BM551 or Spyderco Endura 4?

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davisac

Joined
Feb 28, 2008
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Well these are what Ive narrowed it down to and their both kindof similar it seems. But which one do you carry/own and why?
 
I'm a Benchmade fan - the 551 carries well, has good 154cm steel, the Axis lock is strong, and the sturdy plastic handles give that famous Grip. For a utility knife at around $60 this is a good one!
 
I have an Endura 4 but favour the Griptilians. The Endura came with a very steep bevel (much steeper than my older 3 series Endura), that took a lot of thinning out before it would cut well. At forty degrees the Sharpmaker was getting nowhere near the edge. However, now that it is thinned out, it is a very good knife. The lockback is strong and reliable and the knife feels very good in the hand when in use.

However, I have a preference for thumb studs and the Axis Lock, so the 551 gets my vote.
 
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I agree the factory edge of E4 is simply too obtuse, more like 50+ inclusive degree. I would pick the 551 instead even though I could never sharpen the 154CM anywhere near as sharp as VG-10, but the AXIS simply wins a lockback in everyway (sorry spydermates :P ). But if we throw in a FFG E4 than it would be a totally different story altogether, a full linered G10 handle with a full flat ground VG-10 blade
 
551 Griptilian all the way! The Grips are all great knives in every aspect.
As far as 154cm vs. VG-10, I can get my 154cm Griptilian far sharper than any of my VG-10 Spydercos. I carry a Griptilian often instead of much more expensive knives just because it works so well.

BTW, I've owned 3 Endura 4's, 2 Delica 4's, and an Endura 3. I just can't get to like the short (from top to bottom) grind, funny handle, and blade play. Axis is the way to go. Spyderco really shines in other areas, but I never have liked the Enduras or Delicas, especially when you can get a Grip for about the same price.
 
ok well i thought i had decided but i found the Endura Wave and now im really wanting that lol. is it worth it? or just something thats cool and going to wear off after time? even get to be a pain
 
I love the wave a lot, I really do. I have a Delica Wave and think it's fantastic. I didn't prefer the Endura simply because of the size.

I think the Grip is probably a more rugged knife, though.
 
E4. I like the balance, ergos, clip and lock better. The handle is comfortable and provides an excellent grip even when wet. The same goes for the Grip but I'd give the edge to the E4. Spyderco's hourglass clip won't rip up your pockets like Benchmade's standard ones does. The E4 is a tough knife. VG-10 is a better steel, too.

I do not like the hollow handle of the Griptilian and I think the Axis is nice but not the unstoppable monster everyone claims it to be. I have plenty of confidence in Spyderco lockbacks and find them plenty easy to manipulate one-handed.

Why settle for less?
 
I own the Endura 4 and have handled the bm551. I like both, prefer the Endura. I think the 551 might be a better utility knife, but who knows. I think you can't go wrong with either.
 
I have owned both and prefer the benchmade. I tried a D4 with a wave and didn't like it as much as the regular. It would catch when I didn't want it to, I know if you turn it a certain way you can avoid this, but I don't want to think about drawing my knife. I didn't like the wave much at all. I love my Grips, they make much better utility knives IMO. I also think the fit and finish is better on the BM in the same price range.
 
I have both a full sized Griptilian and two Enduras, as well as two smaller MiniGrips and one Delica.

My choice for the big model is the Endura, but for the small I prefer the MiniGrips.

Grip family has better blade geometry (for cutting ability) and a superior lock system. But the full sized is a bit "fat" in the pocket, quite unlike the Endura, which carries very well. Also, the Endura blade feels sturdier and the knife is better balanced.

The pocket factor (diameter) is is not an issue with the mini sizes, where the MiniGrip feels better in the hand and carries as well as the Delica. Here the balance is reversed, and the MiniGrip has a better feel to it.

For slicing power, check out the hollow ground BMs. For full serration magic, go with a Spydie.

But this is just an opinion, and I believe either model or version is a great knife of outstanding value.
 
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