The Stretch 2XL "Experiment"

[derangedhermit]

I understand the strong preference for light weight, but I'm on the other side of the argument, for blades larger than 3.5 inches...

I don't like flex in the handles, and want a solid feeling and good balance over lightest possible weight. I want it to feel durable. In my view 4-5 ounces is the sweet spot to feel solid, balanced, inspire confidence, and not be a boat anchor.

I have nothing against linerless G10 and CF. I like these versions of the Native Chief, Siren etc. Linerless but solid.

The linerless FRN Wayne Goddard 4V on the other hand was a bit of a disappointment. Flexy, uncentered blade, with blade rub left or right depending on the load on the handle. Not my jam.

Not sure how the Stretch XL compare with the Goddard?

I used to be for lightest weight possible, but I have found balance matters. I like the light weight of the Stretch 2 XL, but even with the relatively thin blade (for Spyderco), it feels unbalanced in use. I suspect some heavier, thicker-bladed Spydercos are just as unbalanced on a percentage basis, but I haven't noticed it, so maybe balance is more noticeable in lighter knives? I don't mind / notice any flex, though.

[StuntZombie]

So does the Stretch 2XL have solid FRN scales, or are they "pocketed"? The older solid scales had a little flex to them, but they were still more solid than the current style used on the linerless Salt knives.

[vivi]

So does the Stretch 2XL have solid FRN scales, or are they "pocketed"? The older solid scales had a little flex to them, but they were still more solid than the current style used on the linerless Salt knives.

Built just like a Pacific Salt 2. I can't imagine Spyderco not having a Salt version planned if this knife sells well.

[Bill1170]

I love the low weight and slicey-thin FFG blade on the Stretch 2 XL. I have the K390 version and am perplexed because mine went missing a few weeks ago and I am missing it a lot. Losing knives has not been a problem for me, so this is doubly bothersome.

[Bill1170]

I love the low weight and slicey-thin FFG blade on the Stretch 2 XL. I have the K390 version and am perplexed because mine went missing a few weeks ago and I am missing it a lot. Losing knives has not been a problem for me, so this is doubly bothersome.

Edited to add:
I would buy one with DLC if it came available. It would be my first DLC I’d ever purchased. K390 is just so amazing, but I’d like some corrosion protection.

[Bill1170]

I love the low weight and slicey-thin FFG blade on the Stretch 2 XL. I have the K390 version and am perplexed because mine went missing a few weeks ago and I am missing it a lot. Losing knives has not been a problem for me, so this is doubly bothersome.

Oops, did the quote when I meant to edit.
Edited to add:
I would buy one with DLC if it came available. It would be my first DLC I’d ever purchased. K390 is just so amazing, but I’d like some corrosion protection.

[StuntZombie]

So does the Stretch 2XL have solid FRN scales, or are they "pocketed"? The older solid scales had a little flex to them, but they were still more solid than the current style used on the linerless Salt knives.

Built just like a Pacific Salt 2. I can't imagine Spyderco not having a Salt version planned if this knife sells well.

I really, really wish they would go back to solid FRN on all their linerless models, and not just the slipjoints. It really does make a difference in how they feel.

[8th_Note]

I understand the strong preference for light weight, but I'm on the other side of the argument, for blades larger than 3.5 inches...

I don't like flex in the handles, and want a solid feeling and good balance over lightest possible weight. I want it to feel durable. In my view 4-5 ounces is the sweet spot to feel solid, balanced, inspire confidence, and not be a boat anchor.

I have nothing against linerless G10 and CF. I like these versions of the Native Chief, Siren etc. Linerless but solid.

The linerless FRN Wayne Goddard 4V on the other hand was a bit of a disappointment. Flexy, uncentered blade, with blade rub left or right depending on the load on the handle. Not my jam.

Not sure how the Stretch XL compare with the Goddard?

I agree completely. I prefer a rock solid feel over absolute lightest weight possible.

