FRN Handle Strength

[skurto]

I have a question or two concerning the strength and durability of FRN as a handle material.

I already own a Spyderhawk (FRN handles), which I am currently carrying along with my Harpy. My Matriarch should be here this Thursday, also with almost identical FRN handles. I have noticed quite a bit of flex with the Spyderhawk just while toying around with it, and am curious as to what amount of pressure would be necessary to break the handles. Is any data available concerning this, or am I simply worrying over nothing? (OCD is a pain.) I am most concerned about the possibility of the handle failing while in a worst-case scenario self-defense situation. The flex inherent in FRN is somewhat disconcerting.

All this being said, I wish both knives were available with stainless handles. Heavy, yes, but I would think they would be a LOT more durable.

[CKE]

I have been using and abusing a FRN Endura for over a year now. FRN is great stuff, and hold up very well. Your FRN model will fail at the pivot before the FRN ever gives out. (pretty sure that is what the tests have proven, but I could be wrong) In my experience FRN is very sturdy. Compared to my Chinook II, the Endura has a bit of flex but nothing I would ever worry about. I have done light prying with my FRN Endura too with no ill results. I believe even Mr. Janich has practiced MBC with his Endura/Delica. I say use it with confidence :) Take Care!!!

[JD Spydo]

I have never had any problem with any of my :spyder: FRN handles. Although I do prefer G-10 to the FRN. I also have a Spyderhawk with a black FRN handle and have put it through a lot of abuse. My favorite handle materials are as follows: Micarta, Titanium, G-10 , FRN, Anodized T6061 aluminum and about even on anything else. In this case; beauty is in the hand of the beholder but I find all of the above quite functional. :spyder: :)

[skurto]

I appreciate the information more than I can say; I will rest a bit easier now.

I have obtained a few knives from other manufacturers over the past several months, and all of them are going to be sold. Nice knives, but they're just not Spyderco. I am positively spoilt...

That being said, my Cricket SS should be in later this week as well. :)

Many thanks again to those who responded.

[fredswartz]

Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder! I like Micarta and G10 but FRN is practically indestructible. It took me years to appreciate it's strengths and to overcome what I thought was ugly. I think that it would take an acetyline torch or being run over by a D-9 Caterpiller to render it unusable (a little exaggeration). For an EDC it is unbeatable.

[severedthumbs]

yes you will not break it. you will break that rivit thing that holds the blade. frn allright allows you to get a good knife at a great price point. i usually dont buy it unless I am just looking for a knife that will be abused then I will buy a frn knife. anyother time give me titanium, carbon fiber, g10, stainless, aluminum, micarta, anything that is not made with plastic.

[Carlos]

The flex is what makes it more durable. You can make FRN harder with higher glass fill, but it becomes more brittle. The lock and blade of an FRN knife will fail long before the handle does.

[wotanson]

Hey all,

I had a lot of the same feelings about FRN at one point, I couldn't believe that the handle could be that tough. Guys on this forum swear that the FRN will probably out live me with the light duty my EDCs see. Don't get me wrong I like micarta and G-10, but I can get a FRN Spydie with VG-10 steel for almost nothing money wise, and for that price I get IMHO the best knife I can hands down. Now, if I hadn't sold the three FRN models I used to have before comming out of my FRN coma, I'd truly be happy!!!!

Cheers,

Rob

[dialex]

A guy with a tight Native tried to smoothen it a bit by opening the knife and bending the blade laterally. It ended by breaking the blade And we are talking about a sturdy broad blade, 3 mm thick, CPM 440V steel here. The handles remained intact. :)

[skurto]

Thanks again for all the information, folks. I feel considerably better about FRN, which will make EDC of the Matriarch even more of a rush. It should be here on UPS tomorrow... :D

Next stupid question - where do you carry? My Harpy rides in my right front pocket on its clip, Wenger Swis Army in my right rear pocket. I tried the Spyderhawk IWB yesterday with some success. FWIW, I am a computer tech by trade, normal attire being khakis/chinos/dockers with either a dress shirt or turtleneck, depending on the time of year. Ideas?

[CKE]

I always have at least two knives on me. Both front pockets...using the clips of course :) IWB is not so legal in my parts, tends to look concealed which is illegal so I stick to keeping it out and visible. This time of year(hunting season) many people have FB's on their belts with no hassle. Take Care and enjoy the Matriarch when it arrives!!!

[vampyrewolf]

Could get custom leather from Vadim (Vess on the forums), like I carry my endura...

or a kydex rig from one of the many makers that do em, carry it on your neck.

depending on footware, could also try boot carry.

[Franco G]

Although it is true that fRN is very tough stuff, it is also true that, for example back lock with FRN handle is considerably weaker than the lock with SS handle (Sal dixit ).
To be precise, a lock of the Native FRN is weaker than a lock of Native II with SS handle.
Is the Native II lock stronger by 30%, 50% or xx% I don't know (but would like to know). Probably, Sal can help?
Roughly, Native FRN lock is less than 300 inch/lbs, and the Native II lock is about 400 inch/lbs, IIRC. If you want a per inch strength, just divide by 3.
I am also curious what is the lock strength of the G-10 Native!!! Something in between FRN and SS version?

Franco