New Stretch 2 - with its predecessor

[Murdoc]

Today, my newest Spydie arrived - and not my cheapest one :-)

The new Stretch 2 is a fine piece of art, and since I own the first one, too, I was curious about the differences. Well, besides the Steel, I can't see any change in the blade shape (which is a good thing), but the handle changed a bit, especially the butt. See for yourself:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6683.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6687.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6688.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6690.jpg

In spite of other opinions found in some threads here, the CF pattern in fact seems to be identical to the one found on my CF Millie:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6680.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6681.jpg

One thing I noticed is that the laquer coating on the clip is somewhat "rougher" than I'm used to it from i.e. the Delica. Maybe you can see what I mean here:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6700.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6701.jpg

[Murdoc]

Ok, enough comparing, now some pics I shot in the garden (wish it wouldn't be raining):

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6691.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6703.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6704.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6707.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6710.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6713.jpg

Now, I'll start convincing myself to EDC it..... help me ;)

Dennis

[buglerbilly]

Mine arrives in a few days so I'm no use.............:rolleyes: ;)

You're on your own..............

Regards,

BUG

[mrappraisit]

Ok, enough comparing, now some pics I shot in the garden (wish it wouldn't be raining):

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6713.jpg

Now, I'll start convincing myself to EDC it..... help me ;)

Dennis

Dennis, Great pics! I like the garden setting, and the comparison shots to the Stretch I. As far as EDC'ing it just ask yourself:
WWSGD
What would Sal Glesser Do? He would EDC it. :)

[Murdoc]

Well,

I'm EDCing it right now.

The action still is a bit stiff, but no play on the plus side :)

But I just can't finally warm up with ZDP in the stock grind. Because of the grinding angle on the "right" side being more than 30°, I have to use the 40° setting on the sharpmaker. And for the life of me, with that angle, I just can't get this steel as sharp as VG-10 or S30V or CPM-D2. That's just disappointing :(

But there's still hope.


Dennis

[Mr Blonde]

Very nice pics, Murdoc. Too bad about the uneven grinds on the edge of your sample. My Stretch II has relatively even edge grinds, but I have encountered really uneven grinds too. It does get easier to correct this after multiple sharpening sessions over a few weeks time though. On the plus side, the hard ZDP blade hardly attracts any scratches.

Wouter

[Peter1960]

I'm EDCing it right now...
Hi Dennis,

Congrats to your new knife. So you convinced yourself of EDCing your Stretch II, next step ... every day user. Mine is still pristine though :o

Your spring pictures are great, appreciate to see the Stretch II in fresh air.

Different grinding angles on ZDP-189 steel is a pain, I had the same "problem" on my Calypso Jr. and solved it on my Tormek. Unfortunately my Tormek has a sandstone and not the original grindstone. ZDP-189 was intractable, it need nearly 20 minutes and a lot of sandstone material to regrind the bevel.

[amen74]

Thanks for the pics Murdoc. Just missed a great deal on a Stretch 2 a few weeks ago. It looks like a great knife. Now I want one even more!

[spydutch]

Very nice pics Murdoc:cool: :cool:

[jaislandboy]

thanks for the great pix Murdoc :cool:

[Murdoc]

....and a 2nd Strech 2 is on the way to me right now :cool:

This one was so much of a bargain I just couldn't let it pass.

Now, I think that one of them will have to go eventually, to fund more *other* Spydies......

Can't wait to compare the grinding angle :)

Dennis

[Shike]

Great pics and a sweet looking knife! Congrats! It was meant to be used.

[Murdoc]

The other Stretch just arrived.... along with a new old stock Original Stretch.

You want pics? Here U go:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6726.jpg

That's the other one (notice the difference in the CF pattern!)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6733.jpg

along with its friends:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/Murdoc370/CIMG6727.jpg

Am I a happy camper or what :) ?

Dennis

[buglerbilly]

Mine arrived Friday; I have to admit I like the feel of the handle on the original better but then again that may just be me and my steel "fetish".

Steel with inserts...........mmmmmmmmm :D :spyder:

Regards,

BUG

[amen74]

Nice pictures. Looks like you'll have to "Stretch" your budget.