C90 Stretch

The C90 Stretch started as a pet-project lockback knife design. Spyderco’s owner and chief designer made it for his personal use, incorporating features he wanted. He wanted high performance blade steel with edge retention super-powers for outdoor cutting: things like wood, rope and anything encountered in the wild. It had to work equally well indoors on cardboard, mail and fingernails. He sized it so it wouldn’t scare non–knife people.

Appearance in catalogs

The C90 Stretch Lightweight first appeared in the 2009 Spyderco Mid-Year Spyderco Catalog Supplement.

Designer

Sal Glesser

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

The Stretch CF/FRN is often referred to as the "Stretch 2" or "Stretch II", while the FRN version is also additionally known as the "Stretch Lightweight". This "Stretch 2" nomenclature was adopted by the Spyderco forum, but was incorrect, as these versions of the Stretch were based on the same pattern as the Stainless Steel and Krayton version and were therefore variations on the original Stretch. The true Stretch 2 came about in 2015 with the introduction of the brown G-10 version, which implemented design changes and used a new pattern, so became a true generational change. This was clarified by Sal after some discussion and research.

On the Spyderco forums:

• "The on-going Stretch 2 review thread" thread contains a lot of pictures and information by "Spoonrobot" (as noted above, this is actually a first generation Stretch)
• "ZDP-189 FRN Stretch 2 Review with Pix and Video" also contains video and lots of pictures by "So-Lo" (as noted above, this is actually a first generation Stretch)

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

C90BK

"The Spyderco Stretch has changed over the years much like watching one of your kids grow up. What started as a small basic Hunter model in the 1980s matured/stretched into an elegant high performance drop point folder available in a variety of handle materials and blade steels. The latest is a lightweight model with a black FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) handle. The VG-10 modified drop-point blade is ground thin and fully-flat with an arcing belly, installing itself as a winner for outdoor endeavors and carrying everyday. Turned-out with a mid-spine positioned back lock the FRN handle is injection molded and surfaced with Bi-Directional Texturing® When the palm meets the texturing tactile resistance results, stopping in its tracks forward or backward sliding under harsh, wet or slippery cutting circumstances."

See also: C90 , C90CF , C90BL .

C90GBNE2

"The Stretch 2 is the result of a long evolutionary process that began in 1983 with the original C03 Hunter™ model. Spyderco’s first knife with a drop-point blade—a style preferred by many outdoorsmen for processing game—the basic Hunter design was refined over the years and spawned a number of other models, including the Stretch™. Now that evolution has gone a step further to yield the Stretch 2.

The Stretch 2 is a reflection of the feedback Spyderco gets from the many hardcore hunters who regularly use our knives in the field. Its new profile features a slightly longer handle for increased leverage, refined ergonomics to reduce fatigue during prolonged use, and a deeper index-finger choil for an enhanced purchase with a “choked up” grip. Collectively, these subtle changes improve the user’s control over the knife—especially when it is used to process game in harsh field conditions. For increased heft, the Stretch 2 features full skeletonized stainless steel liners, textured G-10 scales, and a four-position hourglass clip. Like all the predecessors in its lineage, it also features a high-strength back lock mechanism that locks the ultra-high-carbon ZDP-189 blade securely open during use and, along with its other features, makes operation of the knife completely ambidextrous.

The Stretch 2 is an extremely refined all-purpose folding knife that is ideally suited to the needs of hunters and outdoorsmen. It also reflects a proud lineage and one of the richest histories in the Spyderco product line."

The C90GBNE2 Stretch 2 in Spyderco's online catalog.

C90PGRE2

"The latest evolution in Spyderco’s time-tested family of folding hunting knives, the Stretch 2 Lightweight is the result of decades of refinement based on detailed feedback from countless hardcore outdoorsmen. This elite version of the design pushes its performance envelope even further with a blade crafted from ultra-high-carbon ZDP-189 steel—a particle metallurgy tool steel with an advanced alloy composition that offers an exceptionally keen and long-wearing edge.

The Stretch 2 Lightweight’s highly evolved drop-point blade profile is ideal for all field-dressing tasks. It features a full-flat grind and a breathtakingly sharp PlainEdge™ cutting edge for low-friction cutting performance. A textured index-finger choil (finger groove) and matching thumb ramp also allow a “choked up” grip for enhanced control during precision cutting tasks.

Injection molded from tough fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) and sporting the distinctive British Racing Green color associated with this elite steel, the Stretch 2’s extended handle provides increased leverage and comfort. Its finely tuned ergonomics reduce fatigue during prolonged use and a deep Bi-Directional Texturing™ pattern ensures a secure grip in even the most challenging conditions. The other time-tested features of the design—including a four-position pocket clip, high-strength back lock mechanism, and fully accessible Trademark Round Hole™—make carry, deployment, and use of the Stretch 2 fully ambidextrous. The ideal game processing tool for discriminating hunters, the Stretch 2 is also perfectly suited for everyday utility use."

