Is FRN the same as Zytel?

[CraigC]

I'm a Spyderco newbie, but I love my lightweight Dragonfly. The various handle materials are confusing, especially with the acronyms floating around. A little help would be appreciated.



Craig

[Clay Kesting]

Craig,

As I understand it, Zytel is a brand name (DuPont?) for a particular brand of FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon). Many people seem to call the material Zytel no matter who manufactures it but FRN is a better generic term.
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[ronin203]

Clay, which is stronger, frn, or zytel?

[Clay Kesting]

Looks like I didn't make my last post clear enough. You'd think, as a teacher of materials, I'd be able to explain these things better <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Zytel <b>is </b> FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon). However I believe Spyderco uses another brand of FRN, the name of which escapes me (help Carlos <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>) which is stronger than Zytel. Basically the strength of the material will depend upon the amount and properties of the glass added.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[ronin203]

Thanks Clay, sorry i made you repeat yourself. I must of had a brain fart.

[Carlos]

&quot;Here I come to save the day...&quot; Well, okay, maybe not. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Here is a repost of my answer to the same question on the other forum:

FRN, as you know, means Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon -- put more simply, a composite material of glass and plastic.

The matrix, known as nylon, is a thermoset plastic that is actually tailor made by many different companies in proprietary formulas to accentuate different physical properties. &quot;Zytel&quot; is one of Dupont's nylon formulations, while &quot;Grivory&quot; is one of EMS Chemical's forumlations. These nylon matrices can then be reinforced with varying quantities of short e-glass filaments in order to improve strength, rigidity, and wear characteristics. The final mix can include 10% to 60% glassfill. The more glass the stronger and more rigid the final composite product, but it also becomes heavier and more brittle.

Spyderco (and other manufacturers) choose individual nylon formulations and glassfill mixes depending on the precise application.

[Clay Kesting]

Thanks Carlos, I knew I could rely on you <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Why can't I remember &quot;Grivory&quot;, it's such a normal sounding word after all <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Where do they get these names?

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[Carlos]

Hi Clay,

The reason why &quot;Grivory&quot; is so hard to remember is that manufacturers don't market the point -- except for EDI and their Genesis 2. I just found out a week ago that Spyderco has been using Grivory for 11 years. If they don't say anything, then we never know.