Which Stretch?

E

Evany

Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
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I'm planning on getting a Stretch, FRN most likely, but can't decide between ZDP189, Superblue and VG10. This one's definitely going to be a user for me. I do get my knives wet a lot, but I take good care of them so corrosion is not that much of an issue. I guess performance is the main issue for me, though I do like the gray color best. The main reason I'm look for a Stretch is the combination of light weight, 3.5" FFG blade and compact size. Should I hold out for a Stretch 3?
 
Sal has developed a Stretch with a larger finger choil and a wider blade. It is due to be released this year with brown G10 and a solid ZDP-189 blade. If that speaks to you you may want to wait for it to come out. If it's well received an FRN version with the updates will be released. I don't own a Stretch yet, I'm waiting for the G10 version.
 
Evany said:
I'm planning on getting a Stretch, FRN most likely, but can't decide between ZDP189, Superblue and VG10. This one's definitely going to be a user for me. I do get my knives wet a lot, but I take good care of them so corrosion is not that much of an issue. I guess performance is the main issue for me, though I do like the gray color best. The main reason I'm look for a Stretch is the combination of light weight, 3.5" FFG blade and compact size. Should I hold out for a Stretch 3?
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You can't go wrong with the VG-10 lightweight. Great package at a great price.
Mine was a combo edge FFG and it was one of the best cutters I owned till I lost it.
Also owned the ZDP version but preferred the VG-10 combo edge by far.
 
I'm personally holding out for the G10 version coming out soon, I wa a bit shocked when I saw the MSRP though, it's a lot more than the FRN version...$350! Street price looks like it's going to be in the low $200s...I like the Stretch design a lot but that's awfully steep, I'll have to fondle it before I make a final call.
 
I like the super blue. I use a delica SB for work, on occasion I have cut drywall, scrape caulk, just beat it up. Has not chipped or rolled on me, keeps going, its covered with paint, dust, and anything else that could get into it on a construction job site. Have a SB stretch coming tomorrow.

like the VG 10 also, never tried the zdp 189
 
If its a user I say get a FRN in Superblue or VG10, ZDP will most probably lack the toughness you need. I really like the Superblue.
 
I like them all. That's the problem. The 3 sounds like it will be heavier, but that sounds great otherwise.
 
I like ZDP-189, and I carry a FRN Stretch model nearly every day (I save my Stretch CF for weekends). I find it easiest to sharpen using a slack belt grinder. It produces a convex edge which is ideal for ZDP-189. A fine 330 belt for the edge shape, followed by a leather strop belt with white compound. Makes a polished edge that lasts thru weeks of cutting boxes and strapping.
 
I'm a huge fan of VG-10 so, assuming you can still find a PE Stretch in it, that would be my first choice. It's the most reasonably priced of Spyderco's current stable of Japanese steels and it's easy to sharpen, holds an edge decently well, and takes serious neglect to develop rust. Those touting ZDP-189 note that it holds an edge about twice as long as VG-10, but almost always forget to mention that it then requires about twice as much time and effort to sharpen, so you're really paying extra for deferred maintenance, not less maintenance. I've also found it to be considerably less rust resistant than VG-10, which is a considerable negative for me. I'm not a huge fan of patinas, and even less of a fan of rust, so Super Blue is not something I'd want in my pocket.
 
The Deacon said:
I'm a huge fan of VG-10.... Those touting ZDP-189 note that it holds an edge about twice as long as VG-10, but almost always forget to mention that it then requires about twice as much time and effort to sharpen, so you're really paying extra for deferred maintenance, not less maintenance.
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It really depends on the application for the knife. I use my knife dozens of times every day at work, mainly opening or cutting up boxes. I used a Spydie Native for some time but its S30V blade needed sharpening every few days. I then tried my Endura w/VG-10, and it only fared slightly better. It lost its sharpness quickly but didn't chip as bad as the Native did. Then I got my Stretch ZDP-189 and I quickly found I was rarely sharpening it. I don't think it will get as sharp as VG-10, but it is far more wear resistant and holds a "working edge" many times longer.

I have no issues with rust, and in fact I find that ZDP-189 polishes very well on my belt strop. So the question of blade steel needs to factor in the intended use.
 
I'm still on the fence. Looks like the VG10 version will be discontinued soon and it is cheaper and tougher than ZFP189, but I have a ZDP Caly 3.5 that is working out great for me... guess I have to keep mulling it over.
 
Ive been asking myself this lately. I cant settle on my perfect combination of materials. I would love one of the old carbon fiber sprints with ZDP and the old school thumb ramp style. I will probably get the new brown one coming out. If the super blue was entirely that steel and not composite I would likely have picked one up.
 
If the blade was solid Superblue like the Caly Sprints, it would be more interesting to me as well.
 
Decided on the Superblue version. I don't have anything in Superblue and the performance along with ease of sharpening appeals to me. I'm also thinking that the ZDP version will be around for awhile, while the SB Stretches are already getting scarce. Lastly, that gray FRN is pretty cool looking.
 
Evany said:
Decided on the Superblue version. I don't have anything in Superblue and the performance along with ease of sharpening appeals to me. I'm also thinking that the ZDP version will be around for awhile, while the SB Stretches are already getting scarce. Lastly, that gray FRN is pretty cool looking.
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good choice, just got mine, put my 19 degree 38 inclusive edge on it. its a awesome knife, great ergonomics , fits like a glove in the hand. lightweight, carries great, grippy handles.
 
The FRN SuperBlue Stretch is one of my favorite Spydercos (Ok, ok, I have like 2 dozen favorite Spydercos :p)
I should carry it more, but I like it so much I just keep it locked away in my knife box. Scared to scratch up that 420J1 with my keys in my pocket...
 
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