(I know they are not expensive knives) but which one is better between the "Benchmade Acsent" and the "Spyderco Endura(horn/version)"??? They are both selling at $40.00 each for the 2.9 inchers. The 3.5 inch versions of both companies are only $5.00 more at $44.99. What's legal in GA.? Thanks.
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"Ascent" versus "Endura"
- Thread starter Harikari
- Start date
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- Aug 4, 1999
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- 2,596
I have spent about three hours so far working on a Benchmade Acsent! A co-worker of mine liked my AFCK but bought the Acsent instead. The blade is similar and that's about it!!
The pocket clip is screwed into threaded inserts that are pressed or molded into the plastic handle. They didn't even last the weekend for him!! I wont go into detail on how I fixed it but he should have sent it back to Benchmade. I would spend the extra $$ and buy the AFCK! The clip is screwed directly into the Ti. Liners and is much stronger.
Neil
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Just updated 10/31!! New Knives, New Pics!!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
The pocket clip is screwed into threaded inserts that are pressed or molded into the plastic handle. They didn't even last the weekend for him!! I wont go into detail on how I fixed it but he should have sent it back to Benchmade. I would spend the extra $$ and buy the AFCK! The clip is screwed directly into the Ti. Liners and is much stronger.
Neil
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Just updated 10/31!! New Knives, New Pics!!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
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- 883
Between the Spyderco Endura and the Benchmade Ascent, I prefer the Endura. I like the handle shape of the Endura better. If you've had a chance to handle both knives, you'll see that the Ascent tapers towards the butt end of the handle, while the Endura is wider aft. I like the feeling of extra width I get from the Endura.
Lock up on the Endura has been more consistently tight than on a number of Ascents I've handled. There always seems to have been a small but perceptible amount of vertical play in the Ascent. Nothing major, but if you can afford to be fussy . . .
The Ascent clip can be switched from pivot end to the butt end, but only for right-handed carry. The Endura clip can be switched from right side to left, but always on the butt end.
You've already noticed the similarities. Both knives are well worth the money, and what makes either better for you or for me will boil down to personal preference issues more than anything.
David Rock
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AKTI Member # A000846
"Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz."
Lock up on the Endura has been more consistently tight than on a number of Ascents I've handled. There always seems to have been a small but perceptible amount of vertical play in the Ascent. Nothing major, but if you can afford to be fussy . . .
The Ascent clip can be switched from pivot end to the butt end, but only for right-handed carry. The Endura clip can be switched from right side to left, but always on the butt end.
You've already noticed the similarities. Both knives are well worth the money, and what makes either better for you or for me will boil down to personal preference issues more than anything.
David Rock
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AKTI Member # A000846
"Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz."
Correction to my original post: The Spyderco Jess Horn lightweight 3" inch is one knife. The Spyderco Endura 3.5"inch is another knife. And the 3rd knife for this comparison is the Benchmade Ascent at 2.9" & 3.5" inch versions. I had these knives in my hands today , I want one bad! Anybody from GA. can tell me what's legal? Thanks!
Harikari,
AFCK: Advanced Folding Combat Knife, i.e. Benchmade 800 series (800, 812, 800HS). It's the granddaddy of the Ascents. They use liner lock instead of back lock, and all use G-10 for the handles.
I don't know about the Jess Horn lightweight, but I got the original Spydie Jess Horn (micarta handles). It's one knife that's arguably could do anything you would expect from a small knife (opening letters, boxes, among other things). If the lightweight is halfway like the original, then you should be fine. Honestly, I only carry my Jess Horn as a gentleman folder, meaning it's too small for my everyday tasks.
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Reynaert
AFCK: Advanced Folding Combat Knife, i.e. Benchmade 800 series (800, 812, 800HS). It's the granddaddy of the Ascents. They use liner lock instead of back lock, and all use G-10 for the handles.
I don't know about the Jess Horn lightweight, but I got the original Spydie Jess Horn (micarta handles). It's one knife that's arguably could do anything you would expect from a small knife (opening letters, boxes, among other things). If the lightweight is halfway like the original, then you should be fine. Honestly, I only carry my Jess Horn as a gentleman folder, meaning it's too small for my everyday tasks.
