This Stretch 2 Lightweight folder revives the original design, with a longer handle and refinded ergonomics. It features British racing green FRN scales over a stainless steel frame with a ZDP-189 steel blade.
The new Stretch 2 delivers a lightweight hunting folder, with full skeletonized stainless steel liners, a stainless steel back spacer, textured FRN scales, and a tube lanyard hole. It has a ZDP-189 steel blade, a stout back lock mechanism with a Boye Dent, and a versatile four-position hourglass clip.
The Spyderco Stretch started as a pet-project lockback knife design. Spyderco’s owner and chief designer Sal Glesser made it for his personal use, incorporating features he wanted. He wanted high performance blade steel with edge retention super-powers for outdoor cutting: things like wood, rope and anything encountered in the wild. It had to work equally well indoors on cardboard, mail and fingernails. He sized it so it wouldn’t scare non–knife people and made it look slick on the off chance he’d someday have to wear a suit.
This knife feels like it was made for me. The scales aren't fancy, but the directional grip is the basic Spyderco which is excellent functionally. ZDP-189 is a fantastic steel. For as hard as it is, it isn't chippy. Holds a great edge and isn't a beast to sharpen. Lock-up is tight. The ergonomics are perfect for my hand. The blade lines, jimping and choil are again, perfect for my hand. My favorite EDC.
I've had this knife for about 5 years. The fit and finish are excellent. The blade geometry is great but a little thick behind the edge. I reprofiled the edge to 7 degrees, this thing cuts like a beast and no chipping. Design wise I don't like the hump for the Spyder hole, but the blade has plenty of belly. As always the jimping is outstanding and the traction package on the scales is perfect.