FRN handles for EDC knives

[ringzero]

For years I EDCed knives with FRN handles made by Buck, Gerber, Cold Steel, and Spyderco.

Pure FRN handles, not FRN scales over metal liners or metal frame.  I'm using FRN generically for FRN, Zytel, and similar glass reinforced polymers.

Somewhere along the line I switched over to EDCing metal frame knives and now I can't recall why.  None of my FRN knives ever let me down during use.  Always appreciated their lighter weight and more reasonable prices.

Lately I've been getting back into FRN and I'm appreciating it more and more for EDC.  The more expensive and heavier metal handled knives no longer get much pocket time with me.

What are your thoughts on FRN handle knives?

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[Freudian Frog]

I like 'em! Not love, but they save weight and are certainly grippy enough.

Frankly if you expect that kind of heavy duty use out of a knife you should be carrying a fixed blade.

[Spoonrobot]

I love 'em!

My two longest EDC pieces are a Pacific and Atlantic Salt from Spyderco. Both are linerless FRN and neither one has ever let me down. But I actually prefer FRN w/liners over G10. I find a good texture design, like the Spyderco bi-directional, to work better for me than straight textured G10 since it's a little lighter and generally less bulky.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I like them

I used to edc a lot of CS and Spyddies with FRN handles, and never had any problems at all

[Gadget Guy]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales. 

[ringzero]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales. 

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

[Gadget Guy]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales. 

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

I have a large hand and I get a much better grip with G-10. I think it adds very little extra weight to the knife and I think it looks a little better too.    Here is my Emerson Commander with G-10 scales. It would look silly with FRN scales on it. 

[ringzero]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales.  

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

I have a large hand and I get a much better grip with G-10. I think it adds very little extra weight to the knife and I think it looks a little better too.

Nice looking Emerson there.

I agree that G10 makes a better looking handle than FRN.  However, let's compare weights and prices of popular models.

Cara Cara G10:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03GP

Cara Cara FRN:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03PBK

FRN scales - 3.8 oz
G10 scales - 5.6 oz
An increase of 1.8 oz.

Going from FRN scales to G10 scales increases the weight of this knife by nearly 50 percent!

I bought the G10 Cara Cara because reviews said the G10 was grippier and sturdier.  Now I sort of regret not getting the lighter FRN version.

G10 may be sturdier, but I hardly think G10 is grippier than a well textured FRN handle.

.

[Gadget Guy]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales.  

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

I have a large hand and I get a much better grip with G-10. I think it adds very little extra weight to the knife and I think it looks a little better too.

Nice looking Emerson there.

I agree that G10 makes a better looking handle than FRN.  However, let's compare weights and prices of popular models.

Cara Cara G10:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03GP

Cara Cara FRN:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03PBK

FRN scales - 3.8 oz
G10 scales - 5.6 oz
An increase of 1.8 oz.

Going from FRN scales to G10 scales increases the weight of this knife by nearly 50 percent!

I bought the G10 Cara Cara because reviews said the G10 was grippier and sturdier.  Now I sort of regret not getting the lighter FRN version.

G10 may be sturdier, but I hardly think G10 is grippier than a well textured FRN handle.

.

Heck if I have to worry that much as to how much my knife weighs I would buy an all ti knife.    You like FRN which is cool, but it seems silly to compare FRN to G-10. FRN is a budget material plain and simple. I have plenty of FRN knives and they are great, but I still wish they all had G-10. 

[Sean]

I like straight FRN handles very much on some of the models out there.  The Salt series folders by Spyderco are
nice, light, and tough and as soon as I get a Lansky sharpener I will be able to deal with the only complaint I
have with my Pacific folder.
I enjoy carrying stainless as well as G-10 scales.  It's nice to have options. 

[ringzero]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales.  

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

I have a large hand and I get a much better grip with G-10. I think it adds very little extra weight to the knife and I think it looks a little better too.

Nice looking Emerson there.

I agree that G10 makes a better looking handle than FRN.  However, let's compare weights and prices of popular models.

Cara Cara G10:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03GP

Cara Cara FRN:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03PBK

FRN scales - 3.8 oz
G10 scales - 5.6 oz
An increase of 1.8 oz.

Going from FRN scales to G10 scales increases the weight of this knife by nearly 50 percent!

I bought the G10 Cara Cara because reviews said the G10 was grippier and sturdier.  Now I sort of regret not getting the lighter FRN version.

G10 may be sturdier, but I hardly think G10 is grippier than a well textured FRN handle.

