Rise of the larger FRN backlock folders!

[Wartstein]

If I could have only one folder, what would it have to offer?

- FRN handle
- Backlock
- Long cutting edge (3.4" or more)

Now, not too long ago a guy with exactly these preferences was pretty much limited to Endura / Pac Salt - and the Endura actually IS my favorite folder of all times and all brands.

But these days suddenly and actually not expected by me some time ago at least THREE possible contenders for the throne are more or less close on the horizon:

- Stretch XL
- FRN Chief
- Leaf Jumper (Edit: I meant "Cliff Jumper / Sequoia... so the LARGE version of the upcoming Leaf Jumper) (of course we don´t know the exact size yet, but I think chances are good that it could offer roughly an Endura cutting edge length)

Count in the Police LW (a bit too long in closed size for me): Actually GREAT TIMES AHEAD for those who love larger, FRN backlock folders! (Just not so great for my wallet... )

[Wartstein]

... Added to my post above:

And actually also a lot of options with these models combined, even in their regular production versions:

VG10, H1, LC200N, S30V, K390
PE, CE. SE
FFG, sabre grind, hollow grind
Wharnie blade shape
.....

[vivi]

Great time to be a fan of large, light spyderco folders.



This image shows three generations of Voyagers.

Bottom was FRN with molded clips like early enduras. middle was FRN with metal clips like gen 3 enduras. top is the current FRN with aluminum liners series.

That middle generation was so cool. 5" bladed folders that weighed less than most 3.5-4" knives.

Those voyagers opened my eyes to how perfect a large, linerless plastic handled folder could work for my uses.

Unfortunately I couldn't do the thumbstud or tanto blade shape, but the size / weight ratio really impressed me.

With the FRN Police, and the upcoming FRN Chief and XL Stretch, we have some excellent options with the (IMO) superior spyderhole.

For a long time I've been asking for a Manix XL LW, but looking at the Stretch XL I think it will be an even better knife. Pretty similar overall handle shape, with a more narrow closed profile that makes it less of a pocket hog. Better edge to closed size ratio too.

I've been a really big fan of the Police for about 13 years now, but between the Chief and Stretch XL I think Sal has one upped himself.

[Toucan]

I've only recently realized how much I like large FRN backlocks.

When I was younger, I was irrationally opposed to backlocks. I remember back in high school I saved up some cash for a knife, and almost got a Delica, because it checked almost all the boxes, but I passed because backlocks just didn't feel right. What a fool I was!

After I overcame that oversight, I still wasn't a fan of huge knives because I didn't want to get weird looks from people. I remember feeling self conscious when someone said my Manix2 was intimidating looking. I don't wanna live my life by random people's whims, but there is something to be said about not standing out for the wrong reasons, y'know? I've had a SS CaraCara for years as my beater around the house work knife, but I never really bothered to carry it around town.

Anyways, I was gifted a colorful Endura 4 last year and it changed everything.The ergonomics are amazing. I know the handle is apparently hit or miss, and not as "universal" as other handles, but it really works for me. Plus people don't get as weird about purple/green/blue knives, even when they're 3.75". I often hold it in a pinch grip with my middle finger on the tang, if trying to be more discreet. The combination of a stout tip and thin-ish FFG stock is incredibly useful. Having nearly 3.5" of edge is the new sweet spot for me. It just works. Especially for impromptu picnics with big chunks of cheese. Idk how often this happens to everyone else, but I often find myself popping into shops and buying cheese and a salami when I'm just out and about running errands with my wife. The Endura is great for that. It's also cheap enough (relatively speaking in 2022!) that I don't mind using it however I need to.

With the Endura, I'm converted to big knives.

I'm definitively eyeing a stretch XL. Though I think I will wait until a K390 version rolls out. I'm a bit concerned since the regular Stretch seems to work so well for large handed people that can't use an Endura comfortably that the XL is probably gonna be meant to accommodate even larger hands. I have small hands, so there's a chance the Stretch XL just won't work for me. That would be a huge bummer, but at least I have a huge variety of Enduras and Pacifics to look into.

The FRN Chief sounds very cool too. I'm looking forward to that coming out. Knives without a thumb ramp are generally much more comfy for me. Part of me wishes it would be a Seki model because I do like the feeling of Seki FRN more than Golden's, but that is an incredibly minor concern.

[Toucan]

.

[Soulrack]

The Stretch XL with a MAP around $112.35 is going to sell like crazy. Only 2.7 oz!!! I'd like to see it in LC200N.

[Manixguy@1994]

... Added to my post above:

And actually also a lot of options with these models combined, even in their regular production versions:

VG10, H1, LC200N, S30V, K390
PE, CE. SE
FFG, sabre grind, hollow grind
Wharnie blade shape
.....

I think things are looking up . Just think what exclusives may pop up with the three knives you just listed . I think dealers will be watching very closely the initial sales of these upcoming models to decide what might work for them . MG2

[JSumm]

I think part of the excitement, at least for me, is that it is linerless. I think that opens up some possibilities of this large knife to some upgraded steels down the road in a real lightweight format. Current Stretch 2 weight, you might as well get an Endura to get more edge in a lighter package. I think between the Stretch XL and Chief LW there are some cool possibilities down the road. Until then, I'm planning on tracking down a VG-10 model!

[Bolster]

...Actually GREAT TIMES AHEAD for those who love larger, FRN backlock folders!...

