FRN Stretch Release?

Wow, you're serious! I just saw them too!

I'm not going to have enough money to buy anything else after I buy all the Spydies I want. :(
 
Oh boy,oh boy, oh boy
a084.gif
 
This Stretch should put some FRN back in my pocket. It's been all G10. I think it's a winner!
 
Why are they so much more expensive than Enduras and Delicas? Same handle material, same lock, same steel, smaller than the Endura... I dont get it.
 
Jake Bauer said:
Why are they so much more expensive than Enduras and Delicas? Same handle material, same lock, same steel, smaller than the Endura... I dont get it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm asking the same question. I've heard people say that it's the flat grind, but I can't believe it would make that much of a difference.
 
Jake Bauer said:
Why are they so much more expensive than Enduras and Delicas? Same handle material, same lock, same steel, smaller than the Endura... I dont get it.
Click to expand...

You've got to remember the the FRN mold for the Delica's and Endura's have already been paid off. Molds cost between $250,000 and $750,000, possibly more.

I would hazard a guess that the Delica's and Endura's are still at about the same price point as they were when initially introduced.
 
As mentioned there are the issues with the mold and the FFG definately would be a more expensive grind. Personally, when you put the Stretch in your hand I bet you will think it is a tremendous bargain, as the ergos and cutting ability are way better than the Endura.
I'm waiting for the ZDP model to be released before I get my own Stretch FRN.

Mike
 
Don't think the molds are quite that expensive, Josh. IIRC, Sal once said they cost around $40K, but that's still a pile of money to amortize out on a knife which may, or may not, sell anywhere near as well as one of Spyderco's top sellers. There's also the possibility that different makers, with different fee structures, are used for the Endura and Stretch. I'm sure the grind factors into the price. Another factor could simply be a less favorable exchange rate when the contract for the Stretch was signed than when the most recent one for the Endura was.

Paul
bar_02.gif

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
The Deacon said:
Don't think the molds are quite that expensive, Josh. IIRC, Sal once said they cost around $40K, but that's still a pile of money to amortize out on a knife which may, or may not, sell anywhere near as well as one of Spyderco's top sellers. There's also the possibility that different makers, with different fee structures, are used for the Endura and Stretch. I'm sure the grind factors into the price. Another factor could simply be a less favorable exchange rate when the contract for the Stretch was signed than when the most recent one for the Endura was.
Click to expand...

I recall him saying that FRN molds started at a quarter mil. I may be wrong, I'd have to look.

The grind is definitely a factor though. A full flat grind (correct me if I'm wrong) uses belts rather then wheels and takes two steps rather then one. You have an increase in the number of steps required to make the knife, and belts wear out faster then wheels.
 
I thought about the grind when I posted the Q, but didnt think it'd make that much difference. And I guess the mold thing makes since. i didnt notice at first that the Stretch's handle is quite different from the E4/D4. Mh.. I think I'll have to wait on this one for a while. Dang.. both the Manix2 and Stretch FRN (the 2 most anticipated releases of the year for me) will have to wait due to price. Yeah I guess its not that bad but I dont have the $ for now. Maybe Christmas.
 
Anyone have some good pics/review of it? It'd be sweet to see it layed out with say an Endura4 or Delica4
 
Jake Bauer said:
Anyone have some good pics/review of it? It'd be sweet to see it layed out with say an Endura4 or Delica4
Click to expand...

stretch_delica_endura.jpg

Some more pics...

frn_stretch_007.jpg


frn_stretch_012.jpg


frn_stretch_019.jpg


frn_stretch_025.jpg


frn_stretch_028.jpg


frn_stretch_032.jpg


frn_stretch_035.jpg


frn_stretch_and_tkjb_kiwi.jpg

As for a review, I've been a fan of the Stretch ever since it first came out. Sal has come up with a lot of great designs over the years and IMHO, the Stretch is his best to date.

The SS/Kraton version was handicapped by the choice of handle materials. Between the weight of the steel and the relatively fragile nature of the Kraton, it left much to be desired. The CF/ZDP-189 version was a huge improvement. The textured CF provided as good, or better traction than the Kraton, while being lighter, better looking, and damn near bulletproof. It's sole handicap was the price, which kept many from trying it.

The FRN version is nothing short of fantastic. It feels rock solid in my hand, cuts like a demon, and has one of the smoothest, if not THE smoothest, action of any Spyderco mid-lock. Traction is as good as, or better than, the CF, it weighs 15 grams less (95 vs 110), and its thicker handle, while slightly bulkier in the pocket, makes it more comfortable for prolonged use. The best thing is, it retains all great features of the original. Full flat grind for superior slicing ability, narrow blade for versatility, full ambi, maximal carry options, 14mm Spyderhole for ease of opening, and a great blade to handle ratio.

Paul
bar_02.gif

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
The Deacon said:
The FRN version is nothing short of fantastic. It feels rock solid in my hand, cuts like a demon, and has one of the smoothest, if not THE smoothest, action of any Spyderco mid-lock. Traction is as good as, or better than, the CF, it weighs 15 grams less (95 vs 110), and its thicker handle, while slightly bulkier in the pocket, makes it more comfortable for prolonged use. The best thing is, it retains all great features of the original. Full flat grind for superior slicing ability, narrow blade for versatility, full ambi, maximal carry options, 14mm Spyderhole for ease of opening, and a great blade to handle ratio.
Click to expand...

Can you post some spine shots? How much thicker is it then the Delica/Endura? Compared to the original CF?

I thought it was thinner then the CF version.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top