Stretch 2 or Endura 4

[Hullk]

New to the forums but I'm looking at getting a knife in ZDP-189. Looks like Spyderco will be phasing out ZDP-189 as a steel and I would look to add a knife with it before that happens. I already have a native 5 in S110V and a dragonfly 2 on the way. I'm a big fan of the forward finger choil which has me leaning to the Stretch, but I don't know how crazy I am about the blade shape. Price really isn't a factor, they are within 10 dollars of each other. I'm excited to hear peoples opinions on which they would recommend, please feel free to include pictures.

[Username827]

Why not score a Stretch with a straight spine and k390? That is gonna be awesome when it drops.
The Endura for me did not work out to well, had a hot spot. Really wanted to love it, but will have to maybe try again one day.
The ergo's on the Strech are phenomenal, for me. Best of luck!
I have zdp in a dragonfly. The stuff is wondeful!

[vivi]

For me the Stretch handle feels better in sabre grip, but the Endura's more neutral handle feels better in a wider variety of grips.

I also prefer blade shapes with a gradual transition to the belly like the Endura, Military and Para 2 VS blade shapes that are straight then have a more abrupt transition to belly.

Can't go wrong with either one. Both are classics.

[kennethsime]

Stretch all the way.

[bobnikon]

I will say Stretch. The reason being is the Endura seems to get more sprints/exclusives and therefore you can get it in "something else" at some time. The Stretch is more of a niche knife and thus, take variants when you can get them. I have the ZDP Stretch and think it is great. Like you, I find the blade shape a little odd, but so far is completely functional for my uses (not a hunter).

[Cowboyfromhell]

I have a k390 endura in my pocket as I type....endura gets my vote

[anycal]

Stretch works better for my hands. I'll take Military or Chief over Endura any day, in that size.

[steelcity16]

Endura all the way!

[FK]

Stretch 1 & 2 have more comfortable handle design for me. Blade shape is not an issue.
Have several of each specialty steel issue, one of my favorite Spyderco models.

Stretch 1
Super Blue
HAP-40
ZDP-189

Stretch 2
V Toku 2
Awaiting issue of K390

Regards,
FK

[bearfacedkiller]

I don’t like the Endura handle. Stretch all the way for me.

[metaphoricalsimile]

Endura carries nicer in a wider variety of pockets, stretch tends to be a bit nicer on the hands when cutting things with significant resistance.

[S-3 ranch]

I have a stretch v-toku2, want a zdp189 or K390
My favorite model

[Wdr65]

I think it depends on what you’d like to do with it. Both are great. The Stretch has better ergonomics and is extremely comfortable when in use. The Endura is slimmer side to side and less bulky in the pocket. It also has a bit longer cutting edge.

[Hullk]

Why not score a Stretch with a straight spine and k390? That is gonna be awesome when it drops.
The Endura for me did not work out to well, had a hot spot. Really wanted to love it, but will have to maybe try again one day.
The ergo's on the Strech are phenomenal, for me. Best of luck!
I have zdp in a dragonfly. The stuff is wondeful!

I'm looking for something in ZDP 189 before it's gone. I would have gotten the dragonfly but they are discontinued.

[ladybug93]

i would suggest the stretch. i don't have either knife, but, aside from the finger choil, the stretch has a more neutral grip. i've come to appreciate knives that don't tell my fingers where to go (except for the manix which just happens to be perfect for my hands in every grip).

honestly though, i'm sure you'll be happy with either and probably still end up with both eventually.

[GautamGoel]

I have the Endura in ZDP-189, but have never owned a Stretch. I'm quite fond of my Endura - it is very lightweight, cuts well, and looks great. It is also $20-30 cheaper than the ZDP-189 Stretch. The only nitpick I have is that, as others have mentioned, it has a hotspot. I wish Spydero wouldn't put finger grooves on the handle - the grooves on the Endura don't fit my hand quite right. It's not a huge deal, and I still carry the Endura everyday; it's kicked my Manixes and PM2s out of my pocket.

ZDP-189 is great. Keeps an edge well, sharpens well, no issues at all with corrosion. I enjoy the rarity of ZDP-189; my understanding is that Hitachi, the manufacturer, only allows knife companies to use it if they follow certain guidelines regarding the heat treatment, and doesn't export ZDP-189 from Japan. It is a bit harder than many other steels such as S30V, S110V, etc; Spyderco ZDP-189 has been tested at 63-66 HRC. The combination of these two facts makes it expensive to work with, which perhaps is why Spyderco is phasing it out.

It is also quite an exotic steel, being the only super-steel I know of whose hardness arises from chromium carbides (as opposed to e.g. vanadium carbides). The result is that it can take a very fine edge; some say it holds a mirror polish well, but I've never tried. Larrin's edge tests show that it cuts as well as K390. Highly recommend.

[Skidoosh]

I am a big choil fan and got a stretch and endura in zdp-189. I was very surprised that I liked the endura over the stretch. Both are great knives and I thought the stretch was the knife for me. I sold the stretch and got a K-390 Endura as well.

Go figure. YMMV

[Wandering_About]

Personally prefer the Stretch 2. The handle is more comfortable for me, and I really like the blade shape.

[z1r]

I don’t like the Endura handle. Stretch all the way for me.

Lol, for me it was the other way around, I much prefer the Endura. I have the ZDP Endura and am only missing the Stretch to complete the set, but after handling the Stretch, I passed. I figured no need to buy a knife that would just sit in a drawer.

[twinboysdad]

E4 for EDC
Stretch for extended cutting

What role are you looking to fill?