jackknifeh]

You can buy a good truck or a nice truck. A good truck will haul anything and a scratch or dent is almost expected. A nice truck is one you haul small heavily padded things. A scratch or dent is devestating. It's imortant to keep a nice truck looking nice because that's part of the reason someone would buy it. That's how I view trucks on a very basic level.

Spyderco makes knives much the same way. All of them are good knives and some of them are good and nice knives. Some people use a GB at the construction site and others will use their Manix2. Bolsters or no? It's like Deacon said, it depends on what you value in a small knife.

Jack

[redyps04]

There really isn't a functional penalty because weight and traction is negligible. In theory some could aid in blade play reduction. The biggest downfall is price as it can be easily measured.

Really for a Manbug is tactical a consideration?

Unessesary weight and decreased traction, is unessesary weight and decreased traction. If Spyderco's mantra really is "form over function", then you have to see the addition of bolsters as nothing more than an aesthetic novelty which, to some degree or another, comes at the expense of utility, and therefor goes against thier mantra. Therefore, I feel that this is beginning to stray outside the bounds of the "Spyderco way". It's not a huge deal to me, as I just simply won't buy them, but it is a crossed boundary that should be noted nonetheless. You guys may argue with me, but that's how I see it.

Now, as deacon pointed out, I suppose I should have used the term "utilitarian" instead of "semi-tactical", as I do not feel like many of Spyderco's knives are really tactical (especially not the Manbug). So sorry for the poor choice of words.

[annieChart]

nice to see this thinks

[Blerv]

Understandable but it's a company that makes SS knives too :) .

A nub of SS or Ti isn't going to increase the weight much. Traction is negligible as 90% of your hand is still holding a well formed grippy handle. You can push the extremes of anything but the results will eventually diminish until benefits are non-existent.

As the bulk of Spyderco knives are completely utilitarian I don't think they are forgetting their values. Even the pretty ones are amazing tools first and foremost. Variety is a good thing and they certainly don't lack it.

[The Deacon]

Understandable but it's a company that makes SS knives too :) .

A nub of SS or Ti isn't going to increase the weight much. Traction is negligible as 90% of your hand is still holding a well formed grippy handle. You can push the extremes of anything but the results will eventually diminish until benefits are non-existent.

As the bulk of Spyderco knives are completely utilitarian I don't think they are forgetting their values. Even the pretty ones are amazing tools first and foremost. Variety is a good thing and they certainly don't lack it.

Yep, and not just SS, they do ti, and aluminum, glossy CF, and glossy Nishijin glass fiber as well, none of which offer any appreciable amount of traction.

Simple fact is, nothing appeals to everyone, I can understand why bolsters would not appeal to some any more than a, to quote a fellow forumite, "murdered out" knife would appeal to me. I can even understand why someone might wish Spyderco would not bother making them. I know there are a couple models at the other extreme which I feel that way about. Am sure neither of us will get our wish, am sure neither of us expects to.

[redyps04]

Yep, and not just SS, they do ti, and aluminum, glossy CF, and glossy Nishijin glass fiber as well, none of which offer any appreciable amount of traction.

I believe you are making the mistake of assuming that traction is the only quality that makes handle scales functional. The truth is, many people like SS handles for the heft, or at least the perception of a solid, sturdy knife. Heck, some even use the SS handles to beat on things (which I do not condone BTW). Aluminum is simply a lighter weight solution to the cumbersome weight problem of SS. Likewise, Ti is an even more efficient solution- providing even more strength than SS, while cutting the weight substantially. Now, carbon fiber (even the more eye-appealing version Nishijin CF) at least provide SOME functionality- they both provide great strength with less weight- only difference being one is more fancy looking. However, a bolster, which adds zero (or at least negligable) strength to the scales, AND adds weight to a knife is the exact antithesis to the Spyderco way.

Now, like I said before, I'm not meaning to draw a huge attention to this issue as it really doesn't bother me as much I like to give off the impression that it does. I just think we should call a duck, well... a duck. If it adds no functional value, then it is what it is.

[KardinalSyn]

Buy the Military :D

Just kidding.

Both knives are cool. Jester is more unique in my eyes. That gimping is extra cool. However, you should buy what you like the most first. It's what you will feel more comfortable with and also the one that will please you more.

Don't get carried away now. The year is still young. You should have ample time to find the other knife after about a week or two later after getting the first one.

[Blerv]

Unless a load-bearing situation (for lack of a better phrase) most handle materials are simply for swooning audiences. CF and Ti are such popular materials that often the logic of use is often less impacting than curb appeal. The R sprint could have scales cut from plastic trash can lids and it wouldn't lack much if any strength.

I doubt Spyderco is going full bling with their pragmatic roots. Yet with knives like the Lionspy msrp'ing for $499 we have come a LONG way from unlined Delica's with mold injected clips.

