FFG and ZDP Endura in SS handle?

[Londinium Armoury]

Hi everybody at spyderco and all forum members, I have just ordered an Endura 4 in hollow/sabre grind with SS handles. This wasn't exactly the knife I wanted to buy, I realize I'm being very picky and I'm sorry about that, but I know what I like and I seem to be in the minority of spyderco fans. I love Spyderco folding knives I do see them as the best folders on the market. I make fixed blades myself, I notice that FRN and G10 seem to be what sells most, but I really like the SS spyderco knives, I'm just wondering would it be possible to get more variety in SS in the future? I really would like a ZDP endura in FFG and with Stainless handles, I realize that this might not be possible (But I can dream)

That is all I really wanted to ask, would it be possible for you guys to consider making a sprint run or something for us SS handle lovers? a little ZDP, a little FFG Endura? I settled for the sabre grind SS endura in VG-10, because that's how much I personally dislike non metal handles, I like the heft and weight and tough feeling in my hands. I do think people see them as scratching easily, but that's not really an issue for me as a metal worker, I don't mind taking some sand paper and fixing up the scratches every few months.

Sorry for my first post being a picky fussy demand, but I hear spyderco loves user feedback and the owner reads the forums.

Thanks all for reading my dream spyderco knife request and complaint lol.

Endura 4, in ZDP with FFG and SS handles. Is that perfection or just me being strange you decide.

Aaron / Londinium Armoury

[Wartstein]

Hi everybody at spyderco and all forum members, I have just ordered an Endura 4 in hollow/sabre grind with SS handles. This wasn't exactly the knife I wanted to buy, I realize I'm being very picky and I'm sorry about that, but I know what I like and I seem to be in the minority of spyderco fans. I love Spyderco folding knives I do see them as the best folders on the market. I make fixed blades myself, I notice that FRN and G10 seem to be what sells most, but I really like the SS spyderco knives, I'm just wondering would it be possible to get more variety in SS in the future? I really would like a ZDP endura in FFG and with Stainless handles, I realize that this might not be possible (But I can dream)

......

Welcome to the forum, Aaron! :)

The Endura together with the Stretch 1 is my favorite folder off all times and all brands, and I vastly prefer it in ffg over sg, so I totally get what you´ re asking for (though I personally am not into metal handles and prefer VG10 over ZDP in an EDC folder).

Normally I´d recommend doing a swap of an ZDP (FRN) Endura ffg blade into the steel handle, but I am not sure if the ss handle can be taken apart, and IF you´d manage to do so, if you could put it together again properly (for there are no visible handle screws, seems to be some kind of press fit). But since you say you are a metal worker, maybe you´d find a way? (Here is one post talking about that very issue viewtopic.php?p=153174#p153174)
Perhaps you could "pry" the knife open and in order to put it together again drill your own threads for screws?

Another, rather pricey possibility: Get a TI Damascus Endura (pic below), it also has a metal handle, and at least HAS an ffg blade t(though in VG10), and, more importantly, the handle CAN be taken apart easily and you could do a blade swap.

(One remark: You write that the SS Endura features a "hollow/sabre" grind, I am afraid it is "just" a sabre grind (so not hollow, like the Pac Salt would offer for example))

[Wartstein]

.....

That is all I really wanted to ask, would it be possible for you guys to consider making a sprint run or something for us SS handle lovers? a little ZDP, a little FFG Endura?

....
Endura 4, in ZDP with FFG and SS handles. Is that perfection or just me being strange you decide.

Second reply, now concerning your actual question :

Your are not "strange" at all, or to put it better: Just as "strange" as most of us are on this forum.. :D
And to ask for the in my view better EDC blade (ffg instead of sg) in your personal favorite handle material and your personal favorite steel is very sensible I think.

But tbh: I think there would be not a huge market for a stainless steel Endura in ffg ZDP. Maybe more so in a more "fancy" new super steel, so a lot of people would buy the knife more for the STEEL than for the SS handle, that would make for a higher number of buyers and so Spyderco could risk making such a model from a sales point of view?

