FRN vs. Zytel?

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xledzeppzosox

Joined
Dec 21, 2008
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Is there anyone that prefers one over the other? Any benefits or downsides to either? Or are they one in the same... Thank you guys.
 
They're the same. Zytel is a brand name for a fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) product.

Zytel is a DuPont product. A knife labled as having an FRN handle may or may not be Zytel depending on the source of the material.
 
Well, there may be some differences here and there depending on the manufacturer, but for all intents and purposes the words, at least in the knife industry, are interchangable.

Some feels different than others based on the maker. For instance, I think Spyderco's FRN feels better than the FRN that SOG uses. Actually, I like Spyderco's FRN better than a lot of G-10.
 
Don't know. Some makers in the far East use a high fiberglass nylon that's called G6. It seems to be really indistiguishable from G10 - very rigid, dry, and often the same linen pattern on the surface. But, cast to finished shape, which makes it cheaper.

Kudos to those who admit it.
 
most of my knives are of frn variety. Being new to knives generally though I've always wanted to buy some with g-10. After purchasing them though and handling I still favour frn or plastic scales on knives. I guess it might have to do with weight and ease of sliding in and out of pocket.
 
Psychopomp said:
Well, there may be some differences here and there depending on the manufacturer, but for all intents and purposes the words, at least in the knife industry, are interchangable.

Some feels different than others based on the maker. For instance, I think Spyderco's FRN feels better than the FRN that SOG uses. Actually, I like Spyderco's FRN better than a lot of G-10.
Click to expand...

That's because Spyderco's FRN (and G-10 for that matter) is made with (and paid a premium for) about 30% more fiberglass fill then standard. Most people who simply see the knives write them off as "cheap plastic handled knives", but once you handle one it has a certain amount of solidarity to it that convinces you it's a quality product and worth every penny.

Like he said, Zytel is a brand name for fiberglass reinforced nylon (plastic with fiberglass fill).
 
I use to think they were the same until I read what Sal had to say on it. Both are great space age plastics when made right!
 
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