Stretch/ZDP-189 Question

jackthedog

jackthedog

Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
873
Hi All,

I've pretty much decided on getting a Spyderco Stretch - I was wondering if the extra $20 or so for the ZDP-189 is worth the cost compared to the VG-10 version?

For sharpening I generally use a Sharpmaker. I don't really anticipate this being a heavy duty knife, more than likely light EDC tasks.

Thanks!
 
In a word, Yes. I experience much better edge retention on the zdp 189s that I own. The Sharpmaker will get the job done as far as keeping it maintained. I have the Stretch in zdp 189 and its a heck of a knife.
 
I just bought the stretch in vg-10. Wow its sharp. I bought it in frn because I usually carry a delica sized spydie and did not want extra weight. I am very pleased with my selection and like you this is my new edc and I will carry a heavier knife outdoors. The cf is awesome to look at! Sorry for wideining your choices.
 
No, thanks for your input. It's good to hear. I have a Manix 2, so I think I'm good for a heavier, harder use knife. I think I might just have to flip a coin for ZDP or VG-10.
 
I bought one recently, and went with the FRN ZDP-189 version. My reasoning was that while I have lots of VG-10 knives, I didn't have any ZDP ones, so I wanted to try it out, and the peel-ply CF handle looks too much like boring old G-10. If I get carbon fiber, I want the Sage/Bradley/etc. style where you can really see the weave pattern. Blue won. It's a very nice knife any way you go, though.
 
I was going over the blue Stretch I have here last night.
I'm not a real fan of the blade style, but the whole package is kinda growing on me.
The handle contours are very comfortable in hand, and the bi-directional grip texturing is interesting.
Denis
 
I've handled FRN, just don't own it. Nor do I have a CF - just G-10 Spydercos. I think I'll probably go with FRN, I feel like it's more conducive to being used. CF just looks more refined. Though that's just my opinion.
 
I just got a Caly3 in CF with ZDP. The steel is harder than VG-10, and may not be as suitable for heavy use. I haven't used the Caly3 yet, so I can't comment on how the edge holds up, but I know that VG-10 is good stuff.
I have a Spyderco kitchen knife that I haven't needed to sharpen over the past 1 1/2 years since I got it. I checked it a couple of days ago, and it still shaved hair. It gets a lot of use, with the toughest work probably pineapple.
 
What I'd like to know is whether the FRN versions have any blade play. My Delica does, but this is due to the FRN flexing rather than any construction issues. Anyone with a Stretch care to comment?

FRN is one of the best handle materials for using IMO. It's very grippy, cheap and harder to crack when dropped. Downside is it looks cheap.
 
For what it's worth I have the delica FRN and G-10. The G-10 locks up very tight. NO play at all. FRN delica has play but so little it's not a problem.

I have a CF Stretch, zero play in any and all directions. So if the delica senario holds than it may have slight blade play but again I don't think you'd have to worry about it.
 
ZDP-189 holds an edge great, but your sharpening sessions are going to take longer, that's for sure. I have the VG-10 model of the FRN Stretch 2, and I think it's perfectly sufficient. Even when the edge is dull, the knife continues cutting because of the thin blade profile anyway.
 
I have a stretch with frn and while its only 2 weeks old there is no play and I am thinking there won't. As far as frn looking cheap I don't think so. I also choose frn because I carry an expensive custom made silver money clip and I know the frn won't damage it from rubbing against it.
 
You guys are killing me. Just kidding. I think I might just go with the FRN VG-10. It sounds a bit easier to maintain and like a great knife. The lower price point helps too.
 
jackthedog said:
You guys are killing me. Just kidding. I think I might just go with the FRN VG-10. It sounds a bit easier to maintain and like a great knife. The lower price point helps too.
Click to expand...

That’s exactly what I just bought for my first Spydie. Great knife. I just added a couple of photos of it in the “Post your Spyder Pics” thread.
 
You will like it. Lightweight, good grip and the money you have leftover vs a more expensive model has you that much closer to you next knife.
 
Ah I'm too late on this. I would've gotten the zdp if not for the extra performance then just for the exotic/cool factor. That being said, VG-10 is a great steel. You can't go wrong with either.
 
Stretch is my favorite EDC folder. CF Stretch II is a total class act, thin and elegant. However, if I have a lot of cutting to do, the FRN version's extra thickness makes it more comfortable for me to use. Between the two FRN versions I'd say go for the VG-10 unless you are eager to try ZDP-189, have a strong preference for blue, or occasionally do enough cutting in the course of a day to require resharpening a VG-10 blade. Otherwise, you're pretty much just paying for the ability to defer maintenance.

Paul
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