Need opinions on Stretch 2

[spyderskin]

Greetings, I have a chance to get a Stretch 2 in Carbon Fiber, I just looking for some opinions from you guys that own them.
Some things I would like to hear:
The blade is kind of thin, but I did hear the steel zdp-189 is harder then the VG-10 used on a thin blade such as Centefante 3. so that kind of makes up for it.
Have any of you had any known issues with this model?
Any other positive or negative info anyone has to offer will be appreciated.

I want to use this in a back-up type defensive role, I just want to make sure the blade is not to thin and isn't prone to snap easy.. I wouldn't think it would...

[The Deacon]

The blade is 3mm which is average for Spyderco knives. The Delica is thinner, at 2.5mm and the Centofante III and IV thinner yet at 2mm. Only a few of the US made knives, like the Military, Manix II, and Chinook III, have thicker blades.

ZDP-189 is an excellent steel and very wear resistant. As with most things in life, that's a two edged sword - it hold an edge longer than VG-10, but is more time consuming to sharpen if both are allowed to get equally dull. It will sometimes develop a patina, but so will VG-10. Can't help you on the defensive potential, but I did spend the better part of an hour one day hacking my way through vines and branches with a ZDP-189 FRN Stretch II without breaking the blade. Wasn't thinking about anything but getting the job done so am sure it saw its fair share of side loads.

Handle is one of the most secure there is, so grip is one thing you definitely would not need to worry about.

[Dagon]

My Stretch 2 CF is a wonderful polyvalent folder. Not one of the most sexy Spydies, but it delivers and it kind of grows on you. Also good at the table.
Yes it's 3mm thick at its thickest but it quickly narrows. You should be careful with the fine tip, use it for precision cuts but don't be a fool with it.

Suitability for SD? Well I have very little interest or experience in the matter, but even so I think you'd rather want a Police for that. Simply because the blade is longer, which can make a serious difference in those SD situations.

[spyderskin]

I totally understand what you're saying Dagon, as I have trained with and carried delica waves for along time and find them to be superb as a defensive tool. I do like to train in defensive scenerios using small folding knives as well as larger tactical knives. The stretch is one of the only spydercos I haven't really handled and it is kind of a happy medium between the Delica and Endura models in regards to size. I like it because the spine of the blade dips deep enough and the spydie hole is raised high enough so that it can be waved easy enough with little grinding... I just wanted to get some opinions on the knife.. Thank you for all the info

[Blerv]

Janich gives the Delica high marks especially the FFG one as a defensive knife and it's 2.5mm thick with a less secure grip. Since people don't have exoskeletons I would think it would be an excellent backup piece.

In the event your fighting robots or giant mutant turtles I would definitely go more heavy duty . The Stretch is a great chore knife and definitely isn't fragile. As Paul has said it's probably the least criticized knife by the most afi's. Once you get past the non-traditional looks it's a great tool.

[Reeper22]

To OP,
It would be good to know what you expect/want from this knife and I can do my best to let you know if those qualities exist in mine.

As far as SD, I definitely think it would be very good. The tip looks strong enough and definitely sharp enough to easily penetrate and I feel like a slash cut would go right to the bone.

Tell us what qualities aside from the blade steel attract to to this blade and I can better advise you for or against it.