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Reynaert
You tend to get what you pay for. While I have little experience with Benchmades, I do have experience with Spydies of many varieties. Any and all are well worth the price and the Endura98 is, perhaps, the best knife that you can get for the money. The ATS55 blade is a good steel, holding an edge rather well, and being easy to resharpen. The blade shape is good, with good belly for slicing. The hilt fits well into ost hands that I have seen. All in all, a good buy for the money.
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Walk in the Light,
Hugh
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Walk in the Light,
Hugh
- Joined
- Feb 22, 1999
- Messages
- 828
Endura, hands down, end of story.
One of my first lightweight knives was an Ascent/Eclipse, and I thought it was an OK knife, until I lost it in a blizzard, and bought another one, and at the same time, a Spyderco Endura. I carried the Endura for a week, and when I came back to the Ascent, it felt like a cheap piece of plastic. the lockup on the Endura is much tighter, and it feels so much better in my hand.
My suggestion: buy an AFCK and an Endura
you can prolly get an AFCK for about $85 if look around.
...tm
One of my first lightweight knives was an Ascent/Eclipse, and I thought it was an OK knife, until I lost it in a blizzard, and bought another one, and at the same time, a Spyderco Endura. I carried the Endura for a week, and when I came back to the Ascent, it felt like a cheap piece of plastic. the lockup on the Endura is much tighter, and it feels so much better in my hand.
My suggestion: buy an AFCK and an Endura
you can prolly get an AFCK for about $85 if look around.
...tm
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
The '3.5" endura' to which you refer actually has a 4" blade. So you're really comparing the 3" ascent to the delica, or the 4" ascent to the endura.
On the 4" version, the choice is easy for me. The endura wins hands down -- this knife just sings. Great handle ergonomics, great blade,etc. The Ascent handle is positively monstrous, but its odd shape makes it no better for someone with big hands, and it's positively awkward for me.
The delica versus the 3" ascent is a bit more difficult, because the 3" ascent's handle came out better than the 4" ascent's handle. However, you're still talking about a bigger handle on the ascent than the delica, for no better ergonomics. I still give the nod to the delica.
In addition, the edge geometry on the spydercos is much better out of the box than the edge geometry on the ascents.
For me, the endura98 and delica98 remain the kings of the lightweights. After all these years, still the best!
Joe
On the 4" version, the choice is easy for me. The endura wins hands down -- this knife just sings. Great handle ergonomics, great blade,etc. The Ascent handle is positively monstrous, but its odd shape makes it no better for someone with big hands, and it's positively awkward for me.
The delica versus the 3" ascent is a bit more difficult, because the 3" ascent's handle came out better than the 4" ascent's handle. However, you're still talking about a bigger handle on the ascent than the delica, for no better ergonomics. I still give the nod to the delica.
In addition, the edge geometry on the spydercos is much better out of the box than the edge geometry on the ascents.
For me, the endura98 and delica98 remain the kings of the lightweights. After all these years, still the best!
Joe
- Joined
- Feb 11, 1999
- Messages
- 652
Go here: Bayou La Fourche Knifeworks. Page down a bit, look at the prices on the AFCK and Mini-AFCK. I have a 3.5 inch Ascent, a Spydie Endura, a Spydie Standard, and a couple of Spydie Natives. If you're thinking 3 inches or less, I'd go with the Standard or the Native (BF Native even better, and well worth the money). If you're thinking over 3 inches, I'd go with the mini-AFCK, if you're OK with the liner lock mechanism, and pay the extra money. It's worth it. I've got plastic handles (a la Light Weights), I've got G-10 handles (a la BF Native and the Standard), and G-10 with metal liners (a la AFCK series). I like the G-10 with metal liners the most; plastic the least. No matter how many people tell me how many times that the plastic is fine, I still wouldn't trust it if it was to be my only knife.
But, your question was between the BM Ascent, the Spydie Endura, and the Jess Horn Light Weight. I'd go with the Endura, for the handle shape alone.
