Stretch 2

[realitycheck]

I just got my stretch 2 in the mail this week. So i've carried it for a few days now. So far I have to say I absolutely LOVE this knife. It is super thin, way thinner than I though it would be, and hardly noticeable in pocket. Really really light weight, and the ergos are extraordinary! I love the blade shape so far it has proved to be really easy to use to perform the cutting tasks I have put it through so far. Let me say that this blade cuts like a laser. This is my first ZDP blade so it's my first experience with it. I believe with the blade being so thin and how sharp this steel comes from spyderco makes it like a razor blade. I split a few hairs two nights ago actually. :) I havent had to touch it up yet so we'll see how that goes in the future. The peel ply carbon fiber is super grippy, and looks really cool too. The knife is super strong, and the fit and finish is the best i've ever seen so far. Every mm of the handle matches perfectly to the stainless liners they're attached to. Opening the knife is super smooth and locks up solid with very little noise. It truly is a gentlemans knife, that as far as I can tell will handle most tasks you could throw at it.
These are just my first impressions. If I receive some feedback from this I'll post a better review later on after I've had it longer.

I do have a questions for you ZDP guys/gals.
1. Do you have any tips for touching up the blade with the sharpmaker?

[SimpleIsGood229]

I don't have a Sharpmaker, but if I did, I would do touchups on the Fine rods. I think you'll be very pleased with ZDP. Just remember that it's way easier to periodically touchup than it is to hog away a bunch of steel--especially with ZDP.

[realitycheck]

I don't have a Sharpmaker, but if I did, I would do touchups on the Fine rods. I think you'll be very pleased with ZDP. Just remember that it's way easier to periodically touchup than it is to hog away a bunch of steel--especially with ZDP.

Simple thanks for the advice. I'll probably touch it up in a couple of weeks. Too make sure it doesn't get too far behind.

[sal]

Thanx for the kind words.

I've been carrying an FRN Stretch2 proto with ZDP. An FRN version was planned from the "git-go" depending on the reaction to the higher line version.

sal

[Manix Guy 2]

Thought the FRN model was to be in VG10 ? Nice teaser Sal ! regards MG2

[DWRW]

I am very interested in picking up a Stretch II in Carbon Fiber. It is on my "List" and I am sure I will have one within the next month or so.

From pictures, the knife appears to have a lot going for it. However, for my part, I wish the Carbon Fiber scales had a smooth satin texture like my Caly III. When I get mine, I might be curious if the scales could be polished to be made to look like the Caly III scales.
Also, I wish the Stretch II had a deep ride wire clip like the Caly III. I really like the wire clips! *** Any feedback on tips or ability to do these modifications would be appreciated.

I have noticed from pictures that the front index finger choil seems pretty shallow. I don't know if this is a problem, but I really like the deeper index finger choil on the Caly III, T-Mag and Sage as the deeper index finger choil offers a lot of purchase, grip and control.

However, I have read nothing but favorable feedback about the knife with many people claiming it to have the best ergos and functional design... (especially the Deacon). So, I guess I really should hold off on critiqueing the design until I handle one.

For me (and apparently many others) the price on the Stretch II with Carbon Fiber is pretty steep. But, considering the high praise and how many people like FRN, I can only imagine a less expensive FRN version of the Stretch II being a big success.

Personally, I am not a huge fan of FRN and thanks to Spyderco, I have become a huge fan and addicted to Carbon Fiber on my folders, so I will have to save my pennies and lunch money (breakfast and dinner) money and get the Carbon Fiber.


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For those who have both to compare, what are your thoughts on the Stretch II's front index finger choil vs. the Caly III or similar more recessed index finger choils?


Also, what are the pros and cons of laminated ZDP vs. pure ZDP?
It seems that the laminated version would have corrosion and toughness advantages and the laminated appears cheaper (??????).

Again, any feedback on polishing the textured CF to a satin finish like the Caly III's and adding a wire clip would be appreciated.

.

[DWRW]

Thanx for the kind words.

I've been carrying an FRN Stretch2 proto with ZDP. An FRN version was planned from the "git-go" depending on the reaction to the higher line version.

sal

How do you have an FRN proto? I thought FRN require a mold to be made. I would have assumed once a mold is made it would be hardly a proto anymore.

[The Deacon]

From pictures, the knife appears to have a lot going for it. However, for my part, I wish the Carbon Fiber scales had a smooth satin texture like my Caly III. When I get mine, I might be curious if the scales could be polished to be made to look like the Caly III scales.

It's all screw construction, and people have done that to peel-ply CF Militaries so I can't see why it would not work. As with the Milie, the one "issue" might be the lanyard pipe.

Also, I wish the Stretch II had a deep ride wire clip like the Caly III. I really like the wire clips! *** Any feedback on tips or ability to do these modifications would be appreciated.

