endura 4 decision

J

jimnolimit

Joined
Oct 28, 2009
Messages
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hello everyone

it's time for me to get a new spyderco to put in my EDC rotation , here's my problem , i have settled on the endura4 with the G10 handle design , but it's only available with a VG-10 blade , i really want the ZDP-189 blade . what would be the easiest/best way for me to achieve this setup ? buying both knives and swapping blades , then trying to sell VG-10 endura with dark green FRN handle ? is there a company that makes scales for endura's , or either myself or a machine shop could cut the G10 . i would prefer to take the easiest route , any idea's or help is appreciated . thank you .
 
Just get the ZDP FRN version, IMO. The G-10 handles for the Delica/Endura just add weight, cost, and no additional functionality. It likes to tear up pockets a lot more too(rubbing up against the G-10 as opposed to Spydie logo on FRN). I found the SS liners quite sharp around the edges as well.

My G-10 Delica just sits at home and get no love; it's practically a beater for me(having one of the screws stripped after I took it apart once helps). The FRN versions of the Delica and Enura I think are both excellent.
 
there are 2 problems i could have with the FRN handle on the endura

1. if the handle feels like that of a native , i don't like it , it feels too "plastic" . the FRN handle on my centofante 3 is great and feels almost like powder coated metal .
2. the only handle color available for endura with ZDP-189 is dark green , im not a fan of that color .

what i probably will do is get the endura ZDP-189 and see how i like it . if i don't like the handle maybe i'll just modify the FRN handle .

question to anyone with a FRN endura : does the knife feel balanced or does it feel "blade heavy" due to it being a saber grind ?
 
If PE, get the ZDP-189 FRN Stretch (it is flat ground).
If SE, get a Pacific Salt.

I have a serrated Pacific Salt and even without liners it doesn't feel "blade-heavy," just very light. Furthermore, while I only have experience with the Tenacious' G-10, I hate it compared to either the Volcano or Bi-directional FRN.
 
"question to anyone with a FRN endura : does the knife feel balanced or does it feel "blade heavy" due to it being a saber grind ?"

Yes, the FRN Endura feels blade heavy to me and this is why I prefer the G10 Endura.

Vinny
 
Here is my collection of Endura's/Salt.
DSC_1389.jpg


First off if your determined to have G10 over FRN because you think the FRN feels cheap or flimsy...its not. I gave away my Native III because of this and vowed to avoid FRN in any future Spydercos. But I wanted to try the ZDP so when a good buy on the ZDP189 knive was available I got it. FREAKIN AAA great knife. It has steel liners, feels great in your hand, and I do NOT find it blade heavy. JUMP all over this knife. Oh btw, its light :)

Now if you've just got to have a G10 Endura (I also highly recommend as a wonderful knife), don't fret with the VG10 not being worthy. It is as good a blade steel as any average Knife Joe needs...actually better but that's just my opinion.

Agree with another poster that if your all about full serrations the P. Salt above is a great choice.

To reiterate, I say get all three above but if you can only get one for now; I say get the ZDP/FRN first and give it test drive. If you don't like it sell it and track down a G10 one. I think those are getting harder to find at a discount.

Or just wait, Sal is alway churning the portfolio of offerings and a CF or G10 Endura in ZDP189 is probably already on the table for future production.

Currently, my FRN/ZDP is my go to EDC in this class of knives (;) I have a few others I like too).
Just my 2 cents.
 
I'm not a big fan of the E4 design, but both the ZDP E4 and the G10 E4 are pretty good exceptions. I handled a G10 and it's kind of funny being so heavy and having the thin flat ground blade. On the other hand, it locks up real sweet. Not a Sebenza, but a much better bank vault than the FRN models.
 
I have a G-10 endura and my dad has a ZDP endura, though the G-10 endura cuts much better because of its thin grind I like the feel of the ZDP endura better. The FRN endura's are thicker in the handle and fit in my hand better than the G-10 endura, the G-10 endura's thin handle always feels like its slipping out of my hand. Though its not slipping at all it just feels that way to me. Personally I think the FRN has more grip.
 
i just ordered the endura4 FRN with ZDP-189 blade . when i get it i'll write my review of the knife .
 
knifenut1013 said:
I have a G-10 endura and my dad has a ZDP endura, though the G-10 endura cuts much better because of its thin grind I like the feel of the ZDP endura better.
Click to expand...

im not really concerned with the angle of the edge that comes factory on the knife , i can adjust that , my only concern was the handle , i guess i'll find out in a few days .
 
For me, the full flat grind called the shots. I find the standard Endura saber grind inadequate for my uses. So much that I ended up flatenning/convexing by hand my Endura Wave, and getting a G10 as well. No more saber grinds for me. In fact, all the Spydies in my collection are FFG, except for an old D'fly of sentimental value.
 
jimnolimit said:
i just ordered the endura4 FRN with ZDP-189 blade . when i get it i'll write my review of the knife .
Click to expand...

Smart move IMO; it's a great knife (and a great value as well).

And as already mentioned, if you decide you don't like it you can sell it very quickly and easily.

Looking forward to reading your review! :cool:
 
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