[carrot]

I would absolutely buy an SS Endura with FFG ZDP. But I think we'd be in the minority. Still, all the parts already exist, maybe it is a possibility to have a small run!

[Londinium Armoury]

Hi everybody at spyderco and all forum members, I have just ordered an Endura 4 in hollow/sabre grind with SS handles. This wasn't exactly the knife I wanted to buy, I realize I'm being very picky and I'm sorry about that, but I know what I like and I seem to be in the minority of spyderco fans. I love Spyderco folding knives I do see them as the best folders on the market. I make fixed blades myself, I notice that FRN and G10 seem to be what sells most, but I really like the SS spyderco knives, I'm just wondering would it be possible to get more variety in SS in the future? I really would like a ZDP endura in FFG and with Stainless handles, I realize that this might not be possible (But I can dream)

......

Welcome to the forum, Aaron! :)

The Endura together with the Stretch 1 is my favorite folder off all times and all brands, and I vastly prefer it in ffg over sg, so I totally get what you´ re asking for (though I personally am not into metal handles and prefer VG10 over ZDP in an EDC folder).

Normally I´d recommend doing a swap of an ZDP (FRN) Endura ffg blade into the steel handle, but I am not sure if the ss handle can be taken apart, and IF you´d manage to do so, if you could put it together again properly (for there are no visible handle screws, seems to be some kind of press fit). But since you say you are a metal worker, maybe you´d find a way? (Here is one post talking about that very issue https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.ph ... 74#p153174)
Perhaps you could "pry" the knife open and in order to put it together again drill your own threads for screws?

Another, rather pricey possibility: Get a TI Damascus Endura (pic below), it also has a metal handle, and at least HAS an ffg blade t(though in VG10), and, more importantly, the handle CAN be taken apart easily and you could do a blade swap.

(One remark: You write that the SS Endura features a "hollow/sabre" grind, I am afraid it is "just" a sabre grind (so not hollow, like the Pac Salt would offer for example))

Hey thanks for the welcome, that Ti damascus Endura is beautiful btw. I read that the SS Endura is pinned together I wouldn't really want to risk messing around with it, and the warrenty will be void if I do. My Endura is actually arriving brand new in the box tommorow morning, so I kind of want to keep the warranty. I was actually considering taking the blade out of the scales and trying to put a FFG blade in it, but then I thought that's probably a bad idea, because over here int he UK we have to pay more than regular US price, so I might end up paying 100's for 2 Enduras, taking them both apart and then possibly ruining one and ending up with the FRN knife that I don't really like lol. I do work with metal stock making fixed blades and hilts etc, I can forge as well, but I'm really not experienced with fiddly mechanical tweaking with moving parts and the inside of folding blades. I have no idea what to expect on the inside of a SS endura lol, and I hear even the FRN Endura is difficult to take apart and put back together.

I'mnot really against the sabre grind, I like it, I think it's fine, just side by side next tot he FFG Endura I think I prefer the FFG blade. I'm going to grab a ZDP delica in FFG at some point so it will be nice to have a sabre grind I guess as most of my future spyderco buys will likely be in FFG.

Thanks for the tips and showing me that nice Ti damascus.

[Londinium Armoury]

.....

That is all I really wanted to ask, would it be possible for you guys to consider making a sprint run or something for us SS handle lovers? a little ZDP, a little FFG Endura?

....
Endura 4, in ZDP with FFG and SS handles. Is that perfection or just me being strange you decide.

Second reply, now concerning your actual question :

Your are not "strange" at all, or to put it better: Just as "strange" as most of us are on this forum.. :D
And to ask for the in my view better EDC blade (ffg instead of sg) in your personal favorite handle material and your personal favorite steel is very sensible I think.

But tbh: I think there would be not a huge market for a stainless steel Endura in ffg ZDP. Maybe more so in a more "fancy" new super steel, so a lot of people would buy the knife more for the STEEL than for the SS handle, that would make for a higher number of buyers and so Spyderco could risk making such a model from a sales point of view?

