Large back lock folders: Endura 4 vs Police 4 vs Stretch 2 XL

[8th_Note]

I would love to see some pictures of these 3 models together. I want to get a large back lock model in FRN, but these look very similar on paper. What are the real world differences, steel type notwithstanding? What are the ergo differences? I appreciate all input

I have big hands with long, slim fingers. I own a Military 2 and I love the way it feels in hand.

[vivi]

For me the Military 2 is the most well rounded larger Spyderco.

Endura 4 for me has worse ergonomics and the blade feels a bit small in comparison. Can't beat the variety of options available though. This is my last pick of the bunch. Don't get me wrong, I have a Pacific Salt 2 I like, it could be my last pocket knife and I'd live. But the handle is my least favorite of the bunch. If I put two fingers in the first finger groove they feel cramped,and so does my thumb. The thumb ramp feels too close. Gripping it with one finger in the first groove is how I use it, but then my hand feels a little fsr back and the knife feels blade heavy. Neither grip ever feels perfect,they're each a compromise for my hand.

Stretch XL ergonomics are better than Endura for me,but worse than the Military 2. I like how ultralight the FRN versions are and the salt options, but found I still prefer my Pacific Salt 1's for rust proof folders. I think I'd like the G10 versions even better. On the FRN versions the handle feels a little more narrow and flexible than a Military. The bulkier handles of the Military and Police feel better to me, even if the difference is pretty small in the case of the Police. Very nice design though.

The Police is my favorite sized pocket knife. It carries very well for the size and is comfortable. For me ergonomics are second, right behind the Military. Because the handle is so thin and narrow to accomodate carry comfort, in hand comfort suffers. That's why I prefer the Military ergonomics a bit - wider, thicker handle. Otherwise I'm a huge fan of the Police, whether the 1, 2, 3 or 4. I like the blade shape of the original for the minimal belly, but the more Military like blade shape of the 4th gen is really nice for EDC too. If they released a fat handled version of the Police 4 it could potentially beat out the Military 2 as my favorite.

Another option worth considering is the Chief. The humpless design works well for me, and it has really nice geometry. Ergonomics are good but I'd still take the Military handle over it to be honest. Packs a lot of cutting edge into a folder about the same size as the Endura when closed.

The Catcherman sprint is still available and makes an interesting EDC. Extremely light,very good slicing geometry, rust proof and a handle large enough for anyones gloved hands.

It's not currently offered in lockback form, but the C95 / Manix XL is another nice large spyderco. Very beefy handle with some of the best ergonomics of any folder from any company.

Out of them all the Police is easily my pick.

I've gone back and forth since the 2000's which I like best, the Police or Military. The answer changes as my tastes do and as new versions come out. I prefer the lockback mechanism of the Police but the beefier handle and steeper negative angle of the Military.

[opusxpn]

I would love to see some pictures of these 3 models together. I want to get a large back lock model in FRN, but these look very similar on paper. What are the real world differences, steel type notwithstanding? What are the ergo differences? I appreciate all input

I have big hands with long, slim fingers. I own a Military 2 and I love the way it feels in hand.

Here you go

[8th_Note]

I would love to see some pictures of these 3 models together. I want to get a large back lock model in FRN, but these look very similar on paper. What are the real world differences, steel type notwithstanding? What are the ergo differences? I appreciate all input

I have big hands with long, slim fingers. I own a Military 2 and I love the way it feels in hand.

Here you go

Awsome, thank you so much

[kobold]

double

[kobold]

No love for the Chief? Arguably the best ergonomics and easiest to maintain.

Compared to an insingo blade:

against the S2XL:

[Evil D]

I'd consider the Stretch 2 but I prefer the Chief in pretty much every possible way. It also carries smallest out of all the knives mentioned in this thread, very small footprint for such a good sized knife.

