Would you buy a Stretch XL Salt?

[vivi]

got one on the way too

[Buddafucco]

Spyderco.com:
PlainEdge & SpyderEdge... https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... -Salt/2497

Cutlery Shoppe:
PlainEdge... https://cutleryshoppe.com/spyderco-c258 ... rn-handle/
SpyderEdge... https://cutleryshoppe.com/spyderco-c258 ... rn-handle/

KnifeWorks:
PlainEdge... https://knifeworks.com/spyderco-stretch ... 2-c258pyl/
SpyderEdge... https://knifeworks.com/spyderco-stretch ... e-c258syl/

MidwayUSA:
PlainEdge & SpyderEdge... https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1026526011?pid=542631

Deadwood Knives:
PlainEdge... https://deadwoodknives.com/p-c258pyl-sp ... fe-c258pyl
SpyderEdge... https://deadwoodknives.com/p-c258syl-sp ... fe-c258syl

[rybu0305]

I said yes but I will wait for FFG LC200 or Magnacut. Not interested in H2.

[Wartstein]

Yes, if FFG Magnacut. No, if saber grind H2.
Very impressed by the 3.0 oz weight, that's amazing.

I hope and am actually pretty sure that it offers the usual H1/H2 sabre hollow grind, for me personally much better than "just" sabre grind (could directly compare the two grinds for example in an FRN sabre grind Endura and an old sabre hollow grind stainless steel Endura).

I still prefer ffg overall, but especially when for example cutting matter with not too large diameter or making notches in wood the hollow grind can outperform it.

Additionally (said it before, I know) the H2 Stretch XL will give us a "sturdier blade and especially tip" alternative to the ffg versions for real hard use. As much as I love the precise tip of the ffg Stretch XL in many tasks, it can also feel a bit fragile in some others.

So, personally I am actually really glad they went with H2... but sure hope you'll get your ffg MC version rather sooner than later!

[Wartstein]

Wonder if there´ll be a K390 Stretch XL - I seem to recall that word was every Seki FRN model should get the K390 treatment, but that was BEFORE the Stretch XL was a thing (so it might be they only referred to Seki models already existing back then).

Anyway: If there´´ll be a K390 Stretch XL we´d have three ffg options (VG10, Cruwear, K390), so that one sabre hollow grind alternative would be even more warranted imo.

I know, this still does not give a real Salt ffg version to those who want that - for me though VG10 knives are practically "Salts", no corrosion issues there for me.

[Manixguy@1994]

Wonder if there´ll be a K390 Stretch XL - I seem to recall that word was every Seki FRN model should get the K390 treatment, but that was BEFORE the Stretch XL was a thing (so it might be they only referred to Seki models already existing back then).

Anyway: If there´´ll be a K390 Stretch XL we´d have three ffg options (VG10, Cruwear, K390), so that one sabre hollow grind alternative would be even more warranted imo.

I know, this still does not give a real Salt ffg version to those who want that - for me though VG10 knives are practically "Salts", no corrosion issues there for me.

I believe Sal said there woul be a K390 variant sometime in the future . H2 may be the Stretch XL niche for a while with the recent release I don’t think a Magnacut variant would be forthcoming any time soon. MG2

[ladybug93]

a ffg k390 pe in the pocket and a ticn hg h2 se in the waistband would be a pretty dynamic duo.

[Manixguy@1994]

a ffg k390 pe in the pocket and a ticn hg h2 se in the waistband would be a pretty dynamic duo.

LB , I can send you mine until you can get one in future . Merry Christmas Bro . Dan

[Bolster]

Additionally (said it before, I know) the H2 Stretch XL will give us a "sturdier blade and especially tip" alternative to the ffg versions for real hard use. As much as I love the precise tip of the ffg Stretch XL in many tasks, it can also feel a bit fragile in some others.

Notice in the new Spyderco 2024 catalog, the Microjimbo description reads:

The MicroJimbo’s CPM S30V Wharncliffe blade measures 2.45 inches (62mm) to comply with strict blade-length laws and features a full-flat grind for enhanced tip strength.

Enhanced, compared to what?

So here is a case where Spyderco is changing the grind from the parent design, the hollow ground Yojimbo 2, to a flat grind for the new MicroJimbo, and specifically calling out the enhanced tip strength of the FFG.

Fragility of tip really depends on the particulars of the grind, blade shape, toughness of steel, etc etc. It's likely that either a hollow or a FFG could be made more or less sturdy than the other, depending on the amount and composition of the metal supporting the tip. But I've not seen evidence that we can say, as a generality, that a hollow ground tip is de facto stronger than a FFG tip.

