What do you think about the FNR Stretch?

[kgriggs8]

I always thought the Stretch would be a great knife in FRN but I have heard mixed reviews. What is wrong with it if anything? Someone I really respect had nothing but bad stuff to say about it but didn't give me specifics as to why at the time.

I picked up a carbon fiber one and really liked it. What is the difference between that and the FRN?

[The Deacon]

Stretch II is, IMHO, Sal's best design to date, and the best general purpose folder Spyderco has ever built. FRN version is a bit lighter (96 vs 112 grams) and a bit thicker than the CF. To me, the extra thickness makes it more comfortable for prolonged use. Blade on the FRN/ZDP-189 version is identical to that on the CF version, but the FRN one is also available in VG-10 for those who prefer it.

[araneae]

Check this thread for opinions:
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41651

[spoonrobot]

Stretch II is, IMHO, Sal's best design to date, and the best general purpose folder Spyderco has ever built.

+1

I can't imagine any negative things to say about the design. It's a pretty standard Spyderco mid-lock with good materials. I've been carrying and using mine for about four months now with nothing but good things to say about it.

[kgriggs8]

+1

I can't imagine any negative things to say about the design. It's a pretty standard Spyderco mid-lock with good materials. I've been carrying and using mine for about four months now with nothing but good things to say about it.

That is what I was thinking. I couldn't see how it wouldn't be a good knife.

The guy who told me that owns a knife store and is the single most knowledgeable knife person I personally know. I need to ask him what his reasons were. It could just be he didn't like it for personal reasons. Everyone has their own opinion. I know people who think Sebenzas are the best knife ever made while I am not that impressed by them. I have owned four Sebenzas and none of them impressed me. They are good knives but too heavy, too thick in the blade and too expensive. A $100 Para-Military will out cut a Sebenza every time.

[Blerv]

The FRN Stretch for the money is amazing. It's pretty close to Endura pricing and has a few perks (in my opinion) regarding it's execution.

I hear less nay-saying about the Stretch in general than any other knife Spyderco makes. The FRN gives us a chance to beat on a knife that normally is in the $140-200 range. With VG10 it even comes in all three grinds (PE, CE, SE).

People who complain about the Stretch *usually* aren't a big fan of the styling, lockbacks, or FRN in general as it feels cheaper than G10, Micarta or CF. However, if you want an ambidextrous knife that has a well bolstered comfy handle with a slicing powerhouse of a blade it's hard to beat in that sub 4oz world.

That said, there are people who don't like it. It doesn't fit there hand or the styling doesn't impress them. It's hardly a mainstream knife but it wasn't designed to be one. Everyone is entitled to their preferences.

[FLYBYU44]

I dislike the design of the Stretch, more based on looks than anything, but I certainly wouldn't call it a bad knife. The FRN models are a really good value, I just can't force myself to buy one as I don't like them.

[mr.vu]

The Stretch II is one of my personal favorite designs.

The jimping on the hump of the blade is different on the CF versions compared to the FRN versions.

[npueppke]

I love the Stretch, my only gripe with it is the choil. But who cares, you don't need to grip the knife with your finger in the choil. It's got an amazing blade shape, and they don't call it 'stretch' for nothing-it feels larger than it is.

[The Deacon]

The Stretch II is one of my personal favorite designs.

The jimping on the hump of the blade is different on the CF versions compared to the FRN versions.

True regarding the older CF Stretch, but the recent ones have the same fine jimping on the thumb ramp as the FRN version.

[yowzer]

My only issues with the Stretch (I don't own one yet) are: a) I can't decide between FRN or or spending the extra for the CF handled version, and b) I'm afraid that when I do get one, my other knives will get jealous because I'll like it so much that they'll all get bumped out of carry rotation.

[THG]

I always thought the Stretch would be a great knife in FRN but I have heard mixed reviews. What is wrong with it if anything? Someone I really respect had nothing but bad stuff to say about it but didn't give me specifics as to why at the time.

Mixed reviews? I don't remember anyone who has ever owned this knife saying that they didn't like it.

I picked up a carbon fiber one and really liked it. What is the difference between that and the FRN?

The handle material, and possibly the jimping on the thumb ramp.

[Sam Vimes]

In general the only negatives I've seen for the Stretch II have come from people that haven't used one or just don't like the style of it. I love the Stretch II in any of its three guises. The complaint about the choil is interesting as it's one of the biggest plus points that I look for in a knife. My Spyderco herd has been slimmed down to UKPK/Slipjoint derivatives and knives that I'll use for hunting/skinning. The Stretch is one amongst Wegner Jnr, Impala and Ocelot. The only knife of that style that I know of that doesn't have a choil, is the old Wegner/Wegner Jnr.

[Blerv]

If not for it's strong saber/hammer grip behind the bolster I could see the choil being frustrating. However many non spydies are devoid of choils. Some knives like the caly3 work better in that grip but are less secure in "white knuckle" situation.

If the stretch had a standard hollow ground leaf or traditional drop point it would prob be more accepted by the masses. Same goes for g10 vs cf and frn. However there are plenty knives for that group. I prefer it in it's snobby high performance configuration. :)

[telemeister]

I only recently discovered the Stretch. I have a couple of Delica's which I always thought would be great if only they had a flat grind. Then I saw a Stretch for sale and it replaced my Caly as the knife I usually EDC (around the shops/office). It is a great design and has everything you'd want - light grippy handle (FRN), flat grind, good steel (VG10) that's easy to sharpen and a 'just right' blade size. I don't know that I can really fault it.

[bobcat]

Personally, I have NEVER been so impressed with any “folding knife” I have owned in my 57 years and yes I have owned a Sebenza. I have the Stretch CF, and I’m getting another as a back up.

The blade edge measured and averaged between .014 and .017. The liners are thicker than my Chinook 3, which has very similar agronomics. I reprofiled and started to leave the blade at 12 degrees, but thought “ better test the waters first”, so I put a 15 degree micro bevel on it. It wasn’t that hard to hand sharpen, as I’ve read. I like the sticky sharp I get with ZDP.

I wouldn't change a thing on the knife. As a matter of fact, I would like to have one that was 10% or so larger with a 4 inch blade, with a build like the old Manix or the Chinook 3.

[Tank]

Its quickly become one of my favorite knives. I love the handle ergos and for me the blade length is perfect, it's right between the delica and endura at 3.5" I have it with me most of the time anymore.

[thebestnoobcake]

The Stretch is a beautiful (IMHO) knife. The ergonomics are great and it feels nice even after prolonged use. ... if only the choil was more pronounced (Stretch 3? =p )

[Jay_Ev]

The FRN Stretch is great. It's a good alternative for those who may have wanted a Stretch but shied away due to the higher price of the CF version.

[dbcad]

The use of FRN for the scales allowed me to get a stretch in ZDP for under $90. The FRN scales also make it very light, and for me it grips well.

At first I was sceptical of the plastic scales, but have grown to love them. They're strong, light, inexpensive, and grip well. My delica4 and pacific salt also have the FRN. It's a good material.