[M_J87]

All very similar and great knives. The Stretch 2 XL has been a collection killer for me, I've sold essentially my whole collection because everything else I had/have just seemed to pale in comparison (unless the knife was different enough to fill a completely different niche: under 3" for travel, fixed blade, gifted knife, etc). The knife is that good. Having such a similar knife to them all in the military I would advise you ask yourself what you do and don't like about the knife and go from there. Do you prefer liners? Do you prefer G10/FRN? Do you prefer a choil? Do you like the palm swell? Would you like it lighter/heavier? Do you like the 4 inch blade, or would you want longer? Etc. As others have said, I would take those considerations into the native chief as well. My personal rank would be Stretch XL>Military>Native Chief>Endura (Never owned or handled a police).

[8th_Note]

No love for the Chief? Arguably the best ergonomics and easiest to maintain.

Compared to an insingo blade:

against the S2XL:

The chief is compelling, and I really appreciate the comparison pics. But I'm a big fan of the thumb ramps. The lack of the thumb ramp is a big reason why I never loved my Manix 2, and I ended up selling it.

[8th_Note]

I'd consider the Stretch 2 but I prefer the Chief in pretty much every possible way. It also carries smallest out of all the knives mentioned in this thread, very small footprint for such a good sized knife.

I've got my eye on a PD#1 Stretch right now. That's what I'm really leaning towards.

The lack of thumb ramp on the Chief is why it's not in the running

[8th_Note]

For me the Military 2 is the most well rounded larger Spyderco.

Endura 4 for me has worse ergonomics and the blade feels a bit small in comparison. Can't beat the variety of options available though. This is my last pick of the bunch. Don't get me wrong, I have a Pacific Salt 2 I like, it could be my last pocket knife and I'd live. But the handle is my least favorite of the bunch. If I put two fingers in the first finger groove they feel cramped,and so does my thumb. The thumb ramp feels too close. Gripping it with one finger in the first groove is how I use it, but then my hand feels a little fsr back and the knife feels blade heavy. Neither grip ever feels perfect,they're each a compromise for my hand.

Stretch XL ergonomics are better than Endura for me,but worse than the Military 2. I like how ultralight the FRN versions are and the salt options, but found I still prefer my Pacific Salt 1's for rust proof folders. I think I'd like the G10 versions even better. On the FRN versions the handle feels a little more narrow and flexible than a Military. The bulkier handles of the Military and Police feel better to me, even if the difference is pretty small in the case of the Police. Very nice design though.

The Police is my favorite sized pocket knife. It carries very well for the size and is comfortable. For me ergonomics are second, right behind the Military. Because the handle is so thin and narrow to accomodate carry comfort, in hand comfort suffers. That's why I prefer the Military ergonomics a bit - wider, thicker handle. Otherwise I'm a huge fan of the Police, whether the 1, 2, 3 or 4. I like the blade shape of the original for the minimal belly, but the more Military like blade shape of the 4th gen is really nice for EDC too. If they released a fat handled version of the Police 4 it could potentially beat out the Military 2 as my favorite.

Another option worth considering is the Chief. The humpless design works well for me, and it has really nice geometry. Ergonomics are good but I'd still take the Military handle over it to be honest. Packs a lot of cutting edge into a folder about the same size as the Endura when closed.

The Catcherman sprint is still available and makes an interesting EDC. Extremely light,very good slicing geometry, rust proof and a handle large enough for anyones gloved hands.

It's not currently offered in lockback form, but the C95 / Manix XL is another nice large spyderco. Very beefy handle with some of the best ergonomics of any folder from any company.

Out of them all the Police is easily my pick.

I've gone back and forth since the 2000's which I like best, the Police or Military. The answer changes as my tastes do and as new versions come out. I prefer the lockback mechanism of the Police but the beefier handle and steeper negative angle of the Military.

Thank you so much for the detailed analysis. It is much appreciated

[Evil D]

I'd consider the Stretch 2 but I prefer the Chief in pretty much every possible way. It also carries smallest out of all the knives mentioned in this thread, very small footprint for such a good sized knife.

I've got my eye on a PD#1 Stretch right now. That's what I'm really leaning towards.

The lack of thumb ramp on the Chief is why it's not in the running

Kinda funny, that's one of the winning features for me. I don't avoid thumb ramps but hand size is a lot more comfortable without one.

One of the only thumb ramps I've not felt cramped on is the Police 4, I actually like that one.

