Handles

[Rookie]

Which handle do you prefer, Stainless steel, FRN, or G-10. I like the heavy feeling of ss. Two days ago I picked up a frn dragonfly and it felt light and kind of cheap compaired to my ss rookie. I want to get the Calypso Jr. Lightweight but I'm not sure what the handle feels like. Does the fishscale design help?



In the land of knives, Spyderco is king.

[SpyderNut]

Now you're talkin'! I just ordered the Calypso Jr. Lightweight yesterday, with the 'fish-scale' designed handle. One thing I'll say for the Lightweight model, is that you can move the pocket clip from one side to the other. With the micarta handled one, it is the one side only. Of course, its a matter of opinion. I do agree with you, the s/s has a nice 'solid' feeling about it. One thing I don't like about the stainless steel handles, is that they can be scratched a lot easier than the FRN or G10. But hey, the Calypso Jr. is one awesome little knife and I think whatever you get it in will be great.
Besides, if you get a model you don't like,
you can send it to me! :-) hehehe

Spydernut

"I'm dreaming of a Spyderco Christmas..."

[J Smith]

Depends on the knife.Native FRN,rookie ss,endura-delica FRN.

Jeff

[yog]

SS and G10 are about equal in my book, although for different reasons/uses. On a toss up I would say G10.

Next comes micarta, nice an elegant, but not as grippy as G10 or as solid as SS.

A long way down the list comes FRN. In fact the only FRN handled knife I own is the Calypso Jnr Lwt, and only because the rest of the knife is so good.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

[bell]

I think the best is yet to come. There must be some future surface without the drawbacks of the "elegant" micarta or the "strong" stainless. Wait and see.

[gadfly]

The G-10 scales are my material of choice.

It is hard and strong with a good grip and feel to it. Further, it is quite light. Since I carry a knife all day, I prefer the G-10.

Stainless Steel has a substantial "heft" to it, which comes at the cost of weight. This weight gives the impression that it is stronger, but I think G=10 is quite strong. If you also use the knife as a hammer, the heft is a plus.

The down side to G-10 is it doesn't hold a screw as well, which is why the Military has a s/s backing on one side.

[Brian]

Ooo! I would have to say, so far, that FRN is my favorite, just cuz I don't have any of the others yet.

"Where were you when the world stopped turning..."

[Hoosierdaddy]

I like very Exotic materials such as Ti and CF. Having worked in the Composites industry for a few years I guess I was spoiled! I also like the Almite coated Aluminum, although I don't have an Almite handled Spydie yet. (one's on the way, in the form of a Chinese Folder!)
The FRN handle on my Native P/E is quite nice for a sure grip! Unlike my Enduras and Delica, the intricate detail on the Native is one of the reasons it is high on the list of my fav. Spydies The S/S, CF, Ti, and Almite don't offer such gripping power, but they sure are purty!
Anyway that's my 2 cents worth

[Sword and Shield]

I like FRN for grip, SS for heft and overall strength. An ideal handle design for me would be an FRN with 2 SS liners. A little hefty, but best of both worlds.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[ruxton]

i agree with yog, s'either gonna be g-10 or stainless. if you put a gun to my head (figure of speech there, don't actually come to my house and point guns at me) i'd have to say SS, feels more satistying
MAT

[toothed]

It depends on the knife and its intended use. Each material has its own merits. My preference on folders is ti especially if it is coutoured like on the original Herbst. Obviously, I also like the Ti Lum Tanto for its beefy heft. Based on knife forum posts I feel that the Lum is underrated--there is much to like about this knife with its thick blade, strong point, smooth action, comfortable and sturdy handle with ti scales, and yes, a tough liner lock that I trust.