Stretch 2 or G-10 Endura
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Random Chance
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Stretch 2 or G-10 Endura
I'm a recent Spyderco addict - bought a Tenacious for the price, got hooked by the incredible fit and finish and quality (price point of the Tenacious is a brilliant marketing move IMHO). After a couple of months of the Spyderco sickness, I have a several Byrds, a Delica 4, and EDC a Persistence. To round out my collection (for now) I'm looking for a large Spyderco folder to take to the woods with me when I head out camping with my sons. We do some fishing, small game hunting, and when the season comes around bigger game hunting. I've been using Buck knives for many years but after getting hooked on spydies, I'm ready to move up. I've got a budget of around $100 and I've narrowed it down to either a Stretch 2 FRN or an Endura G-10 - I'm sold on the big blades, the full flat grinds, and VG-10 steel. The problem is that I'm torn, I love the blade on the Endura but the Stretch 2 looks like it might be better in the hand. How do the two compare in size (usable blade length, handle width, fullness in hand, general feel, etc...)? I can read the dimensions from the specs, but those can't tell the whole story as far a usability. This isn't intended to be an EDC knife, but more of a camp/utility/all-around knife that I may occasionally carry if the need arises. I only get one shot at this (at least until spring) so I need some input from folks who have either or both of these as to which you prefer. Thanks!
Stretch 2 hands down all the way. I love the Endura 4, especially now with G10, but seriously the Stretch was designed for the discriminating knife user. I'm personally going to get a serrated version before I deploy and eventually I'll step up the ZDP version.
I'm beginning to think that if I had one knife to carry, it would probably be the Stretch. That's how good I think it is.
I'm beginning to think that if I had one knife to carry, it would probably be the Stretch. That's how good I think it is.
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Pneumothorax
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Dang, I HATE reading these threads!!A.M. wrote:Stretch 2 hands down all the way. I love the Endura 4, especially now with G10, but seriously the Stretch was designed for the discriminating knife user. I'm personally going to get a serrated version before I deploy and eventually I'll step up the ZDP version.
I'm beginning to think that if I had one knife to carry, it would probably be the Stretch. That's how good I think it is.
. I got an Endura G10 for my 'large' blade (and I love it) and now I read Stretch is better!!! Stretch doesnt particularly suit my eye, but neither did the Caly/UKPK - and now I have one of each - because I read threads that they were so good in hand. Now I gotta add the Stretch to my consideration list based on this and all other good comments on it in the forum!! AAARRGGHHHH!!!___________________________________________
2011: G10 Dragonfly ^ Breeden Rescue ^ Bug ^ Honeybee ^ Centofante 3 ^ Woodcraft Mule ^SFO Visit Buys = Frn Stretch & Native 4 CF!! ^ Salt 1 ^ Burgundy Calypso ZDP-189 ^ Walker Blue Almite ^ Native 5 ^ Squeak ^ Chaparral ^ Urban Olive Green ^ STREET BEAT!!...
2012: Caly Jr (vintage/NIB!), SS Navigator-fave LBK of all time, Jester, Orange Dodo, CS Orange PM2,Techno, Bradley! AIR!!
2011: G10 Dragonfly ^ Breeden Rescue ^ Bug ^ Honeybee ^ Centofante 3 ^ Woodcraft Mule ^SFO Visit Buys = Frn Stretch & Native 4 CF!! ^ Salt 1 ^ Burgundy Calypso ZDP-189 ^ Walker Blue Almite ^ Native 5 ^ Squeak ^ Chaparral ^ Urban Olive Green ^ STREET BEAT!!...
2012: Caly Jr (vintage/NIB!), SS Navigator-fave LBK of all time, Jester, Orange Dodo, CS Orange PM2,Techno, Bradley! AIR!!
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Random Chance
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I'm right there with ya'. I almost pulled the trigger on the Endura but then I found the the Stretch 2 - now I have to decide! I'll probably end up w/ both sooner or later anyway, but I gotta get one or the other first. **Bangs head on desk**Pneumothorax wrote:Dang, I HATE reading these threads!!
Another vote here for the Stretch. When I first got mine (in PE) I carried it for a week with my Waved Endura so I was able to compare them side-by-side. Granted, the G-10 FFG E4 is, IMO, a bit better overall than the FRN flat saber ground version, but you still get the basic idea. Plus, the FRN Stretch is definitely lighter than the G-10 Endura. They are both excellent knives, but the Stretch would be my choice and it has quickly vaulted it's way into my top 2 or 3 knives along with my Millies and the Kris. In fact, since I wrote this quick review on 8/5, the Stretch has not left my RFP! It really is that good.
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.p ... tretch+e4w
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.p ... tretch+e4w
I prefer to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.
I LOVE MY MILLIES
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
I LOVE MY MILLIES
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
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The Deacon
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I have both, although not the G-10 version of the Endura. I carry one Stretch or another almost every day, none of my Enduras has ever seen pocket time.
I flat out love the Stretch. Fits my hand perfectly, cuts like a demon, and is big enough to get darn near any job done without being bulky. Almost everyone who has purchased the FRN version so far has raved about it. I have both the CF version and an original Stretch that was customized for me with lignum vitae scales over titanium liners, and I still carry the FRN one as often as not.
The Endura must appeal to a lot of people, it's been in the lineup for almost 20 years, but I find the handle less comfortable and prefer the ability to choke up on the blade that a usable 50/50 choil gives. It does give you 1/4" more blade, but is over 1/2" longer closed and weighs about 30 grams more.
The good news is, you can't really go wrong with either. Both are well made and have full flat ground, VG-10 blades, 14mm Spyderhole openers, and 4 way clip mounting. The Stretch is less expensive, Endura gives you G-10.
