The Jester was of one of two models that are meant for keychain-carry – the other one would be the Ladybug. Both are discontinued now and were replaced by the Ladybug III which basically looks like a Ladybug blade in a Jester handle. Althoug it is discontinued, it should not be a problem to obtain a Jester as most dealers still have them in stock.

There are various models of the Jester out there and most of them are didifficult to get now like the lime green and the pink FRN model. Not to mention the Micarta handled one which is also interesting for collectors. The forest green and black FRN models and a stainless steel model were the last versions that hit the market before the model was discontinued.

Usually the FRN models feature a “better” steel than their SS pendants but not so the Jester. All models have the same – which is AUS-6. This steel is not too bad, it will get really sharp but the downside is that it won’t hold an edge for long. Looking at the size of the Jester, I think this fact is negligible because it will most likely not be used for heavy duty tasks.

In fact this little knife is very well designed. Closed it is slightly larger than a standard key and opened it provides secure grip for about three fingers. The FRN models also have traction grooves on the spine of the handle (at the rear end and near the pivot) while the SS models lack this feature. But both versions have traction grooves on the spines of their blades at the thumb-ramp near the hole and near the tip. These rather aggressive serrations work really well an ensure a secure grip. I especially like the ones near the tip of the blade because you can put your index finger securely on the blade and guide the tip while cutting small things.

The handle of the SS version is quite interesting to look at because unlike other SS Spydercos the edges are not really chamfered. First I thought it might be a bit uncomfortable to hold but – strange enough – it isn’t. I really like steel handles for their classy look but I would always prefer the FRN Jesters over the SS ones. Steel handles will get a lot of scratches and dings especially if you carry them in the same pocket as your keys. My black FRN model has been on my keychain for about a year now and doesn’t show any sign of wear. An other point would be the weight for me. While the Jester really is a small knife, the steel handled version is surprisingly heavy.

I can only recommend to do as it is advertised by Spyderco: Put away any biased thoughts and carry that little knife for a while. I used to carry a Leatherman Micra on my keychain for quite some time but I found out two things about it. First it is heavy and second I only used the blade and the scissors (mostly for jobs the blade could have done better if it had been bigger). So I decided to get me a Jester.

Although I wouldn’t carry a Jester as a primary blade it is very useful as a backup knife in case you forget your other knife at home (OK,OK! I admit that this sounds a bit unlikely). Despite of it’s size you can do many things with it which you normally do with a bigger knife. Peeling apples, opening letters and even cutting buns in half is perfectly possible. Just try it out if you have one!

This knife is also great if you are in an environment where bigger knives are not accepted. I think that nobody will be feared by this little knife at all and you’ll have something on you that can do more than just cutting string and loose threads.

Only if you are looking for a small knife with a fine tip I recommend to get a Ladybug III. Because of it’s tip the Ladybug is the right choice for peeling splinters out of your skin or the like.

My wishes for the future? Well concerning the Jester there are none as it is already discontinued. Just a somehow related wish: I really like the shape of the blade. It would be nice to see if Spyderco produced a knife with a similar blade-shape but bigger.

I know that there is the ATR which has a very similar looking blade, but for my taste is looks a tad too aggressive because of it’s swedge. I bet that Delica or Rescue sized Jester with a choil would be an extremely nice looking and useful addition to the lineup.

Cheers,
Rob

April, 2005 /partially revised: Ocober, 2007