Why always FRN?

[Lord Bear]

I just can't do it. Fielding CF or G10 handled Spyderco's that is. Perhaps it's the price, the look, the feel; honestly I couldn't say. But so far, if FRN is available in a particular model, then THAT is the one that gets carried and used. The CF or G10 model goes "on the shelf". (Examples are Enduras, Delicas and Stretches.)
Two models, the Caly 3 and the Sage, I REAAALLY wish were currently available with FRN handles so I could "save" the CF handled ones. They are the jewels of my growing Spyderco collection. *Sigh* One may only hope.

[Bolster]

I'm just the opposite. Can't bear to carry FRN.

Tried w/ a Caly Jr, just can't do it, feels and looks cheap and plasticky.

Life is short, carry the good stuff: G10 and CF!

Thank goodness Spyderco accommodates different tastes.

[mjsnative]

I have to agree with you on this one. I have beat the snot out of my FRN native and it just seems to smile. While at times I do enjoy the G10 models I still find that I go back to my FRN knives. It has a good grip and I don't have to worry about screwing it up.

[dsmegst]

I've been doing the same sort of thing for a while, I kept the G-10 or CF variants in the safe while the FRN models get carried. Have you considered getting an additional G-10 or CF knife so you have a nice one to carry and one to keep as backup?

[yowzer]

Can't blame you. G-10 feels like holding a lump of concrete. I don't understand why it's so popular as a handle material. FRN is much more comfortable to carry and use. I wish a bunch of knives that only come in G-10 had FRN versions. Or at least used cloth-textured unpolished micarta.

[ktint]

Many people said that FRN is very strong and I am sure they are right. However, I don't trust FRN unless it has steel lining (4th generation endura & delica). FRN is more flexable than G-10 or CF. May be that flexability I don't trust in knives.

[Franciscomv]

I go through phases but right now I'm using G-10 and FRN with more or less the same frequency. I don't have many CF models, I don't hate it but I don't love it either, so I only pay extra to get it on knives that are not available with other handle materials.

[THG]

All I have are FRN Spydercos. FRN is low-cost and doesn't tear up the pockets.

[fret]

Tho I like all the different handle materials, FRN is what I like the best. Just feels right to me. Lightweight and tough. It doesn't feel like plastic to me. I like my FRN Delica. I don't know I'm carrying it until I need to use. It's always there, ready to go. Mine has the FRN clip too. That's a plus for me.

[LowTEC]

I only have a few FRN, the rest are G-10 and CF. my FRN never get carried, and only CF a few times. G10 is tough and feel classy

[npueppke]

I don't have a lot of FRN because the models I like normally don't come in FRN, but FRN is my favorite by far. I don't really see the appeal of G10 or CF either. They're OK if the knife is good but you can't beat FRN.

[Elsilrac1]

I have the fix - buy a user from some one. This way you get the G10 or CF with a few scuffs on it. This way you will enjoy the knife much more. Just an idea.

[angusW]

G10 is the material or me. Have one CF and two FRN but to me G10 is the best.

[Jazz]

I love FRN - light, strong, and looks good. I do, however think we need a linerless, locking UKPK. I love the weight of the UKPK - perfect. One in G10 and one in titanium would be great.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[StangBang]

Oh man,

Can't really say I'm biased one way or another. Most of my FRN knives are carried when I'm wearing jersey shorts as they are most lightweight, my g10 knives and cf knives are carried and used just the same though.

For instance my CF S90V Manix2 (one of my nicest spyderco's IMO) is carried constantly and gets used a LOT! and if I had kept any of my spydies NIB that would probably be the one to keep in that condition lol

My tasman salt gets used relentlessly, as well as my native. One of my favorite FRN knives I own though would be my waved USN endura. Even my waved Delica is awesome!
now I'm just rambling...

Good thread though :)

[jezabel]

I only own one FRN handled Spydie at the moment. The Caly Jr, with my favorite FRN grips... the Fish scale texture!
I'm still having trouble deciding on which Stretch version to get though, I've always wanted to test out the ZDP, but right now I'm really enjoying using VG10, and then I have a soft spot for Peel ply CF too... :rolleyes:

Jez

[quattrokid73]

Interestingly enough, I have to have all the new FRN models. There is something "toy-like" and cool about them. Today I received a green FFG Endura and it's flippin awesome.

That said, I love G10. It's beautiful and industrial and useful. My Urban, Chokwe, Caly 3, Manix 2 XHP, Leafstorm, and soon to be UKPK Drop point, are all such great things to hold.

[Seanski]

It's sure nice to have choices! I like some g10, and some frn, on some knives, and not
on others. I would not be happy with frn on my Emerson's and I wouldn't want
g10 on the Salt series folders. I've never had the opportunity to try carbon fiber but
perhaps someday. About the only thing I don't care for is the slippery g10 that you
find on some of knives.
Frn is tough, lite, and grippy and I like the price point that it comes out at often.

[chipped]

I love FRN. It's cheap, comes in different colors, the grip (especially bi-directional texture) is just as good to me as G-10, it doesn't absorb anything, and it won't crack if you drop it.

The only other thing I'd carry would be a natural material for decoration, but I'd carry a tough-use FRN knife with it.

[dialex]

I love FRN - light, strong, and looks good. I do, however think we need a linerless, locking UKPK...
- best wishes, Jazz.

But, but... there already is the FRN Caly jr. :confused: