I've been missing out with the FRN models...

[amateur blacksmith]

FRN will get me to buy a Para 3. PM 2 with FRN is a no brainer. I cant wait!!! Especially for a salt version with the signature yellow scales. Light and durable. plenty of grip. Takes some crazy abuse to break.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

Btw we tried to tell you, you just didn’t want to listen.

Most of mine are FRNs.

 

[jstn]

FRN will get me to buy a Para 3. PM 2 with FRN is a no brainer. I cant wait!!! Especially for a salt version with the signature yellow scales. Light and durable. plenty of grip. Takes some crazy abuse to break.

That's what I'm really holding out for. Either Para 3 or PM2 with LC200N and I will be thrilled.

 

[BD_01]

That said, I still hate the FRCP material Spyderco uses on the Manix LW. That feels lime brittle plastic to me.

I'm afraid I have to agree. FRCP was conspicuously absent from my list of “likes” up above.

Spyderco’s FRN is good stuff.
(So is their G-10, Ti, & CF)

That said, I still like the M2 LW in spite of the FRCP.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Hi Jstn,

A pretty common problem of judging by eye instead of using your brain and hands. It is just my opinion, but I believe that if most knife afi's would get more out of their purchase if they would try to experience the whole knife before making decisions. "Experiencing" the design, feel, weight, balance, cutting, sharpening, carrying and any function that was built into the design. Kind of a communication between the designer and the individuals that actually made the knife, for you the end line user. Our Golden knife-makers are very proud of their achievement to build these tools. I'm sure our makers overseas share the same passion. Look at the knife as a sharing between you, the designer and the makers.

FRN is an exceptional material for knives.' Blackie Collins first brought it to market with Gerber's LST which he designed.

sal

 

[jstn]

Hi Jstn,

A pretty common problem of judging by eye instead of using your brain and hands. It is just my opinion, but I believe that if most knife afi's would get more out of their purchase if they would try to experience the whole knife before making decisions. "Experiencing" the design, feel, weight, balance, cutting, sharpening, carrying and any function that was built into the design. Kind of a communication between the designer and the individuals that actually made the knife, for you the end line user. Our Golden knife-makers are very proud of their achievement to build these tools. I'm sure our makers overseas share the same passion. Look at the knife as a sharing between you, the designer and the makers.

FRN is an exceptional material for knives.' Blackie Collins first brought it to market with Gerber's LST which he designed.

sal

Thanks for the reply, and the sage advice, Sal. And thanks for consistently putting out innovative and functional knives. Spyderco really does seem to excel at building knives that perform, and I think that is part of their beauty!

 

[luke86]

I used to steer clear of frn as well. Thought is was cheap and flimsy and wouldn't hold up. Preferred all the more exotic/higher end materials. Finally gave frn a true shot and now its all I carry. Lightweight and very functional. Not to mention the models are usually cheaper leaving more funds for more knives.

 

[archieblue]

I had zero interest in the Para 3 until the lightweight announcement. FRN/FRCP is really great stuff.

 

[DShiflet]

My very first non "budget" folder was a Native Lightweight. Since then I've picked up a newer Native 5 Lightweight, 3 Enduras, 2 Delicas, 2 Delica Wharncliffes, a Salt Wharncliffe, a Tasman Salt, a Sppderhawk Salt, 2 Manix 2 Lightweights, a Dragonfly, a Ladybug, a Ladybug Hawkbill, and a Manbug, as well as a Byrd Cara Cara 2 and Byrd Hawkbill, all with FRN. My next purchase will be a Native 5 Salt, and I'm definitely planning on picking up the Endura Wharncliffe when it comes out so...I got no issues with FRN.

 

[PirateSeulb]

This FRN talk has me drooling over 4 spyderco knives and crying at the site of my wallet.
Manix 2 LW Maxamet, Native 5 Salt LC200N, UK Penknife LW S110V, & Para 3 LW BD1N

 

[Sharp Guy]

This FRN talk has me drooling over 4 spyderco knives and crying at the site of my wallet.
Manix 2 LW Maxamet, Native 5 Salt LC200N, UK Penknife LW S110V, & Para 3 LW BD1N

All 4 are fine choices. I have several of Spyderco's FRN/FRCP models and I enjoy them all. I'm looking forward to adding a Para 3 LW to the collection.

 

[Gizler00]

I have always liked Spydercos FRN. I had an endura way back in the early 90’s. It was my first Spyderco, and first time with frn. I carried it for years and years, until I reluctantly sold it for more spydercos. Now my frn Spydercos consist of a few delicas. I have found that it is an amazing material for all sorts of work/uses when needing a knife. When it’s cold it grips, when it’s hot it grips, when it’s grease covered it grips.......you get the point.

Damnit.....now I need a new frn spidey! Maybe an endura4 or a KWL manix......maybe both!!!! I hate this place!

 

[Shane77]

I felt the same way, I prefer G-10, but I am so glad I tried my first frn model. They definitely aren't what they seem, much much better in person.

 

[TRfromMT]

My first FRx was the Maxamet Manix 2. Instant, hard pass. I can squeeze the handle and flex the plastic. I'm not going to find out how durable that is over time. As such, I'm now not at all interested in any other FRx model.

So, my perception is my reality. Message from the designer aside, and maybe I am truly missing out, but my brain said "This thing is cheap!" and I became convinced of it instantly. The knife went back up for sale at a substantial loss. Oh well.

Fortunately, there are about a thousand other models my brain says, "Must try!", including the Manix 2 4V from Fradon.

 

[sharp_edge]

I agree. On inexpensive and small knives, FRN/FRCP are fine choices as handle materials. But on knives like PM2, Military, and Manix 2, I definitely prefer G10 or CF. Had two light weight Manix 2 and sold both. The handles are not as comfy as G10 and feel cheap. On the other hand, Delica handle feels great.

 

[Shotgun]

I have two hap40 delicas. One wharny in frn and a standard blade pattern in pakkawood. I vastly prefer the frn scales. It’s lightweight and contoured perfectly. To me it’s like a mora. It’s not going to win a beauty contest but when work needs to be done it’s where it’s at.