Which Endura is your ideal all-arounder?

[Williamsj659]

My Endura 4 Foliage Green G10 has been my favorite. Very happy I got one in 2008 before they were discontinued!

My Endura 4 G10

[zuludelta]

I have four Enduras (ZDP-189, FFG VG-10 with Green Zomé scales, Saber-ground VG-10 with Emerson Wave Opener, and an AUS-6 trainer) & I find that outside of work, I overwhelmingly carry the FFG VG-10 with Green Zomé scales version. After being a bit of a steel snob when I first got heavily into knives, I came to a realization and honest admission a few years ago that I don't really need anything much more exotic in an EDC blade steel than VG-10 for the most part—it's tough enough, stainless enough, and holds an edge long enough for what I usually do with a knife outside of work.

For a work Endura, however, I've almost exclusively carried the ZDP-189 version, and have done so for years at this point.

[Bill1170]

I know there's no "best" when it comes to pocket knives. It's all far too subjective. I'm wondering which Endura would be YOUR choice for a basic, high-capability EDC.

I'm considering the all-black Combo Edge VG10, the ZDP-189 PE FFG, and the SE VG10 Wharncliffe. You can select one of these, or suggest a different variant all together. Bonus points if you include an explanation as to why you chose what you did. Looking forward to the feedback!

I like the VG-10 FFG Endura in blue or green. Why? It is affordable, reasonably corrosion-resistant, and easy to maintain. The flat grind makes it an efficient cutter in the materials I cut. The knife is light, yet strong. The FRN handle scales are durable, chip-resistant, and grippy without shredding pockets. I like those colors in that knife.

[Doc Dan]

Once I file down that finger bump in the front I like the Endura better than most knives and at least as good as the rest. VG-10 is fine by me and easy to maintain. I have an S30V in Teal (actually aqua), but I would prefer to have S30V or S35VN in orange.

[Fireman]

Salt 2 LC200N would make an excellent all rounder. I am focusing on getting the Wharnie in K390. Love the K390 Endura

[elena86]

The Endura in laminated Superblue is my fav. It came scary sharp and I love how the steel behaves. I also like the grey handle.

P.S. Waiting for the Endura in SPY27

[prndltech]

Once I file down that finger bump in the front I like the Endura better than most knives and at least as good as the rest. VG-10 is fine by me and easy to maintain. I have an S30V in Teal (actually aqua), but I would prefer to have S30V or S35VN in orange.

I’ll take an orange endura with s45vn please!!!

[olywa]

Once I file down that finger bump in the front I like the Endura better than most knives and at least as good as the rest. VG-10 is fine by me and easy to maintain. I have an S30V in Teal (actually aqua), but I would prefer to have S30V or S35VN in orange.

You have good taste, that's exactly what I did! I've had an orange VG-10 for years. When the Teal S30V was released I picked one up for a great price, then did a blade/lockbar swap with my orange one. Came together beautifully with zero blade play or lock rock. I gifted the Teal VG-10 to someone who likes that color way more than I do. I leave the finger bump as-is because the stock ergos work well for me.

[Doc Dan]

@prndltech I could be happy with that or SPY27 for that matter.

@olywa, that's a good idea. How hard was that to do?

[dan31]

Still hoping for the CPM Cruwear Endura. Given the CPM Cruwear Delica was so well received the Endura would sell out in short time. Perhaps its in the queue and Seki is just back ordered on everything in addition to the new H2 that is coming.

This said, my current EDC outside of work is a ZDP-189 Endura. Work EDC is a ZDP-189 Manbug.

[electro-static]

I would like one in CPM magna-cut hardened to 63-65 HRC. Until then my endura 4 in K390, provuded that I can remember where I put it….

[Fireman]

Why use VG10 over LC200N ????????????

[olywa]

@prndltech I could be happy with that or SPY27 for that matter.

@olywa, that's a good idea. How hard was that to do?

Wasn't too difficult but on my initial attempt I only swapped the blades and ended up with a lot of lock rock. Once I swapped the lock bars everything was copacetic. Turns out that the blade and lock bar are matched pairs and they need to travel together. Nick Shabazz has a pretty good video on youtube.

[R100]

Why use VG10 over LC200N ????????????

Better edge retention - Larrin gives VG10 a rating of 4.5 compared to a 3 for lc200n. IME VG10 is more stable with thin edges too while lc200n seems to roll pretty easily.

Dan

[vivi]

Easy.

Why use VG10 over LC200N ????????????

Better edge retention - Larrin gives VG10 a rating of 4.5 compared to a 3 for lc200n. IME VG10 is more stable with thin edges too while lc200n seems to roll pretty easily.

Dan

While I agree vg10 holds an edge better, LC does extremely well at low edge angles in my experience.



Took my Siren and old Waterway thinner too and none of them ever rolled or chipped, even batoning kindling or carving knotty woods.

The toughness of LC200N (and H1) often get overlooked IMO.

[Steeltoez83]

I'd probably take Super Blue or k390.

[T-1000]

Serrated wharncliffe number one. Runner up would have to be serrated vg10 endura 4.

[R100]

Easy.

Why use VG10 over LC200N ????????????

Better edge retention - Larrin gives VG10 a rating of 4.5 compared to a 3 for lc200n. IME VG10 is more stable with thin edges too while lc200n seems to roll pretty easily.

Dan

While I agree vg10 holds an edge better, LC does extremely well at low edge angles in my experience.



Took my Siren and old Waterway thinner too and none of them ever rolled or chipped, even batoning kindling or carving knotty woods.

The toughness of LC200N (and H1) often get overlooked IMO.

Hey Vivi, that's interesting because I have had pretty good success with H1 at low angles but the only PE lc200n I have is Spydiechef and it has rolled a few times at around 15 dps. I was quite disappointed actually and it has put me off buying a PE LC Pac Salt. Maybe it was just down to luck and I should persist?

On the other hand I have given this reprofiled VG10 Endura quite a lot of outdoor work without a problem.



Bad image but hopefully you get the idea! I am lying here suffering with COVID and lacked the fortitude to take another.

Dan

[vivi]

Dan, hope you get well soon!

I took my Pacific Salt in LC quite low, I'd estime around 9-10 dps, then applied a 15dps microbevel. First I used it straight off the diamond rods, but recently I've been using a 1,000 grit ceramic stone.

Haven't had any edge damage at all despite taking it so low. I wanted to push the limits of LC200N more than I had with my Siren. So far so good.

Maybe you used your spydiechef harder than I used my Pacific, or maybe the chef is a lot thinner BTE. Haven't handled one so I can't comment on its geometry.

The LC200N Pacific is a really nice knife. Despite the issues I've had with a little more play in the pivot than other Pacifics, it's still a favorite of mine. So light and such an efficient cutter. Toss up between it and my PE H1's for my favorite Pacific.

[AH80s]

I use my K390 for everything, though mainly a work knife. I have an orange VG10 and that blade swap sounds interesting as orange would be a good work colour for me.