Brown G-10 Stretch "Test Model" observations
- The Deacon
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Brown G-10 Stretch "Test Model" observations
In his thread on the brown G-10/ZDP-189 "Test Model" Stretch, Sal had said he was going to mail it to me for evaluation after BLADE and, true to his word, it arrived here yesterday. Haven't had much chance to use it yet, but here are some initial observations.
Color -
I would describe it as a fairly dark brown, similar to the browns of the G-10 C54 Calypso Sprint and FRN KnifeCenter XHP Native, but slightly different from either of them. It has proven difficult to reproduce in a photo. Of the many pictures I've taken so far, the shot below is the only one that comes really close to it, at least on my monitor. Those of you who have one or both of the others can compare for yourselves.
[CENTER][/CENTER]
Dimensions -
The knife weighs 4.625 oz. (130 grams) on my scale. The "official" weight may be a hair less, given that I show the FRN/VG-10 Stretch as weighing 3.5 oz. (98 grams) while Spyderco shows it at 3.4 oz. (95 grams). By Contrast the Nishijin GF Sprints weigh 4.0 oz. (116 grams) on my scale and the CF version weighs 3.875 oz. (112 grams). It is, however a bit lighter than the bolstered cocobolo version, which tips the scale at 4.875 oz. (138 grams).
The blade's thickness and length are identical to the FRN and CF versions, but the cutting edge is about 1/16" shorter. Its shape is similar, but still noticeably different in that it's wider and has a bit more belly and a higher thumb ramp. The handle is also similar, but different. It's about 3/16" longer and a hair deeper. The lock well has moved back by about 3/16" as well. I suspect those changes, rather than the scale material, account for most of the weight difference, although the liners may be slightly less skeletonized as well. Thickness is .392" according to my digital calipers. That compares with .367" for the Nishijin GF Sprints, .387" for the CF version, and .457" for the FRN Stretch. For whatever reason, the clip mounting holes for tip up carry are a bit further from the butt than on the current version, so a bit more of the knife is exposed if you carry that way. Clip mounting hole location for tip down carry, and thus exposure when carried that way, appears to be unchanged.
Some photos comparing it to earlier Stretch versions follow. Please keep in mind that the color of the brown G-10 in them is wrong, although much less so in the final picture than in the others.
[CENTER]Exposure:
Shape:
Size:
[/CENTER]
Initial impressions -
I will preface this by saying that I purchased my first Stretch over nine and a half years ago, have had one version or another in my pocket nine days out of ten ever since, and have done quite a bit of cutting with them. Perhaps because of that, I'm so totally accustomed to the feel of the original and current versions that, while changes look good and the deeper choil feels more secure, the knife feels less like an extension of my hand. The grip seems off, to me, especially when I choke up to use the choil. Beyond that, the relationship between the top of the handle and the Spyderhole, which was perfect for me on the earlier versions, has changed to the point that my thumb does not describe the same smooth, natural, arc when opening. Please, take all that with a grain of salt. I've sometimes chuckled when someone claimed that a 4 oz. folder felt great, but a 4.125 oz. one was too heavy, or that a .380" handle was comfortable in their pocket but a .400" one was uncomfortably thick and, for most folks, the differences that I'm describing on the Stretch are probably going to be equally insignificant. And, since Sal has mentioned that further "tweaking" is possible, perhaps even probable, there's a chance the production version will feel quite different.
Color -
I would describe it as a fairly dark brown, similar to the browns of the G-10 C54 Calypso Sprint and FRN KnifeCenter XHP Native, but slightly different from either of them. It has proven difficult to reproduce in a photo. Of the many pictures I've taken so far, the shot below is the only one that comes really close to it, at least on my monitor. Those of you who have one or both of the others can compare for yourselves.
[CENTER][/CENTER]
Dimensions -
The knife weighs 4.625 oz. (130 grams) on my scale. The "official" weight may be a hair less, given that I show the FRN/VG-10 Stretch as weighing 3.5 oz. (98 grams) while Spyderco shows it at 3.4 oz. (95 grams). By Contrast the Nishijin GF Sprints weigh 4.0 oz. (116 grams) on my scale and the CF version weighs 3.875 oz. (112 grams). It is, however a bit lighter than the bolstered cocobolo version, which tips the scale at 4.875 oz. (138 grams).
The blade's thickness and length are identical to the FRN and CF versions, but the cutting edge is about 1/16" shorter. Its shape is similar, but still noticeably different in that it's wider and has a bit more belly and a higher thumb ramp. The handle is also similar, but different. It's about 3/16" longer and a hair deeper. The lock well has moved back by about 3/16" as well. I suspect those changes, rather than the scale material, account for most of the weight difference, although the liners may be slightly less skeletonized as well. Thickness is .392" according to my digital calipers. That compares with .367" for the Nishijin GF Sprints, .387" for the CF version, and .457" for the FRN Stretch. For whatever reason, the clip mounting holes for tip up carry are a bit further from the butt than on the current version, so a bit more of the knife is exposed if you carry that way. Clip mounting hole location for tip down carry, and thus exposure when carried that way, appears to be unchanged.
Some photos comparing it to earlier Stretch versions follow. Please keep in mind that the color of the brown G-10 in them is wrong, although much less so in the final picture than in the others.
