Thoughts on FRN Police?

J

JBoone

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Dec 30, 2012
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K390 plain edge should be here tomorrow.

Just interested in others feedback on this model (not necessarily in this steel).

If I like I may snag the PD1 as well.

Thanks!
 
IMG_6476.jpegIMG_6475.jpegIMG_6472.jpegIMG_6469.jpegLove it! I’ve been buying up the serrated edge version (couple for me and one for my son) as they were heavy discounted. Thinner body /blade stock than military, more blade, and 4 way clip options make it a special piece! I’ve been looking at getting a PD1 sprint too.

Added pictures
 
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I like it a lot, my K390 serrated is my pocket chainsaw that I carry every day. It's lightweight and remarkably unobtrusive to carry, but big enough for my oversize mitts. As long as you understand that K390 is NOT stainless, i think you'll love it.
 
I only have the PD1 sprint Police 4, but I didn't really take to it, although I'm not sure why. I prefer the Military 2 and Stretch 2 XL and my big folders.
 
Police 4 is my favorite knife. It's the knife I judge all new knives by, which I try to see if they can take it's place but they usually can't. Next on my list is military 2, preferably in Magnacut, but I've already let 2 smaller compression lock knives go and am not sure if I want to give the compression lock a third try. It's like trying to convince yourself you like something when you actually don't haha.
 
I had one and really liked it. Over 4" of K390 goodness in a reasonably sized package for the blade length. I even got a set of custom carbon fibre scales made for it and enjoyed carrying it when I needed a giant folder.

All of that said, I ended up selling it. What I have determined is that for really big folders, I prefer a design that allows me to clean inside of them more easily and my Militaries carried the day. That is just a personal preference for my particular uses, of course. If it seems interesting, I would suggest grabbing one. Personally, I'd choose K390 over PD#1 but you can't go wrong with either.
 
somniloquist said:
I prefer a design that allows me to clean inside of them more easily
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Do you mean disassembly? Because if you mean just clearing dust out of the scales or lockup area there has been no area I can't reach with the edge of my shirt folded into a corner and swiping it through. As for cleaning the pivot area, I'd also argue it's quite easy once you figure out the lockbar goes back in last.
 
stillshot2 said:
Do you mean disassembly? Because if you mean just clearing dust out of the scales or lockup area there has been no area I can't reach with the edge of my shirt folded into a corner and swiping it through. As for cleaning the pivot area, I'd also argue it's quite easy once you figure out the lockbar goes back in last.
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Air compressor followed buy some oil does wonders.

Received the knife today. Will carry it and gather my thoughts.

I realize that this is not a “traditional” police. In my case it is more of an inevitable continuation of my K390 collection.

This is not a sprint run, but stock seems to be dwindling and decided to get in case they don’t produce more. Have had my eye on since they were released.

I think I will like it but will see - will be tough to displace the stretch 2 or stretch 2 XL in the Seki line as a favorite.

Edit: Modern favorite - I still have a soft spot for the Delica 😁
 
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stillshot2 said:
Do you mean disassembly? Because if you mean just clearing dust out of the scales or lockup area there has been no area I can't reach with the edge of my shirt folded into a corner and swiping it through. As for cleaning the pivot area, I'd also argue it's quite easy once you figure out the lockbar goes back in last.
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No, I typically use big folders on backcountry camping/canoe trips for food prep and fishing. They tend to fill full of gunk or fish guts and folders like the Military make it easier to clean, since I can easily pass a cloth through one side to the other. You can certainly clean a lockback effectively, I just prefer the pass through models more. A quick swish in a lake and a wipe down and we are good.

Also, I disassembled my Police 4 to change the scales and that is not something I wish to repeat. I like Spyderco lockback s very much, I just don't want to disassemble them, if I can avoid it...
 
Hi JBoone,

Thanx much for the thread and the kind words. I thought to share some thoughts on design.

Talkin' Story;

The original Police model was designed after quite a few Law enforcement officers said they liked the serrated "Mariner/Rescue" models, but they wanted one with a point. They liked the straight cutting edge, just give us a point. a 4" blade is fairly large and the maximum legal blade length in most of the US a that time (mid '80's). I wanted as small a package wrapped around the blade as was possible and still be safe and ergonomic. The Police Model served that end. We refined the model over the years in many ways. and still retained that 4" blade length.

I personally like to carry a large blade that is more versatile than a smaller knife and still work for food prep. Now and then, I've designed a few models that were for me personally for one reason or another. The Police 4 was one of those models. A large blade that was about as large a folding knife that could be easily carried, and a thin light handle that was easily carried, ergonomic, took a minimum of pocket real estate, and was relatively affordable for a quality piece. . I decided to go into production on it because there ae a number of knife folks that have similar tastes to mine. The Stretch 2 XL was another such a model.

sal
 
I love my Police 4 in K390. Before I got it I was into smaller folders that wouldn't be so bulky in the pocket. Then I discovered I could easily carry a 4" slicing machine without even realizing it was there. Now I'm stuck on large but pocketable folders; I find I can just do more with a larger blade.

BqFuvYw.jpeg


I even ordered a spare which I now regret selling.

PGoIg20.jpeg


I've got to admit, I'm a big fan of the FRN models in K390.

EDBR8Ef.jpeg
 
oldmanwilly said:
I love my Police 4 in K390. Before I got it I was into smaller folders that wouldn't be so bulky in the pocket. Then I discovered I could easily carry a 4" slicing machine without even realizing it was there. Now I'm stuck on large but pocketable folders; I find I can just do more with a larger blade.

BqFuvYw.jpeg


I even ordered a spare which I now regret selling.

PGoIg20.jpeg


I've got to admit, I'm a big fan of the FRN models in K390.

EDBR8Ef.jpeg
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I am up to 6 in the K390! Will be 7 soon with the xl which seems to be rolling out.
 
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