Have I thoroughly confused the issue now?
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It's just a ***king staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy
[This message has been edited by Outlaw_Dogboy (edited 02 November 1999).]
But, your question was between the BM Ascent, the Spydie Endura, and the Jess Horn Light Weight. I'd go with the Endura, for the handle shape alone.
Have I thoroughly confused the issue now?
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It's just a ***king staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy
[This message has been edited by Outlaw_Dogboy (edited 02 November 1999).]
All of the Benchmade Ascent's that I've handled were pieces of junk. The AFCK is a much better quality knife, probably better than the Spyderco's you mentioned.
But even if the prices were all the same, I'd go for the Endura.
Bernie
But even if the prices were all the same, I'd go for the Endura.
Bernie
I have 2 Enduras (Aus-8 and ATS-55 versions), an 830S Ascent, and the Jess Horn Lightweight.
The Ascent I have has some vertical play when fully opened. It cuts pretty well, and I only use it for cutting chores around the yard.
The Endura '98 is extremely comfortable to handle, has silky-smooth action, and a very tight, solid lockup. The blade to handle ratio is also better IMO than on the Ascent.
The Jess Horn Lwt. is a nicely-make knife, very sharp and easy to maintain. But I very rarely carry it, and when I do, it's never as a main carry knife. It makes an excellent gentleman's folder, and is best when used for relatively light cutting chores.
Jim
The Ascent I have has some vertical play when fully opened. It cuts pretty well, and I only use it for cutting chores around the yard.
The Endura '98 is extremely comfortable to handle, has silky-smooth action, and a very tight, solid lockup. The blade to handle ratio is also better IMO than on the Ascent.
The Jess Horn Lwt. is a nicely-make knife, very sharp and easy to maintain. But I very rarely carry it, and when I do, it's never as a main carry knife. It makes an excellent gentleman's folder, and is best when used for relatively light cutting chores.
Jim
Several months ago, I was trying to decide between the Ascent and the Endura and I chose to go with the 3.5" Ascent 830, simply because it felt better in my hand. The Endura has a handle that is better-suited for a wide vaiety of grips if that is important to you, but the Endura "bites" my hand a bit more when I grip it tightly. This is just me, and since your hands are not the same as mine, you might not have a problem with it. Since then however, I have purchased the Endura and I really like it a lot. For Daily carry, I still prefer the Ascent, simply because I am used to the tip-down carry. As David Rock said, the Endura and Delica can be used in right or left hand fashion, but only tip-up, whereas the Ascent can be changed for tip-up or tip-down carry but can only be used in right-hand fashion. One more thing that I like about the Ascent is that it rides considerably lower in my pocket than the Endura or Delica. However, the Ascent is also wider at the pivot than the Spydies are at the butt, which in some of my pants, makes it tight to reach into my pocket for things like keys or chapstick, when I don't want the knife to get in the way. If you don't like the wideness of the pivot in the Ascent you can switch the clip to the butt-end of the knife which is very narrow, giving you a bit more room for your hand to grab things in your pocket. I haven't bothered to change the clip to the narrower butt-end, which indicates that it isn't that big of a problem for me.
Regarding the play in the blade, as far as I can tell, my Ascent has no vertical wobble (maybe I got lucky) and had a small amount of lateral play which I easily fixed by tightening the pivot pin. It has no wobble now whatsoever!
I have carried my Ascent daily since I bought it in August and have no complaints whatsoever, except that the hand is pretty much forced to hold the knife in only one position. The grip on both my Ascent and Endura is very secure, I just don't like the "bite" on the Endura when I grip it tightly. I suggest you try holding the Endura (and Delica if you're interested) and the Ascent in different hand positions, varying the tightness of the grip to see how you like them. Clip them in your pockets and see how they ride. I think it will just come down to which one YOU prefer! I don't think you can go wrong either way!
[This message has been edited by Frag (edited 02 November 1999).]
Regarding the play in the blade, as far as I can tell, my Ascent has no vertical wobble (maybe I got lucky) and had a small amount of lateral play which I easily fixed by tightening the pivot pin. It has no wobble now whatsoever!
