Stretch XL Observations

[brancron]

The knife benefits from an aftermarket clip. My preference is MXG Gear, but there are several others. Just make sure you get one that’s long enough to to land on the untextured part of the FRN! (I’ve made the mistake of putting on clips that were too short—the knife becomes an instant pocket shredder).

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

First, Vivi, thanks for the awesome and thorough review. As always, I very much enjoy reading your thoughts and perspectives.

Mine arrived today, and it looks great. Centering on mine is perfect. Lockbar is maybe a tiny bit proud of the scale when open. Don't know if this will break in since the condition exists both open and closed. We'll see.

Action is great. I was actually quite surprised when the blade dropped closed with a tiny flick. I was not expecting that. It did drop onto my index finger, just as it should.

Grinds are fine by me, although noticeably thinner closer to the tip.

I like the balance and weight. Feels comfy, as expected (I really like the regular Stretch 2 handle shape). I'll be switching my clip to tip down, which will match my SSS as well as my Delicas, Endelas, and Enduras. I did carry it today tip up, but don't think I'll stick with it. I do appreciate the long blade and low weight. However, If I'm being honest, it feels too light. But I think it remains to be seen if it is really too light, or if that is just an incorrect initial impression.

Will it take the Military's spot as the top dog in my rotation? We'll see.

[sal]

"Simplicate and add lightness".
Colin Chapman

sal

[cabfrank]

Add lightness is one of the most overlooked aspects in knives (outside of Spyderco), and one that I value highly. I know vivi, Wartstein, and others agree.

[u.w.]

"Simplicate and add lightness".
Colin Chapman

sal

Yes, and multiple meanings/applications too.

u.w.

[Bolster]

I've been away and not paying attention...is the Stretch XL available in any "fancy" steels yet?

[Wandering_About]

I think it will be a good while before we see it in new steels.... only been on the market a few weeks at this point.

[Wartstein]

I've been away and not paying attention...is the Stretch XL available in any "fancy" steels yet?

I gladly repeat my "tip": Get it in SE! VG10 is really decent in PE, but imo actually great for SE.
The "XL" with teeth must be an amazing slicer

[Matus]

I've been away and not paying attention...is the Stretch XL available in any "fancy" steels yet?

I would be very surprised if we would see anything else than VG-10 before 2023 ..

[z1r]

I've been away and not paying attention...is the Stretch XL available in any "fancy" steels yet?

I would be very surprised if we would see anything else than VG-10 before 2023 ..

Maybe longer, in the meantime, I'm pretty sure I'll be acquiring a back up!

[T-1000]

Looks like a perfect candidate for a spyderedge

[warriorsociologist]

Looks like a perfect candidate for a spyderedge

Fortunately, this one's released with all three edges - SE/PE/CE

[Wartstein]

Looks like a perfect candidate for a spyderedge

It does.

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

Took mine apart (against my better judgment). Learned two things...
- Backlocks are no joke to put back together. Not impossible, and even with this improved design (no separate backspacer, no washers) it still was a frustrating experience for me. So here's my reminder to myself to not take apart knives that don't need it. Of course, now I know the tricks and so am likely to try it again in the future.
- I took it apart to try and address centering. It was perfectly aligned until I put the clip back on (for tip down). The torque that the clip puts on the scales pulls the blade out of center. I suspect that this is worse on a knife without steel liners. I'm trying to adjust the bend on the clip to see if that makes it better. Will see if that makes a difference.

[vivi]

I wasn't able to fix the centering on mine and I tried all the tricks. paper wedge, bending scales, etc.

Assembly was easy for me though, in contrast with the linered regular Stretch.

1. I put the lock spring in place in the back side scale, then put the two scales together.

2. Screwed the rear couple of bolts in.

3. Slid the lockbar and lockbar bolt in place, but didn't screw it down 100%.

4. Put the female side of the pivot bolt in while depressing the lock release a bit.

5. While fully depressing the lock release, slid the blade into place, then pushed the female side pivot bolt into place, then let go of the lock release.

6. Screwed in the other half of the pivot bolt after dabbing it with loctite.

7. Fully tightened every bolt, lubed the pivot then adjusted as best I could for smooth opening and no play.

Blade was still off center but the action was a lot smoother.

[Capt'n Boatsalot]

Vivi, did you have centering issues with the clip uninstalled? I was able to bend my clip very slightly for less spring tension and that solved my problem.

[DSH007]

Great write-up Vivi, as usual!

............snip.............

The design though.. fantastic! Doesn't feel much bigger than the Stretch 2 at all until that blade comes out.. there is an impressive amount of blade packed into that handle. And wow, is the size-to-weight ratio awesome on this thing! Ergos are excellent..very comfortable in all grips. Another excellent Sal design! I really like the knife overall.

That last paragraph is pretty much what I was thinking when I said, I'll take it! Can't wait for the Salt version! Lol. Just kidding!!! I would really love a K390 though.

For sure! I definitely think this is a solid platform for those variations.. I'm sure we'll see them in good time!

[Wartstein]

Took mine apart (against my better judgment). Learned two things...
- Backlocks are no joke to put back together. Not impossible, and even with this improved design (no separate backspacer, no washers) it still was a frustrating experience for me. So here's my reminder to myself to not take apart knives that don't need it. Of course, now I know the tricks and so am likely to try it again in the future.
- I took it apart to try and address centering. It was perfectly aligned until I put the clip back on (for tip down). The torque that the clip puts on the scales pulls the blade out of center. I suspect that this is worse on a knife without steel liners. I'm trying to adjust the bend on the clip to see if that makes it better. Will see if that makes a difference.

I don´t know if this helps in case of the Stretch XL, but when I reassemble my Seki backlocks I always put in the lockbar as very last step. Works great for me.

[vivi]

Vivi, did you have centering issues with the clip uninstalled? I was able to bend my clip very slightly for less spring tension and that solved my problem.

I have not tried removing the clip on mine yet.

[bjz]

Does someone have the ability to post a picture of an XL next to the regular SS stretch?

Thanks in advance!