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My Endura now belongs to the TSA. What do I replace it with?

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 11:00 am
by willyp_ig
It's been a while since my last post - many new developments since 2007. I've not followed Spyderco for the past few years and I wanted to get some input on a replacement for my Endura that I donated to the TSA. I really hope someone at least took the knife home instead of it getting destroyed.

The Endura had been my edc for the past 4 years and I had initially planned on replacing it with a new flat grind model. I started looking around and saw the new Manix lightweight. I've never owned one, but I always liked the blade shape of the Manix. I do wish it had a mid lock instead of the ball lock, but I suppose I could get used to it.

Have any of you Endura users moved to the Manix? Also, how is the bd1 steel? I usually sharpen with a 1000/6000 waterstone and touch up the edge on a ceramic steel when necessary.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 11:08 am
by KardinalSyn
I got a SS Endura before I got a Manix 2 XL. Not the best to compare with but they were two totally different blades. I would say that you should buy what you like most.

Sorry to hear about your Endura.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 12:05 pm
by kbuzbee
willyp_ig wrote:I do wish it had a mid lock instead of the ball lock, but I suppose I could get used to it.
Welcome back! Danged TSA!

As to the lock, it's a preference thing, of course. I vastly prefer the CBBL to any mid/front/back lock. Much earlier one hand operation, to me. But the others have their fans. You won't know until you try it. (and give it some time)

When I first tried a CBBL I didn't like it nearly as well as the uncoated ball (Phoenix, D'Allara, Dodo etc). That is still my favorite. But I got used to it and now it's my second favorite lock.

Can't help you on the BD1, my favorite Manix is the CPM-M4.

Ken

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 2:22 pm
by .357 mag
Hard to beat the Endura. That is all..

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 2:55 pm
by FCM415
Since you've edc'd the Endura lockback for so long, why not just get another or a Stretch? Using the Endura is probably second nature to you by now, no need to complicate the search unless you find the knife to be lacking in some way in the years you edc'd it. "My knife" is the Stretch, I highly recommend it and would be an easy switch from the Endura.

There's plenty of options with the Endura, and a SuperBlue steel version is coming out soon if you don't mind a patina. Also consider the waved Endura and my favorite of them all the BRG ZDP189!

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 4:00 pm
by chuck_roxas45
I second the stretch recommendation.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 6:34 pm
by Jazz
I hope it got destroyed so no one got a free knife - stupid laws! Sorry about the rant. FFG Enduras are really nice, by the way.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 7:35 pm
by DiKa
Sorry about your loss bud. I would recommend Police G10. It's a bit bigger than Endura, but the handle is thinner and it feels great in hand.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 8:08 pm
by ChapmanPreferred
If you are agreeable to change and new experiences, I would go with the Manix. If not, a new Endura would fit the bill.

Personally, I would try the Manix. :)

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 9:28 pm
by kennethsime
Either the FFG Endura or a Stretch would be great choices. I prefer the Stretch personally, but both are excellent. If you were really dedicated to the midlock, you could always try to find an original Manix, which featured the midlock instead of the ball lock.

The Manix 2 Lightweight didn't do it for me the one time I tried it. I'd use it while ultralight backpacking maybe, but for an EDC I want liners. Otherwise it's a bit too light, and doesn't inspire as much confidence as the Endura or even a Delica. I also felt the choil was a bit off, not really what I expected compared to the choil on the Stretch.

BD1 is supposed to be Carpenter's version of Gin-1/G-2, which was the original steel in the first generation of Delicas/Enduras in the 90s. It's known as a good working steel, and I haven't tried it, but I think I'd take VG-10 or 154CM or S30V or ZDP-189 (trying to list what's available for Enduras and Manixes, lol) over it if at all possible.

If you do decide to go Endura, there's a sprint run coming out in Aogami Super Blue steel, which would be a really nice way to get "back in the game." ;-)

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 9:40 pm
by Waco
Don't most airports have a service that will mail your sharp objects home? I vote for a new Endura.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 11:01 pm
by greenewk
I love my Manix 2 LW, FWIW. I've been nothing but impressed with BD1. Sharpens easily, holds an edge very well for my purposes, and hasn't stained at all with pretty minimal upkeep. Absolutely love the lock and the comfort of the volcano grip'd FRN handles. Perfectly balanced, disappears in the pocket... etc, etc!

Although, as others are saying -- we do have the Endura and Stretch coming out in Super Blue this year. Worth a thought if you like non-stainless.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 1:10 am
by Bill1170
You should handle a Manix before getting one. It is bulkier than the Endura. I agree with those who suggest either another Endura, or a Stretch, or a Police. The Police has a blade over 4" long, so check local laws first if you consider that model.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 2:05 am
by PMBohol
Another vote for the Endura. Perhaps the ZDP blade version.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 2:19 am
by razorsharp
Ulize?

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 5:50 am
by BAL
Sorry about your loss. That's a tough one.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:17 am
by camvdcs
If it's going to be your EDC, get another FRN Endura or Stretch. They are relatively cheap to replace.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:24 am
by Holland
id get either an g10 stretch, or a paramilitary2

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 4:02 pm
by Skywarp
Pardon my ignorance but what is the TSA?

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 4:13 pm
by PanChango
Skywarp wrote:Pardon my ignorance but what is the TSA?
The Transportation Security Agency.

http://www.tsa.gov/