I have carried my Ascent daily since I bought it in August and have no complaints whatsoever, except that the hand is pretty much forced to hold the knife in only one position. The grip on both my Ascent and Endura is very secure, I just don't like the "bite" on the Endura when I grip it tightly. I suggest you try holding the Endura (and Delica if you're interested) and the Ascent in different hand positions, varying the tightness of the grip to see how you like them. Clip them in your pockets and see how they ride. I think it will just come down to which one YOU prefer! I don't think you can go wrong either way!
[This message has been edited by Frag (edited 02 November 1999).]
Harikari,
Between Endura & AFCK? That's a difficult question. Personally I'd pick the AFCK even though it's a linerlock. Performance wise I don't think there's a big difference. But let's just say that my hands are really accustomed to AFCKs. BTW, in 830 vs Endura, I like the Endura's grip better; AFCK vs Endura is another story, my hands like the AFCK better. Go figure. My advice: if possible go to your local dealer and handle them all, in the end it all depends on how the knife feels in your hand.
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Reynaert
Between Endura & AFCK? That's a difficult question. Personally I'd pick the AFCK even though it's a linerlock. Performance wise I don't think there's a big difference. But let's just say that my hands are really accustomed to AFCKs. BTW, in 830 vs Endura, I like the Endura's grip better; AFCK vs Endura is another story, my hands like the AFCK better. Go figure. My advice: if possible go to your local dealer and handle them all, in the end it all depends on how the knife feels in your hand.
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Reynaert
The Endura and AFCK I have are both excellent knives. The AFCK is much more high end w/ the G10 scales and metal liners, but at less than twice the price.
I do prefer the tip up carry of the Endura for quicker deployment, but the AFCK is a first rate knife.
Both come with great edges and have similar shapes.
Get the one your budget allows. You won't be sorry with either, or both!
I do prefer the tip up carry of the Endura for quicker deployment, but the AFCK is a first rate knife.
Both come with great edges and have similar shapes.
Get the one your budget allows. You won't be sorry with either, or both!
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 883
Good post, Frag. You do well to emphasize the carryability aspects of these knives. Sometimes I think we forget that a knife spends a lot more time in our pocket than it does in our hand.
Harikari:
Between the AFCK and the Endura, you can assume that the AFCK is the stronger knife, in terms of brute strength. It also costs about twice as much. Price and strength notwithstanding, there are some things I like better about the Endura vs. the AFCK: the light weight is a plus if you are wearing the knife clipped to swimming trunks or pajama bottoms. The Endura is safer in the pocket because of the back spring, which helps prevent the blade opening accidentally if you jump up and down vigorously or fall down the stairs or whatever.
Incidentally, I happen to be carrying both an AFCK (800HS) and an Endura (fully serrated) on my person right now. So obviously I like both knives a lot.
I think if you took a survey of Forumites, asking which knife they would rather receive as a gift, most would probably opt for the AFCK, as it is a more expensive knife. Is it truly a "better" knife? Not if you go by what's in my pocket most often.
Sorry I can't help you with the Georgia question.
David Rock
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AKTI Member # A000846
"Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz."
Harikari:
Between the AFCK and the Endura, you can assume that the AFCK is the stronger knife, in terms of brute strength. It also costs about twice as much. Price and strength notwithstanding, there are some things I like better about the Endura vs. the AFCK: the light weight is a plus if you are wearing the knife clipped to swimming trunks or pajama bottoms. The Endura is safer in the pocket because of the back spring, which helps prevent the blade opening accidentally if you jump up and down vigorously or fall down the stairs or whatever.
Incidentally, I happen to be carrying both an AFCK (800HS) and an Endura (fully serrated) on my person right now. So obviously I like both knives a lot.
I think if you took a survey of Forumites, asking which knife they would rather receive as a gift, most would probably opt for the AFCK, as it is a more expensive knife. Is it truly a "better" knife? Not if you go by what's in my pocket most often.
Sorry I can't help you with the Georgia question.
David Rock
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AKTI Member # A000846
"Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz."