Spyderco Cricket Change Blade Shape

[HappyMan]

I have been looking for a key chain knife for a very long time. Looked at a lot of brands such as the Boker Keycom, but seems Spyderco is better at the smaller end. Been looking at the Ladybug PE H1, but the wanted something bit bigger. Dragonfly is a bit too big and so the cricket falls in between. Would it be possible to use on a key chain (Could someone show me some comparison to a Ladybug Vs a Cricket on a key chain?)
Also is it possible to use a file and some sandpaper to change the blade shape to a leaf shape. I do realize that if done the secondary angle (?) would get smaller towards the tip but I wouldn't mind.

[The Deacon]

I've seen Crickets with blades reshaped to leaf after the original tip was damaged, so it's feasible. OTOH, since you're not fond of the Cricket's blade shape, might I suggest the Spin, or Balance as alternatives.

Here's a comparison shot - Top to bottom - Ladybug, Manbug, Spin, Balance, Cricket, Dragonfly.

[CENTER][/CENTER]

[jackknifeh]

I don't carry a knife on my keys but I do carry one clipped together with a small AAA flashlight. Of the 3 I've tried (Ladybug, Jester, Manbug) I like the Manbug best. The Jester is great but since I got the Manbug I carry it only because the Jester is a sprint and will be harder to replace if need be. I used it for a month or two and love that little knife. The G-10 Manbug is a GREAT small knife IMO. The FRN model is great too. Off subject a little but I carry the FRN MB in a kydex neck sheath a very generous forum buddy made for me.

I think for a keychain knife the Jester is the best. It is a tiny bit smaller than the Manbug but at keychain size it may be better considering how many keys some people carry. Personally, I like the knife/flashlight combo the best. I can use either quickly or seperate them with a quick release clip.

Jack

[kbuzbee]

Here's a comparison shot - Top to bottom - Ladybug, Manbug, Spin, Balance, Cricket, Dragonfly.

That's a great shot, Paul. I always knew the Balance was small but I really didn't get it until this shot.....

The Jester is great but since I got the Manbug I carry it only because the Jester is a sprint and will be harder to replace if need be.

I get that, but the Jester is just too great not to use/carry. Runs rings around the LB/MB, for me anyway.

Ken

[jackknifeh]

I get that, but the Jester is just too great not to use/carry. Runs rings around the LB/MB, for me anyway.

Ken

Thanks a lot Ken. Now I have guilt. :) I'm a firm believer and sometimes preacher in the "too great not to use" Philosophy. My guilt is not using the Jester more than I do. Wait a sec. I'm back. Thanks for waiting. :) I just swapped my G-10 MB for the Jester and will carry it for a while. :D

I'm sure everyone (here anyway) understands having two favorite knives with different favorite features. I would love the Jester spine on the MB. I have considered sending the G-10 MB to someone and have them grind the spine to the same shape of the Jester. I have no idea how much that might cost. I'd like it but since there is nothing wrong with the MB spine as is I wouldn't spend much to have it done. If my Dremel had enough skill I'd do it myself. My Dremel is great for some tasks but it lacks the experience to do really pretty work. I should have bought a used Dremel with more experience instead of a new one. :)

Jack

[kbuzbee]

Thanks a lot Ken. Now I have guilt. :) ... Wait a sec. I'm back. Thanks for waiting. :) I just swapped my G-10 MB for the Jester and will carry it for a while. :D

Happy to help out, brother

Ken

[boxer93]

I used to carry a SS Cricket on my keychain. I use a FRN Forest Green Jester now. Lighter and a little smaller in my pocket.
Chris

[HappyMan]

Okay I have reconsidered to a Jester Sprint for a bit of uniqueness and more manageable size. One thing I want to make sure, is the Jester easy to take apart for a full clean? (That is why I initially wanted a Cricket or Ladybug H1 for its simplicity) Reading around a Ladybug/Jester/Manbug are similar lock backs, and reassembly should all require the fiddling of a back spring (As I saw in a video)? The only difference is the steel liners and "spine" pieces besides the lock?

[jackknifeh]

Okay I have reconsidered to a Jester Sprint for a bit of uniqueness and more manageable size. One thing I want to make sure, is the Jester easy to take apart for a full clean? (That is why I initially wanted a Cricket or Ladybug H1 for its simplicity) Reading around a Ladybug/Jester/Manbug are similar lock backs, and reassembly should all require the fiddling of a back spring (As I saw in a video)? The only difference is the steel liners and "spine" pieces besides the lock?

No problem at all to take apart a Jester and get it back together perfectly. I wanted to make scales for one and disassembled mine several times. It's the same as any lock back knife. I never did get the scales done. With the tools I have (and limited skill) I couldn't get the screw holes in the right place. At least one was always off too much. I really wanted to put a set of beautiful wood on the Jester. Maybe later.

Jack
Oh wait. Don't forget taking it apart voids the warranty.

[HappyMan]

That is reassuring. Also loss of warranty is not that important for me since I do not live in the USA and Customs in my location makes delivering overseas difficult anyways. Gonna pair it with a Lanksy Crock Stick set (The cheap Sharpmaker ^_^) since I don't have much funds. Thanks a lot.

[Mwalle6]

The spin would be great choice if you can find one!

[HappyMan]

The Spin is all out of stock in my area, and not really liking the blade shape anyways so no loss ^_^. Decided on Jester for now but going to order a little later.