FRN - talk me out of it

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
1,752
So I've not liked (ever) any of Spyderco's FRN models (or any Spydercos for that matter). Then I started getting into knives and slowly but surely went from owning a few Kershaws, to owning a few Benchmades, to owning a bunch of Spydies (not nearly as many as some of you guys) and none of them are FRN models (all G10 EDITED - and a CF Sage 1, forgot about that one).

I still don't own an FRN model, but since I got my Superleaf, I've discovered how much I love VG10 and I feel like I need to get over my dislike of FRN once and all.

I like plain edges and 3-3.5" blades, so the Delica seems like the obvious choice. I don't mind black or colorful handles (I actually like the blue and green models), but I'm not sure whether or not I want the thicker tip of the hollow-grind model, or the perfect cutting edge of the FFG models.

The Endura seems like it would be just a little too large for my liking, but I'm not sure its as large as its specs make it out to be (been watching youtube videos on both knives).

School me on what my first FRN model should be.
 
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I would say your first FRN should be a ZDP-189 British Racing Green Stretch. It's a perfectly designed slicing machine. FRN is good, it takes a lot of use and does not show wear that much. That volcano texture that is used provides the most positive traction I've ever seen on a handle, even better than some G10. You will NOT be sorry, trust me. I'm a Spyderholic for sure. ;)
 
RevDevil said:
I would say your first FRN should be a ZDP-189 British Racing Green Stretch. It's a perfectly designed slicing machine. FRN is good, it takes a lot of use and does not show wear that much. That volcano texture that is used provides the most positive traction I've ever seen on a handle, even better than some G10. You will NOT be sorry, trust me. I'm a Spyderholic for sure. ;)
Click to expand...

Touch'e sir - and with a finger choil too (my biggest complaint about most of the FRN models is a lack there of).

Hmmm. I knew better than to post this - I see a lot of money going out and a lot of FRN coming in to my very near future...
 
For a while now, I've gotten my two boys a couple of knives every so often with my various knife purchases (they both like different colors - as do I, it allows me to keep their knives separate and prevents fighting :D ) and I'm thinking that a couple of Delicas would be nice additions to their growing collections. They're really starting to appreciate the various aspects of quality knives and the differences between the different designs and manufacturers.

So on that note, has anyone swapped the red scales from the trainer with those of a real Delica (to end up with a sharp Delica in red)? I thought about doing this so one of my kids gets the red one, one gets the green one and I can get a blue one.

Just a thought.
 
FRN is much better in my opinion that competitive options from other knife companies. I think it's got to do with the great texturing that Spyderco uses. From the Volcano pattern to the Bi-Directional texturing, it gives great grip and is light weight. RevDevil's spot on.
 
I like FRN because it is so light. The knives are plenty strong enough as long as you don't do anything too ridiculous. For basic cutting they are plenty strong.
 
I like some of the FRN Spydies. You are going to need the Endura and the Stretch with black handles for sure.
 
I often carry a zdp-189 FRN Stretch and give it a :thumbup: also . Very grippy, light, great knife.
 
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Another vote for the Stretch, in either VG-10 or ZDP-189. Great ergos and only slightly bigger than a Delica, but with an extra half inch of blade.
 
I have a Native 3 with FRN handle, unbelievable strong considering it has no liners, has been through hell and back, used it for a few years, still strong as the first day, and i didn't baby it, not one bit, and still using it.
As for your first, I recommend the delica, it was one of my two first spyderco, bought it with an endura, and since than i bought another 2 delica, one pink sabre, and one zdp in green.
yeap, delica, go for it :D
 
Yet another vote for the stretch. I really like Spyderco's FRN - it's not quite as "soft" feeling as some other companies' and the texturing is superb. Very lightweight too but it will dent, etc. easier than G-10.
 
If you get the FRN Stretch with ZDP-189, I can almost guarantee that the only thing you will wish after you got it is that you had more than one of them.
 
I like my FRN Stretch's so much, I gave my CF Stretch to my son.
 
If the Endura is too big for you, have a Stretch or a Delica if you want to go even smaller. The Delica is a truly excellent EDC, the Stretch is a little bigger and wider, but feels very good in the hand. Either way, you CAN'T go wrong.
 
I'd start with the Delica/Endura and then pick up a Centofante 3. Great EDC knives with awesome FRN...
 
If you started with a FRN Delica, you might not have needed to work through all the Kershaws and Benchmades to realize the FRN Spyderco Delica is about as good an EDC for the money as exists.
 
I agree with getting the Stretch 2...it barely feels like FRN, it is so comfortable and well-designed.
 
Can't really say anything bad about spydies FRN. Aside from my Tenacious and Resilience, FRN spydies are all I can afford! I love FRN.
 
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