[vivi]

I'd consider the Stretch 2 but I prefer the Chief in pretty much every possible way. It also carries smallest out of all the knives mentioned in this thread, very small footprint for such a good sized knife.

I've got my eye on a PD#1 Stretch right now. That's what I'm really leaning towards.

The lack of thumb ramp on the Chief is why it's not in the running

Kinda funny, that's one of the winning features for me. I don't avoid thumb ramps but hand size is a lot more comfortable without one.

One of the only thumb ramps I've not felt cramped on is the Police 4, I actually like that one.

agreed. police and millie are some of the only thumb ramps I like. C95 too.

on smaller knives my thumb gets too cramped.

[Wallach]

Chief would get my vote as well personally, but of the choices presented, I'd probably say the Stretch XL. Never did get on with the Endura handle ergonomics.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

I'd consider the Stretch 2 but I prefer the Chief in pretty much every possible way. It also carries smallest out of all the knives mentioned in this thread, very small footprint for such a good sized knife.

What do you say to those who would tell you the Native Chief is too angular and lacks belly in the blade?

[gk4ever2]

Handle comfort is very subjective, based on a person's hand size and preferences. For comfort in my medium-size hand, here is how I rank the knives:
- Military/Military 2 – by far my favorite
- Chief – had been my favorite until I tried a M1/M2
- Police 4 – not bad, but not my favorite
- Stretch 2 XL – I like the handle shape better than the P4, but the linerless FRN is too light for me; if it had liners, I would rate it above the P4. I really like the G-10 S2XL, but the liners really need some light chamfering on the edges to keep from biting into my fingers.
- Endura 4 – I like the basic size/shape of the handle, but there is a bump on each grip where my middle finger tends to be that is annoying, and probably would be a hot spot with heavy use. I might try lightly sanding the bump to remove/reduce it, and the modified Endura will likely move up to 3rd or 4th place.

[vivi]

I'd consider the Stretch 2 but I prefer the Chief in pretty much every possible way. It also carries smallest out of all the knives mentioned in this thread, very small footprint for such a good sized knife.

I've got my eye on a PD#1 Stretch right now. That's what I'm really leaning towards.

The lack of thumb ramp on the Chief is why it's not in the running

With the Chief being out of the picture based on your preferences, my recommendation is easily the Police 4.

I hadn't owned a Police 4 since my last collection purge. Typed out my response before I got my PD1 sprint in the mail yesterday.

After handling it I forgot just how much I liked the handle. It's closer in thickness to the Military 2 than I remembered, and the contouring on the FRN is worlds better than the M2 G10 scales that are very squared off.

I'm already planning out which P4 I should buy next, VG10 or K390.

Yesterday was the only day I've owned a Military 2 and Police 4 at the same time as it turns out. In my head I imagined the M2 being quite the front runner. Comparing them side by side it's a lot closer than I figured it would be.

[spydergoat]

There’s a big size difference. If you want a 3.5” cutting edge, S2XL or Endura- which one feels better- I know I am intoto S2XL and not buying any more Enduras. If you want 4” or larger cutting edge, Police 4. It was too long for me and the handle is long too. Hand size will be a factor. Handle in person when possible.

[JoviAl]

Of my five top work knives (pictured here) the S2XL Salt SE gets picked when I’m expecting light duty for it or I’m going to be around the public and want something discreet.

I don’t have my K390 SE P4 at work today but it is almost on a par with the Jumpmaster 2 for edge length while disappearing into the pocket like the S2XL, plus it has liners. It is a fantastic knife.

I’m not a fan of the endura as I do a lot of cutting with the heel of blades and want it as close as possible to my fingers. The kick on it and the whole of the Delica/endela/endura family put me off. The Rockjumper on the other hand is excellent if you don’t need a longer blade.

[8th_Note]

Well, I got a Stretch 2 XL first. Got a deal that was too good to pass up.

It wasn't one of the ones that I originally inquired about, but I also got the Endela PD#1 Sprint.

Both are in the mail. I'll report back when I've had a chance to use them. Thanks for all the advice, input, and pictures