need some advice

[morrima]

Hi!



I'm looking to get a new knife for both general carry and to take hiking. I've pretty much decided on the Endura but I can't decide between the normal and the lightweight handle. I'm thinking that there would be advantages to the lightweight on hiking trips where every ounce counts but at the same time I'm thinking that the standard knife would be more stable and give more leverage in tough cutting situations. I'm also concerned with the grip on the standard whereas the lightweight seems to have more of a textured grip. Any opinions on which would be better?



I've also noticed that the standard version comes with a AUS-6 steel blade and the lightweight comes with a VG-10 steel blade and I'm not 100% sure what the differences are... or which would be a better blade.



Thanks!

Matt

[BigDog96]

I would go with the FRN VG - 10 steel model over the Stainless AUS 6 model any day . It is light and very strong with better steel , will not show the scratches from use and has a better grip . I have this model and might add that the Pacific model in H - 1 steel is becoming an outside favorite ; the blade is less aggressive and is a great all weather package in a folder .

[cricket]

I'd go with the lightweight. Better steel and lighter knife...in my view an unbeatable combination for serious hiking.
Steve

[thombrogan]

Hi, Matt! Welcome to the forum!

Both knives are very excellent. The two advantages I see to the all-steel Endura are that, with its heaviness, you'll know if it's not on you and AUS-6 is easier to resharpen than VG-10. If you go to <a href="http://www.bladeforums.com" target="_blank">Bladeforums</a>, a fellow who calls himself "DeadManWalking" has put his all-steel Endura through heck and back. Most of us here would prefer the seemingly superior VG-10 steel and the tough, lightweight FRN handles with the grippy 'volcano' texture, but different situations command different solutions.

-Thom Brogan <a href="http://www.tntbrogan.com" target="_blank">Pictures</a> of our daughter, Cynthia

[morrima]

thanks for the advice! One quick question on the H1 Steel though, does it hold an edge well?

I like the looks of the knife but I was actually considering a 50/50 blade and this one only seems to be available in either plain or spyderedge.

[thombrogan]

No experience with the H1 steel, but, from the reviews given by others, it holds an edge for a little while. If in doubt, get the serrated version and trade a little bit of fine cutting for a lot of edge retention.

-Thom Brogan <a href="http://www.tntbrogan.com" target="_blank">Pictures</a> of our daughter, Cynthia

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha and welcome morrima!

Ahhhhh, i'd get some 3M grip tape for the SS version and not worry about it.
I agree with Thom in this case regarding the extra heft and the security of the ss strength around the pivot...I had an old SS Delica PE that I ran through the wringer and it held up VERY well...until my dad busted the tip chipping ice with it!

I have been rust testing a Salt I (Mahalo Deac'!) in a PE edge. Man alive...I left it outside over night, nothing. So i left it outside overnight again, this time stuck in a tea leaf stump, and I covered certain sections of it in mud. Again, NOTHING! The only concern I have on the Salt, or H1 steel rather, is it's hardness. The carbon level is really low. Something like .15%? It's a beautiful knife though...now, if Sal would only add the Texture behind the hump on some Delica's and Endura's! :D