Harry White
07-01-2006, 06:39 PM
I got the new Jess Horn a day before I got the UKPK. I couldn't decide between the two, so I did what every knifeknut does -- I got both!
The sprint run, of course, showcases the newest supersteel ZDP-189, laminated with a layer of 420J2. This is my first knife with the ZDP, having missed out on the Caly Jr and not willing to pay the current prices for the Delica version. The Jess Horn can still be found at knifecenter.com for a reasonable price. I've had the knife four days now, and here are some observations and opinions.
First off, I was surprised at how narrow this knife is! Even after seeing the pics, I was not prepared for how "small" the handle feels in hand. One interesting thing I discovered is that the Jess Horn is the first Spyderco I've owned that almost needs a clip. I took the clip off almost immediately to see if carrying it clipless would be a viable option (like the Caly Jr). Once it was off, it became much more difficult to hold and open/close. The clip really provides the only "purchase" on the handle for your fingers to use as leverage.
I then decided to swap clips with the clip on my D4 that I stripped to a shiny "naked" look. Unfortunately, while the clip seemed to fit perfectly, the screws did not. The Jess Horn screws were too big to fit through the D4 holes, and the D4 screws were too small for the Jess Horn. Same deal with the Caly Jr and Police clips. So the black w/gold bug Jess Horn clip went back on the knife. I did remove the black coating from the clip screws, however. I like the contrast of the shiny metal screws against the black clip and burgundy FRN.
The Jess Horn is my first :spyder: lockback without a Boye dent. I'm still ambivalent about the Boye dent. My first reaction was that I prefer to have the dent -- it does make closing a bit easier on the thumb. Since then, I have come to appreciate the lack of the dent on this particular knive. My thumb easily locates the lock release by feel alone. I'm glad the Jess Horn gave me the chance to try a Boye-less lockbar, as it makes this knife all the more unique compared to other current models.
The writing on the handle has been discussed a lot. I personally find it visually appealing, as the words "Jess Horn" do not become apparent until you look very closely. From a typical use distance, the texture appears random, again giving it a unique look.
I have not had the chance to really put the ZDP blade to the test, having only opened mail and some packages with it so far. But I would say that this is the sharpest Spydie out of the box I have owned, with the VG-10 Caly Jr giving it a run for the money. Months ago when I first joined these forums, I was asking around for a good knife for whittling. I think the Jess Horn/ZDP may be a great knife for that task. It's ultra-sharp, ultra-pointy for detailing, and thin enough to shave very thin strips from wood.
All in all I'd say for those who are anxious to try ZDP steel but haven't had the luck with a Caly Jr or Delica ZDP, grab a Jess Horn Lightweight while they last. I am very happy with this needle-nosed cutting demon!
Again, another pic that is not mine. But not to worry, I've been thinking about getting a digital camera, so hopefully future pics will be my own! Thanks.
The sprint run, of course, showcases the newest supersteel ZDP-189, laminated with a layer of 420J2. This is my first knife with the ZDP, having missed out on the Caly Jr and not willing to pay the current prices for the Delica version. The Jess Horn can still be found at knifecenter.com for a reasonable price. I've had the knife four days now, and here are some observations and opinions.
First off, I was surprised at how narrow this knife is! Even after seeing the pics, I was not prepared for how "small" the handle feels in hand. One interesting thing I discovered is that the Jess Horn is the first Spyderco I've owned that almost needs a clip. I took the clip off almost immediately to see if carrying it clipless would be a viable option (like the Caly Jr). Once it was off, it became much more difficult to hold and open/close. The clip really provides the only "purchase" on the handle for your fingers to use as leverage.
I then decided to swap clips with the clip on my D4 that I stripped to a shiny "naked" look. Unfortunately, while the clip seemed to fit perfectly, the screws did not. The Jess Horn screws were too big to fit through the D4 holes, and the D4 screws were too small for the Jess Horn. Same deal with the Caly Jr and Police clips. So the black w/gold bug Jess Horn clip went back on the knife. I did remove the black coating from the clip screws, however. I like the contrast of the shiny metal screws against the black clip and burgundy FRN.
The Jess Horn is my first :spyder: lockback without a Boye dent. I'm still ambivalent about the Boye dent. My first reaction was that I prefer to have the dent -- it does make closing a bit easier on the thumb. Since then, I have come to appreciate the lack of the dent on this particular knive. My thumb easily locates the lock release by feel alone. I'm glad the Jess Horn gave me the chance to try a Boye-less lockbar, as it makes this knife all the more unique compared to other current models.
The writing on the handle has been discussed a lot. I personally find it visually appealing, as the words "Jess Horn" do not become apparent until you look very closely. From a typical use distance, the texture appears random, again giving it a unique look.
I have not had the chance to really put the ZDP blade to the test, having only opened mail and some packages with it so far. But I would say that this is the sharpest Spydie out of the box I have owned, with the VG-10 Caly Jr giving it a run for the money. Months ago when I first joined these forums, I was asking around for a good knife for whittling. I think the Jess Horn/ZDP may be a great knife for that task. It's ultra-sharp, ultra-pointy for detailing, and thin enough to shave very thin strips from wood.
All in all I'd say for those who are anxious to try ZDP steel but haven't had the luck with a Caly Jr or Delica ZDP, grab a Jess Horn Lightweight while they last. I am very happy with this needle-nosed cutting demon!
Again, another pic that is not mine. But not to worry, I've been thinking about getting a digital camera, so hopefully future pics will be my own! Thanks.