3.5. - 4 inch...

I

illumination

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Nov 21, 2005
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Title says it... I am looking for a new 3.5 - 4 inch folder for general use and maybe some hiking. Trying to understand the benefits of Stretch vs Endura G10 vs Military.

In particular the later two seem very similar...can someone please help me make up my mind.

Apologies as I have seen another thread comparing Stretch and Endura; I just want to throw the Military into the mix and get a few more opinions. Thanks.
 
You really can't go wrong with any one of those choices. they are all great knives. if your looking at the Military you should add the Para-Military in the mix as well.
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Thanks. I've seen the Stretch referenced as a "great slicer" with "great ergos" in comparison to the "more solidly built" Endura that holds "like a stick" (i.e., less comfortable).

Paramilitary seems to be a good add as well.

Do the Military and Paramilitary models have full liners and if not does that detract from the strength? I know the Endura has a full skeletonized liner; not sure about the Stretch.

All seem to be available in flat grind, which I generally find preferable.
 
illumination said:
...
Do the Military and Paramilitary models have full liners and if not does that detract from the strength? I know the Endura has a full skeletonized liner; not sure about the Stretch.

All seem to be available in flat grind, which I generally find preferable.
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The Millie and Para have nested liners, but I think you'll find that their overall strength is not compromised in any way by having them. Both are flat ground and have thicker blades than the Endura and Stretch series knives. Both are also open construction, although the Millie does have a partial backspacer that some people remove.

Paras are my EDC knives even when I carry something smaller for work or larger for woods. They've replaced everything else I have, even Striders and Sebenzas. The only knife I have that gives them any serious competition is my Gayle Bradley.
 
FRN Stretch has full (nested) skeletonized liners, like those of the FRN Endura. CF Stretch has full flush skeletonized liners like those of the G-10 Endura. G-10 Endura is also full flat grind, so it should slice about as well as the Stretch.

Military has partial liners and a thicker blade. Paramilitary also has a thicker blade, not sure about its liners. Both are handed locks whille the Stretch and Endura are fully ambidextrous.

Aside from being the best slicer, the Stretch's other advantage is compactness.

compare+endura_milie_stretch.jpg

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
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I just got a Carbon Fiber Stretch and it's a great knife you can't go wrong, well you really can't go wrong with either one, the Endura is also a great knife, I have a Waved Endura, and it sees some carry time once in awhile, but I really like the Stretch.
 
Stretch seems to be a favorite around here so that is where I am leaning. The Millie is nice too, and US made is a nice plus. The Para looks great too. And I guess I cant go wrong with the Endura.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...
 
All nice knives, but for EDC and hiking, I'd go for the Endura because of the light weight.
 
If you're right handed, you can't really go wrong with any of them. Even though many of us have strong preferences for one or another of them, they're all good. Truth is, the only way to know which is the best for you is to try them all, and even then you may wind up having a hard time picking a favorite.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
The weight of the Endura is a non issue here, for hiking you want the tougher knife (Mili or Para). I doubt the Endura at 3.6 oz would be that much more beneficial than the 4.25 oz Mili.
IMO, if I were hiking and I wasn't carrying a fixed blade, I would DEFINITELY have a Military in my pack. Along with a 2nd knife for good measure.
 
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