Personally, I can see advantages to both grinds (and of course own both). I usually find the FFG more useful in everyday practice. I haven't lost a tip so far.

[Wartstein]

Additionally (said it before, I know) the H2 Stretch XL will give us a "sturdier blade and especially tip" alternative to the ffg versions for real hard use. As much as I love the precise tip of the ffg Stretch XL in many tasks, it can also feel a bit fragile in some others.

Notice in the new Spyderco 2024 catalog, the Microjimbo description reads:

The MicroJimbo’s CPM S30V Wharncliffe blade measures 2.45 inches (62mm) to comply with strict blade-length laws and features a full-flat grind for enhanced tip strength.

Enhanced, compared to what?

So here is a case where Spyderco is changing the grind from the parent design, the hollow ground Yojimbo 2, to a flat grind for the new MicroJimbo, and specifically calling out the enhanced tip strength of the FFG.

Fragility of tip really depends on the particulars of the grind, blade shape, toughness of steel, etc etc. It's likely that either a hollow or a FFG could be made more or less sturdy than the other, depending on the amount and composition of the metal supporting the tip. But I've not seen evidence that we can say, as a generality, that a hollow ground tip is de facto stronger than a FFG tip.

Personally, I can see advantages to both grinds (and of course own both). I usually find the FFG more useful in everyday practice. I haven't lost a tip so far.

You are completely right of course and we can´t say indeed "as a generality that a hollow ground tip is de facto stronger than an FFG tip". I would even say all things else being equal the hollow gound tip should normally rather be more fragile

I was putting sloppy what I meant, and that is: The way Spyderco so far did the sabre hollow grinds on their H1/H2 Seki Salts, these knives had stronger tips than their ffg (more or less) pendants (see pic below, Endura vs H1 Pac Salt). That is because the upper sabre portion of the blade is carried out without any noticable tapering almost right to the tip.

From looking at pics of the H2 Stretch XL I strongly assume this will be the case there too (stronger tip than the ffg versions)
BUT, if so: Yes, not directly due to a "hollow grind" but due to the paricular way Spyderco does the H1/H2 sabre hollow grind...

/ I also prefer ffg in everyday practice! But in really hard and fast work, especially in te outdoors, a stronger tip can be a good idea (I have snapped ffg tips already in such scenarios).

[Buddafucco]

Cutlery Shoppe:
PlainEdge... https://cutleryshoppe.com/spyderco-c258 ... rn-handle/
SpyderEdge... https://cutleryshoppe.com/spyderco-c258 ... rn-handle/

[Bolster]

...The way Spyderco so far did the sabre hollow grinds on their H1/H2 Seki Salts, these knives had stronger tips than their ffg (more or less) pendants (see pic below, Endura vs H1 Pac Salt)...

Oh, good comparison pic! Thanks for that, had not seen before. Always something to learn here at the Spyderco forum!

[ladybug93]

a ffg k390 pe in the pocket and a ticn hg h2 se in the waistband would be a pretty dynamic duo.

LB , I can send you mine until you can get one in future . Merry Christmas Bro . Dan

you're too nice, dan. i'm good waiting a bit. i'm in my forced delayed gratification phase.

[Tgmr05]

Thank you Buddafucco, finally got both pe/se in stock at cutlery shoppe..

[u.w.]

Saw these were released, in this thread, as I was heading out the door going to visit friends for/over Christmas. Got back home today and now have one for myself on the way.
I got an essentially flawless version of the VG-10 one not to long after they were released, and really, really it. I'm very much looking forward to getting/carrying/using this one.

u.w.

[Windward]

Disassambled picture if anyone is interested. Same as the salt 2, pacific salt 2, etc. T8 at the pivot, t6 for the scales.

[Wartstein]

Dissambled picture if anyone is interested. Same as the salt 2, pacific salt 2, etc. T8 at the pivot, t6 for the scales.

To me these linerless FRN models are really the top of great knife designing in a way:

So efficiently made with that very few parts, so light and simple, but still so much capability and strength is achieved with just that.

[Windward]

I agree. Especially in the salt line, a breeze to clean and relube. For a hard working work knife. Theres nothing i would prefer (for a folder atleast)

[Manixguy@1994]

Mine is still in transit, supposed to be here today . If no one posts I will do a picture of all three variants of top of blades to compare. MG2

[vivi]

sounds like yours will arrive before mine