[CENTER]Exposure:
Shape:
Size:
[/CENTER]
Initial impressions -
I will preface this by saying that I purchased my first Stretch over nine and a half years ago, have had one version or another in my pocket nine days out of ten ever since, and have done quite a bit of cutting with them. Perhaps because of that, I'm so totally accustomed to the feel of the original and current versions that, while changes look good and the deeper choil feels more secure, the knife feels less like an extension of my hand. The grip seems off, to me, especially when I choke up to use the choil. Beyond that, the relationship between the top of the handle and the Spyderhole, which was perfect for me on the earlier versions, has changed to the point that my thumb does not describe the same smooth, natural, arc when opening. Please, take all that with a grain of salt. I've sometimes chuckled when someone claimed that a 4 oz. folder felt great, but a 4.125 oz. one was too heavy, or that a .380" handle was comfortable in their pocket but a .400" one was uncomfortably thick and, for most folks, the differences that I'm describing on the Stretch are probably going to be equally insignificant. And, since Sal has mentioned that further "tweaking" is possible, perhaps even probable, there's a chance the production version will feel quite different.
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
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!
- RadioactiveSpyder
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Great write-up and pics Paul. I appreciate that you were able to appreciate the obvious and also more subtle changes that Sal made. It's also interesting your hand has such hard memory for the original version(s). May I request a side by side pic similar to the third one down (middle of the three pics) where they face the same way? Thanks! Paul
It's better to be good than evil, but one achieves goodness at a terrific cost. ––– Stephen King
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Very nice! I like the slightly larger handle and increased radius of the curve near the butt of the knife. The black clip will look great against a very dark blue (or black if blue can't be achieved with Rit dye) dyed handle. I will buy a CF version for sure if that is also released and also perhaps even a G10 version to dye. If the CF doesn't materialize then I'll just have to stick with a dyed G10 which should also be OK.
But after seeing it against the blue Nishijin & Damascus (which I also have) it does make me hope for a Damascus version as well with premium scales sometime in the future (Woven CF over G10 a 'la Domino or maybe dark green Nishijin :D - if it exists?).
Of course with a finite knife budget I would be happy to wait for more Sprint versions down the road. There are just too many nice new Spyderco's coming out in the next year or so from what I saw of the Amsterdam pictures by Mr. Blonde. My wallet will be aching over the next year as it is.
Late Edit after seeing RadioactiveSpyder's post below: I guess with a liner/slabbed version I could even swap out the scales for some nice stabilized burled maple as well - that would make for a truly unique and beautiful Stretch.
But after seeing it against the blue Nishijin & Damascus (which I also have) it does make me hope for a Damascus version as well with premium scales sometime in the future (Woven CF over G10 a 'la Domino or maybe dark green Nishijin :D - if it exists?).
Of course with a finite knife budget I would be happy to wait for more Sprint versions down the road. There are just too many nice new Spyderco's coming out in the next year or so from what I saw of the Amsterdam pictures by Mr. Blonde. My wallet will be aching over the next year as it is.
Late Edit after seeing RadioactiveSpyder's post below: I guess with a liner/slabbed version I could even swap out the scales for some nice stabilized burled maple as well - that would make for a truly unique and beautiful Stretch.
- RadioactiveSpyder
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- The Deacon
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Thanks everyone. And a huge thanks to Sal for allowing me the opportunity to play with this knife.
[CENTER][/CENTER]
...I included one of the "1st generation" Stretches, modified with brown canvas micarta inlay, as well since they were even a bit shorter than the current, "2nd generation" version.
I'm sure I will be getting one (or more) as well. And now that you mention it, yes, the blade shape does look more like the UKPK DP.Mr Blonde wrote:Thank you for your impressions Paul. The blade on the new Stretch reminds me of the bladeshape on the drop point slipits. As a fellow die-hard Stretch fan I probably will end up with one of these regardless of the changes, and I'm curious to see how this version will turn out.
Here you go...RadioactiveSpyder wrote:Great write-up and pics Paul. I appreciate that you were able to appreciate the obvious and also more subtle changes that Sal made. It's also interesting your hand has such hard memory for the original version(s). May I request a side by side pic similar to the third one down (middle of the three pics) where they face the same way? Thanks! Paul
[CENTER][/CENTER]
...I included one of the "1st generation" Stretches, modified with brown canvas micarta inlay, as well since they were even a bit shorter than the current, "2nd generation" version.
True, and you could always do the faux bolster look by using two different woods or CF at the front and wood behind.RadioactiveSpyder wrote:Oh yes, a Stretch that we common folks can customize the scales on! It may not have bolsters, but we can now dream of other cocobolo Stretches
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
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!
- RadioactiveSpyder
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Thank you Paul, exactly the pic I was hoping for. I'll have to check the other thread for this answer, but they were intending on releasing this as a G10 version as well as shifting the FRN molds (moulds?), right? Showing this to us without that possibility would just be cruel! :)
It's better to be good than evil, but one achieves goodness at a terrific cost. ––– Stephen King
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Nice write up Paul. I too find that the Stretch has a perfect position of hole and pivot to make for a super easy deployment. Maybe that is something that can be tweaked back to the old measurements...
It's nice looking, I like the little more belly and the extra handle length...but not being a fan of choils, I'm not overly thrilled by it. I gotta say I'd love to see a completely choil-less version of the Stretch. I would probably be set for life...
Thanks for the write up and thanks Sal for lettering us see the new changes!
It's nice looking, I like the little more belly and the extra handle length...but not being a fan of choils, I'm not overly thrilled by it. I gotta say I'd love to see a completely choil-less version of the Stretch. I would probably be set for life...
Thanks for the write up and thanks Sal for lettering us see the new changes!
On the hunt for...