Need advice on the Stretch

[Ukelay]

Hey all,

Do any of you know if there are any plans for a g10 Stretch? I know that there is the carbon fiber model out there on the secondary market, but I was hoping for a VG-10/g10 model to be in the works, because I think this model in g10 would be awe-inspiring.

[yowzer]

I hope not. But then, I hold a minority point of view: the only common handle material I like less than G-10 is bare metal. Now, a micarta version, or one using nishigun glass fiber... mmm. In the meantime, FRN is great stuff.

[Mr Blonde]

There was no such model, concept or prototype, at this year's Amsterdam Meet. So I don't think there are any plans right now.

[PARATOM]

FRN is good, but G-10 is an awesome handle material. IMHO, FRN makes some knives look "toyish".

BUT i dont think the stretch is going to be produced in g-10. It would be cool and i would prob get it, but i think you would see another CF model before g-10

[The Deacon]

There have been some discussions and, while Sal hasn't flatly ruled it out, he hasn't made a commitment to build one. Still, it would be fairly simple for them to do, given all the patterns already exist. Not a G-10 fan myself, but screw construction and full liners make scale replacement a fairly easy task, so I'd be happy to see it happen.

[Papa_K]

I would buy one. I've already got the ZDP-189 BRG FRN Stretch, and I've been considering buying the VG-10 version too.
Make it with G-10 scales, and I'm in... unless it's some odd-ball color.

[Ukelay]

That's about what I figured; I had thought that the jump from the carbon fiber pattern to g10 wouldn't be too difficult, but if it would be a shelf model, I don't want the spydercrew to lose on it.

However, now I need to choose between the available models..what would you guys suggest, BRG with ZDP, or the black FRN model? Bear in mind, I have little experience sharpening, but not for long(with some sharpening equipment on the way). Just wanted to know if I should take advantage of the value in the BRG model of Stretch, and build my sharpening skills up to the steel, or if I should go with VG10.

[KardinalSyn]

I know I was reluctant to buy my first FRN handled Spyderco.

Given that the Stretch has been around for a long time and that it is a hunting knife, that says a lot for the durability of the FRN handles on this one. Spyderco will have exact manufacturing data and info on how many Stretches were repaired due to FRN handle failures. Now that would be some good info to know. I know that we won't get it though.

I am also eagerly waiting for a g10 of CF version. Now however that FRN ZDP189 bladed Stretch is looking More and more attractive.

[Ukelay]

I know I was reluctant to buy my first FRN handled Spyderco.

Given that the Stretch has been around for a long time and that it is a hunting knife, that says a lot for the durability of the FRN handles on this one. Spyderco will have exact manufacturing data and info on how many Stretches were repaired due to FRN handle failures. Now that would be some good info to know. I know that we won't get it though.

I am also eagerly waiting for a g10 of CF version. Now however that FRN ZDP189 bladed Stretch is looking More and more attractive.

That would be some cool info, if only for musing. I have total faith in the FRN handles, I would just prefer some g10 and liners. But I am of the same mindset on that BRG ZDP stretch..looking more appealing by the minute.

[The Deacon]

Spyderco will have exact manufacturing data and info on how many Stretches were repaired due to FRN handle failures. Now that would be some good info to know. I know that we won't get it though.

I seriously doubt that number would be higher than zero, unless you count damage to the FRN backspacer caused by folks who incorrectly thought they had some mechanical skills. FRN may not have much in the way of "cool factor", but it's pretty damn tough stuff. I doubt there were even very many on the unlined FRN handles, aside from clip breakage on the early integral clip ones.One member here managed to mangle the handle on one of the Salt series knives, but that involved running it over with a Bobcat on rough ground. IMHO, the steel liners in the newer knives like the Stretch are there mostly for placebo effect, because folks incorrectly equate flexibility with weakness. I had Steve Rice (STR) rebuild an Atlantic Salt for me with maple scales over ti liners. In order to replicate the backspacer, he sliced along it on both sides, leaving the handle sides as two flat slabs He sent those slabs back to me along with the customized knife. I bent one until the ends met well over a dozen times before it snapped.

