Handle Type

[Tay7118]

Just curious. What are everyones opinions on stainless steel handles vs. zytel(sp)? I like the look of ss but they tend to add some weight.



scot

[Tay7118]

After a little research, I am not sure where in the world I came up with zytel. What I meant was the traditional black handle material. Sorry about that.

scot

[midget]

FRN. fiberglass reinforced nylon.

in my opinionS
frn gooood, SS baaaaaaaad.

I think SS is tooo slippery, and heavy. FRN is great stuff, I used to have an FRN Native, and as test, I really, REALLY went to work on it. I threw it into the ground and stabbed it into 2x4's, twisted, pried, you name it. the FRN held up. I think FRN is a lot stronger than it seems.

eventually the native did break.

[Pachucko]

SS is for Lookin' and Collectin'

FRN is for utility Cuttin'

G-10 is for MBC Carryin'

Pachucks

[Jeff/1911]

Tay7118,

I think you were correct, as I've always understood Zytel to mean the same thing as FRN.

Jeff.

[vampyrewolf]

CF/SS/Micarta for looks and large public gatherings
SS for work depending on handle shape(ie Dragonfly)

FRN for daily use

G-10 for hard work, field use, MBC

*Our greatest triumph comes not from NOT falling down, but from getting back up every time.*

[nomaded]

As I understand it, Zytel is a specific brand and formulation for "Fibreglass Reenforced Nylon". Spyderco uses a slightly different forumation for their FRN scales.

[Sword and Shield]

Well, FRN's a tough little piece, I'll tell you that! I can beat my Endura all day long at work, and never worry about the handle.

SS, on the other hand, is cold. In weather like this (I envy you folks down South), SS is definitely a bad idea, unless you are wearing gloves of some kind. I've never had a problem with slipping, though.

Never underestimate the impossible.

[vampyrewolf]

S&S, try wearing your SS <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> IWB... takes the cold problem away. I used mine all winter without any cold problems. I also spent a lot of time in the freezer while I worked at BK.

*Our greatest triumph comes not from NOT falling down, but from getting back up every time.*

[travis quaas]

Without a doubt the FRN handles are wonderful. My EDC is the Native as well. I haven't had one problem with it. Talk about some tough material. I think it depends on how the FRN handle is shaped and how thin it is. Either way, it's a wonderful EDC application.

tq

[glockman99]

Stainless looks nice but can be too slippery and shows scratches too easily.

FRN is lightweight and tough, but it can flex a little with hard use.

G-10 is the best for a great non-slip grip, and is tough. It's my favorite.

Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663

[yog]

I like the extra weight of SS, you can really feel you have something in your hand. Don't worry about the extra weight of SS when riding in your pocket though. Because an SS knife is generally quite a bit slimmer than it's FRN equivilant it rides very comfortably (more so than some FRN models IMHO) and you hardly know it's there.

Although it is roummered that I have an irrational dislike of FRN <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I would have to admit (grudgenly) that it is an excellent handle material.

If you have the option though, go with G-10 with steel liners, the ultimate best of both worlds.

If only Spyderco would use premium blade steels with there SS models more often, I would go with SS every time (but ony if G-10 wasn't available). As it happens though the FRN equivilants generally have the better blade steels.

Walk softly, carry a big stick.

[dialex]

Both are fine, but speaking for myself I prefer FRN (or G-10) over SS, even over Ti.
Not to mention I totally dislike aluminium (even Almite coated).

[voxnaes]

Hi all,
Ï´m with Yog on this one all the way!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
VW,
Micarta for looks, thats a waste of a heavy duty material! (IMHO that is!)
Vox.


Repeat the mantra - "Spydie is good, Round is all - Life is Round, Life is Good, Spydie is Life is Round is LIfe. Round and Round, and Round forever." (Chuck.)