FRN - talk me out of it

I don't like FRN handles. i've used Endura and Delica. VG-10 is great, and FRN makes the knives light; however, they feel cheap. They trap dirt easily too. I actually wished Spyderco used G-10 for their Warrior.
Generally, I still stick to G-10 handles, but probably because many great knives (para2, manix2, superleaf) use G-10. If u really want to give FRN handle a chance, i'll recommend a stretch.
 
I used to be an (anti-)FRN snob. Boy, what a dummy! I now love the material and all its advantages. Light weight, low cost, tough, variety of colors, easy to work with given the organic shapes Spyderco is known for. What's not to like? I own several Spydies, and FRN is the most common handle material for me.

Do yourself a favor, and try a Stretch (any flavor) in FRN. You can thank all of us who recommended it later!
 
EZ Bake said:
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.
Click to expand...

I'm new'ish to Spyderco, i have two and a few Byrds.

I got a FFG Delica 4...I was a bit skeptical about FRN too, and while i still prefer g10 spyderco does FRN very well and I really have trouble imagining a better light duty edc knife.

Like you I'm a fan of a blade with a finger choil, but on the delica there is enough room there to perch your index finger for delicate tasks.

I'd say go with the FFG because...sub 3 inch blade, FRN handle, this is not a heavy duty knife, so get the slicing optimized version :D
 
Well you guys suck at talking me out of things :)

2011-05-05105612.jpg


So I went with Delicas for now - picked up a Blue and a Grey one (and a Red trainer to swap scales with the Grey one) for my two sons - I think they are going to love these. I then snagged a green one for myself.

Now the Wave-trainer is pretty cool to operate - it might have me talked into getting a waved Spyderco at some point.

Kids are at school now, but I can't wait until they make it home and see these.
 
EZ Bake said:
Well you guys suck at talking me out of things :)

2011-05-05105612.jpg


So I went with Delicas for now - picked up a Blue and a Grey one (and a Red trainer to swap scales with the Grey one) for my two sons - I think they are going to love these. I then snagged a green one for myself.

Now the Wave-trainer is pretty cool to operate - it might have me talked into getting a waved Spyderco at some point.

Kids are at school now, but I can't wait until they make it home and see these.
Click to expand...


Nice score !

1234,,,,,:)
 
Good picks, EZ! :thumbup:

Be sure to post your thoughts on your Delica once you've had a chance to get acquainted with it!
 
timberweasel said:
Good picks, EZ! :thumbup:

Be sure to post your thoughts on your Delica once you've had a chance to get acquainted with it!
Click to expand...

So far, its probably the best slicer I've ever owned. I'm really digging VG10 and to be honest, the FRN is really working for me.

Might have to pick up a Stretch next - I'm waiting on the Native 5 until I make the jump into that model, but the Stretch is calling my name - just with it was a leaf or spear instead of the drop-point.
 
Hey EZ Bake, great choice going with the Delicas! I'm honestly a bit jealous of your kids. ;) Spyderco is definitely tops in the industry with their execution of the FRN handles. I started with a saber-ground Delica myself, and I've since acquired a Dragonfly2 FRN, UKPK FRN in maroon (PE leaf-shaped) and a Delica FFG in blue (sold recently), and I have a VG-10 Stretch on the way. I swear it's a disease, and this is my enabling "support" group. :rolleyes:
 
Hi EZ,

Thanx for the trust and the plunge. I hope you enjoy the knives. Good choices, although I have to say that red live knives are a question (my job to say that). I carry a FFG Delica quite often. Hard to fault the knife. (It is in it's 4th refinement).

FRN is the tractor, the 18 wheeler, the shovel. Good FRN (they are not all the same) is an exceptional material.

sal
 
FRN looks cheap (you wanted someone to talk you out of it right?) and feels cheap since it is SO LIGHT. I have an Endura made with the stuff only because I got it cheap. That being said, I am absolutely impressed with the FRN. I have FRN, G10, SS and Micarta all from Spyderco, and they are all excellent handle materials.
 
Yep FRN are the backbone of Spyderco, it have served me well over the years and hope it will in the future too.
 
My sons have both worn the finish off of their pocket clips from carrying them everywhere (except for school) and my youngest (with the red Delica) got it nice and dirty/gritty. Since I originally had to take it apart to put the red scales on it, I went ahead and cleaned it and lubed it with Lucas Assembly lube at that time. Now, its just a wash it with hot soapy water and rinse and its still lubed (the Assembly lube is very tacky/sticky). These are definitely very made to be utilitarian/rugged knives for what they are.

I used mine on some steak and pork chops this weekend and they slice like nothing I've ever used before. I'm very impressed with the grind/edge-geometry/steel - its a very potent combo.
 
Great choice; from the pictures above they look great and makes sense that your kids love them.

I love my gray Delica 4, VG-10, FRN, it is awesome. It is easily one of the best knives I have ever had (although I only have a meager collection of 8 or so knives ha). It has handled every task I have thrown at it and I have never been disappointed. The FRN is awesome, it is the best handle material I have, but I will admit I don't have a G-10 knife.
The FRN is nicely textured, great grip and feel and really seems durable. The FFG, VG-10 is awesome, an amazing slicer yet I feel like it can handle pretty good use/abuse. The lock is great too, although it does have some up and down blade play since I took it apart to clean a few months ago. Overall an awesome knife.

I hope they serve you and your family well.


And jacktrades_nbk, cool pictures, good to know the Delica can handle some good, dirty use haha.


_Czech
 
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I'm one of those who tried to talk you out of FRN... and i just ordered a stretch! Noooo! Spyderco knives (regardless of grinds) are all excellent slicers!
 
I actually prefer Spyderco's FRN over most older handle materials when it comes to folders.
Regardless of what other knife I might be carrying, a FRN Delica has been a constant companion for over a dozen years.
I happen to prefer the saber grind and the older hollow grind of my "98" Delica with the pointy tip but that's just me. I have a use for serrations, and I carry combo edged Delicas.
 
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