.

Heck if I have to worry that much as to how much my knife weighs I would buy an all ti knife.    You like FRN which is cool, but it seems silly to compare FRN to G-10. FRN is a budget material plain and simple. I have plenty of FRN knives and they are great, but I still wish they all had G-10. 

Can't see why it's silly to compare FRN and G10 - both are common materials used for handles and scales.

Comparing two otherwise identical models of Cara Cara, except for the scales, seems valid to me.

I most definitely do not accept the proposition that G10 is superior to FRN because it's more expensive!

Lighter weight is an important consideration for EDC items - at least for me.

For some applications G10 may be superior to FRN.  For some applications FRN is definitely superior to G10.

To each his own.

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[Tinnie]

I feel the same way with GG here. I really like FRN, but I just like G10 more

[Benner]

I love FRN.  Good, solid and lightweight material that is cheap, grippy and also doesn't show many signs of wear.  I have a few FRN knives and plan on getting more.

[GraysonK]

I like straight FRN handles very much on some of the models out there.  The Salt series folders by Spyderco are
nice, light, and tough and as soon as I get a Lansky sharpener I will be able to deal with the only complaint I
have with my Pacific folder.
I enjoy carrying stainless as well as G-10 scales.  It's nice to have options. 

What's the complaint?

[Benner]

Sean had issues with sharpening if I remember correctly.

[David Bowen]

I own quite a bit of knives in FRN and they are really good for the price and they withstand stress well. Helps makes for an extremely light weight EDC knife. A prime example of this is my CE Endura, it's a big knife but it's super light weight and you don't even realize it's there till you need it. Now with Gadget Guy talking about G10, I have become a G10 junkie lately and in alot of ways it's like FRN. G10 can be funny depending on what knife company uses it, sometimes it can be so darn rough (CS AK-47) it will tear the crap out of your pants and some are so smooth (Buck Vantage Pro) and buttery it's quite a drastic change from the normal. I like both materials and I love the abuse that both of them can take, they get my vote. BTW is FRN and Zytel close to each other?

[GraysonK]

Sean had issues with sharpening if I remember correctly.

Ah!  that's right, I remember now. 
And although I haven't tried a whole lot of G-10, I too prefer the FRN.  I like the grip and the lighter weight as well.  Plus there is something about the pattern that I just prefer. 

[ringzero]

BTW is FRN and Zytel close to each other?

FRN is a generic term for a range of products produced by a number of companies.

FRN = Fiber Reinforced Nylon.  The fiber is usually glass fiber.  And there are different formulations of nylon.

Zytel is the trade name of a FRN product made by DuPont, IIRC.

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[Sean]

That is right I have an uneven grind on my Salt.  Some blade forum users have had similar problems with theirs.
Not a big issue but I need to pick up a Lansky or Gatco system and re profile the edge and then it
should be good.  Until then unfortunately the Pacific has been tossed in the box. 

[GraysonK]

That is right I have an uneven grind on my Salt.  Some blade forum users have had similar problems with theirs.
Not a big issue but I need to pick up a Lansky or Gatco system and re profile the edge and then it
should be good.  Until then unfortunately the Pacific has been tossed in the box. 

I think we talked about this before.  I had that problem with my Salt 1 and reprofiled it with my smith's system.  Works great now. 

[jzmtl]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales.  

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

I have a large hand and I get a much better grip with G-10. I think it adds very little extra weight to the knife and I think it looks a little better too.

Nice looking Emerson there.

I agree that G10 makes a better looking handle than FRN.  However, let's compare weights and prices of popular models.

Cara Cara G10:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03GP

Cara Cara FRN:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03PBK

FRN scales - 3.8 oz
G10 scales - 5.6 oz
An increase of 1.8 oz.

Going from FRN scales to G10 scales increases the weight of this knife by nearly 50 percent!

I bought the G10 Cara Cara because reviews said the G10 was grippier and sturdier.  Now I sort of regret not getting the lighter FRN version.

G10 may be sturdier, but I hardly think G10 is grippier than a well textured FRN handle.

.

There are other factors contributing to the weight, i.e. the back spacer is metal instead of frn, and g10 scale is thicker than frn as well.

[Gadget Guy]

I like them too, but I would much rather have G-10 on my knives. On a budget knife I don't have any problem with FRN scales.  

Curious as to why you prefer the G10?

G10 may be somewhat tougher than FRN - at least it touted to be tougher - but it is also a lot heavier.

