tvenuto wrote:Love love love the R! I bought the Nishijin sprint mainly because I was butt-hurt over missing the first run of M390 PM2s, and I was intrigued by the handle material. I was a little "meh" when it came in. I mean the handle material was cool, but there was some chipping around the screw holes and some of the handle chamfering was uneven. I actually thought the "pie-like" blade looked a bit strange too. However, when I actually gave it some use, it just clicked.
After some use, I finally saw the R for what it was (just like you said): an up-sized Delica with a choil. I love the Delica, and I love well-executed choils! This was a knife for me! The blade that at first seemed silly looking now had the beauty of utility: just enough belly, but not too much. (Now, as a brief aside, I feel the need to state that I in no way support the idea that the Delica needs a choil. But this knife, being larger, benefits from the two grip options.)
My love of the R actually caused me to buy the Stretch. After hearing all of the universal praise, I had to see what all the hubbub was about, and...I was totally underwhelmed. The ergos felt way off compared to the locked-in R. Now I know this is mainly personal preference, but I really like the pinched neck and coarse gear-like jimping of the R. It really plays perfectly with the smooth scales, and those scales have the benefit of an easy draw from the pocket.
So I say, yes, bring on any and all R variations. I think that it's too close to the Stretch (especially the new one with the deeper choil) to ever see in FRN. However, I actually think this is one of those knives that just really doesn't scream for grippy scales. As much as I love my peel-ply, I'd be interested to see this one in smooth G10 or even titanium or aluminum, reminiscent of the original. I will post pics of my Nishijin R, and his skeletonized (and SE) cousin. Good post, glad to see other R lovers out there!
Thanks, I'll have to admit that once when I was asking for something between the Endura and Delica with the Delica's blade shape, you said I was describing the R -- and that was what got me interested in it. I had the same experience as you with the current FRN Stretch. The R's ergos are way better for me. The current Stretch never has felt quite right for me, but I'm also expecting the new one to be a better fit.
And after my slightly slick Ti-Damascus Delica, which I'm crazy about by the way, I was expecting the Nishijin to feel more slick, but, as you say, the grip is totally secure because of the good design. I've never once felt that it might slip or fall out of my hand. I had been wanting to get a Cricket or Spin to try out nishigin, and when I saw a good deal on this knife I jumped at it. I don't think it needs G-10 for a better grip. I was just thinking it would have a chance of becoming a more popular knife if it came out in a slightly cheaper G-10 model. I think this nishigin model carries better in pocket than the Stretch because it's a couple of millimeters thinner, and the smooth scales make it slide in and out easier. I'd like to see another sprint run R in any kind of scales, smooth or peel ply.
If I were going to make any change, I might give the blade a very tiny bit more belly toward the tip to defeat the slightly triangular look, but like you say, it's totally practical the way it is, and the more I use it, the more I like the blade shape.
) It has all the good qualities of both, is a better, more useful size than either for general EDC use (for me anyway) and has a choil! What's not to love? :) 
