NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet

[Manifestgtr]

Easily the best first day I’ve had with a folder. Unpacked it, flicked it…no play, beautiful action and near-perfect ergonomics. On top of that, it sharpened up to the best, easiest first edge I’ve had with a 10v class steel.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding certain models but with the Stretch 2, it seems well deserved. Obviously it’s still new to me but as far as first impressions go, this is best I’ve had. Based on the use I put it through today, I can only imagine it’ll further grow on me with time.

[Bemo]

Congrats! You have just purchased a fantastic knife. Use it in good health!

[kennethsime]

Yea, this is hands down one of the best values in folding knives these days. Congrats, enjoy it!

[Wartstein]

....

There’s a lot of hype surrounding certain models but with the Stretch 2, it seems well deserved. Obviously it’s still new to me but as far as first impressions go, this is best I’ve had. Based on the use I put it through today, I can only imagine it’ll further grow on me with time.

Sounds good!! Enjoy it!

I think that there actually always was too little hype surrounding the Stretch as a model (1 and 2). Most who actually tried one loved it, but not too many DID try.
Glad this obviously begims to change - probably took straight spine and K390 for that to happen.
For me just the "better PM2"

[Matus]

Now everyone will try to sell their k390 PM2s to swap them for the Stretch

[Manifestgtr]

Holy moley…that thing is stunning, man…

[eventhorizon]

So the Stretch is a backlocking PM2 now... smart.

[Wartstein]

So the Stretch is a backlocking PM2 now... smart.

Not only better lock (for me): Thinner, slicier blade (but still strong), for me better "edge profile" (long straight section instead of continous belly), better ergos (chamfered FRN), better carry (easier to slid the hand by the handle when knife in pocket).

[Wartstein]

So the Stretch is a backlocking PM2 now... smart.

I am certainly biased , but added to my post above: Imo some more advantages of the Stretch over the PM2
- Longer grip area (better for really large hands)
- closed back, no comp.lock cutout make for a more comfortable feel in hand in "harder" use

[kennethsime]

Holy moley…that thing is stunning, man…

I see you are also a Micarta + tool steel guy - would love to see the collection!

[steelcity16]

I have the original and the new K390 is on my short list of knives to add to my collection. I am really excited to see the new 4" version, though I am a bit bummed to hear it is going to be linerless. I like the feel/weight/balance of the linered Endura and Delica much more than their linerless Salt counterparts.

[Doc Dan]

That straight spine Stretch has become my favorite mid-sized knife. It is fantastic. I love everything about it. The grip, the blade, the lock, everything. I think Sal got it just right.

Now...a VG-10 (or SPY27) model and a linerless model would be a good place to go from here.

[Manifestgtr]

I see you are also a Micarta + tool steel guy - would love to see the collection!

Someday I’ll drag em all out but this is my trio of “do it all”. What’s gonna be sweet is when I can find some canvas for the z-wear mule. I’m gonna be channeling Austin Powers for that photo shoot.

[StuntZombie]

Now everyone will try to sell their k390 PM2s to swap them for the Stretch

Don't know that I'd blame them. I think the Stretch 2 is a better design.

[Rinzler]

Someday I’ll drag em all out but this is my trio of “do it all”. What’s gonna be sweet is when I can find some canvas for the z-wear mule. I’m gonna be channeling Austin Powers for that photo shoot.

726E6FBB-50D3-4058-B24B-1B7723D56317.jpeg

Halpern Titanium

[Manifestgtr]

Halpern Titanium

Niiice…that’s what I want for the z-wear. I actually emailed them a couple weeks ago when I got it in and curiously, haven’t heard back from them yet.

[Rinzler]

Halpern Titanium

Niiice…that’s what I want for the z-wear. I actually emailed them a couple weeks ago when I got it in and curiously, haven’t heard back from them yet.

Email Jennifer, she is extremely responsive.

jennifer@halperntitanium.com

[Pokey]

As far as folders go, I've got every K390 bladed Spyderco from the Lady Bug to the Stretch 2 except the Endura. I've found the steel is a breeze to sharpen. I've used the diamond Tri-Angles to reprofile the grind angle to 30°, then progressed to the CBN and then to the brown Tri-Angles. I'll give the edge a few passes on the 40°side of the Sharp Maker for a micro-bevel. This gives the steel a smooth but slightly sticky edge, and this works fine for me.

At work I will usually have to use double sided tape to hold parts on a sheet of aluminum. (for grit blasting) I'll slice the tape and peel back part of the paper backing or trim the tape along the edge of the aluminum. The steel is far harder than the aluminum so it doesn't affect the edge or even scratch the bevel. I've also trimmed the adhesive we use to laminate carbon fiber. It gets trimmed along the edge of the carbon and due to the rough edges you're bound to catch the edge of the blade. But again, the edge will hold for a long time.

I really like the Endela and the Stretch 2 for the size of their blades.

[FK]

I am a long time fan of the Stretch.

Stretch 1
ZDP-189
Super Blue
HAP-40

Stretch 2
V-Toku2
K390

My present favorite is the K390,,, easily sharpens up to "sticky" sharp, apex quickly refreshed with diamonds on leather strop.

Regards,
FK

[Woodpuppy]

I've found the steel is a breeze to sharpen. I've used the diamond Tri-Angles to reprofile the grind angle to 30°, then progressed to the CBN and then to the brown Tri-Angles. I'll give the edge a few passes on the 40°side of the Sharp Maker for a micro-bevel. This gives the steel a smooth but slightly sticky edge, and this works fine for me.

The diamond rods are coarser than CBN? I thought they were supposed to be comparable. If they are indeed coarser it would make sense for me to get a set. I’d like to have a finer diamond or CBN rod too.

I worked on my K390 ladybug for a bit Friday, and was getting annoyed with it in the brown rods. Put it down for a bit while I continued sharpening out some flat spots on my Zwear Shaman using the CBN rods… duh! Put the LB on the CBN rods and made progress! The browns are fine for refining the edge created by CBN.