I flat out love the Stretch. Fits my hand perfectly, cuts like a demon, and is big enough to get darn near any job done without being bulky. Almost everyone who has purchased the FRN version so far has raved about it. I have both the CF version and an original Stretch that was customized for me with lignum vitae scales over titanium liners, and I still carry the FRN one as often as not.
The Endura must appeal to a lot of people, it's been in the lineup for almost 20 years, but I find the handle less comfortable and prefer the ability to choke up on the blade that a usable 50/50 choil gives. It does give you 1/4" more blade, but is over 1/2" longer closed and weighs about 30 grams more.
The good news is, you can't really go wrong with either. Both are well made and have full flat ground, VG-10 blades, 14mm Spyderhole openers, and 4 way clip mounting. The Stretch is less expensive, Endura gives you G-10.
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
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WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
The endura gives a bit more blade. The stretch gives a ton better ergonomics.
There are cases where an endura makes more sense (as would a police or military). For general comfort and performance the stretch was designed to win.
In practical application the delica/endura handles are great designs and very grippy. The Stretch is just a slightly better design for those who are able to look outside the box of what is "normal".
Either blade can do what your needing it to do. If you like the value and ergonomics of the Tenacious, the Stretch FRN (in any configuration) will send you on a magic carpet ride.
PS: Most my county knife laws limit blade length to 3.5" so the Stretch makes it the only choice for me. It's a consideration worth noting for most.
There are cases where an endura makes more sense (as would a police or military). For general comfort and performance the stretch was designed to win.
In practical application the delica/endura handles are great designs and very grippy. The Stretch is just a slightly better design for those who are able to look outside the box of what is "normal".
Either blade can do what your needing it to do. If you like the value and ergonomics of the Tenacious, the Stretch FRN (in any configuration) will send you on a magic carpet ride.
PS: Most my county knife laws limit blade length to 3.5" so the Stretch makes it the only choice for me. It's a consideration worth noting for most.
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Simple Man
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Sorry, G-10 E4 for me. The Stretch just doesn't fit my hand right.
(contact me to dispose of any unwanted G-10 E4s, those sorry so and so's. ;-)
(contact me to dispose of any unwanted G-10 E4s, those sorry so and so's. ;-)
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The Spyderco hole is a rotating mechanical assembly of one part.
".....tractors don't have to look like Ferraris" -Sal
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Random Chance
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Thanks for all the responses, I have decided to go with the Stretch 2(and then go back and get the Endura later - I have the sickness!). I really like the ergonomics of the Tenacious so it sounds like the Stretch will be much better for me. An interesting thing, after fondling both the Persistence and Delica 4 for a while, I find that I actually prefer the feel of FRN to G-10 so when the FFG Endura in FRN is released I'll have no excuse not to snag one! Thanks for all the help - I'm finding that a part of the appeal of Spyderco isn't just the knives themselves, but the community that supports them.
Talking about ergonomics, after using the Persistence and Tenacious for several jobs now I find that the way the cutting edge extends all the way to the handle, and the placement of the thumb ramp directly above that, works exactly like the 50/50 choil on my Byrd knives. That forward slanting look is more than just aesthetics, its deceptively functional! Spyderco has really hit a home run with the ergonomics on the Tenacious/Persistence knives. Make them in VG-10 or S30V (and/or add a 3 3/4" blade version) and you'd have the perfect family of knives!
- I have the sickness!). I really like the ergonomics of the Tenacious so it sounds like the Stretch will be much better for me. An interesting thing, after fondling both the Persistence and Delica 4 for a while, I find that I actually prefer the feel of FRN to G-10 so when the FFG Endura in FRN is released I'll have no excuse not to snag one! Thanks for all the help - I'm finding that a part of the appeal of Spyderco isn't just the knives themselves, but the community that supports them.Talking about ergonomics, after using the Persistence and Tenacious for several jobs now I find that the way the cutting edge extends all the way to the handle, and the placement of the thumb ramp directly above that, works exactly like the 50/50 choil on my Byrd knives. That forward slanting look is more than just aesthetics, its deceptively functional! Spyderco has really hit a home run with the ergonomics on the Tenacious/Persistence knives. Make them in VG-10 or S30V (and/or add a 3 3/4" blade version) and you'd have the perfect family of knives!
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Random Chance
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Got my Stretch 2 FRN from NGK today - everyone who recommended it are right, the ergonomics are fantastic! The weight in hand, handle shape, texturing of the FRN, and the choil are the best I've ever handled (the shape of this handle is absolutely perfect for FRN, especially with the 3D bi-directional texture). I love this knife!
Okay, on to the question. Mine has a number 167V etched on the blade beside the Spyder emblem. None of my other Spyderco's have a number there - can anybody tell me what this signifies?
Okay, on to the question. Mine has a number 167V etched on the blade beside the Spyder emblem. None of my other Spyderco's have a number there - can anybody tell me what this signifies?
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anti-torsion
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The knife is the from the spydeco collectors club. A lot of dealers have a number and just sell them. The V signifies its a variation of the original stretch 2.
You can do a search and find a lot of info on the collectors club. There is currently a thread The Deacon started about it and has TONS of info.
You can do a search and find a lot of info on the collectors club. There is currently a thread The Deacon started about it and has TONS of info.
I'll add my .02 to say that you probably should be carrying 2 knives on expeditions in the woods/hunting. The Stretch would be a great choice for a folder but you should also consider a fixed blade as well. Moran? Temperance-2? Bushcraft? Or my favorite, the Street Beat. Granted, one of these plus a folder put you well over the $100 limit, but you do know you're going there anyway.