Description

Spyderco Stretch 2XL Lightweight C258PSBK Folding Knife

Spyderco’s Stretch 2 XL Lightweight is the next chapter in a story that began decades ago. Its long, rich history began with a focus on the needs of hunters and outdoorsmen; but its design has continued to evolve far beyond that range to become one of the most capable all-purpose folding knives in our range.

The roots of this story began in 1983 when Spyderco co-founder Sal Glesser created the C03 Hunter. It was the first CLIPIT knife with a recessed tip blade – a style preferred by many outdoorsmen for processing game. Like all early Spyderco models, the Hunter featured a GIN-1 stainless steel blade, a riveted stainless steel grip, a robust locking mechanism, and a single-position clip configured for point-down carry. Both right- and left-handed versions were produced, and both were available with PlainEdge and SpyderEdge paddles.

In 1991, the Hunter design was updated to add a bit more “belly” to the blade and incorporate kraton inserts in the handle and clip to provide a more secure grip in tough field conditions. These changes originally created the C13 Pro-Hunter, but as this name was already in use by another company, it was later changed to ProVenator (venator means “hunter” in Latin). To reduce the weight of the knife and make it more affordable, in 1994 the ProVenator design was created with a lightweight glass fiber reinforced nylon (FRN) handle with a Kraton insert and an integral clip configured for folding carry. Initially, this model was called the ProVenator Lightweight, but since the term “venator” was not well known in the mainstream market, it was later renamed the C33 ProGrip.

In 1999, the C13 and C33 were combined as the C13 ProGrip, which continued to be available with a choice of stainless steel or FRN grips. During the early 2000s, both versions were made from several different blade steels and offered in both PlainEdge and CombinationEdge configurations.

In 2004, the ProGrip was phased out and the first Stretch model was introduced. As the name suggests, this was an “extended” version of the ProGrip design. 17 percent larger overall and with a blade 24 percent longer than the ProGrip, the Stretch was originally built with a stainless steel handle, Kraton mirror inserts on both sides, a four-position pocket clip and VG-10 stainless steel. blade. In 2006 this version was discontinued and a year later replaced by Stretch with carbon scales and ultra-high-carbon ZDP-189 blade. Unlike the Hunter, Pro-Hunter, ProVenator and ProGrip models, which all had hollow grind blades, the refined Stretch design also marked the transition to a full flat grind.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the Stretch pattern was rendered in 2009 in a more affordable lightweight version with an injection-molded FRN grip, highly grippy Bi-Directional Texture, skeletonized stainless steel inserts and a four-position pocket clip. The Stretch Lightweight was originally offered with a VG-10 stainless steel blade, but soon inspired other variants, including one with an ultra-high carbon ZDP-189 blade and a British Racing Green FRN handle.

In 2015, Sal Glesser went back to the drawing board and redesigned the Stretch to slightly lengthen its grip, improve ergonomics and deepen the index finger’s ability. Together, these subtle changes increase the user’s control over the knife and make it even more suitable for general use. Dubbed the Stretch 2, the design was originally offered with fully skeletonized stainless steel inserts and G-10 peel-coated scales, and was also inspired by lightweight versions with blades made from both standard stainless steel and high-performance tool steel. On some versions of the Stretch 2, the signature drop-tip blade has also been replaced with a “straight-tip” profile that echoes Spyderco’s classic design style and supports more advanced, multi-purpose features by providing a sharper tip.

Throughout this evolutionary process, in addition to the many versions of the main product line described above, we have also produced a wide range of Variants, Exclusives and Sprint Run expressions of these models with different steel blades, handle materials and other unique features. .

Stretch 2 XL light

What happens when you stretch something that has already been stretched? In the case of Stretch 2, you get an “extra-large” expression of the same proven design – and much more.

The Stretch 2 XL Lightweight extends the overall length of the Stretch 2 by eight percent, while packing 13 percent more blade length into its fully ground VG-10 stainless steel blade. The straight back of the blade tapers to a sharp, utilitarian point, giving it the signature “modified clip point” profile of some of Spyderco’s most iconic models. The fully accessible round trademark opening allows quick and reliable one-handed opening with one hand. To allow for better control during precision cutting, the design features a 50/50 choil (finger groove) that allows the user to “choke” and grip the knife closer to the blade. Both the choil and its opposite thumb ramp have strategically placed jimping (textured grooves) to ensure a secure purchase.

Despite its larger size, the Stretch 2 XL is actually 29 percent lighter than the Stretch 2 Lightweight – tipping the scales at just 2.7 ounces (77 grams). It achieves this amazing quality by ditching the stainless steel inserts of its predecessor and using a linerless design. Its injection-molded FRN handle scales have a network of reinforced ribs on their inner surfaces to give them increased structural strength. The outer surfaces feature a two-way texture pattern for a secure and non-slip grip even in the most demanding conditions. A robust lockback mechanism securely locks the blade in use, and a fully configurable four-position pocket clip provides a choice of left or right, flip or tip. These features together with the completely symmetrical design of the knife

It offers extra high cutting performance in an ultra-lightweight package. This remarkable folding knife, the culmination of an evolutionary process that spanned nearly four decades, is in a class of its own.

Specifications
Blade length: 10 cm
Length when closed: 12.6 cm
Total length: 22.5 cm
Blade thickness: 0.3 cm
Blade material: VG10 stainless steel
Blade Style: Leaf Shape
Blade grind: Fully flat
Surface treatment of the blade: satin
Blade Edge: Combo
Handle material: FRN
Handle Color: Black
Locking mechanism: Lockback
Pocket clip: Stainless steel (Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left carry)
Model Number: C258PBK
Model Name: Stretch 2XL Lightweight
Weight: 2.7 oz. (77g)
Made in Japan