Video: Stretch 2 XL Nishijin – Spyderco Design Production Sample 2023

This Stretch 2 XL Nishijin production sample was shown at the 2023 Spyderco Amsterdam Meet. 

For a more detailed look, photos and information, go to my earlier post on the Stretch 2 XL Nishijin production sample.

Stretch 2 XL Nishijin – Spyderco Design Production Sample 2023

Yes, Nishijin is back! Apparently, Spyderco still has some blue Nishijin glass fiber left. Enough for one production run of the Stretch 2 XL. This mesmerizing material features a type of circular woven glass fiber that gives off a kind of 3D effect. It was used back in 2012 for a sprint run of the C67 R in black nishijin, and blue nishijin was used for a sprint run of the C86 Spin in 2014. Around that time, a few other Spyderco folding knives were made with Nishijin handles as well.

According to Eric, this could be the last Spyderco to be made with Nishijin handles. Besides the striking handle material, this sample of the Stretch 2 XL came with a Cru-Wear blade.  

Specifications

Closed: 4.97 inch / 126 mm
Overall: 8.90 inch / 226 mm
Blade: 3.99 inch / 101 mm
Edge: 3.46 inch / 88 mm
Thickness: 0.118 inch / 3.0 mm
Steel: CPM Cru-Wear
Weight:  4.4 oz / 125 g
Grind: Full-flat
Lock: Back Lock
Handle: FRN
Carry: Ambi
Clip: 4-position
Origin: USA

I have no information on pricing or release dates.

Spyderco 2017 Production Sample – Bob Lum Lil’ Lum Blue Nishijin Sprint

The Lil’ Lum sprint run with blue nishijin was one of my favorite knives at the meet. The Chinese Folder design is one my longtime favorites in the Spyderco line-up and this small Lum is a really nice gent’s knife that’s even passably lefty-friendly. The blue nishijin is a nice accent for a gent’s knife like this. I’m happy to note that, as I write this, I already got my own blue nishijin Lil’ Lum. So this one can be crossed off the wish list!

 

Specifications
Overall Length:  13,6 cm / 5.37  inches
Blade Length: 6 cm / 2.38 inches
Blade Thickness: 2 mm / 0.07 inches
Weight: 51 grams / 1.80 ounces

Spyderco 2014 Production Prototype – Spin & Concept Model – Bead

The Spin is back for a sprint run in blue nishijin glass fiber. The blue handle color was quite striking. I loved the mini bead design; I think it’s a logical evolution from the first beads. Those first larger beads can be quite heavy if you attach them to a very small or lightweight knife.

The Spin combined with this mini bead made for a perfect little carry combo, I could get a full grip on the knife using the mini bead.  Naturally, a tip-up clip would fit even better with the mini bead lanyard.

R Nishijin Sprint Run

I did pick up a few new spydies over the past few months, but the Amsterdam Meet and becoming a father again did take me away from my regular posts. Now, I’m enjoying a few days off to enjoy my new baby girl. The house is all asleep now, so finally some ‘me-time’. Time to show off my new R Nishijin Carbon Fiber sprint run.

At the Amsterdam Meet Eric Glesser explained some aspects of Nishijin Carbon Fiber. The pattern on each knife is a different, something I did notice when comparing the R sprint with my Lum Chinese Folder sprint. IIRC, this particular pattern of weaving carbon fiber is similar to a type of weaving used for kimonos. At one time a video of a Japanese car manufacturer found its way to YouTube. It showed how this Nishijin carbon fiber was woven. Unfortunately, it was taken off YouTube again in 15 minutes. Spyderco can’t get the information from the manufacturer; the production process of this type of carbon fiber is proprietary.

It doesn’t really show in these pics, but this Nishijin carbon fiber has a really smooth and shiny surface. It’s not very grippy, but the pattern is very pleasing to the eye. The new Nishijin R is a bit heavier than my other two Rs. The edges on the handle are nicely beveled, much more than the previous R editions. This Nishijn R is the first plainedge R in my collection, I´m curious how it will perform.

The R2 Sprint was my first introduction to this model and it was love at first sight. I always like to carry a serrated spydie for backup and serious cutting chores, while a plainedge takes care of all daily tasks. The R2 in SE is perfect for this role as it’s very lightweight and easy to carry. The size, blade length and cutting ability of the R is just right for me. The dimensions and ergos are very close to my favorite utility EDC, the Stretch 2. The Original R is as light as air. The slotted blade isn’t very user friendly, but I do carry it sometimes. In a perfect world, the Nishijn R (or R3?) would come with a serrated edge but I’m very happy with the knife as is. The ergos are great for me, much better than an Endura. It’s kind of odd that this design never really took off.

Click to read my review of the R2, even though it’s filed under ‘collectibles’ I still carry it often. I updated the R-family pics with the new Nishijin R.