The Cricket

[Michael G73]

I'm considering purchasing a Cricket soon (possibly two, depending on the feedback in here) and woud like to get the opinion of some Spyderco experts. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>



First off, is there an advantage, besides visually, to go with the Aluminum handles over the FRN (and yes, I know where I can get some)?



Second, what advantages does the Cricket provide over say other smallish knives, like my personal favorite the Dragonfly or even the Delica?



I know the answers to these questions fall more in the line of personal preference, which is why I'm hoping to get a response from owners of these little guys.



One last question: what's your opinion of the liner lock? I've read mixed opinions about liner locks...



Thanks again!



-Michael

[vampyrewolf]

1&gt; Almite vs FRN
-Almite is better for a *wow* factor, but not as nice in EDC as FRN.
-If the cricket in Almite hadn't been discontinued, I would have gotten a FRN
2&gt; Cricket vs Delica
-I have owned my Delica for about 2 yrs, and the Almite Cricket for about 2 months. I prefer the Delica, but when at school or work I am forced to use a small blade. Because of this my Delica is quiclky being replaced as primary EDC.
-Delica has a nice size blade, plain edge is best for this one.
-Cricket is a great little blade, very versitile, I have this in serrated and have no problems about the tip size.
3&gt; Linerlock vs Frontlock
-Linerlock: is a LOT smoother, but not as stable(in my mind). But then again, I have only tried about 20 linerlocks in the knifestore. I like the small knives with linerlocks, as it is very easy to open and close without moving your hand position.
-Frontlock: an old design, it is reliable. I have 2 spydies with this type, a Delia and a Ladybug. Both take a wrist-snap to get the kick moving.

OVERALL opinion of the Cricket:
I've use it for about 2 months, and find it a lot more versitile than some think.
It's got a great utilitarian shape and size. Opening boxes is a snap.
I tinkered with the tension and customized it for me, and have it almost as tight as it goes. It opens smooth as hell, and as solid as a tank.
This little guy could probably take a hell of a beating and not show it(other than scratches on the Almite handle). It's a working knife, much like the rescue and native.
If I had the cash, I'd get myself a FRN plain edge to compliment the Almite serrated. One for each hand.

[Clay Kesting]

FWIW the aluminium Crickets aren't Almite, rather they are anodised. I'm no expert <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> but I don't think the Cricket is as useful as the Dragonfly or Navigator. I just can't get as good a grip on the Cricket as I can on the latter two which both have superb ergonomics. Does that mean I'm going to sell my aluminium Cricket? No way. It's a great knife to carry in situations which aren't knife friendly and it makes an excellent introduction to design for my Year 7 classes <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Since I carry mine as a light use &quot;gentleman's folder&quot; I prefer the aluminium model. If you know where to get these you should, even as an investment. There was some bloke asking $200 for one a while back. Highway robbery but they are likely to increase in value.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 5/11/2001 8:13:53 PM

[Jazzman]

The tuffram and frn crickets are great little buggers. Light and versatile. Go for the serrated!
Good luck,
Matt

[Michael G73]

Thanks for the input.

From handling a Cricket in a store, I could tell it wasn't as ergonomic as my Dragonfly. In my experience, the Dragonfly is the best little knife (under four inches) that actually handles almost like a full sized knife. Good job, Spyderco. And because of mine, a lot of my friends have picked them up, too. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Anyway, despite its size, in some circles (church, family gatherings) the Dragonfly often gets responses of &quot;Ow! That thing looks nasty!&quot;, so I'm looking to get a less obtrusive knife for these occasions- the Cricket. I like its humble appearance and non-threatening styling.

If anyone is interested, AFTER I order my aluminum Cricket I'd be happy to post the source for it. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Just post here if you want me to post the address when I'm done.

Thanks again for all the input, and thanks to Sal and everyone else for making (IMHO) the best knives around. Style, function, feel, everything. A+++.

-Michael

PS: I really like the FRN handles, too... very durable. I have a super-super bright (lites up a room) keychain LED that is housed in FRN (tiny bugger, too). I've accidently stepped on it or run over it in my car and its still intact. Great stuff!

[patogordo]

I want the adress <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
or phone,

I want all of them

[patogordo]

mac guy

I have both- get all the alum. ones as many as you can the frn ones do not hold up quite as well as the alum. One reason is when any product/ and i am in no way dogging spyderco/ using metal to plastic construction usually the metal chews up the plastic because it can not handle certain types of stress that the metal does I have seen this in a lot of different products in and outside the knife world.Keep this in mind.

[jyork]

Personally I like the cricket as an everyday carry. I don't care for the dragonfly for two reasons: tip up carry (I prefer tip down) and small knife with the lockback style lock (I find the smaller knives are easier to handle and use with a liner lock). As always these are just personal opinions and everyones differ but that is my 2 cents worth.

Jey

p.s.- I'd like to have their phone number also!

[sam the man..]

Never owned one... But IMHO ~ The reversed &quot;S&quot; shaped blade on this little knife is a winner!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

[chuck]

i want to know where to get the aluminum Cricket. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> i've been looking at getting one for a everyday knife for work.

Charlie

[Michael G73]

Everyone who wants an aluminum handled Cricket, head on over to the following link. I just talked to them on the phone (after ordering mine) to make sure they do have them. They do indeed.

The store is called Armed Forces Merchandise Outlet (you don't have to be in the Armed Forces to shop there, though).

Enjoy- and let me know (via posts) how things fare for you all.

http://www.afmo.com/cfdocs/pdid.cfm?PDID=683

[clipiteer]

In my opinion, the linerlock's only disadvantage is people who can't figure out how to close it. I have in the past had a bad expierience with liner locks on cheaper knives, but haven't had any problems with the spyderco liner locks I have seen.

clipiteer

[Michael G73]

Just curious if anyone else out there ordered one of the Crickets and (if so) have you received yours yet? I'm still waiting for mine. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Michael

[chuck]

i ordered my cricket on saturday and havent recvd it yet, cant wait till it comes.