[sharpguitarist]

hey guys,
i just ordered a jester for three reasons.
first, because i was always intrigued by the design and missed out on the originals.
second, i wanted a lined ladybug sized knife for the extra strength. i own two lb 1's and a lb 3, and they all feel just a little flimsy, even though i know they aren't meant for hard use. the lined jester seems like it will be much more robust for this sized knife, and the blade shape and added jimping looks very functional.
third, i didn't want to pass on this one and end up paying out the nose for a long gone sprint.
as far as the g10 manbug goes, i like the design and concept, but for the price, it's not for me.
i might eventually end up with the lightweight down the road, just because i like the small knives.
i guess i'm just not a big fan of the bolsters on this knife. bolsters on the sage 4 and the upcoming caly damascus add a touch of class, and give these designs a more refined and finished look.
just my opinion....vvv... my sig applies to me as well... vvv...
later,
don

[Jay_Ev]

As the bulk of Spyderco knives are completely utilitarian I don't think they are forgetting their values. Even the pretty ones are amazing tools first and foremost. Variety is a good thing and they certainly don't lack it.

I, myself have noticed the opposite, of late. I never thought I would see Spyderco resort to using gimmicky knick-knacks like thumb studs, flippers, and to a lesser extent wave openers. To me, the simplicity of the round hole opens a Spyderco, and only lesser knives need to use the above mentioned unnecessary clutter. This to me, represents a slight deviation from their core values.

[Blerv]

I can see what your saying Jay. I like the diversity and think many of these are collabs so it's easier to isolate (for me). As long as they still have the bulk of the knives in that "quality tool" range without all the Batman appeal.

My main criticism is the features people want seems to be driving prices out of control. It's nice to have a range from $30-300 but I do wish more were in that lower bracket. Some factors can't be controlled like labor and materials compare to 10 years ago. Others can and are being driven by a vocal minority.

As great as Emerson knives are if Spyderco's pricing structure climbs to meet it I'll be thinking longer and buying fewer on economics alone.

[gbelleh]

Thumb studs? You mean the stop pins on the vallotton? Those features are mostly on collaborations, and offer nice variety. I'm glad Spyderco offers more than just the Endura and Delica over and over.

The only thing that really comes across as gimmicky to me is the ratchet on the Navaja. But, what's wrong with a little fun among all the stark utility?

[Rhiney]

Jay, with respect I am not a fan of the line "lesser knives" and "unnecessary clutter." The majority of my knives are Spyderco, but I have great respect and more than a few of those "lesser knives" in my collection. Emerson's wave feature is elegant; apparently Spyderco thought so or they wouldn't have used it. I love the Spyderhole, but that doesn't mean all other options are somehow inferior. One problem with any forum, even a forum as respectful, informative and courteous as this one, is the "better than/worse than" mindset. There are a multitude of ingenious engineering solutions for opening, locking and closing knives -- my world is a richer place for most of them! (And my bank balance is much less rich...).

[Knifewing]

I have both the new Jester Sprint and the bolstered Manbug. I've always loved the Jester--been carrying one on my keychain for years. It's just one of those designs that really appeals to me. So I ordered the sprint G-10 as soon as it became available and wasn't disappointed. Then I got the G-10 Manbug and took it with me on a recent trip to Chicago to comply with the city's restrictive carry laws. I have to say the Manbug is fantastic as a small EDC. Just that little extra bit of blade and handle size really made a difference in use. It won't replace the Jester as a keychain knife but it will elbow aside some larger Spydercos in the daily pocket carry rotation. To echo what others have said, by all means get them both!

[dj moonbat]

Get the Jester. Don't look back.

[Rwb1500]

I bought neither. I'm completely out of money, because I bought something else today. Something I've always wanted. Not a knife, but still pretty awesome.
Sorry this kinda ruins the thread. You guys got some good discussion out of it though, right? :D

























Wait for it...

[gbelleh]

Yeah, but the Sig 239 doesn't cut as cleanly as the Manbug or Jester.

Congrats on the pistol. I have a 239 myself. They are very nice shooters.

[Rwb1500]

Yeah, but the Sig 239 doesn't cut as cleanly as the Manbug or Jester.

Congrats on the pistol. I have a 239 myself. They are very nice shooters.

Ever since I started buying guns I've always wanted one. Quite happy with it too.

I think I probably still will pick up a Jester though. Just can't let the wife find out. :D

[sharpguitarist]

hey guys,
i just received my jester in the mail today.
i'll have to give props to cutlery shoppe for getting it to me so fast.
i ordered it late friday night.
monday i missed their call while i was at work. by the time i got to listen to the voicemail, it was too late to get back to them.
the problem was, for some reason, their system didn't recognize my address.
i called at around lunchtime tuesday, and got my address staightened out with them.
the tracking system said that delivery would be the sixteenth, but i got the package a day early...!!!... :D
i love this little knife!
i had asked in my order, for jeff to pick out and inspect the knife he was going to send me.
thanks jeff! you picked a winner. he included a cutlery shoppe card with.."Q.C.-Jeff" written on it.
they even sent me a cherry dum dum with my knife.
fit and finish is about perfect.
a perfect specimen.
i love how solid this knife feels, even for its size.
and it opens very smoothly with no play. and when i depress the lock, the blade just falls 90 degrees.
and i also like how the weight of the handle allows for a spydie drop.
i'm glad i went for this knife before they got gone.
anyone on the fence about getting a sprint jester should go ahead and take the plunge.
it is one slick little folder!
later,
don