Even on metal liner knives, G10 scales can add a lot of weight compared to FRN.

The Byrd lineup of knives offers models with stainless liners equipped with either FRN or G10 scales.

G10 Cara Cara, for example, is a couple of oz heavier than the FRN Cara Cara.  The G10 may be somewhat stronger, but I've never seen any tests directly comparing the two knives.

.

I have a large hand and I get a much better grip with G-10. I think it adds very little extra weight to the knife and I think it looks a little better too.

Nice looking Emerson there.

I agree that G10 makes a better looking handle than FRN.  However, let's compare weights and prices of popular models.

Cara Cara G10:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03GP

Cara Cara FRN:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03PBK

FRN scales - 3.8 oz
G10 scales - 5.6 oz
An increase of 1.8 oz.

Going from FRN scales to G10 scales increases the weight of this knife by nearly 50 percent!

I bought the G10 Cara Cara because reviews said the G10 was grippier and sturdier.  Now I sort of regret not getting the lighter FRN version.

G10 may be sturdier, but I hardly think G10 is grippier than a well textured FRN handle.

.

There are other factors contributing to the weight, i.e. the back spacer is metal instead of frn, and g10 scale is thicker than frn as well.

Thank you!    I knew there was more than just the G-10 that added to the weight on the Cara Cara.    G-10 is a fairly light material.

[ringzero]

There are other factors contributing to the weight, i.e. the back spacer is metal instead of frn, and g10 scale is thicker than frn as well.

Thank you!    I knew there was more than just the G-10 that added to the weight on the Cara Cara.    G-10 is a fairly light material.

Like I said above, I've never seen a comparison test of the FRN and G10 versions of Cara Cara.  All Cara Cara versions are rated "Heavy Duty" by Spyderco, IIRC, but I'd guess the G10 handle is stronger because G10 is stiffer than FRN.

That ranking is one step below Spyderco's top rating: "MBC" = Martial Blade Craft, which is reserved for their very toughest folders like Chinook for example.

I do like the G10 Cara Cara, but it's too heavy for me to EDC.  The lock and handle of my G10 version feel super heavy duty indeed.  Feels like this knife would be nearly indestructable in any non-abusive task.

Let's look at another popular Spyderco model that comes in both FRN and G10 versions.  Comparing the FRN Dragonfly and the new G10 Dragonfly:

FRN version is just under 1.2 oz:


G10 version is just under 2 oz:


Again, the G10 version is about 50 percent heavier than FRN.

Note that the G10 Dragonfly actually weighs about as much as a typical 3-inch bladed FRN folder.

More comparison pics:








Clip comparison:




Thickness comparison:


I own a FRN version Dragonfly which I love, but not the newer G10 version.

The G10 version is a better looking knife IMO, but is also substantially heavier and way more expensive than the FRN version.  The G10 version is probably stronger, but I'm not sure how important that is for a smaller knife like the Dragonfly.

Some people prefer the FRN version for its lighter weight, while others actually prefer the heft of the heavier G10 version.

(These Dragonfly pics were posted over on the Spyderco forum.  If the original poster objects to these pics being posted here, please notify me and I'll remove them.)

.

[David]

I like linerless FRN on some knives such as the Spyderco Salt series of knives. But I carried Emerson and Strider knives to long to totally give up G-10 and titanium liners. But having said that the D4W with a Krein FFG is one of my very favorites.

[Gadget Guy]

There are other factors contributing to the weight, i.e. the back spacer is metal instead of frn, and g10 scale is thicker than frn as well.

Thank you!    I knew there was more than just the G-10 that added to the weight on the Cara Cara.    G-10 is a fairly light material.

Like I said above, I've never seen a comparison test of the FRN and G10 versions of Cara Cara.  All Cara Cara versions are rated "Heavy Duty" by Spyderco, IIRC, but I'd guess the G10 handle is stronger because G10 is stiffer than FRN.

That ranking is one step below Spyderco's top rating: "MBC" = Martial Blade Craft, which is reserved for their very toughest folders like Chinook for example.

I do like the G10 Cara Cara, but it's too heavy for me to EDC.  The lock and handle of my G10 version feel super heavy duty indeed.  Feels like this knife would be nearly indestructable in any non-abusive task.

Let's look at another popular Spyderco model that comes in both FRN and G10 versions.  Comparing the FRN Dragonfly and the new G10 Dragonfly:

FRN version is just under 1.2 oz:
(Image removed from quote.)

G10 version is just under 2 oz:
(Image removed from quote.)