STR could set you up with a low ride titanium clip. Wire might be more of a problem. I for one am **** glad Spyderco decided against putting a wire clip on the Stretch. Have zero use for clips, but the wire ones eliminate the lanyard hole, which I do use, at least occasionally.

I have noticed from pictures that the front index finger choil seems pretty shallow. I don't know if this is a problem, but I really like the deeper index finger choil on the Caly III, T-Mag and Sage as the deeper index finger choil offers a lot of purchase, grip and control.

It's really about the same as the one on the Caly 3. Given the choice, I'd like it a bit deeper, but have never really felt my finger was in danger with it the way it is.

For those who have both to compare, what are your thoughts on the Stretch II's front index finger choil vs. the Caly III or similar more recessed index finger choils?

As I said, I don't see them being that much different, both are shallow compared with the choils on the Sage, UKPK, and T-Mag.

Also, what are the pros and cons of laminated ZDP vs. pure ZDP?
It seems that the laminated version would have corrosion and toughness advantages and the laminated appears cheaper (??????).

Not sure about the cheaper, but corrosion resistance and toughness are the pluses of laminated ZDP. Additionally, some makers don't have the equipment to cut solid ZDP, so the laminate has to be used on models they produce. Biggest downside is that 420J2 scratches if you look at it harshly. Personally I think the "staining issue" with ZDP is blown way out of proportion.

How do you have an FRN proto? I thought FRN require a mold to be made. I would have assumed once a mold is made it would be hardly a proto anymore.

Or a couple slabs of FRN could be milled. That would not be cost-effective for a production piece, but would work for a proto. I was more surprised that it was ZDP, but am guessing the blade was "borrowed" from a CF one.

Do wish they were using full liners on the FRN version, would make "upgrading" the scales a whole lot easier. :D

[Don Ellis]

STR could set you up with a low ride titanium clip.

Hi Paul,

Being new on the forum, I don't know what STR is... but I'm very interested in a low-ride clip for a Stretch that's arriving this week. Could you enlighten me, please?

Thanks,
Don

[scout]

STR is a forum member who tweeks and modifies spydies. His work has gotten to be very highly praised. I'm sure deacon will chime in and maybe show some pics. :)

[scout]

STR is a forum member who tweeks and modifies spydies. His work has gotten to be very highly praised. I'm sure deacon will chime in and maybe show some pics. :)

[sal]

How do you have an FRN proto? I thought FRN require a mold to be made. I would have assumed once a mold is made it would be hardly a proto anymore.

It's still a prototype in that, while the handle is made from a production mold, the blades that are being used for the samples are from Stretch2 parts instead of the new production run of blades.

We needed to show samples to customers at the upcoming SHOT show.

Hi MG2,

The black handle version will be VG-10, the night sky blue version will sport the ZDP blade.

sal

[The Deacon]

Example of an STR low rider ti-clip, on what started out life as a Sprint Run Burgundy FRN C16 Goddard. Like the clip, the handle on it is ti.

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Here's another low rider ti clip, this one for tip up carry on a Tasman Salt Steve reworked with aluminum handles.

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As scout said, Steve is a member here, and he also has his own forum on BladeForums too. No clips on these but a couple more examples of his work. One of my favorite knives, a Stretch redone by Steve in Lignum Vitae with ti liners...

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...and, last but not least, the "wharnified" Atlantic Salt he did for me in stabilized Birdseye Maple over ti liners...

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[DWRW]

Deacon,

Thanks for all the responses.

Do wish they were using full liners on the FRN version, would make "upgrading" the scales a whole lot easier. :D

Hmmmm.... good point. I hear you.


..... skeletonized liners ... right?

.

[The Deacon]

..... skeletonized liners ... right?

Imagine they will be skeletonized, just like those on the Delica 4 and Endura 4. But what I meant by "full liners" was flush, like the CF Stretch II, rather than nested like the FRN Delicas and Enduras.

[sal]

Sorry Paul,

They're nested, but they are skeletonized.

The knife is a tad thicker than the CF version and a bit lighter.

sal

[araneae]

The black handle version will be VG-10, the night sky blue version will sport the ZDP blade.

sal

That's a bummer. I will most likely buy the VG-10 version, as it will be within my budget. It would be nice if we could get the "special" color in the more affordable version. I was pretty hyped up for the night sky blue after the poll.

[flyguy]

Very exciting news. When is SHOT? Guessing the FRN version will be a 2010 model?

Looking forward to getting several different colors...

[zenheretic]

Sorry Paul,

They're nested, but they are skeletonized.

The knife is a tad thicker than the CF version and a bit lighter.

sal

Is it thicker due to customer feedback or due to technical requirements?

[The Mastiff]

I'm very pleased there will be a ZDP version of the stretch 2 ( FRN). I'd still have bought a VG10 version, but I will buy at least 3 ZDP/ FRN versions. The color is not important, performance is. Well, Pink wouldn't exactly be my first choice, but other than that it's all about the cutting ( steel, RC and grind), ergonomics, and cost. Joe