I had a Stretch 2 XL in VG-10 but I sold it after a few weeks because I didn't prefer the feel in hand. I've also since sold my Manix 2 LW, my Dragonfly's, and all my Para 3 LWs for the same reason. I just prefer the solid feel of full liners and the weight of said liners is a non issue for me.

I'm glad that Spyderco offers these LW options for those who prefer them because they really are amazing designs. And I had no issues at all with quality or materials. It's just a personal preference. My most carried models these days are a Para 3 G10, a Police 3, a Manix 2 XL, and an early Native 5 G10 with full liners.

With that being said, I do really love Ladybugs and Manbugs and I'm ok with their linerlessness.

[vivi]

So does the Stretch 2XL have solid FRN scales, or are they "pocketed"? The older solid scales had a little flex to them, but they were still more solid than the current style used on the linerless Salt knives.

Built just like a Pacific Salt 2. I can't imagine Spyderco not having a Salt version planned if this knife sells well.

I really, really wish they would go back to solid FRN on all their linerless models, and not just the slipjoints. It really does make a difference in how they feel.

comparing each generation of the pacific salt side by side I tend to agree. gen 1 feels more robust. easier to take apart etc. too, much fewer parts.

with the advent of the two scale construction I had hoped to see aftermarket scales for the salt models from seki. that never did happen. glad spyderco is expanding their line-up of premium feeling heavyweight salts like the military 2, caribbean, para 2, manix & xl, etc. less work than waiting for someone to make g10 or micarta scales for pacific salt 2's.

I'm sitting on about 10 pacific salt 1's still. don't carry them as much as I used to but I'm still glad to have a lifetime supply + some to gift.

[Mr_Whiskerz]

I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the PD1 Stretch 2XL. I can pinch the two handles together if the knife is open. I can't do that with the LW Goddard, Pac Salt 1, or Endura 3. It's *probably* up to the task of being an EDC knife, but I'm not going to carry one. The PD1 colorway is great, and I wanted to like the knife because I love the one piece linerless models like the Endura 3 and LW Goddard. My experiment didn't turn out so great. Oh well.

[sal]

I appreciate all of the input.

While many of you a prefer a smaller group that you would like to see more focus, there, but please keep in mind that we try to serve a wide variety of high performance needs (edge retention, Corrosion resistance and toughness).

Customer's seem to like the "Let's see what it'll do?" approach to improvement. So we try it to see what it taste's like. That's why your input is so important.

sal

[JBoone]

I am a fan as is - I have the k390 and pd 1. Both carry very well

[navin johnson]

With minimal exceptions, I only purchase lock backs.

I would like to see linerless pocketed FRN that is thicker overall in width with pinned construction

That being said the knives with liners do have a better feel to them, but I would prefer the lighter weight and a bit thicker handles of liner less.

It’s gotta be tough from a manufacturing standpoint to build a product that appeals to the non-knife person and still keep the forum types happy

The original blue lightweight Manix 2 was getting close…….

[8th_Note]

With minimal exceptions, I only purchase lock backs.

I would like to see linerless pocketed FRN that is thicker overall in width with pinned construction

That being said the knives with liners do have a better feel to them, but I would prefer the lighter weight and a bit thicker handles of liner less.

It’s gotta be tough from a manufacturing standpoint to build a product that appeals to the non-knife person and still keep the forum types happy

The original blue lightweight Manix 2 was getting close…….

Out of curiosity, why the preference for pinned knives?

Screw construction allows easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. If you don't want to disassemble it, you don't have to.

[navin johnson]

With minimal exceptions, I only purchase lock backs.

I would like to see linerless pocketed FRN that is thicker overall in width with pinned construction

That being said the knives with liners do have a better feel to them, but I would prefer the lighter weight and a bit thicker handles of liner less.

It’s gotta be tough from a manufacturing standpoint to build a product that appeals to the non-knife person and still keep the forum types happy

The original blue lightweight Manix 2 was getting close…….

