The Spyderco Stretch 2 XL CruWear: Big, Specialized, Devoted Slicer-Gaining an Edge, Ep. 434

The Spyderco Stretch 2 XL in CruWear is a knife that reminds me A LOT of what was once my favorite and is now my second favorite big, specialized Spyderco Seki City Backlock Slicer: the Spyderco Police 4 in K390. However, the Stretch 2 XL in CruWear seems to improve on the concept a bit: it’s a lot more carryable in spite of not sacrificing the really long blade, the edge holding ability is improved while retaining the better aspects of the blade and edge grinds, and the CruWear steel has one of the best heat treats given to the steel that we’ve seen. Ergonomics are of course superb, too. The only question is the $285 pricetag. While that’s probably what the Police 4 K390 would go for these days, it still sticks out. As said, it is a pretty specialized knife that’s going to be used for slicing all day, though it at least is capable of being EDC’ed. But I’d only advise you to get it if you think you need something like it.