Sculpted Cocobolo Stretch

[The Deacon]

A while back I saw a thread on BladeForums by a gentleman from Lithuania who makes custom scales for some of Spyderco's nested liner FRN models, including the Stretch. I asked if he could make a set in cocobolo with what I describe as an "Anso Style" and what he calls a "sculpted" texture. They arrived about a week ago and, IMHO, he did an excellent job, I think they're gorgeous. I finally got up the nerve to take the knife apart and install them yesterday. Several hours, and a whole lot of expletives later...






...and a shot with my other Stretch "woodies".

[Pinetreebbs]

Those scales are gorgeous, IMO. Of the group, these are the best, though the others are quite nice too.

[SpyderNut]

Those are all beautifully done, Paul. Really like the Anso-style texture on the new one too. I'd love to see that coupled with Snakewood.

[demoncase]

That bolstered little devil is sexy as anything.

[Evil D]

Still not sure how I feel about Anso on wood, but they're very nicely done.

[Donut]

It sort of looks like a diamond pattern on that one.

[farnorthdan]

That is one beautiful Stretch Paul, I notice it has been drilled for a pocket clip, are you planning on putting one on? I seem to remember you saying you prefer many of your knifes without pocket clips.

[Holland]

Wow beautifully done!

[paladin]

Outstanding bookmatched slabs with loads of character!

I'm REALLY enjoying that transverse stripe bisecting the lanyard hole shooting past the lockbar pivot right now.

The way the "sculpted" pattern makes the grain look like a wavy damascus is striking, Paul...good call on the materials, pattern, & maker...

What part of the deconstruct/reconstruct made you swear? Was it something inherent in the Stretch design, or something specific to the handles themselves?

[The Deacon]

Thanks everyone.

Still not sure how I feel about Anso on wood, but they're very nicely done.

I hear you, David. Nothing "works" for everyone. Beauty, and strangeness, are both in the eye of the beholder. I'm guessing that you look at that and see a "tactical" texture that conflicts with a "traditional" material. I, on the other hand, look at it and see a texture reminiscent of old hand hewn beams and thus perfectly suitable to wood.

That is one beautiful Stretch Paul, I notice it has been drilled for a pocket clip, are you planning on putting one on? I seem to remember you saying you prefer many of your knifes without pocket clips.

Chalk that up to a brain fart on my part when communicating with Andrej. I have no plans to use a clip, even though he did supply longer screws.

Outstanding bookmatched slabs with loads of character!

I'm REALLY enjoying that transverse stripe bisecting the lanyard hole shooting past the lockbar pivot right now.

The way the "sculpted" pattern makes the grain look like a wavy damascus is striking, Paul...good call on the materials, pattern, & maker...

What part of the deconstruct/reconstruct made you swear? Was it something inherent in the Stretch design, or something specific to the handles themselves?

I agree. It's some great looking cocobolo, and the texture adds even more character to it.

As for the cussing, chalk it up to my frustration with fingers that are no longer as nimble as they once were and eyes that are no longer as sharp as they once were having to deal with the design common to all Spyderco's midlocks with nested liner FRN handles. If you think losing a screw is annoying, try not being able to pick one up that's right in front of you. As for the pivot washers, they accounted for probably 75% of both the time and the invective.

The scales themselves were perfect. The liners and screws fit them perfectly. Putting the knife back together with the FRN scales would not have been any easier.

[Evil D]

Thanks everyone.

Still not sure how I feel about Anso on wood, but they're very nicely done.

I hear you, David. Nothing "works" for everyone. Beauty, and strangeness, are both in the eye of the beholder. I'm guessing that you look at that and see a "tactical" texture that conflicts with a "traditional" material. I, on the other hand, look at it and see a texture reminiscent of old hand hewn beams and thus perfectly suitable to wood.

Yep, on the nose. Tactical finish in a non tactical material, which normally I would like the mixing of both worlds. But, I do see what you mean about the beams. Makes me wonder if a more similar finish could be applied to wood scales.

[SpeedHoles]

Amazing, as are all of your Stretches!


Out of all of your aftermarket Stretch scales, which set had the nicest fit and finish? Or if you didn't want to put it that directly, who would you be most likely returning to for further work in the future?

[The Deacon]

Amazing, as are all of your Stretches!


Out of all of your aftermarket Stretch scales, which set had the nicest fit and finish? Or if you didn't want to put it that directly, who would you be most likely returning to for further work in the future?

AFAIK, Steve Rice (STR) isn't doing Spyderco mods any more, so it's really between the other two. Steve Ketchen (spketch) and Andrej (suingab) both do excellent work but, to the best of my knowledge, only Andrej makes scales for Spyderco's nested liner FRN models. When I want another set I'll use one or the other, depending on the Stretch.

Funny thing, a few years back it was difficult to find someone to do this kind of work. Now it's hard to decide which of a number of excellent craftsmen to use.

[SpeedHoles]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate the input.

I am somewhat familiar with Steve Ketchens amazing work, but hadn't heard of Suingab until you mentioned him. I looked up some of his other work and it looks great as well.

[Titomake]

Beautiful cocobolo scales. I think they suit well a hunting blade like this.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards

[jmh58]

Very NICE there Paul!! John