Manbug FRN available

[jackknifeh]

I got this email yesterday from SFO.

Jack,



You asked to be notified when the Manbug is available. We now have the Plainedge Manbug with black FRN handle available. This model is $64.95 and to place an order simply give us a call at the Spyderco Factory Outlet M-F 9am-5pm or Sat. 10am-5pm MST.



Thank you.

I guess it will be at the re-sellers soon.

Jack

[The Deacon]

Ah well, wrong again. I was expecting the publicized bolstered one to be months ahead of the stealth FRN version.

Might have to get one of these, just to see what it offers that the regular LB3 and Jester don't.

[jackknifeh]

If I get one I'll definately get the FRN model because the price will be much lower. G-10 and bolsters would be nice on a larger knife but the Manbug probably wouldn't be used for tough cutting tasks. So, a great grip may not be that important. Also, there's nothing wrong with FRN as far as grip IMO. On the other hand I've heard lot's of people including my son mention how much the Ladybug is capable of. I'm sure the Manbug will be better because men are stronger, more intellegent and mature and reliable than women. Oh, did that come out out loud? I was joking of course.

I have a Ladybug salt attached to a small flashlight but haven't used it at all yet. I always just grab what is in my normal EDC pocket. I think I need to force myself to carry only the Ladybug. That way I'll need to use it, having no other choice. Either way, the Manbug will be in my house soon.

Jack

[The Deacon]

If I get one I'll definately get the FRN model because the price will be much lower. G-10 and bolsters would be nice on a larger knife but the Manbug probably wouldn't be used for tough cutting tasks. So, a great grip may not be that important. Also, there's nothing wrong with FRN as far as grip IMO. On the other hand I've heard lot's of people including my son mention how much the Ladybug is capable of. I'm sure the Manbug will be better because men are stronger, more intellegent and mature and reliable than women. Oh, did that come out out loud? I was joking of course.

I have a Ladybug salt attached to a small flashlight but haven't used it at all yet. I always just grab what is in my normal EDC pocket. I think I need to force myself to carry only the Ladybug. That way I'll need to use it, having no other choice. Either way, the Manbug will be in my house soon.

Jack

I agree. I find the SS Ladybug and Jester heavy than I like for keyring use. Between the larger size, bolsters, and liners, am betting the bolstered Manbug will be heavier yet. I'd probably choose to live with that if the bolsters were smooth but, the way things are, I'll stick with my micarta Jester for carry unless the FRN Manbug feels better in my hand.

[jackknifeh]

I agree. I find the SS Ladybug and Jester heavy than I like for keyring use. Between the larger size, bolsters, and liners, am betting the bolstered Manbug will be heavier yet. I'd probably choose to live with that if the bolsters were smooth but, the way things are, I'll stick with my micarta Jester for carry unless the FRN Manbug feels better in my hand.

Do you have or can you take a picture of the micarta Jester? I got two Jester's and want to make scales for one of them. I've thought about G-10 (different color) and some sort of nice looking wood with a lot of grain. Now I'm thinking of micarta as well. Do you know anything about what it is like to work with (cutting, sanding, etc.)?

Jack

[The Deacon]

Do you have or can you take a picture of the micarta Jester? I got two Jester's and want to make scales for one of them. I've thought about G-10 (different color) and some sort of nice looking wood with a lot of grain. Now I'm thinking of micarta as well. Do you know anything about what it is like to work with (cutting, sanding, etc.)?

Jack

Here are a few photos of a couple of my burgundy micarta Jesters, one with the grey G-10 version for comparison. The one with the split ring and QD fitting on it has been on my key ring, which has been dropped more than a few times in parking lots, for 9 years. Think it looks darn good, considering.

Micarta is probably somewhere between very hard woods, like ironwood, and G-10, so it should saw, file, and sand about the same as G-10 or a bit easier. I suspect it would be less likely to chip when sawn, since phenolic resin tends to be less brittle than epoxy resin.

[Mwalle6]

I'm sure the Manbug will be better because men are stronger, more intellegent and mature and reliable than women. Oh, did that come out out loud? I was joking of course.

Jack

Better not say that around any ladies who are holding a ladybug, Jack.

[jackknifeh]

Better not say that around any ladies who are holding a ladybug, Jack.

I would never do that! At least, not until I get my MANBUG!!!

I better be careful. There are a couple of ladies that pop in from time to time.

Jack

[Evil D]

Ah well, wrong again. I was expecting the publicized bolstered one to be months ahead of the stealth FRN version.

Might have to get one of these, just to see what it offers that the regular LB3 and Jester don't.

Sounds to me like it might have bigger finger groves and it looks like it has a slightly longer handle, thicker blade, bigger hole and i hope a little bigger pivot. I can't decide if i wanna hold out and see if there's gonna be a ZDP version or not.

[sal]

Ah well, wrong again. I was expecting the publicized bolstered one to be months ahead of the stealth FRN version.

Hi Paul,

We also were expecting the bolstered version months before the FRN version. So much for plans.

sal

[suedeface]

I like this model, but for the price their asking, I could get a dragonfly or other larger model.

[jackknifeh]

I like this model, but for the price their asking, I could get a dragonfly or other larger model.

I'm sure the $64.95 is MSRP. The re-seller price should be about 40% lower. I'm hoping for about $35 from CS. We'll see. I paid about $28 for a Ladybug salt so for a sturdier knife with VG-10 I think $35 is fair. Of course price is a wierd thing because what something is "worth" is a very personal thing. Some people don't think any of these knives are "worth" a fraction of what we gladly pay for them. I'm not saying we are right or wrong. Plus, we all know what my opinion is "worth".

Jack

[Bradley]

I lol'd at Jack's explanation about why the manbug would be better I don't think I'll be picking this one up tbh. It's too similar to the ladybug, I'd prefer the Jester.

[Bradley]

manbug vs ladybug? mini knife fight to the death?

[MightySpydie]

manbug vs ladybug? mini knife fight to the death?

If I could train lab rats in hand to hand combat, this is exactly how I would arm them.

[Drkknight614]

Personally I want the bolstered version, just to have something different. I think it would make good gifts too. It would sit in my back pocket anyway so keychain heft is not an issue.

[RJNC]

FRN is so cool, I'm buying the g10 one too!

[The Deacon]

Got mine today. I think it would make a better watch pocket knife than the Ladybug as it's much easier to open one handed. I'm less sure it has any real advantage on a key ring unless it's the only knife you're carrying.

[phillipsted]

I concur with Paul - Micarta is wonderful stuff. It is easy to work with regular tools, and it chips less than woods or epoxy. On a knife this small, I would recommend a paper-based or linen-based micarta (which is on the micarta Jester) - and not a canvas-based material. The weave of the canvas substrate is very rough and could create chipping problems on these thin slabs.

Hey, Jack - I'll drop you a PM. I've got some micarta slabs that are too small to make Mule scales. You are welcome to them if you like...

TedP

[taeji]

Nice pics. Curious about the QR keyring. Where'd you get it?

Thanks!
e