Advice on Spyderco models

[jacob j]

Hello. I am new to this forum and I would like some opinions and advice on a couple of models offered by Spyderco. While I am new to the forum, I am not new to knives. I have now and have owned, quite a few knives. My questions pertain to the Endura and Delica models. First off, which handle do you prefer and why? Second, without an adjustable pivot, are these knives prone to excess play after repeated use? Third, where is the best place to buy online? Lastly, I realize this is a brand specific forum and that there may be some bias here, which is fine. I currently own a Military and a Dyad jr. and I had a Starmate at one time. The only reason I mention the bias factor is because I have been on other forums that blindly endorse every single knife ever made by a single company.

For example, while some consider them to be the best, I’ve had pretty poor experience with Emerson’s knives. (And I have 5 of them so I should know. The Wave does rock though!) Any advice and opinions on these knives would be appreciated.

Thanks

[vampyrewolf]

Jabob j,

I used and abused my FRN Delica PE over 3yrs, and it now works with my friend. It was still tight yet smooth after all that. The only damage was when my father used it to mark holes in wood by twisting the tip(and snapped a bit off).

I've got the SE FRN Endura from AET as an xmas gift in early dec. It is pretty much brand new(Think it was NIB actaully), but you can't really tell with the FRN models as they hold up very well.

EDIT: ok, supper's done, I'll add more now.

The FRN models from <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> will hold up well to pretty much everything.

I have 1 SS handled <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>,a Dragonfly in PE. That sucker has held up a lot of dropping and screwdriver duty **cring**

Personal preference for handles is G-10 or SS, but FRN is still a good type. Light yet strong.

The pivot hasn't given up any slack in the Delica, but I have 2 models I'm sending back for pivot work(c41 and c52).

The best place to get them is via email to Glasshartt@aol.com(Linda "Glasshartt" here on the forums). Great prices, excellent service. I've only found her prices beat a couple times, and only on a few models.

If you can find the VG-10 models(FRN) they are the newest ones, but ATS-55(97 or 98 onward) are great steels none the less. Prior to 97(I think, might have been the change in 97) they had plastic clips built into the handle. The integral clip models are favored by many.

I own from a few companies, but only Sal Glesser(pres, owner, mod, and general CMFIC) has been able to continously put out good products and support.

My Word, My Honour, is my Life.

Edited by - vampyrewolf on 12/25/2002 7:03:55 PM

[J Smith]

As for the handle type I like the pre 98 with the molded clip best.It just seems to be made better plus I like the handle shape better.I used one of these hard for years and now my dad has it,still solid as a rock.

SOOOO!,I see the internet is on the computer now!....Homer Simpson

[Sword and Shield]

Howdy Jacob! Welcome to <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>Land! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

First off, on the question of bias: Sure, we're a factory forum. That doesn't mean we don't have opinions! While people will tend to trumpet <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> here, it's because they sincerely believe <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> makes the best knives around. BM, CS and other brands all get mentioned here or there, and they are fairly opined about.

No one here will mock the owning of other brands, we're just a little particular on what we carry! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I, for instance, like Queen knives. Do I hide that fact here, like I would on a BM forum? Never. We're an open group, all in all.

(Just noticed that the previous was really long. Sorry. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>)

The knives can wear with time and use. However, it requires a LOT of time and use to get any noticable play out of one. Even if it wears, <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> will touch it up cheap, often only around $10.

Best place online would be either eknifeworks.com or knifecenter.com. I've had good experiences with both, and both offer blades cheap, regardless of brand.

Never underestimate the impossible.

[sc_rebel1957]

Hi Jacob welcome also, I doubt you find a single person who reguarlly frequents this forum to utter too much bad stuff about other brands.
Most of us do own other brands also.
I personally own BM, Case, 1 Emerson, CRKT, Strider, Kershaw but 90% of my collection are <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>s now.
Mostly because I haven't found a bad 1 yet, while i'm sure theres a few that sneak by q/c i'd wager it's a VERY small amount.
As for the FRN Endura/Delica you mentioned I haven't worn 1 out yet, then seem to work in instead of wear out, mainly because of close tolerances held and quality materials.
When I bought my 1st FRN I said to myself, this won't last long.
that's been 5+ years now and it still works like a charm, as Vamp says it's smoother now but still tight.
I also 2nd his advice about Linda, mail her for her current price list. Ron

[dialex]

Hello jacob, welcome aboard. I hope you will be satisfied with the Spyderco knives and choosing an Endura or a Delica is a wise choice.
Now about the handles, I preffer by far the FRN (fiber reinforced nylon) models, (lightweight and also better steel used at the blades; the VG-10 steel is one of the best, you'll see). The SS (stainless steel) handles are very nice, but they have some disadvantages and the blades are made of a different steel (AUS-8 which is OK, rust resistant and fair edge retention, but not as good as VG-10).
I am the proud owner of a FRN Delica and I abused it quite a lot. The pivot is solid and the blade does not wiggle. It's like an AK-47. Works great with virtually no maintenance. I even heard from a forumite that the only care for his 3 yrs. old Endura was to wipe it on his jeans now and then!
You will notice here that we also talk about other brands and we even positively emphasize some of their characteristics (the BM axis lock or the Emerson Kerambit, for instance). We also don't hesitate to criticize certain spidies or features belonging to them. It's quite a democratic forum, IMO.
As for the best Spyderco dealer, you should check our forumite Linda. She's a fine lady and has great prices.
<marquee loop=infinite ><a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my webpage)</font></a></marquee>

[jaxon]

JJ,

Welcome. I can't add much to what the others have advised. I do have an SS Delica and an FRN Endura. Both are super knives but altogether different purposes in my collection. You can't go wrong with either, or BOTH <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. Another vote to an on-line source is Mike at NewGraham.com.

Come here to talk about knives. Nobody will criticize if you want to go OT to other brands.

Jaxon

[glockman99]

After you get a Delica and an Endura (or better yet, a couple of each), you'll also need to take the next step and start collecting the various Police models.

Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663

[cmassicotte]

Howdy Jacob, and welcome to the forum.

Clearly I can't add much but to resoundingly second what has been said before. I owned a pre-98 Endura; it was and is a workhorse of a knife. My son has it now and uses it daily in his job as an Electrician. And as to best place and prices, Linda (GlassHart@aol.com) can usually beat everything but the very lowest blowout prices on Spydies. And her customer service is outstanding - the very best you will find anywhere.

Good luck in your quest. Hope you will visit out forum again soon.

Chuck

There is no right way to do a wrong thing

[sam the man..]

welcome aboard dude! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Stick around and you're gonna really love it here! Well, first, get the FRN Endura, then, get the SS Endura which is a great companion to it.. Someday, I wish there will be a short-run of G-10 or CF Enduras! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

[gator1]

I have been lurking here on the forum for a month or so but just registered so I could post. Since I am also new this thread was most helpful to me. Everyone here seems like one big happy family and I look forward to sharing and getting to know you.

[Dijos]

My '97 endura-aus 8 is still going strong. When I bought it in 97, I thought 50 bucks was a lot of cake. anyway, i use the crap out of it every day, and has never let me down. Frn is so maligned, but its light weight and overall grippiness is hard to beat.