Why is the Endura so awesome?

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
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Chris_Himself
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Why is the Endura so awesome?

#1

Post by Chris_Himself »

You know I own a BM Rukus, 940, and an Emerson CQC7, and I'm not rich by any means, this is a collection that took 5-6 years to build up, the CQC was a gift.

I was EDC'ing the big ol' Griptilian 550HG with the spydie hole in it. It was rather awkward to carry, my pocket was really occupied, but it was a dream to cut with it and thats what made it all worth carrying. The Rukus was far to large, so it was the first to go, the 940 was too pretty to use, and the CQC7 I plan on keeping to pass down to my children because of how nice it is, I'm 21 btw.

So then one day I go into the knife store to buy a 14210, one of the HK folders by BM, but then the brown FFG Endura caught my eye. Ugly handle at first, but much thinner and honestly I'd never found any spydie other than the new Manix 2 at the time to be attractive at all. So then I pick the thing up, the first thing I notice is the blade detent, which is almost nonexistent in most BM's. I like this. I then grab a flimsy receipt from lunch and I was able to filet it completely. I also love how it locks with authority. I knew nothing about VG-10 at the time so the steel choice wasn't a factor, but man for the 94 dollars it cost, how was this knife so light, solid, and useful at the same time? A BM grippy costs about the same retail, but the thing is it's not much cheaper online, so it's worth buying in-store.

I immediately go home, put up an auction for the 550HG and order the FFG Endura... hot **** is this a good knife. Now I'm the owner of a purple FFG delica, tenacious (probably one of the best knives they make), and I'm definitely considering a Manix 2. I'm going to downsize my collection just because I wanted fondling knives and I'll probably keep the Manix, CQC, and Endura at the end of the day.

I just wanted to compliment Sal on making a superior product, with superior materials, and throwing in a side of excellent support considering I just happened to stumble on the Spydie forum the other day and no other production knifemaker has an online community such as this.
"Quality is not an accident. It's the result of focused intention, earnest effort, intelligent direction, and careful execution." - Front of the mid-year catalog
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224477
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#2

Post by 224477 »

I would say Spyderco Endura is the Glock of the knifeworld (I think Chad los Banos said that first) - given that, Glock isnt the best weapon you can buy, but its probably the most carried and easy to use one.

Same with the Endura, not the best knife ever built, but widely spread, hard used, light to carry, with good price too. It became a legend and should be a part of every knifemaniac`s collection.
"Having a dull knife is like having a stupid friend."
wongKI
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#3

Post by wongKI »

Why is it great?

-The lock and blade are very, very consistently done and reliable.
-Easy and comfortable to operate and use
-The handle material is inexpensive but comfortable and grippy.
-It cuts very well thanks to the flat grind.
-It carries well, being thin, for such a large blade.
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Seanski
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#4

Post by Seanski »

I have only one endura and as a matter of fact I'm carrying it right now. I really would
like to get another and thank you for this post because I think I will go with a ffg one
as well. I use my edc knives in the kitchen alot so I appreciate a nice thin fully ground
blade. I might just get the purple one too.
Which brings me to a question...? Which color would cut the best? :)
Use your blades in the kitchen, it's great bonding time!
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Evil D
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#5

Post by Evil D »

I know i fell in love the first time i handled one. I wanted that knife so **** bad and it was only $64. I ended up buying a Delica because i can't EDC a blade as big as the Endura. Both are great knives for the money.
~David
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tonydahose
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#6

Post by tonydahose »

yeah, they are ok ;)
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markg
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#7

Post by markg »

$94 bucks? Wow we need to get you to shop around. :) How about that same knife for $60? It becomes an even better value.

Any mid-lock is going to have a much stronger self-closing bias than an Axis Lock, but then again any Axis Lock is going to be smoother. Depends on what you want.

I have had an Endura (or 5 or 10) since 1991-ish (I got one as soon as they were introduced). Anyway you slice it (oh the pun) it is a clasic.

Don't forget its' little bother the Delica.
swanseajack
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#8

Post by swanseajack »

I really rate the standard Endura4. I'm sure the FFG is on the money too.
Classic big Spydie !
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sal
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#9

Post by sal »

Hi Chris,

Thanx much for the kind words.

Hope you enjoy our work.

sal
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Chris_Himself
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#10

Post by Chris_Himself »

markg wrote:$94 bucks? Wow we need to get you to shop around. :) How about that same knife for $60? It becomes an even better value.

Any mid-lock is going to have a much stronger self-closing bias than an Axis Lock, but then again any Axis Lock is going to be smoother. Depends on what you want.

I have had an Endura (or 5 or 10) since 1991-ish (I got one as soon as they were introduced). Anyway you slice it (oh the pun) it is a clasic.

Don't forget its' little bother the Delica.
I bought mine for 50 bucks from YCS. I OWN a purple FFG delica. So I was thinking since they RETAIL at the same price as most BM's and are worth the investment there, getting them for the price I did makes them an absolute steal.