[Ukelay]

I seriously doubt that number would be higher than zero, unless you count damage to the FRN backspacer caused by folks who incorrectly thought they had some mechanical skills. FRN may not have much in the way of "cool factor", but it's pretty damn tough stuff. I doubt there were even very many on the unlined FRN handles, aside from clip breakage on the early integral clip ones.One member here managed to mangle the handle on one of the Salt series knives, but that involved running it over with a Bobcat on rough ground. IMHO, the steel liners in the newer knives like the Stretch are there mostly for placebo effect, because folks incorrectly equate flexibility with weakness. I had Steve Rice (STR) rebuild an Atlantic Salt for me with maple scales over ti liners. In order to replicate the backspacer, he sliced along it on both sides, leaving the handle sides as two flat slabs He sent those slabs back to me along with the customized knife. I bent one until the ends met well over a dozen times before it snapped.

That is a pretty cool data point, Deacon.

[kennethsime]

Have the BRG/ZDP Stretch and love it. Buy it now. Hell, buy the VG-10 version. It's a beautiful knife and you'll love every second of it.

[Blerv]

Steel aside I decided the Blue FRN Stretch was my dream combo. I love super steels and haven't been let down. I'm sure the vg10 would have been terrific at low edge angles even. The price difference would have been cool too. It all came down to blue for me (or in this case green).

Whether the cf/zdp or FRN/vg10 it's going to be a great knife. if you find a great deal on the cf/zdp it might be worth jumping on, a new run of g10/vg10 isn't guaranteed and it won't be $90.

[dem0n1k]

I would buy a VG-10/G10 Stretch! Preferably with thick steel liners.
My dream Stretch would be ZDP189 PE / Steel liners & front bolster / Polished black G10 scales / Wire clip :Homer Drool Sound:

[defenestrate]

The only thing about properly designed FRN scales (including every spyderco I know of) that could be iffy is that high temps will melt them, but we're talking about far higher temps than they should see sustained (like an open flame or a hot burner on a stove). I like G10 but would not like it over a CF model unless there were some special kind of steel.

[Ukelay]

Well, that does it; now I'm going to get a ZDP Stretch. By the way, I think you forumites make my spyderco addiction much worse than it ever would have been otherwise, haha.

[phillipsted]

The only thing about properly designed FRN scales (including every spyderco I know of) that could be iffy is that high temps will melt them, but we're talking about far higher temps than they should see sustained (like an open flame or a hot burner on a stove).

I don't know, D-FENS... I remember a Youtube video last year where a gentleman tried to roast his Delica in a fire for several minutes and succeeded in only lightly toasting his FRN scales. The knife wasn't pretty, but it was certainly usable after it cooled down. (I can't seem to locate the video right now...)

FRN is tough.stuff.

TedP

[Ukelay]

I don't know, D-FENS... I remember a Youtube video last year where a gentleman tried to roast his Delica in a fire for several minutes and succeeded in only lightly toasting his FRN scales. The knife wasn't pretty, but it was certainly usable after it cooled down. (I can't seem to locate the video right now...)

FRN is tough.stuff.

TedP

That's pretty cool. It'd be neat to watch, but I can certainly take your word for it. Yet another cool data point.

Also, I dropped the hammer on a used blue frn stretch(on fleabay), because of you guys.

[Blerv]

Yea it's pretty great stuff. The Bi-Directional texturing is really nice also. A TON of grip without the pocket shredding of G10. Never hot or cold to the touch. Feels like more like a high quality hard rubber than plastic.

It's not for everyone, nothing really is (). Still, it's one of my favorite materials among the synthetics and pretty cheap to boot.

[Ukelay]

Yea it's pretty great stuff. The Bi-Directional texturing is really nice also. A TON of grip without the pocket shredding of G10. Never hot or cold to the touch. Feels like more like a high quality hard rubber than plastic.

It's not for everyone, nothing really is (). Still, it's one of my favorite materials among the synthetics and pretty cheap to boot.

Yeah, I enjoy FRN, especially the bi-directional texturing spyderco uses; a great way to increase grip and aesthetics(to me, at least). Plus, it is lightweight.