NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
- Manifestgtr
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- Location: Lowell, MA
NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.
Crucarta: Shaman (x2), Manix 2, Lil Native, Delica, GB2 & PM2
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Congrats! You have just purchased a fantastic knife. Use it in good health!
- kennethsime
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- Location: California
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Yea, this is hands down one of the best values in folding knives these days. Congrats, enjoy it!
I'm happiest with Micarta and Tool Steel.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Manifestgtr wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 8:26 pm....
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"
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Now everyone will try to sell their k390 PM2s to swap them for the Stretch
... I like weird ...
- Manifestgtr
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- Posts: 356
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2021 4:43 pm
- Location: Lowell, MA
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Holy moley…that thing is stunning, man…
Crucarta: Shaman (x2), Manix 2, Lil Native, Delica, GB2 & PM2
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
- eventhorizon
- Member
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:50 am
- Location: center of Europe
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
So the Stretch is a backlocking PM2 now... smart.
notorious fidgeteer
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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).
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- kennethsime
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- Posts: 4786
- Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:28 pm
- Location: California
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
I see you are also a Micarta + tool steel guy - would love to see the collection!
I'm happiest with Micarta and Tool Steel.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
- steelcity16
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- Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2017 11:34 am
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.
CRU-CARTA THE SEKI MODELS! AND BRING US THE DODO-FLY!
- Doc Dan
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Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.
Now...a VG-10 (or SPY27) model and a linerless model would be a good place to go from here.
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NRA Life Member
Spydernation 0050
Follow the Christ, the King,
Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
Else, wherefore born?" (Tennyson)
NRA Life Member
Spydernation 0050
- Manifestgtr
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- Posts: 356
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2021 4:43 pm
- Location: Lowell, MA
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.kennethsime wrote: ↑Fri Sep 03, 2021 6:24 amI see you are also a Micarta + tool steel guy - would love to see the collection!
Crucarta: Shaman (x2), Manix 2, Lil Native, Delica, GB2 & PM2
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
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Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Don't know that I'd blame them. I think the Stretch 2 is a better design.
Chris
Haves: Lava, Delica 4 Sante Fe Stoneworks, Spy-DK x2,
Just say NO to lined FRN
Haves: Lava, Delica 4 Sante Fe Stoneworks, Spy-DK x2,
Just say NO to lined FRN
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Halpern TitaniumManifestgtr wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 5:19 amSomeday 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
- Manifestgtr
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- Posts: 356
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2021 4:43 pm
- Location: Lowell, MA
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.
Crucarta: Shaman (x2), Manix 2, Lil Native, Delica, GB2 & PM2
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
Email Jennifer, she is extremely responsive.Manifestgtr wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 5:21 pmNiiice…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.
jennifer@halperntitanium.com
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.
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.
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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
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
Re: NKD! K390 Stretch: Best “first impression” yet
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.Pokey wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 6:17 pmI'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.
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.