SS Stretch = Lightweight PM2?

[PeanutButterFan]

Not only is the Stretch not a lightweight PM2, it’s actually .05 oz heavier. It’s a heavier built PM2! :eek:
Just kidding. Its just is a little cringy to me when people refer to the SS Stretch as the LIGHTWEIGHT PM2.

While I get that the overall envelope designs are similar, I think the the list of deferences between the two knives outweigh their similarities.

What they have in common is a straight spine and similar blade length. The similarities pretty much stop there.

Ways they are different:

Stretch has thinner blade stock
Different locks
Different edge shapes (stretch has more straight edge while PM2 is all belly)
Overall thickness

Both great knives but also very different. Anyway, I thought this would be a fun discussion.

[anycal]

What else is there to say. Not everything FRN is LW. Calling the Stretch FRN a LW PM2 is a misnomer.

For me, the PM2 just fits better in my hand. Couple of my other preferences are G10 over FRN, and compression lock over back lock. But I am not married to either of these. The fitment is more important.

That said, a true LW FRN PM2, with partial liners and PB washers on both sides, is something I am still waiting for. You can even make it with back lock.

[bearfacedkiller]

Some of Spyderco’s “lightweight” knives aren’t much lighter. “Lightweight” seems to mostly mean frn and frn mostly means more affordable.

[PeanutButterFan]

Yep, frn most certainly does not always mean lighter than the original. Take the Chaparral for example.

Regarding the comment on making the PM2 lockback, I would be very interested in that but even more so a lockback Shaman

[samdasnake]

What else is there to say. Not everything FRN is LW. Calling the Stretch FRN a LW PM2 is a misnomer.

For me, the PM2 just fits better in my hand. Couple of my other preferences are G10 over FRN, and compression lock over back lock. But I am not married to either of these. The fitment is more important.

That said, a true LW FRN PM2, with partial liners and PB washers on both sides, is something I am still waiting for. You can even make it with back lock.

It’s really amazing how different people’s preferences can be. I feel essentially the opposite on every point. FRN > G10, back lock > comp lock, stretch > pm2.

Guess that’s why Spyderco makes both knives :)

[Doc Dan]

Light weight is Spyderco jargon for FRN or FRCP. It is not about the weight.

I'll take a SS Stretch to a PM2 any day, lock included.

[VooDooChild]

For me the handles are very different.

I have to admit that Im a pm2 fan. Its not "perfect", but it just works for me.

[Peter1960]

Why do you call it SS Stretch, as in Spydercos diction SS stands for Stainless Steel (handle)?

[kennethsime]

I love both designs, and look forward to a true PM2LW, modeled after the Para 3 LW.

That said, my SS Stretch gets a lot more pocket time than my PM2: and I love my PM2. I think this is mostly because it's thinner in the pocket, which matters more than the minor weight difference.

[AmpliFyre]

Why do you call it SS Stretch, as in Spydercos diction SS stands for Stainless Steel (handle)?

SS is for straight spine

[abbazaba]

Agreed. Very different knives. I'm really excited about the PM2 LW if it gets the same treatment as the Para3 LW. Also still dreaming of a PM2 Skinny Backlock in linerless G10.

[Peter1960]

Why do you call it SS Stretch, as in Spydercos diction SS stands for Stainless Steel (handle)?

SS is for straight spine

Thank you for this clarification!
Believe it, I didn't see the straight spine blade ... :o