Hi All

I'm looking for a new outdoor/utility knife, and i've decided to save up and buy a quality knife.

Ideally, i'd like a Sebenza - but that is way out of my budjet. My next option is a folder with a 3 " blade. I really like the look of the Spyderco Endura, Police and Milatary model, but they are quite pricey.

Endura - https://secure.heinnie.com/cgi-bin/heinn...cart_id=4533909

Police - https://secure.heinnie.com/cgi-bin/heinn...cart_id=4533909

Military - https://secure.heinnie.com/cgi-bin/heinn...cart_id=4533909


Does anybody have experience with these models? Plain edge, spyderedge or 50/50? Are there any outher knives that you would swear by? Any comments/critisism will help. Thanks!

I'm also considering buying the endura from heinnie haynes. I'm in exactly the same situation, I'd love a sebenza but I can't afford it.

I have the endura with a stainless steel handle and a plain edge. I´m completely satisfied with it. It came razor sharp and holds an edge very well. The blade opens and folds smoothly and it locks reliably.
I chose the smooth edge because it´s better for most cutting tasks and it´s easier to sharpen. If you need it for cutting ropes or seat belts the serrated edge might be better. I wouldn´t recommend the half serrated blade. It´s a compromise and with such a short blade you will have the disadvantages of both edge designs.

I saw some enduras and delicas for sale on eBay today from UK sellers, much cheaper than heinnie even if you go for the buy it now option. I also saw my local shooting and fishing shop sell delicas for considerably less.

Justin

I have an older Spyderco Endura, and it's been a pretty good knife- no real complaints. So much of knife selection is personal preference, and so much has changed on the Endura over the years, that it's hard to say anything definite. They've changed the handle shape, the rocker, the steel, the clip...

The handle is comfortable, and Spyderco knives, with that big, patented circular hole in the blade, open more easily with one hand than almost all thumb-stud folders. The Zytel versions are pretty lightweight, and my Endura balances just behind the blade pivot pin.

If I were buying a Spyderco now, I'd buy the Military, as it's easier to keep clean and has the stronger liner lock, rather than the older rocker-lock design on the Endura. Also, the hollow-ground bevel on the EnduraI makes the point a little more delicate than I like.

I don't much care for serrated edges.

Hope this is of some help.

Thanks to all of you for the replies. I hope to get the plain edge Military, because of:
1) the ease of cleaning
2)I like the design, shape and look
3) it has a 4" blade. that is quite big. I personally prefer bigger blades.

I'm going with the plain-edge for ease of maintanance as well as preference.

Thanks again for the help.

WOFT,

I've carried an Endura daily for about 2 years now and love it.

In terms of strength I would not rate it at the top due to the small pivot. I don't use mine as a wilderness blade. I carry mine mainly in an urban setting for defense. At this it excells. The Endura carries with it's pivot down in the pocket. On the draw it is in a natural position to open quickly.

It holds an edge very well and can easily be brought back to a shaving edge with a hard stone and a strop. It is also a lightweight knife that is comfortable to carry. I love the Endura, plain edge.

For wilderness duty I use a drop point S&W SWAT with G-10 scales. I'd put this knife up against any more expensive folder. Mac

Pict

Dammit Mac, you made me think about the negative aspects of the spyderco!! <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />!!!!

Thanks for pointing that out.

I'll still save some money, but i'll still consider other options for an outdoor knife. I'm not looking for the 'perfect' knife - i don't beleive that there is such a thing. Also, many of the knives discussed on this forum aren't available to me. The Spydrco range (some of it) is, and seems the best suited for me when i consider the other options available.

WOFT,
why are you looking for a "new" outdoor knife?

reinhardt

WOFT,

The Endura is a great knife for the money. I paid an inflated price for mine becasue I bought it here as an import. Brazil has it's availability problems too.

For me the most important feature was the pivot down carry. You don't have to manipulate the knife as much to get it open.
I would use it as a wilderness knife but I have better choices. My Spyderco is dedicated to defense and I just don't want to screw it up making fuzz sticks or something.

The edge it holds is truly amazing. I put the Endura in my "best buy" category. It's hard to go wrong with a classic. Their more expensive knives are stronger. Mac