Charlie

[chinook]

Ordered online yesterday and got a confirmation email. I look forward to seeing how the aluminum compares to the pink frn I bought for my daughter. Better I hope.

[The Stare]

Looked at only knives on the site. Wasn't pleased to see that they carry two brands that carry only ripoff knives. The AFNO, or whatever, has the first model listed as the &quot;Harpy&quot;. A $10 special. So how many people are going to buy that, instead of the Spyderco Harpy? How many will read the acknowledged Spyderco form, and when the &quot;Fury&quot; proves to be a POS even suspect that all Spydercos are like it?

Of course, the eternal Taylor/S&amp;W is there too. Damn! I wish outfits didn't carry such brands. It makes me suspect their basic honesty as a company. Be damned if I'll spend a nickel with them!

Stare

[chinook]

not happy here.....
They sent a black FRN serrated Cricket, not the aluminum plainedged pictured and descibed in the text.
I'll be calling and pitching a b*tch in the morning.

[Michael G73]

I haven't received mine yet (odd, since I was the first one here to order one that I know of) but I got my email confirmation yesterday. After reading your comments I sent a reply back asking them to ensure me the product they sent was the aluminum handled one.

I had called to find this out before, and was told &quot;yes&quot;, but now I want a double-check.

I'll keep you all posted.

-Michael

[chinook]

Old picture, old copy per the guy I talked to. There are no aluminum ones in stock.
Sending it back attn: Kyle
Oh Well..........
Danm

[Michael G73]

Well, I know I'm bummed. When emailed, they told me they had them, but when I had called, no one knew for sure. I apologize to everyone who followed my link. In 3 years I've never had a bad internet experience till now, and I had to share it with fellow honest people. Sorry, all.

Perhaps the demand for an aluminum Cricket is high enough that Spyderco would consider a sprint run? I personally don't like the feel of the FRN version- and have heard similar sentiments about the two in comparison.

What about it, decision makers at Spyderco? Do you have enough people asking that you could produce some more- even on a limited run?

Thanks to Spyderco, and my apologies to fellow forumites for not being COMPLETELY CERTAINLY informed before I posted that link.

-Michael

Edited by - TheMacGuy on 5/30/2001 2:53:41 PM

[Glenn]

I also have been unable to obtain an aluminum version but I have a carbon fiber one that I love. I know that last winter Sal asked forumites if they would be interested in a Alimite or colored FRN version. I believe that there is also a prototype of the Cricket with handles composed of the inlay material used on the Vesuvius. Personally I think a colored g10 version would also be cool. Maybe this would be a good time to start lobbying for a Cricket variation sprint run.
-Glenn

[patogordo]

wow, cricket in g-10, I want one or two

I want all of them

[The Stare]

Ahem! So, this outfit that puts its own brand name on ripoffs also sells FRN Spydies at aluminum prices. Why am I not surprised? People, and businesses, are, IMO, fairly consistent. If they'll scam you one way, they'll scam you every way they can.

The only way to stop such outfits from flourishing is to not buy anything from them, and tell them why.

Stare

[Michael G73]

AFMO- Don't go there! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Hey forumites- its me, the guy formerly known as &quot;TheMacGuy&quot; (I figured this new name makes it easier for people to recognize me)

Anyway, I just got my &quot;Cricket&quot; in the mail- it was a CoPilot instead. I talked to the owners brother on the phone today, he apologized for the whole mess (with all of us) and is taking it back from me, and crediting me for the shipping (to return it). Nothing less than I'd have demanded, but he freely offered, with what I feel was sincere regret over the whole situation. He added that they're going to fix their website soon to reflect the non-existance of the Aluminum cricket.

To all who followed my link, I again apologize for my own ignorance. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> My first bad experience on the net. After all the online ordering and spending of money I've done over the years, I can't complain too much about this first mixup. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

-Michael

Edited by - Michael G73 on 6/5/2001 12:02:53 PM

[sal]

Hi Michael. Pobody's Nerfect.

sal

[chinook]

No apology necessary here, Michael. If I chase a rainbow and step in mud, it's my fault. If I don't accept responsibility for my screwups, I can't take credit for my successes.

-------
&gt;&lt;CHINOOK*&gt;
Disguised As A Responsible Adult

[Michael G73]

Well, I finally received an Aluminum Cricket, and after all the anticipation, it came too late. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> I already adopted a Calypso Jr. instead. Anyone interested in the Aluminum Cricket I've got, I put it up on Ebay. Below is the link. Happy days!

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=1161222299

-Michael

&quot;He who laughs last thinks too slow.&quot; -Bumper Sticker

Edited by - Michael G73 on 6/28/2001 2:49:30 PM

[Allen E. Treat]

Dear Michael G73;
I have owned the FRN
&quot;Cricket&quot; for three years and found
the following :

1.) The light weight and small size make
it suitable for everyday carry.

2.) The liner locking mechanism works
easier on this small knife ; it
deploys almost as fast as a switch-
-blade ( it's legal too ! ).

3.) For a small knife it can take an
incredible amount of punishment ; the
serrated &quot;spyderedge&quot; makes it a
superior pocket knife

4.) You shouldn't have a problem with
the police because of it's
diminutive blade length ( here in
Connecticut it isn't even considered
a weapon ).

I hope this is of some help to you
Michael G73.

Sincerely,

A.E.T.

[CraigC]

Your post was helpful, Allen. I ordered a plain-edge FRN Cricket today.