Spyderco Stretch II

[jlh2600]

My second Spyderco to the Native from Wal-Mart I've been so impressed with the past few years. But this one is really nice. Clean design and well put together. Love the texture of the C.F. handle, which is grippy like G10 but looks smooth (I.E. fine pattern, neat holes etc) and isn't permeable A.F.A.I.K. (my light colored G10 stains). Perfect size blade for me, thin and light, and of course the big spyderhole which I prefer over studs.

I do have two "nit-picks" though. With a thinner Z.D.P. blade, I assumed the Stretch would be at least as sharp as the native's s30v, but I was a little disappointed in its "out-of-the-box" sharpness anyways. Also, does this model have those P.B. or teflon washers or anything of that sort? Because it opens and closes kind of stiff, regardless of how much I loosen torx screw it stays the same... is that how the tension should be, or will it eventually "break in" some?

[cobrajoe]

Congrats on the Stretch II, I love my SS version.

Don't be disappointed in the sharpness of the ZDP yet, it has different properties than S30V. I've found that S30V likes to "bite" better than other steels. I don't rightly remember what ZDP is like (I lost my ZDP delica a while back), but it might just have a more polished edge than the old native.

Try holding a piece of paper in one hand, and the open knife in the other, the blade should cut right through the paper if you start on the edge. This is the defining factor of a nice polished blade.

As for the stiffness, yes, it should break in, just keep opening and closing it :D

[The Deacon]

Excellent choice. IMHO, the Stretch II is the best folder Spyderco has ever made.

Joe's right about the difference between the edge on ZDP and S30V. The one I purchased new was extremely sharp when I got it, but the fact is Spydercos are sharpened by hand at the maker's, so an occasional one may not be as sharp as most. Not sure on the washers, have never disassembled either of mine.

As for the "action", the Native has the lightest action of any Spyderco front lock. Compared to it, the Stretch will feel considerably "stiffer". But it should be glassy smooth, just heavier. If not, a good cleaning would be the first thing to try. Open it up, flip it over, squirt a bit of dish detergent in the pivot area, turn the hot water on full blast and flush it out. Be sure to hold the lockbar down at least part of the time to flush contact area.

[jlh2600]

O.K. thanks guys. I'll try to clean it, but by "open it up" do you mean simply unfolding the knife (not actually taking it apart, right)? And should I now, or will I eventually, be noticing the amount of tension change as I loosen that screw (once it breaks in)? That's what confused me, that didn't seem to change anything. But I'll definitely try to clean it today and let you know how that goes.


And F.W.I.W. I first use my arm hairs L.O.L. and yes push-cutting paper C.J., but depending on how thin as my test- it's probably more a testament to how sharp the native was than anything else (I.E. paper towels, pharmacy bags etc).

[The Deacon]

O.K. thanks guys. I'll try to clean it, but by "open it up" do you mean simply unfolding the knife (not actually taking it apart, right)? And should I now, or will I eventually, be noticing the amount of tension change as I loosen that screw (once it breaks in)? That's what confused me, that didn't seem to change anything. But I'll definitely try to clean it today and let you know how that goes.


And F.W.I.W. I first use my arm hairs L.O.L. and yes push-cutting paper C.J., but depending on how thin as my test- it's probably more a testament to how sharp the native was than anything else (I.E. paper towels, pharmacy bags etc).

Yes, I mean just open the knife, as you would to use it, not disassemble it. No, loosening the screw should have no bearing on the action of a front lock unless it's over tightened. At that point either the blade, the lockbar, or both, may start to bind opening will become more difficult. But anything from falling out loose to "just right" should feel about the same. On the other hand, if it's too loose, you may very well notice side to side blade play, and there will be a danger of the screw loosening even further on its own and falling out.

[jlh2600]

Tried it, but didn't seem to affect anything. Guess I'll give it some break-in time.

