Impressed with the CF Stretch

jackthedog · #1

I just got my new-to-me CF Stretch and I have to say, I'm blown away by the quality of the knife. I like the ergonomics and the weight makes the knife just feel solid. The ZDP is impressive too.

Anyway, I'm probably preaching to the converted, but it's one of only several times I've been so impressed with a knife.

TBob · #2

I picked one up at TREXPO East on Thursday and am also very impressed. I'd write a review, but I believe there's already one on here somewhere. It fits my hand better than my Endura, which I also love, and the ZDP-189 blade stayed wicked sharp despite my playing with it for days. Blade length is perfect for me as well. I like the texture of the CF handle, which provides a sure grip in a sweaty hand. The Stretch CF became my favorite Spydie and EDC very quickly.

mikerestivo · #3

I don't know how Spyderco offers such a finely crafted knife for the price. It's a beautiful piece.

I like the CF Stretch for looks. I tend to carry the FRN version about as much because the handle profile is thicker and thus, more comfortable in my hand.

TBob · #4

mikerestivo wrote:I don't know how Spyderco offers such a finely crafted knife for the price. It's a beautiful piece.

I don't know either, but I'm glad that they do! :)

krajos · #5

mikerestivo wrote:I don't know how Spyderco offers such a finely crafted knife for the price. It's a beautiful piece.

.

Hush!

P40_Warhawk · #6

Superb Knife... Up there withe the Gayle Bradley, and Captain.

jackthedog · #7

I am awaiting the arrival of a Bradley too. That should be a good comparison.

xavierdoc · #8

I love the CF Stretch, which I've had for a while, and the Captain (which I've had only for a few weeks.)

Does this mean I'm going to have to get a Gayle Bradley?

jackknifeh · #9

I have the blue FRN Stretch and won't say how great it is because I'd be repeating others.

Jack

TBob · #10

I just looked at the Gayle Bradley and they are out of stock. I'm not that fond of liner locks anyway. Otherwise it looks like a nice knife.

P40_Warhawk · #11

xavierdoc wrote:I love the CF Stretch, which I've had for a while, and the Captain (which I've had only for a few weeks.)

Does this mean I'm going to have to get a Gayle Bradley?

Uh, Yup!

alexcue · #12

Stretch is the best overall knife in my Spyderco arsenal. Are their better knives for other uses??? of course. But in the pocket, in the hand and in general usage it's near perfect for me.

Gayle Bradley??? very nice knife, but it's straight handle worries me. It's like an old Buck 110. The Stretch just fits my hand so much better.

CAD · #13

jackthedog wrote:I just got my new-to-me CF Stretch and I have to say, I'm blown away by the quality of the knife. I like the ergonomics and the weight makes the knife just feel solid. The ZDP is impressive too.

Anyway, I'm probably preaching to the converted, but it's one of only several times I've been so impressed with a knife.

Glad you like it! I carry the FRN stretch just about every day...as close to perfect as they come!

Chris D. :D

rkhndjr2000@yahoo.com · #14

I've been looking at the CF version and the Blue FRN and it seems the price differential is too much for me. Cutlery has the CF for $140 and the Blue is $91, and those are good prices compared to some sites I use. I asked before- is CF that much better?

jackthedog · #15

CAD wrote:Glad you like it! I carry the FRN stretch just about every day...as close to perfect as they come!

Chris D. :D

I would agree. Thanks again!

I have the FRN and the CF now and I think the CF is definitely worth the extra money. The slightly thinner profile and the added weight of the metal back spacer make it very nice. Though the FRN is easier to carry due to its lighter weight.

As most will probably say, you can't go wrong with either. That said, if you're just getting the one, I'd say save up and get the CF.

TBob · #16

rkhndjr2000@yahoo.com wrote:I've been looking at the CF version and the Blue FRN and it seems the price differential is too much for me. Cutlery has the CF for $140 and the Blue is $91, and those are good prices compared to some sites I use. I asked before- is CF that much better?

Better how? What's your requirement? Unless you are a collector, the real question is: what is the difference worth to you? What do you have to sacrifice to make up the difference in price? Is it worth that sacrifice to buy a knife of identical function but slightly different aesthetics and feel? Sometimes "better" is the enemy of good enough.

While I don't have both an FRN and CF Stretch, I have several other FRN Spydies and like FRN just fine. I was able to handle the CF version of the Stretch and liked the handle texture and overall weight so that's what I bought. FWIW, the FRN version will cut just as well and FRN will probably survive being dropped or thrown better than CF.

The Deacon · #17

rkhndjr2000@yahoo.com wrote:I've been looking at the CF version and the Blue FRN and it seems the price differential is too much for me. Cutlery has the CF for $140 and the Blue is $91, and those are good prices compared to some sites I use. I asked before- is CF that much better?

On one level that's one of those "if you have to ask, the answer for you is probably no" questions.

But, here goes anyway. The CF version is thinner. Its handles are slightly stiffer. It is a bit heavier. Then there's "pride of ownership", the force that makes some prefer a gold watch to a stainless one with the exact same movement. If none of those are important to you, and saving money is, then it's a no-brainer - go for the FRN. If all of those are important to you, then it's a no-brainer once again - spend the extra bucks for the CF. If it's a mixed bag, then you have to decide which characteristics are most important to you and make your decision accordingly.

Blerv · #18

CF is wayyy better for driveshafts than FRN. Oh, you mean for knives? No it doesn't matter.

Go with the style you want. If you see some detailed pics they are significantly different knives but for a user it doesn't matter. The CF is a bit thinner and feels a little like G10; the FRN has bi-directional texturing and a little lighter. The CF has a full metal backspacer and only ZDP; the blue zdp is cheaper by about 30-40%; the VG10 even cheaper and available in 3 edge styles.

You really can't go wrong with this one. Buy the FRN and beat it up...then buy a CF and adore it. :)

rkhndjr2000@yahoo.com · #19

TBob wrote:Better how? What's your requirement? Unless you are a collector, the real question is: what is the difference worth to you? What do you have to sacrifice to make up the difference in price? Is it worth that sacrifice to buy a knife of identical function but slightly different aesthetics and feel? Sometimes "better" is the enemy of good enough.
I didn't expect all this. but it did give you an opportunity to show your skill at dialectics:-))

While I don't have both an FRN and CF Stretch, I have several other FRN Spydies and like FRN just fine. I was able to handle the CF version of the Stretch and liked the handle texture and overall weight so that's what I bought. FWIW, the FRN version will cut just as well and FRN will probably survive being dropped or thrown better than CF.

I have FRN and like it fine, too. I think most agree that a piece of wood for a handle would work, depending on what you do with the knife. But if you or others do not understand what I mean by the statement I will understand.

rkhndjr2000@yahoo.com · #20

Thanks for the kind answer.