Stretch II

Flatlander1963

Flatlander1963

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Now that I've mailed my Millie on to its next owner, I've begun to think of what to replace it with. I keep coming back to the CF ZDP-189 Stretch. I really like the CF on my Manix II so that's a plus.

So anyone willing to talk about Stretch erogonomics? I own a Endura IV, Manix, Manix II, Mini-Manix, Tenacious, and Persistence and I'm crazy about them all. I found the Millie to big for EDC but like the Manix and it 3 3/4 blade for the same thing. I would love to hears some educated guesses about if'n I'll like a Stretch????

Thanks Guys

Oh btw, any Stretch pictures next to other similar size Spydies handy and available for viewing. :D
 
I too an interested in this model and I also would like to hear about this knife I was going to buy one but I bought a Caly 3 instead (it's an awesome knife)
 
I really like mine. The knife is very flat, so it carries easily, but the shape allows for a very secure grip. Here are a couple of pix I took with a Para when mine was new.

DSC_0050.jpg


DSC_0053.jpg


As you can see, it has more cutting edge than the Para, but is more compact when closed.
 
I was enamored of the Stretch II, after hearing about it's greatness on this forum, and experiencing the wonder of CF with ZDP in my Caly 3. But when I got it, I have to admit I was underwhelmed. Not that it's not a great knife, for it certainly is. But the thickness just seemed out of proportion to the other dimensions. In essence, it felt too thin. A knife of this size should be thicker, more hand-filling, IMO. It would be great for a slim EDC, but I already have that in my Caly3, so I was hoping for more of a hard-use folder I guess. So I ordered a FRN Stretch, just to see what it feels like, compared to the CF version. Something tells me I'm going to like the FRN version better, for what I'm after. But the Stretch II is a very very nice knife, to be sure...
 
It all comes down to taste and personal preference i guess. I originally got rid of my Stretch II CF to try out some other knives. I LOVED my Stretch. But i am an explorer. I gotta try new stuff out from time to time. Anyway, after some time handling a Military...too big, A Para...and i know i am the deep minority here and might get some shit for it, but i have a G-10 Delica...and the Para just doesn't do anything for me signicantly better than my Delica(in my own experiences and pref's) and i also tried out the Endura G-10, experiences had...information gleaned...I want my Stretch II CF back. It just feels sooo perfectly right in my hand. Better than the Para, Endura or Military. Conversely, my Brother tried my Stretch II out and hated the way it felt in the hand. Go figure. So far, my favorite Spyderco's out of all of them i have tried is the Delica and the Stretch II.
 
raindog101 said:
So I ordered a FRN Stretch, just to see what it feels like, compared to the CF version. Something tells me I'm going to like the FRN version better, for what I'm after. ..
Click to expand...

I've owned a CF Stretch for the past year or so,it is thin as you mentioned,a sort of stealth good sized edc. Received the FRN model a couple of weeks ago, its a little thicker,a little lighter, and the FRN grip is great..this Spydie is going to be a Classic, for sure. All one could ask for in an all around user.
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I love the Stretch II. It is, IMHO, Sal's best design. It is beautifully compact and extremely ergonomic. Although I will admit that, for prolonged use, I find the slightly thicker FRN version is even more comfortable. The texture of the Stretch's CF is not as aggressive as that on the Manix II, which I consider a plus, as it feels much better in the hand and in the pocket. I find the design of the Stretch's grip more comfortable than that of the Manix. For me, the Manix's extra finger separator reduces grip options.

Paul
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Thanks all for the your feedback.
Paul you do alway get right to the question in precise fashion. Excellent 'splainer you are!
 
I've both the FRN and now the CF Stretch, the first edition I guess with the
heavier set of jimping on the spine of the blade.
And the CF is grippy but as noted above not as grippy as previous releases,
for me, I prefer the gippier feel, just a little more confidence in use when wet
but this does work.

The handle is thinner than the FRN model, but it has a more robust overall feel
to me, more substantial is how I'd put it I guess. Between the two, I'd keep both :)
but if I had to grab only one, it'd be the CF one.

G2
 
Just ordered the FRN Stretch...looking forward to it keeping my CF Stretch company ;)


Chris D.:D
 
I agreed to buy something from G2 today that might put the Stretch on hold for a while...well I know it will.
Sebenza.jpg
 
That does look nice ;)

And to add to the thread, a photo of the FRN Stretch, an Orange Millie, a CF Stretch
and Buck Vantage Pro

IMG_3093.jpg


IMG_3094.jpg


IMG_3095.jpg


But that Sebenza should keep you company for a while at least :)
G2
 
G2,

Thanks for the extra pictures. I have a Vantage Pro and love it so that was a great layout for me esp with the Millie that I just let go.

Oh yea, thanks for the opportunity on that Sebenza!! I'm fired up about that.
 
Do you guys think that the Stretch has enough room on the handle for large sized hands?
 
Just measured mine, there's a little over a 3 1/2" grip.
For me there's room for one more little finger,:D
 
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Thanks for the measurement. :thumbup:

If you all could help me with one more question I'd really appreciate it. Do the CF scales pop off when the screw are taken out or are they epoxied on? I'm not concerned with durability, I'm just wondering about the possibility of changing the scales while keeping the originals intact. Thanks again.
 
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I'm pretty sure that the CF scales are separate from the liners, if thats what you are asking. So yeah, you could switch out scales.
 
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