Sal, may I ask: Any (even just remote) chance of an FRN Chief?

[Wartstein]

Hi Sal,

the Chief is a great design and actually the first knife in a long time that could challenge my beloved Enduras in their role "most versatile EDC folder ever" :)

What I personally still prefer in the Endura though: The FRN handle.

So, may I ask:

- Any chance that the Chief will eventually come in FRN too?
- Just like the Native 5 comes both in linerless G10 and linerless FRN?

Some thoughts on why an FRN Chief would be a great alternative to the G10 version:

- Even enhanced comfort due to the plus in chamfering that FRN handles most times offer
- Even lighter weight: The G10 Native 5 is about 20% "heavier" than the FRN Native 5 (both linerless!):
If this transferred to the Chief, an FRN Chief would weigh about 93 grams (3.3 oz) instead of 111grams (3.9 oz)

[Wartstein]

...
Added to my post above some further differences (and possible advantages) of an FRN Chief to (over) an G10 Chief:

- FRN in my use even grippier and more secure in hand
- Spydercos (!) FRN handles nicer to the pocket, since the clip always lands on the very smooth Spyderco logo (and not the "more-abrasive-than-that spot" G10)

[vivi]

I love the Chief. It's my favorite folder these days. But if there's one thing I'm not crazy about, is how squared off the scales are.


Pacific Salt 2 vs Chief

The FRN version would likely have better contouring around the edges, a lower price point, and be even lighter.

For those reasons, I'm interested.

Run one in LC200N like its little brother while we're at it

[skeeg11]

Amen!

[archangel]

Hey, it's Spyderco. There's gonna be a FRN version for sure...

Edit: I need to have my eyes checked.... saw a ED post. :eek: Ah, here it is now... :p

[Evil D]

I love the Chief. It's my favorite folder these days. But if there's one thing I'm not crazy about, is how squared off the scales are.


Pacific Salt 2 vs Chief

The FRN version would likely have better contouring around the edges, a lower price point, and be even lighter.

For those reasons, I'm interested.

Run one in LC200N like its little brother while we're at it

The square scales seems to be a trend going all the way back to the Manix 2 lightweight and now the Native 5 too. It's really weird when you compare it to older FRN models like the Spyderhawk that feels like it was purposely melted at the edges. It's a step backwards in ergonomics IMO and seems really odd coming from Spyderco who usually are among the best at ergonomics.

[p_atrick]

Could a FRN Chief get away with liner less construction like the Native 5?

[Wartstein]

Could a FRN Chief get away with liner less construction like the Native 5?

I am 100% certain it could! Depending on how much linerless FRN gets "milled out" at the inside (or NOT "milled out") it can get imho as strong as linerless G10.
The FRN Pac Salt 1 feels really solid, and I am sure the Pac Salt 2 does so too (though it could be a bit more "flexy" than the "1"? Don´t know, did not try).
And the Pac Salts have virtually the same size as the Chief...

[Evil D]

If the Pacific 2 can be linerless I don't see why the Chief couldn't. It's all in how the ribs are molded into the scale to stiffen it up.

[JRinFL]

If the G10 models sell well enough, it is a given that there will be an FRN version. Also, I see no reason why there could not also be a liner-less version of G10 model. G10 has plenty of strength to handle it.

[Enactive]

If the G10 models sell well enough, it is a given that there will be an FRN version. Also, I see no reason why there could not also be a liner-less version of G10 model. G10 has plenty of strength to handle it.

The G10 and CF models are linerless.

I think the weight savings on an FRN version would mostly be in losing the metal backspacer-- which also shifts the weight balance forward.

[Wartstein]

If the G10 models sell well enough, it is a given that there will be an FRN version. Also, I see no reason why there could not also be a liner-less version of G10 model. G10 has plenty of strength to handle it.

The G10 model IS already linerless...

[Wartstein]

If the G10 models sell well enough, it is a given that there will be an FRN version. Also, I see no reason why there could not also be a liner-less version of G10 model. G10 has plenty of strength to handle it.

The G10 and CF models are linerless.

I think the weight savings on an FRN version would mostly be in losing the metal backspacer-- which also shifts the weight balance forward.

As said in my original post: The weight saving would probably around 20 %.
And FRN has more advantages over G10 than just being lighter...

[TenGrainBread]

I agree. An FRN version would be great.

[Enactive]

If the G10 models sell well enough, it is a given that there will be an FRN version. Also, I see no reason why there could not also be a liner-less version of G10 model. G10 has plenty of strength to handle it.

The G10 and CF models are linerless.

I think the weight savings on an FRN version would mostly be in losing the metal backspacer-- which also shifts the weight balance forward.

As said in my original post: The weight saving would probably around 20 %.
And FRN has more advantages over G10 than just being lighter...

Advantages are relative. We have different experiences and preferences. I like both, but tend to favor G10, except for price. :p I find Golden FRN to be more pocket shredding than G10.

[JRinFL]

The G10 and CF models are linerless.

Too funny, I own one and never bothered to check. I just assumed it had partial liners. :o

[wrdwrght]

I wouldn’t bet against FRN becoming the Chief’s handle material.

[Enactive]

The G10 and CF models are linerless.

Too funny, I own one and never bothered to check. I just assumed it had partial liners. :o

Ha! Too funny. We also didn't need to pile on. :p

[kennethsime]

I'm a fan. I agree, I generally prefer LW models. I'd love to see a both a PM2 LW and a NC LW come out of Golden.

[Wartstein]

As said in my original post: The weight saving would probably around 20 %.
And FRN has more advantages over G10 than just being lighter...

Advantages are relative. We have different experiences and preferences. I like both, but tend to favor G10, except for price. :p I find Golden FRN to be more pocket shredding than G10.

You are right of course :o Should have said "differences and possible advantages as I did in my original post

/ The "FRN more pocket shredding"-thing differs totally from my own experiences: What shreds pockets most is when the knife is pulled out of the pocket and the garment between clip on the outside and the point the clip lands on the handle (inside of the pocket) gets "rubbed"... this is less abrasive if the spot on the inside of the pocket is smooth like it is with Spydercos FRN, since this is where the smooth logo is.
But of course ymmv :)