FRN scales - Do they feel as cheap as they look?

Spyderco FRN is unique in that it's not checkered like the minigrips or swirled like in other models. It has some deep texture that creates a real positive grip when your hands are sweaty. I'm not a fan of "plasticy" handles in the least, I will choose G10 or CF if given a choice everytime. However, the Spyderco texturing is there for a reason and it really does work quite well.
 
It doesn't feel as cheap as it looks on the computer. I remember when I was first looking at knives, I was turned off by the FRN "plastic" Spydercos. Then I went to a knife shop and saw some, and I changed my mind. Then I held one, and then I bought it.
 
THG said:
It doesn't feel as cheap as it looks on the computer. I remember when I was first looking at knives, I was turned off by the FRN "plastic" Spydercos. Then I went to a knife shop and saw some, and I changed my mind. Then I held one, and then I bought it.
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Thanks for the reply :thumbup: I'll have to go check one out soon.
 
Feels much different than it looks, it has a certain density, or solidity to it thats hard to describe.

I've beat the snot out of delicas before, and I promise that once you use it hard at work one day you'll never think of FRN handles as cheap.

Tough as hell, and incredible grip, IMHO the Griptillions should change and be more like a delica handle wise.

In particular the Delica 4, because they have steel liners under the FRN, makes for a very beefy little knife.
 
00ChevyScott said:
I have seen them in person, just never held one. I should've while I was there, but had already bugged the guy to pull the benchmade out of the case. Wasn't there to buy anything so I let them help other customers who were actually looking to purchase something.
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Your original post says "but when I look at pictures of those two knives:"

00ChevyScott said:
I'd love to pick up another Spyderco, and something in VG10 or 154CM, but when I look at pictures of those two knives, the FRN looks like it's cheap plastic.
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pete
 
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EricV said:
Feels much different than it looks, it has a certain density, or solidity to it thats hard to describe.

I've beat the snot out of delicas before, and I promise that once you use it hard at work one day you'll never think of FRN handles as cheap.

Tough as hell, and incredible grip, IMHO the Griptillions should change and be more like a delica handle wise.

In particular the Delica 4, because they have steel liners under the FRN, makes for a very beefy little knife.
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So would you say the Delica 4 is a better knife than an Endura? I guess I should do the "smart" thing and buy both ;) but I'll have to think about it. The only question now is which one first?
 
I like Spydies FRN better than Benchmades Valox in the grips. It is tougher in my experience. Every slight fall and the grips chip. Even come apart slightly with battles with keys in the pocket. FRN is incredible.
 
Silverdagger said:
I like Spydies FRN better than Benchmades Valox in the grips. It is tougher in my experience. Every slight fall and the grips chip. Even come apart slightly with battles with keys in the pocket. FRN is incredible.
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I have a mini-grip. I've dropped it several times from several feet up (I'm 6'3"), I don't have any chips in my handle. Also, keys causing the handle come apart? Please... that sounds ridiculous. Even if it were so, it sounds like you need threadlocker, not a new knife.

Ridiculous.
 
FRN is a nice material. It's grippy but not too grippy, light, and won't shatter if you hit it like CF or G10 (it'll just dent). It does feel cheap, but for a user, it's probably the best material out there. I like a higher quality feel, so I go for metal or composite handles, but I'm very happy with my Delica 4. As long as the price of the knife is appropriate, I like FRN.
 
IMHO, FRN does indeed look and feel 'cheap' compared to most other handle materials I use (wood, aluminum, titanium, G10, micarta, steel, leather, etc).

It still makes a serviceable handle material to be sure, but I really don't care for it.
 
I like FRN better than G10. G10 just wears smooth after a while.

I'll take textured FRN on a working knife any day of the week, folder or fixed.

If I want a pretty knife, it'll have wood of some kind on it.
 
cramsey3006 said:
I like FRN better than G10. G10 just wears smooth after a while.

I'll take textured FRN on a working knife any day of the week, folder or fixed.

If I want a pretty knife, it'll have wood of some kind on it.
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How is FRN on the pockets? I know my G10 likes to wear them pretty good, is FRN near as bad?
 
My brother has a delica with frn. It definately doesn't feel cheap.
The only thing I've noticed is that the texturing tends to pick up dirt within the crevices. I'm sure it's easilly removed with a good washing, but it's just something that probably isn't a problem with other handles.
 
00ChevyScott said:
So would you say the Delica 4 is a better knife than an Endura? I guess I should do the "smart" thing and buy both ;) but I'll have to think about it. The only question now is which one first?
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They're the same knife, just different size. The one that's "better" depends on how big you want it and/or how long your local laws allow.
00ChevyScott said:
are you trying to be a prick or what?

I've looked at pictures AND seen them in person, satisfied?
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You've seen them in person and you're still asking these questions?
 
Yo Pete, give it a rest man.:)

As far as the FRN debate goes, don't both knives, the Endura and Delica, come in G-10 also? If so, then problem solved!:)
 
no cheap looking FRN here :D
(random google image, not mine)
Cento4.jpg


cheap feeling is in the eye of the beholder. I find that most people equate the extra weight of g10, titanium, or stainless steel handles to feel "better" and FRN feels "cheaper". But I have no problem with it, and the weight difference is great in your pocket. Spyderco does it great, and have never heard of any real issues.
 
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