The C90PGRE2 Stretch 2 in Spyderco's online catalog.

Variations

The C90 is made in Seki-City, Japan and has

• a Back Lock with Boye dent

Stretch

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C90	Stainless Steel Kraton	PE	VG-10	2004-2006	164,95$ (2006)		N/A	Full Flat	Chrome 4-way	LH/RH, TD/TU	N/A
C90CF	Black CF	PE	ZDP-189	2007-2010	259.95$ (2010)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C90PBK	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	June 2009-end 2014	129.95$ (2010)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C90SBK	Black FRN	SE	VG-10	June 2009-end 2010	129.95$ (2010)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C90PSBK	Black FRN	PS	VG-10	June 2009-end 2010	129.95$ (2010)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C90PBL	"Night Sky" Blue FRN	PE	ZDP-189	Sept. 2009-end 2010	169.95$ (2010)	Replaced by the BRG colored version.	N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C90PGRE	British Racing Green FRN	PE	ZDP-189	2011-Nov 2016	179.95$ (2011)		N/A	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU
C90GFBKD	Black Nishijin Glass Fiber	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10	Nov. 2013	$369.95 (2013)	Moteng distributor Exclusive	600	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90GFBLD	Blue Nishijin Glass Fiber	PE	D.P.S. 15 Damascus/VG-10	2013	$369.95 (2013)	Moteng distributor Exclusive	600	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90FPGYE	Grey FRN	PE	Aogami Super Blue	March 2014	174.95$ (2014)	sprintrun	1200	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90FPBORE	Burnt Orange FRN	PE	HAP40/SUS 410	Feb. 2016	184.95$ (2016)	sprintrun. HAP40 core with SUS 410 cladding.	1200	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant

Stretch 2

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C90GBNPE2	Brown G-10	PE	ZDP-189	May 2015-Oct. 2018	349.95$ (2015)	New Stretch 2 with slightly refined ergonomics	Regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Main
C90PGRE2	British Racing Green FRN	PE	ZDP-189	Mar. 2017 -	199.95$ (2017)	Longer handle, refined ergonomics, deeper index-finger choil	Regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90PBK2	Black FRN	PE	VG-10	Mar. 2017 -	134.95$ (2017)	Longer handle, refined ergonomics, deeper index-finger choil	Regular production	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90FPBLE2	Blue-gray FRN	PE	V-Toku2/SUS 310	Jan. 2019	$149.95 (2019)	Sprintrun. V-Toku2 core with SUS 310 cladding.	1200	Full Flat	Black 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90FIV2	Ivory FRN	PE	Satin VG-10	Nov. 2019	$145.00 (2019)	Sprintrun. Straight spine.	1200	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant
C90F2K390	BlueFRN	PE	K390	2021 -	$200.00 (2021)	This model features a straight spine.	Regular Production	Full Flat	Chrome silver 4-way Hourglass	LH/RH, TD/TU	Variant

Most collectible variation

Questions regarding collecting the C90

Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:

Questions with an answer:

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C90 Stretch

Variations	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Stretch SS/Kraton	197mm	108mm	89mm	79mm	14mm	3mm	128g
Stretch CF	202mm	113mm	89mm	81mm	14mm	3mm	110g
Stretch FRN	202mm	113mm	89mm	81mm	14mm	3mm	95g
Stretch 2 G-10	208mm	118mm	91mm	79mm	14mm	3mm	125g
Stretch 2 FRN	207mm	120mm	87mm	75mm	14mm	3mm	105g
Stretch 2 FRN Straight spine	208mm	120mm	88mm	76mm	14mm	3mm	108g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C90 Stretch:

Variations	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Stretch SS/Kraton	7.75"	4.25"	3.50"	3.13"	0.563"	0.125"	4.5oz
Stretch CF	7.94"	4.44"	3.50"	3.19"	0.563"	0.125"	3.9oz
Stretch FRN	7.94"	4.44"	3.50"	3.19"	0.563"	0.125"	3.4oz
Stretch 2 G-10	8.20"	4.63"	3.57"	3.10"	0.55"	0.118"	4.4oz
Stretch 2 FRN	8.14"	4.71"	3.43"	2.97"	0.55"	0.118"	3.7oz
Stretch 2 FRN Straight spine	8.19"	4.71"	3.48"	3.017"	0.55"	0.118"	3.8oz

Pictures