I honestly have yet to want more in a knife and the odd thing is I don't find any attraction to Sebenza's either. My only real complaint is that FFG's are a bit harder to sharpen on an aligner system by DMT or Lansky but, you can still get the job done..
"Quality is not an accident. It's the result of focused intention, earnest effort, intelligent direction, and careful execution." - Front of the mid-year catalog
jonnydingo
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#11

Post by jonnydingo »

The endura was my first Spydie, the USN wave. have a few now and would love to see a sprint run with G10 again or CF would be fantastic.
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mrsteel
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#12

Post by mrsteel »

Evil D wrote:I know i fell in love the first time i handled one. I wanted that knife so **** bad and it was only $64. I ended up buying a Delica because i can't EDC a blade as big as the Endura. Both are great knives for the money.
The Endura is an amazing knife I love it. I got mine for $60. Its the C10PSBK.
http://www.poorfish.com/p-6691-spyderco ... 0psbk.aspx
Franciscomv
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#13

Post by Franciscomv »

I've never really warmed up to the Endura 4. I still like and carry my Endura 3 more often, but I can't deny its excellent design features. Whenever anybody asks me about good pocket knives, the Endura is up there at the top of the list.

The FFG ones are even nicer. I don't mind sacrificing tip strengh for better cutting performance and the choice of colours is a welcome break from the usual black FRN (so far blue's my favourite).
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Blerv
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#14

Post by Blerv »

The Stretch FRN is next! :)
alexcue
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#15

Post by alexcue »

Only Endura i own is the USN version with Wave. LOVE the **** wave, but **** knife, is it ugly!!! J/K

it's part of my EDC rotation and is a sweet knife. For it's size it carries well in the pocket. Good all around blade for my purposes. Bang for the buck??? out of this world!
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#16

Post by TrojanDonkey »

When in doubt buy an Endura.It is a modern classic.They got "it" right in material and workmanship at a competitive price point and a lot of options-more options than any other knife Im familiar with.I have two.One FFG G10 Endura 4 and a serrated FRN Endura 4. An Endura feels small in the pocket and big in the hand.
SIG
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#17

Post by SIG »

224477 wrote:I would say Spyderco Endura is the Glock of the knifeworld (I think Chad los Banos said that first) - given that, Glock isnt the best weapon you can buy, but its probably the most carried and easy to use one.

Same with the Endura, not the best knife ever built, but widely spread, hard used, light to carry, with good price too. It became a legend and should be a part of every knifemaniac`s collection.
I completely agree with this post. Over the years, I have owned many different quality knives (along with other "hardware") and have come to realize that simpler is truly better.

Lightweight, simple-to-use design, and quality materials and craftsmanship really do make these tools a success. Ambidextrous design only adds to their respective customer bases. Add to that a fair price versus others in the marketplace and good customer service, I really think they are a winning combo.

With a Glock, a lack of decocking levers, double-action to single-action triggrs, etc. make it consistent in use, and they are offered in a few sizes to suit carry needs (duty, concealed, back-up).

The latest Endura FRN design that allows for 4-way clip attachment is awesome. Some prefer strong-side carry, some off-side for weapon retention. Tip-up or tip-down? Up to you and your preference.

I see the Endura as analogous to a Glock 17/Glock 22, and the Delica matching the Glock 19/23.

They are in wide use and if they didn't work well, I don't think they would be adopted for use nearly universally.
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chuck_roxas45
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#18

Post by chuck_roxas45 »

SIG wrote:I completely agree with this post. Over the years, I have owned many different quality knives (along with other "hardware") and have come to realize that simpler is truly better.

Lightweight, simple-to-use design, and quality materials and craftsmanship really do make these tools a success. Ambidextrous design only adds to their respective customer bases. Add to that a fair price versus others in the marketplace and good customer service, I really think they are a winning combo.

With a Glock, a lack of decocking levers, double-action to single-action triggrs, etc. make it consistent in use, and they are offered in a few sizes to suit carry needs (duty, concealed, back-up).

The latest Endura FRN design that allows for 4-way clip attachment is awesome. Some prefer strong-side carry, some off-side for weapon retention. Tip-up or tip-down? Up to you and your preference.

I see the Endura as analogous to a Glock 17/Glock 22, and the Delica matching the Glock 19/23.

They are in wide use and if they didn't work well, I don't think they would be adopted for use nearly universally.
You can also add that some people love them and swear by them and some hate them with a passion. :D

PS: I love my glock and my endura. :D
The General
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#19

Post by The General »

My first Spyderco was an Endura.

That knife saved my bacon on more than one occasion. It introduced me to Spyderco knives.

I passed that knife up to my father. Figured he deserved to have the knife that got me hooked. Helped him appreciate why I dig good knives.

ATS-55 fully serrated with the metal clip.

He still uses that knife and still has it. It get used hard. He managed to break 2mm or so from the tip and it looks very well used now. However it still locks up great and does not feel worn out. :D

Its been a long road since that first knife, but I see a long road ahead. :spyder:
My real name is Wayne :D
kawr
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#20

Post by kawr »

Theres just nothing better at that price range that offers that kind of package. Nothing comes close. Light, tough, reliable, comfortable, great steel, and high value. Complete success!
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