Is Stretch II that good?

R

rkhndjr

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Jun 10, 2010
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189
I am looking at several knives, can buy only one, and the Stretch has been recommended quite often. Is the Carbon Fiber ZDP worth that much more?
 
I have had a CF ZDP Stretch for almost two years now. It is by far the most ergonomic and useful knife that I own.

As to is it worth the price for CF and ZDP, I would say yes. The knife is every thing I would want in an every day carry piece and thanks to Spyderco for producing such a gem.

BTW I own several Benchmades, as well as other Spyderco's, some SAKs and and a host of multi tools and the Stretch 2 sees the lion's share of pocket time. I my opinion it is an excellent knife.:)

Cheers,
Shane
 
It's a great EDC, I love mine. Very well built.
Ergo's are right on and it carries well.
Nothing wrong with ZDP 189 except that it can be a bear to sharpen.
 
Ive seen a few Stretch knives with carbon fiber and zdp for $110-125

recently here and on JD fs ads. The frn version has been both forums for

80-90. These are nib knives,
 
Have not personally owned a Stretch 2, but have always been intrigued by it's design. The Carbon Fiber ZDP model is one heck of a good looking knife and I'd put out the extra bucks for the Premium.

If I buy a knife to keep I want it to be one that I won't want to get rid of. ;]
 
The Stretch 2 is one of the best knives produced by Spyderco. So comfortable in hand and cuts like no other. Get the ZDP-189 version either in FRN scales or CF scales and you have one of the best performing cutting tools out there imo.
 
the stretch is a good cutter & well finished, i do consider it too expensive especially when compare to the bradley in m4. the stretch is streamlined & lightweight however in a side by side comparison to the bradley [about 40$ less] it is apparent the bradley is much more bang for the buck. the bradley is so smooth it rivals custom cutlery, also a stronger knife but at the cost of being heavier. i do not wish to debate alloys here but in my opinion m4 not only outcuts zdp but is a stronger metal. if the stretch was offered at the same price or even less than the bradley then one could consider it to be almost comparable for the dollar. i have both knives & have cut cardboard with each & my nod for value is the bradley. what do i carry? a millie in s30 & an endura in zdp ffg.the x-tra weight of the bradley means it usually stays home but the bradley is much stronger than most of the spydie line. for a person desiring a robust folder up to any task the bradley pales the stretch.dennis
 
I love mine but I wish the factory edge were thinner. I had to spend a fair amount of time thinning the edge.
 
My Stretch II is probably in the top 3 EDC knives I rotate. Especially after I slapped it on the Edge Pro, though it was plenty sharp out of the box. I'm not a fan of CF generally, so mine is FRN. Consider also the blue FRN with ZDP.
 
I personally don't find the carbon fiber to be worth all that much more, but I love the colour and feel of the blue FRN. Your experience may differ.

You already have a Delica4 right? You will have found by experience whether you like the FRN or not.
 
Just wait till Paul (Deacon) gets on this thread. :)

The Stretch II is a great knife. If you don't like the carbon fiber go for the FRN model. Either one is very nice, though the CF version is just "nicer" if you like CF.
 
it's a friggin' sick knife and you'd be silly not to have one in your collection. It's size is perfect for larger EDC tasks, the FFG blade really cuts through things effortlessly, the profile of the blade lets you get in delicately yet cut heavily, and the handle ergonomics are nothing short of perfect in every manner of grip you can think of.
 
I opted for the FRN. I own plenty of things made of CF...in my mind the material is all about function. I have never seen any knife that benefits functionally from CF greater than it could with G10 or FRN. Aesthetics are a whole different story.

CF costs a LOT compared to G10 (and FRN, but it is hard to directly compare raw material costs). FRN is very economical from a manufacturing stand point, and while some do not like the looks, it performs VERY well. CF by contrast is expensive to buy in sheets, expensive to cut and sculpt (it is hard on blades). CF simply costs more to mass produce knife handles with. Many people feel that the aesthetics warrant this cost (I personally do not).

These are just my opinions (and a couple are probably facts). I think if you compare the Stretch II to most other knives made with identical (or even similar) materials, you will find that it is a good value!
 
I found the Stretch ZDP Blue at Amazon for $94.41 free shipping. I think I wlll go for that.
 
I have a CF Stretch, also a FRN ZDP model. I find the FRN more comfortable and lighter to carry.
 
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