Mr. Sal: whats the difference between FRCP and FRN?

powernoodle

powernoodle

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Hey Mr. Sal, what the functional difference, please, if any, between fiberglass-reinforced co-polymer (FRCP) and fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN)? Does FRCP provide enhanced structural integrity relative to FRN (thus the linerless lightweight Manix 2)? And do you foresee FRCP as replacing FRN going forward? Thanks.

20120622_173854.jpg

FRN Stretch 2.

0c2ff760-c330-4f0f-bc53-ffc4ec571388.jpg

FRCP Manix 2 lightweight.
 
PolyOne makes more than one glass fiber reinforced composite which could be referred to as EdgeTek FRCP, so I'm not sure quite what this stuff is. It likely has better crack and chip resistance than FRN. It also probably has less lubricity, but that doesn't really matter if the typical Spyderco washer system is used.
 
One big difference between Acetal-based FRCP and Nylon-based FRN is the "melt temperature", which is the temperature at which they are injected into the molds. This would also be the temperature at which the handles would start to deform if dropped into a fire or hit with a blowtorch, for instance.

Acetal-based FRCP has a melt point between 375°F and 411°F.

FRN has a melt point between 500°F and 550°F.

In other words, don't put your lightweight Manix2 in the oven to dry it off! :)


TedP
 
I am interested in the "why" behind using FRCP over FRN. I suspect it's for the translucent colors?
Personally, I prefer the slight texture of FRN and though I never dropped my manix lightweight, suspect that FRCP will chip rather than dent like FRN.
 
FRCP seems to be more rigid than FRN, which should cut down on complaints of handle flex.
 
Hi Powernoodle,

The CP is new, and offers more of what we want in a knife. It's tougher, stronger, has more color capability and is not significantly more expensive.

In fact the strength was surprising when we broke the light weight Manix. I have a black one in my pocket right now. We'll use the same material for the light weight Native 5.

sal
 
Thanks, Mr. Sal. I like knowing this stuff. Maybe we'll see a translucent, linerless Delica 5 someday. Who knows.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Powernoodle,
The CP is new, and offers more of what we want in a knife. It's tougher, stronger, has more color capability and is not significantly more expensive.
In fact the strength was surprising when we broke the light weight Manix. I have a black one in my pocket right now. We'll use the same material for the light weight Native 5.
sal
Click to expand...

Thank you Mr. Glesser,
Any rough estimates when we will see light weight Native 5. Roughly how much lighter than G10 model it will be?
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Powernoodle,

The CP is new, and offers more of what we want in a knife. It's tougher, stronger, has more color capability and is not significantly more expensive.

In fact the strength was surprising when we broke the light weight Manix. I have a black one in my pocket right now. We'll use the same material for the light weight Native 5.

sal
Click to expand...
Well in that case..
Looks like I'll be getting a new Native in the future
 
The Lt Wt Delica 5 "concept model" shown in A'dam was linerless. Eric will add bits of steel reinforcement where necessary, but overall the model is quite light and stronger than the current model.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
The Lt Wt Delica 5 "concept model" shown in A'dam was linerless. Eric will add bits of steel reinforcement where necessary, but overall the model is quite light and stronger than the current model.

sal
Click to expand...

Might there be any pics available of this D5 concept model? I'd love to see how you folks will improve an already almost-perfect design.

~Chris
 
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