[jlh2600]

Also, does this model have those P.B. or teflon washers or anything of that sort? Because it opens and closes kind of stiff, regardless of how much I loosen torx screw it stays the same... is that how the tension should be, or will it eventually "break in" some?

Update on this one, it does have what I assume are P.B. washers in there. One of them looked a little rough, the one on the side that I hear/feel scraping metal (I.E. I notice it's rough when I open with left hand vs. right). So it's been open and closed quite a bit now, perfectly clean inside with not much change I can tell.

Wonder if some teflon washers instead would help?

[jlh2600]

But it should be glassy smooth, just heavier.

You think Spyderco do anything for this if I mail it to them?

[zenheretic]

You think Spyderco do anything for this if I mail it to them?

If they determine something is wrong, they will certainly fix it.

[The Deacon]

You think Spyderco do anything for this if I mail it to them?

Not sure. Depends on why it's grating. As an example, mine will grate if I use a LOT of thumb pressure on the side of the blade when opening it. To me, that's normal for a knife with full metal liners. If, on the other hand, I just let my thumb ride lightly in the hole, it's smooth as glass. I've also had knives where the clip screws would contact the blade, or the washer, if they were set up for tip down carry. Couple minutes work with a file solved that.

As Zen said, if they determine there's actually something wrong with the knife, they'll fix it.

[Manix Guy 2]

Love my Stretch 2 , one of the best knives I ever have bought from Spyderco . Everything about this knife is perfect , edge wise the best of 4 models I own in ZDP 189 as far as non laminate . Send it in if not happy messing with it is not an option for what you paid for this knife . MG2

[Bolster]

Was there going to be a G10 handled version of this knife?

[The Deacon]

Was there going to be a G10 handled version of this knife?

At least a few folks have said they'd like one, but the only new version that I know is definitely "in the works" is FRN with nested liners.

[vivi]

Try holding a piece of paper in one hand, and the open knife in the other, the blade should cut right through the paper if you start on the edge. This is the defining factor of a nice polished blade.

Actually that's a test for sharpness, not the grit the edge was sharpened with. For example I can push cut receipts with a knife I've sharpened on my DMT extra course stone, or pop arm hairs, your choice.

I've had some Spyderco lockback knives that took a few weeks to smoothen out. Open and close your Stretch 2 (Wonderful choice by the way) frequently and you should be set.

[Bolster]

At least a few folks have said they'd like one, but the only new version that I know is definitely "in the works" is FRN with nested liners.

Well, that's good news, I'll take it.

[The Deacon]

Well, that's good news, I'll take it.

I think the fact there will be an affordable version of the Stretch is great news. But frankly, I was a bit disappointed about one thing. I'd have preferred full liners, like the CF version's. Easier to replace the scales that way. :o

[jlh2600]

Well, bad news. Spyderco will not exchange this one because I didn't buy it direct from the Spyderco Store (per C.S. rep). Shame too, because it's not like I got it for a discount or anything ($199 from White Mountain Knives), so F.Y.I. to anyone considering a high-end Spydie- BUY IT DIRECT FROM SPYDERCO so they will back it.

Obviously not a big deal when it comes to the $40 Natives from Wal Mart, which I had no problems with anyways. But unless I can convince someone this one not having a centered locking mechansim (spine?) between the liners/frame peices is a warranty issue, I'll just have to suck it up and deal with the imperfection. Maybe I'm being a perfectionist, I.D.K. but this is disappointing for what is otherwise THE perfect E.D.C. for me!

Maybe I can do a "no reserve" E-Bay auction and show good pics of the spine so a potentially less picky buyer than me can get a good deal on it, and perhaps buy one (FROM THE SPYER STORE) on down the line.


Thanks all for your help anyways.

[NoFair]

The knife is still under warranty so I'm guessin they will repair or replace it, if they find a fault with it.

Just swapping it with another is up to the dealer so you could ask the one you bought it from.

Sverre