Out of curiosity, why the preference for pinned knives?

Screw construction allows easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. If you don't want to disassemble it, you don't have to.

The only time I’ve taken apart a folder is to put more tension on the lock back spring

I don’t believe the manufacturer recommends disassembling their knives

I use appropriate tools for the task so I don’t do food prep or animal cleaning with a folder. I can survive small bits of corrosion, especially when they don’t affect the function of the tool.

Without liners, there would be much less reason to disassemble a folder.

My New York Natives are still going strong…..

[8th_Note]

With minimal exceptions, I only purchase lock backs.

I would like to see linerless pocketed FRN that is thicker overall in width with pinned construction

That being said the knives with liners do have a better feel to them, but I would prefer the lighter weight and a bit thicker handles of liner less.

It’s gotta be tough from a manufacturing standpoint to build a product that appeals to the non-knife person and still keep the forum types happy

The original blue lightweight Manix 2 was getting close…….

Out of curiosity, why the preference for pinned knives?

Screw construction allows easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. If you don't want to disassemble it, you don't have to.

The only time I’ve taken apart a folder is to put more tension on the lock back spring

I don’t believe the manufacturer recommends disassembling their knives

I use appropriate tools for the task so I don’t do food prep or animal cleaning with a folder. I can survive small bits of corrosion, especially when they don’t affect the function of the tool.

Without liners, there would be much less reason to disassemble a folder.

My New York Natives are still going strong…..

But that doesn't answer as to why you prefer pinned knives. You are under no obligation to disassemble a screwed knife. What is it about pins that is more desirable?

I'm not trying to be argumentative. I honestly want to know why your dream knife would have pins instead of screws. The consensus of the knife community as a whole is that screws are the preferred and superior method.

[dsvirsky]

Can't speak for Mr. Johnson and don't care one way or the other personally (except with custom slipjoints, where I expect pinned), but one might note that you never have to deal with frame screws loosening with pinned construction.

[vivi]

pinned salts are pretty nice, I own a few Pacifics. it's nice never worrying about a loose pivot screw. not into pinned non salts though.

[navin johnson]

With minimal exceptions, I only purchase lock backs.

I would like to see linerless pocketed FRN that is thicker overall in width with pinned construction

That being said the knives with liners do have a better feel to them, but I would prefer the lighter weight and a bit thicker handles of liner less.

It’s gotta be tough from a manufacturing standpoint to build a product that appeals to the non-knife person and still keep the forum types happy

The original blue lightweight Manix 2 was getting close…….

Out of curiosity, why the preference for pinned knives?

Screw construction allows easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. If you don't want to disassemble it, you don't have to.

The only time I’ve taken apart a folder is to put more tension on the lock back spring

I don’t believe the manufacturer recommends disassembling their knives

I use appropriate tools for the task so I don’t do food prep or animal cleaning with a folder. I can survive small bits of corrosion, especially when they don’t affect the function of the tool.

Without liners, there would be much less reason to disassemble a folder.

My New York Natives are still going strong…..

But that doesn't answer as to why you prefer pinned knives. You are under no obligation to disassemble a screwed knife. What is it about pins that is more desirable?

I'm not trying to be argumentative. I honestly want to know why your dream knife would have pins instead of screws. The consensus of the knife community as a whole is that screws are the preferred and superior method.

Less failure points

I don’t really know the knife community however the general knife market would probably be better off, not disassembling or not having to disassemble or not having unintentional disassembly.

The” knife community” thinks everything should be a salt so one does not have to worry about wiping off or cleaning a blade yet the same community wants to be able to take things apart to clean it (not to mention, sharpen it much more frequently) but, to each their own!

I understand from a production standpoint that there are far fewer rejects with screwed together, construction than with pinned…..the main reason for their (screw construction) existence

[RustyIron]

It brakes my hart when I here words used imprecisely, butt eye byte my tung… usually.

Are we talking about pinned knives, or riveted knives? Just curious, so I’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.