I think you are right, if they make a new SS Endura model or sprint run then it would be better to use a new up and coming steel to garner public interest. Most people will probably just think "Yeah SS Endura in already existing blade steel, seen that before, moving along"

Maybe a Maxamet, Rex or other tasty sought after steel would entice the masses more.

[Londinium Armoury]

I would absolutely buy an SS Endura with FFG ZDP. But I think we'd be in the minority. Still, all the parts already exist, maybe it is a possibility to have a small run!

Hello fellow niche SS lover, I would really like a little sprint run of it. It doesn't even HAVE to be in zdp specifically, any SS Endura in FFG I would love to be honest, I don't dislike VG-10.

[Londinium Armoury]

Endura SS just arrived, pretty sweet! check the avatar. :)

[Wartstein]

......

Welcome to the forum, Aaron! :)

The Endura together with the Stretch 1 is my favorite folder off all times and all brands, and I vastly prefer it in ffg over sg, so I totally get what you´ re asking for (though I personally am not into metal handles and prefer VG10 over ZDP in an EDC folder).

Normally I´d recommend doing a swap of an ZDP (FRN) Endura ffg blade into the steel handle, but I am not sure if the ss handle can be taken apart, and IF you´d manage to do so, if you could put it together again properly (for there are no visible handle screws, seems to be some kind of press fit). But since you say you are a metal worker, maybe you´d find a way? (Here is one post talking about that very issue https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.ph ... 74#p153174)
Perhaps you could "pry" the knife open and in order to put it together again drill your own threads for screws?

Another, rather pricey possibility: Get a TI Damascus Endura (pic below), it also has a metal handle, and at least HAS an ffg blade t(though in VG10), and, more importantly, the handle CAN be taken apart easily and you could do a blade swap.

(One remark: You write that the SS Endura features a "hollow/sabre" grind, I am afraid it is "just" a sabre grind (so not hollow, like the Pac Salt would offer for example))

Hey thanks for the welcome, that Ti damascus Endura is beautiful btw. I read that the SS Endura is pinned together I wouldn't really want to risk messing around with it, and the warrenty will be void if I do. My Endura is actually arriving brand new in the box tommorow morning, so I kind of want to keep the warranty. I was actually considering taking the blade out of the scales and trying to put a FFG blade in it, but then I thought that's probably a bad idea, because over here int he UK we have to pay more than regular US price, so I might end up paying 100's for 2 Enduras, taking them both apart and then possibly ruining one and ending up with the FRN knife that I don't really like lol. I do work with metal stock making fixed blades and hilts etc, I can forge as well, but I'm really not experienced with fiddly mechanical tweaking with moving parts and the inside of folding blades. I have no idea what to expect on the inside of a SS endura lol, and I hear even the FRN Endura is difficult to take apart and put back together.

I'mnot really against the sabre grind, I like it, I think it's fine, just side by side next tot he FFG Endura I think I prefer the FFG blade. I'm going to grab a ZDP delica in FFG at some point so it will be nice to have a sabre grind I guess as most of my future spyderco buys will likely be in FFG.

Thanks for the tips and showing me that nice Ti damascus.

That would be less than ideal, right...:)
Actually I am from Austria / Europe, so I have to pay the higher-than-in-the-US prices too. But at least, other than in the UK, I can legally carry every Spydie I choose too (and I think the knife laws in your and many other countries are a shame, really)

I had a sabre grind Endura for a long time and really liked it. It especially excelled in whittling wood, cause by geometry the edge-grind (apex? don know the proper English term...) went higher up the blade, so in shallower whittling it worked a bit like a "little scandi grind".

But other than that I found the ffg grind superior in most tasks and still strong enough. Even the tip, probably due to that slight drop towards it.

/ Off topic again, but may I ask: I am interested in medieval history in general and also in HEMA (just in theory though so far), and looking at your username In think I perhaps watched some vids already that could have been made by you? Does this
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbKcsL ... A/featured
happen to be your channel?