Again, the G10 version is about 50 percent heavier than FRN.

Note that the G10 Dragonfly actually weighs about as much as a typical 3-inch bladed FRN folder.

More comparison pics:
(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Clip comparison:
(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Thickness comparison:
(Image removed from quote.)

I own a FRN version Dragonfly which I love, but not the newer G10 version.

The G10 version is a better looking knife IMO, but is also substantially heavier and way more expensive than the FRN version.  The G10 version is probably stronger, but I'm not sure how important that is for a smaller knife like the Dragonfly.

Some people prefer the FRN version for its lighter weight, while others actually prefer the heft of the heavier G10 version.

(These Dragonfly pics were posted over on the Spyderco forum.  If the original poster objects to these pics being posted here, please notify me and I'll remove them.)

.

I give up...    Happy trails, buy FRN for all of your knives.   

[Benner]

Thanks for those Dragonfly pics.    I am thinking about another folder and the moulded clip lightweight Dragonfly is on the list (with many others  )

[ringzero]

Thanks for those Dragonfly pics.    I am thinking about another folder and the moulded clip lightweight Dragonfly is on the list (with many others  )

Get one - you'll love it.

Great ergonomics.

Light enough to be carried clipped to a shirt pocket and short enough to carry loose in a trouser pocket.

Very good cutter due to its thinner blade.

Legal EDC about anywhere in the US, although maybe not so good for UK EDC.

.

[Benner]

I just have this thing that in my mind moulded clip eventually leads to broken clip.  I'm sure this isn't necessary true, but I can't seem to get past it. 

[ringzero]

I just have this thing that in my mind moulded clip eventually leads to broken clip.  I'm sure this isn't necessary true, but I can't seem to get past it. 

From what I've read, broken FRN clips are rare.  Supposedly more durable than metal or wire clips.

Some people don't like clips on knives this small.  They remove the clip immediately by cutting, filing, and then sanding.

My major gripe about the FRN clip is weak retention on thinner fabric.

Decent retention on denim and similar, but on thinner dress slacks or shirts, the fabric isn't quite thick enough for the clip to be sprung outward away from the handle.

Supposedly this issue can be fixed with a small square of skate board tape under the clip.

.
 

[ringzero]

There are other factors contributing to the weight, i.e. the back spacer is metal instead of frn, and g10 scale is thicker than frn as well.

Thank you!    I knew there was more than just the G-10 that added to the weight on the Cara Cara.    G-10 is a fairly light material.

Like I said above, I've never seen a comparison test of the FRN and G10 versions of Cara Cara.  All Cara Cara versions are rated "Heavy Duty" by Spyderco, IIRC, but I'd guess the G10 handle is stronger because G10 is stiffer than FRN.

That ranking is one step below Spyderco's top rating: "MBC" = Martial Blade Craft, which is reserved for their very toughest folders like Chinook for example.

I do like the G10 Cara Cara, but it's too heavy for me to EDC.  The lock and handle of my G10 version feel super heavy duty indeed.  Feels like this knife would be nearly indestructable in any non-abusive task.

Let's look at another popular Spyderco model that comes in both FRN and G10 versions.  Comparing the FRN Dragonfly and the new G10 Dragonfly:

FRN version is just under 1.2 oz:
(Image removed from quote.)

G10 version is just under 2 oz:
(Image removed from quote.)

Again, the G10 version is about 50 percent heavier than FRN.

Note that the G10 Dragonfly actually weighs about as much as a typical 3-inch bladed FRN folder.

More comparison pics:
(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Clip comparison:
(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Thickness comparison:
(Image removed from quote.)

I own a FRN version Dragonfly which I love, but not the newer G10 version.

The G10 version is a better looking knife IMO, but is also substantially heavier and way more expensive than the FRN version.  The G10 version is probably stronger, but I'm not sure how important that is for a smaller knife like the Dragonfly.

Some people prefer the FRN version for its lighter weight, while others actually prefer the heft of the heavier G10 version.

(These Dragonfly pics were posted over on the Spyderco forum.  If the original poster objects to these pics being posted here, please notify me and I'll remove them.)

.

I give up...    Happy trails, buy FRN for all of your knives.   

Thanks for the kind advice, Gadget Guy.  ;>

Oddly enough, my next knife purchase will probably be this guy because it's available at WalMart:



http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1760

I've read tons of good reviews of the Skyline.

I'm very impressed that Kershaw is able to use G10 for the handle and still keep the weight down to 2.3 oz for a 3+ inch blade.

,