Spyderco Forums

I am very curious if there is a reason for the flatness/squareness of the newer FRN/FRCP knives such as the Manix Lightweight and the N5? I really love the N5, but would find it much more comfortable if the edges were rounded like the Delica/Endura etc. It seems like a step backwards in my opinion unless there is a reason that escapes me.

I have to pretty much concur. I admit that all of the G-10 knives I love are near perfectly rectangular in cross section, so you might ask, if I like them, why not FRN and FRCP? Well, I like the G-10 even better when it's chamfered and rounded on the edges. Comfort in hand seems to be an important feature for some and maybe not so much for others. I do like the feel of the Native 1, Endura, etc, more than the squared off edges of the light weight Manix and Native 5. The little rim around the edges seems to be particularly noticeable all the time, and I much prefer the feel of the rounded edges of the Pacific Salt. I also like the less slick feel of the rounded areas on the Salt, Delica, etc.

Whatever the reason for the slick texture of the lt. wts., maybe the ridge is to give you more of a platform to hold the knife while pushing out the blade, offsetting the lack of traction caused by the slickness. In any case, I probably won't be buying any more of this type of light weight -- thankfully I've got tons (literally!) of other spydies to choose from :)

Edit: typo & clarification. Also I reserve the right to waffle if an appealing sprint comes out

I just compared my Delica LW with my new Native 5 LW and you are right - the former is definite more rounded. Fortunately this difference is not an issue for me in an EDC knife.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fomulation of FRN/FRCP when used in a knife with liners vs no liners?

Changed my mind after I bought a Native 5 Lightweight. I love it.

How hard would it be and is it possible to sand the edges?

I have both the N5 and Manix 2 Lwt versions.

I've never found the squareness to be a problem.

I find both the Manix LTW and Delica comfortable to use. I had to compare them side by side after reading this to notice a difference in my hand. For me, it's not a factor.

While I'm not sure about the reasons the newer models have those square edges, I remember long time ago they used the chamfer the edges of the opening hole. They eventually gave up doing this because they found out that unbevelled edges allow better purchase and control over the opening / closing process. Could be something similar with the FRN / FRCP handles (or it could be just a technological issue involved).

It's definitely puzzling to me. Going back to the Delica 1 FRN edges were all rounded nicely- now they aren't. I definitely find the rounded edges more comfortable in a variety of grips and more aesthetically pleasing. It's particularly noticeable in the N5 using the choil. Would love to hear from the Spydercrew if there is indeed a reason. The square edges also appeared in the Byrd lightweights latest generation.

And yes, I could sand them myself if I found it that terrible.

What I really find I don't like about FRCP is the slipperiness. Needs more glass or something. The FRN on my FFG UKPK is perfect.

I absolutely don't like the squared off corners on the FRN. I would buy the knife if they were rounded off, but will not otherwise. I even round off the corners of my G10 handled knives with a grinding bit on a Dremel tool, then sand paper and oil the areas to finish them. Works great and improves the feel of the knife in my hand immensely. I don't like the way FRN turns out when it's ground and/or sanded.

Jazz wrote:What I really find I don't like about FRCP is the slipperiness.

I read this and thought to myself, "perhaps some sanding could give a better texture."

eqlzr wrote: I don't like the way FRN turns out when it's ground and/or sanded.

Now I'm wondering if that will even work.

It's true, the texture of the FRCP (or lack thereof) on these square handles does make them feel cheaper. I don't like it. FRN handles have that sort of gritty yet smooth, as-cast texture, along with nice rounded edges. FRCP is taking another route, and aside from my dark blue Manix, I'm not following.

Bumping this as Blade Show is over and may have a chance at feedback now. Sal are you there?

I really like the Manix 2 LW in S110V. Do I like it as much as my Manix 2 cruwear sprint? Probably not. Is that a fair comparison? Probably not. Would I recommend the Manix 2 LW in S110V - yes!

I agree that the light weight S110V Manix 2 is a nice knife. I have a blackish anodized wire clip on mine and it's more discrete than the G-10 Manix 2's for "dressy" occasions, and the light weight is a nice change of pace. I carry it sometimes when I wouldn't carry the gray Cruwear with silver clip... but I would still like to see a trend of more rounded edges on some of the new FRN's :)

FRN can be ground and sanded just like G10 but you have to do it at a low speed or it will heat up and melt. The biggest drawback is that the smooth surfaces usually have a slight texture cast into them which you can't really match once you've sanded them. Also on these particular models there isn't a lot of material on the corners to work with before you get into the bidirectional pattern. It doesn't bother me much as I grew up with many slip joints that have much sharper squared off handles.

FRN will sand wonderfully if you finish it with a very fine grit. You also have to do it by hand and a little bit makes a huge difference. I sanded the FRN on my Endura to get rid of that hump in the middle of the grip. It came out nice. Remember to go slow because you can't put it back once its gone.

I'm not a huge fan of the new plastic


The old frn was perfect.

Why mess with perfection?

I too prefer the feel of the old frn.

Bump