[Wartstein]

Edit to my post above: It definitely IS your channel... just found your SS Endura first impressions there...

https://youtu.be/ZUayzUAespM

[Londinium Armoury]

Edit to my post above: It definitely IS your channel... just found your SS Endura first impressions there...

https://youtu.be/ZUayzUAespM

I did read your other post but I thought i'd just reply to your last one instead of both to save time double quoting. Yeah that's my channel feel free to ask anything you want about HEMA or medieval history I'll gladly answer anything I'm able to. if you are really into medieval stuff you might want to check out one of my HEMA instructors who has a great channel on YouTube, Matt Easton of Scholagladiatoria, he is probably the most well versed person in Arms and Armour and medieval warfare that I know.
I think the sabre grind is pretty good and would do just fine at wood shaving, maybe not as accurate as a chisel grind or zero bevel, but shouldn't be much off a scandi, but then again the full flat grind spyderco offer doesn't seem bad either, if it's razor sharp and not hugely thick blade geometry behind the edge it shouldn't be terrible. Sometimes thin zero bevel grinds and chisel grinds can get stick in the wood if they bit too deep a slither off, sot here is some benefits to having a secondary or larger primary bevel. I do personally prefer at least a scandi or chisel grind for thin wood carving tasks, but rough shaping is fine with more robust grinds with most types of wood, I typically only find wood carving difficult with bevels over 25 degrees and thick stock behind the edge, and all though apple seed grind convex edges are my fav on swords, I find them very bad at shaving wood neatly. This Endura sabre grind shaves wood perfectly fine I gave it a little test, still hair popping sharp after.
I saw your message on my YT channel, I left a reply :)

[Wartstein]

Edit to my post above: It definitely IS your channel... just found your SS Endura first impressions there...

https://youtu.be/ZUayzUAespM

I did read your other post but I thought i'd just reply to your last one instead of both to save time double quoting. Yeah that's my channel feel free to ask anything you want about HEMA or medieval history I'll gladly answer anything I'm able to. if you are really into medieval stuff you might want to check out one of my HEMA instructors who has a great channel on YouTube, Matt Easton of Scholagladiatoria, he is probably the most well versed person in Arms and Armour and medieval warfare that I know.
I think the sabre grind is pretty good and would do just fine at wood shaving, maybe not as accurate as a chisel grind or zero bevel, but shouldn't be much off a scandi, but then again the full flat grind spyderco offer doesn't seem bad either, if it's razor sharp and not hugely thick blade geometry behind the edge it shouldn't be terrible. Sometimes thin zero bevel grinds and chisel grinds can get stick in the wood if they bit too deep a slither off, sot here is some benefits to having a secondary or larger primary bevel. I do personally prefer at least a scandi or chisel grind for thin wood carving tasks, but rough shaping is fine with more robust grinds with most types of wood, I typically only find wood carving difficult with bevels over 25 degrees and thick stock behind the edge, and all though apple seed grind convex edges are my fav on swords, I find them very bad at shaving wood neatly. This Endura sabre grind shaves wood perfectly fine I gave it a little test, still hair popping sharp after.

Thanks! :)

And being interested in HEMA and medieval history of course I know Matt Easton already (I am even subscribed to his channel "schola gladiatoria")

/ As said, my Endura sabre grind did great in whittling wood - just because by geometry the "shoulders" of the apex are higher up on the blade.
I somehow regret that I sold it... but I try to "only" have around ten Spydies at any point in time, and so I have to make hard decisions and sell knives from time to time (in fact, though it is sometimes hard to sell Spydies, I do enjoy focussing on the features I really like the very most and just have a number of Spydies I can really USE (and ten is a number where this is still possible).

/ Since you like metal handles: The Chaparral is a knife I can recommend 110 %, and I am NOT into small knives normally...
There is a metal / Ti version - see pic below (in fact there is also "stepped Ti", recently discontinued) - but sure it costs a lot of money.
The FRN version though is maybe the best "bang for the buck" knife Spyderco makes imho...