Yay! A decade ago I was more trad, in the bolsters-and-micarta camp. As time has gone by, and I'm more into using and carrying (than looking at) knives, I've grown to appreciate the lightweight models. My knife resolution the past two years has been to buy LW knives ONLY. Glad to see the big FRNs coming!

[RustyIron]

If I could have only one folder, what would it have to offer?

- FRN handle
- Backlock
- Long cutting edge (3.4" or more)

Hard to argue with any of those criteria. It's VERY cool that our modern plastics are so durable that we can make skinny knife handles that will last for a long, long time. Even better that our Spydies come with a pattern that works whether your hands are wet, dry, oily, sticky, cold, or sweaty. We live in amazing times.

[ladybug93]

the triad lock ruined me for backlocks. i know my pac salt is as strong as i need a pocket knife to be, but it doesn't have that bank vault feel of other spyderco locks or the triad lock. the larger the knife, the more apparent the flex and the less i trust it to be reliable long-term, regardless of what i know of its strength. these lw large backlocks don't really appeal to me, but i'm glad they exist for you all and maybe for the prospect of a larger salt than the pacific.

[Blnd]

Do the larger mid backlocks (with 50/50 choil)allow for safe one handed closing (a la closing on the fingers via choil)?

[zhyla]

Unpopular opinion: back locks aren’t the best lock on large folders. They work fine, but require too much fumbling for one handed close in my experience.

I’m most excited about there being some new options for us that like long, lightweight, serrated knives.

[vivi]

I don't find they require any fumbling at all, but hand size might play a role.

Do the larger mid backlocks (with 50/50 choil)allow for safe one handed closing (a la closing on the fingers via choil)?

of course.

i find large lockbacks easier to close than smaller ones. there's nothing unsafe about them.

here's how I close mine, and how you're asking about closing one:

https://streamlala.com/lO4K2/

[Doc Dan]

Au contraire, zhyla. The back lock is used precisely because it is the best lock for a large knife. I remember Eric saying a couple years ago that the back lock was chosen over other locks on the Native Chief specifically because they needed the strongest lock to handle the big blade. That is one example. Other locks aren't up to the larger blades.

Also, and this is my opinion only as I have large hands, the back lock does not require any more fumbling than a liner lock. Technique is what matters.

[Doc Dan]

I don't find they require any fumbling at all, but hand size might play a role.

Do the larger mid backlocks (with 50/50 choil)allow for safe one handed closing (a la closing on the fingers via choil)?

of course.

i find large lockbacks easier to close than smaller ones. there's nothing unsafe about them.

here's how I close mine, and how you're asking about closing one:

https://streamlala.com/lO4K2/

Thanks Vivi. That shows three ways to easily manipulate a back lock. I was going to try to figure out how to make a video and post it. Now I don't have to do so.

I put my finger in the hole and then snap the blade shut as you show in the vid. that is my preferred method. I don't like the shaking the blade down on a finger method because if I get used to that and pick up another brand I could get cut.

[Naperville]

(4 inch blade) OK then the Native Chief in FRN.

[Wartstein]

Do the larger mid backlocks (with 50/50 choil)allow for safe one handed closing (a la closing on the fingers via choil)?,,

Unpopular opinion: back locks aren’t the best lock on large folders. They work fine, but require too much fumbling for one handed close in my experience. ...

Thanks Vivi. That shows three ways to easily manipulate a back lock....

Backlocks imho are actually the safest lock (generally, but also in closing) if you combine "safety for the fingers" and "safety concerning not dropping the knife while operating the lock" (depending on what particular method one chooses of course!) Here are three ot the methods I use (links to short clips I made once, each method shown one time deliberately slow, two times normal speed)

https://streamable.com/myzlt
https://streamable.com/j7fjd
https://streamable.com/bhhzs

No "fumbling" required, one can even close a backlock just like a comp.lock or CBBL with "fingers out of the blade path" - see the second link above (totally unncecessary though imho, with ANY locktype. And even more so when the blade has a CHOILI

[Wartstein]

Do the larger mid backlocks (with 50/50 choil)allow for safe one handed closing (a la closing on the fingers via choil)?,,

Unpopular opinion: back locks aren’t the best lock on large folders. They work fine, but require too much fumbling for one handed close in my experience. ...

Thanks Vivi. That shows three ways to easily manipulate a back lock....

Added to my post above:

Just to show how easy a backlock actually is to operate, and since I just found the vid (made it when my thumb was hurt): Even works without using the thumb at all!

https://streamable.com/in8s3b

[Wartstein]

the triad lock ruined me for backlocks. i know my pac salt is as strong as i need a pocket knife to be, but it doesn't have that bank vault feel of other spyderco locks or the triad lock. the larger the knife, the more apparent the flex and the less i trust it to be reliable long-term, regardless of what i know of its strength. ....

I know you say this is more about what you subjectively feel, but still: Can´t find the quotes/vids/links right now, but Eric (Glesser) and Sal several times stated, how they´d like a backlock particularily on large folders, cause this lock type would actually be that strong and reliable (there is a knife center vid for example where Eric is saying this when talking about the Police LW)

And "reliable long term"? I (and many others here) have been using FRN backlocks extensively and "hard" over long periods of time (I think you too, right (Pac Salt)) - no issues at all. I also don´t think that the little bit of "side to side" flex that can occur in linerless FRN backlock folders does affect the lock itself at all. And up and down flex is practically not existing (not talking about lock rock, but the handle itself!) due to the strong, closed back.

Again: This is just a remark, and not against your point: If you don´t like the feel of those knives in hand when if comes to security, this is perfectly valid of course! I