Endura 4 or "Late to the Party"

Gramps

Gramps

Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
1,507
Today I went looking for a new Endura to replace an older model I own....we are talking "older" as in the earliest incarnation with the G2 blade. Being typically "late to the party," so to speak, when I handled the new Endura 4 I discovered quite a few changes. I had expected an upgrade in the blade steel, but didn't know Spyderco had "improved" the handle and blade design. As I examined the "new" Endura I was.....well.....I hate to use the word "disappointed" as I appreciate that Spyderco is on the cutting edge of design and improvement and perpetually looking to move forward with new concepts....but dang I missed the slimmer handle of the older model; the new Endura feels "not quite" right in my hand, and I like the way the older Endura "tucks away" in the waist band. The "pointy" tip is gone too....the Endura 4 has a wider drop point....not my cup of tea. I also saw a model with the "Emerson-like" wave feature; it seemed "gimmicky" for my needs. However, I can certainly understand that it's function would appeal to others.
Understand, I am not complaining......just sharing my impressions. It would be unfair if I didn't mention that the build quaility of the Spyderco knives I examined today were rock SOLID !

I walked away without purchasing. Perhaps I should go back, and buy it and try it; I could always sell it if it doesn't work, I guess. Am I overlooking something here in the newest Endura ?

Is the older Model 3 still available for sale somewhere....or does anyone have one they would like to sell or trade ? I dunno.....I miss the "old" Endura. I think I would like to find an "older" model somewhere.

-Best regards
 
You can still find Endura 3's at many online vendors. Last I checked www.newgraham.com still carried them.

I'm a little mixed myself. I really like the contours of the E3's handle, but the texturing of the FRN on newer models is really nice and I prefer screw construction. Overall I prefer the E3 though.
 
Like Vivi said, should still be plenty out there. I suggest you buy two.:D
 
The Endura IV's refinements seem subtle but become very pronounced with use. Other than the tip (IMO), it takes a big step forward in design.

It's more robust with the liners. The clip is much more comfortable as is the handle. The longer lockbar indents less with a white knuckle grip for me. The bi-directional texturing improves draw from the pocket and prevents forward slippage.

It took me awhile to warm up to the IV and to realize it's a much better knife than the III. I still carry the III at work though. I just don't have the heart to put her down.
 
I bought an Endura4 by accident before I bought a 3 (the dealer sent the wrong knife by accident). I have since reground the blade a bit to get a more pointed tip, and I have debated more work to raise the grind or even go full flat (if I had something better than a benchstone to do this, it would be done already). I like the E4 handle, but I prefer the E3 blade, with the finer tip and higher grind. I guess there is just no pleasing some people :o
 
I personally prefer the older Delica and Endura, but when changes are made to a model there are always going to be people who prefer the pre-change versions.

Hopefully more people like the newer version than not.
 
Steven Andrews said:
I personally prefer the older Delica and Endura, but when changes are made to a model there are always going to be people who prefer the pre-change versions.

Hopefully more people like the newer version than not.
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......thanks guys. Yea, I agree; that's why I tried to come off as if I wasn't complaining. I very much respect the approach and commitment that everyone at Spyderco takes to the design and function of their products. It was quite obvious yesterday as I was examining the Endura 4 in person that the knife is extremely well made.....and extraordinary value for the money.
I was just looking for....well...OLD !

I think smegs counsel to give it a try on the faith that I will "warm up to it" is sound advice. Based on past experience, I'm certainly willing to try the Endura 4 on faith if I can't locate an older Endura 3.

-Regards
 
If you end up not liking the 4, you could trade it for a 3 in the exchange forum pretty easily I'd imagine.
 
IUKE12 said:
Like Vivi said, should still be plenty out there. I suggest you buy two.:D
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I have to admit that when I saw and held the Endura 4,

I ran and bought a half dozen Endura 3's.
And my mind has not changed one bit since.

(BTW Sal points out that the - I think it's the Salt (?) - is almost identical to the Endura 3; but it uses a different steel.)

The Endura 4 is a great knife, though, a lot of people really like it.
I just like the look and feel and lighter weight of the 3 better.
 
Hi Gramps,

Thanx for the story and the comments. Appreciate.

I would suggest that you look again and more closely. The new 4th generation designs are the result of thousands of hours of comments from customers, and hundreds of hours in design.

I'll make this offer; you get the new 4th generation (P, PS or S) in either the black VG-10 version or the new ZDP-189 version (British racing green - out in a few weeks) and carry and use it for one month. If you don't think it's a better knife and like it better, I'll take it back, refund your purchase price and find an "old" one for you.

sal
 
Wow- that is simply an amazing deal. Either way you eventually end up with exactly what you want...
 
not too shabby.

You can take Sal's offer or look at the Salt line. Still FRN though you won't find a pointy tip there either. If you have ever broken a Spyderco knife tip, you know why they are a little beefier up front now, though personally, I am not sure it is worth the trade off.
 
My first spyderco was an E3 and i loved it. I had if for about six months before I purchased my second spydie. I just picked up an E4, and was surprised at the new look, and at first was some what turned off by it. But soon after i really started to like all the new changes like the clip and the scales. The E4 is a very nice big EDC knife, if you get one i am sure you will like it.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Gramps,

Thanx for the story and the comments. Appreciate.

I would suggest that you look again and more closely. The new 4th generation designs are the result of thousands of hours of comments from customers, and hundreds of hours in design.

I'll make this offer; you get the new 4th generation (P, PS or S) in either the black VG-10 version or the new ZDP-189 version (British racing green - out in a few weeks) and carry and use it for one month. If you don't think it's a better knife and like it better, I'll take it back, refund your purchase price and find an "old" one for you.

sal
Click to expand...

Well first let me thank you VERY much for your kind offer ! That's quite an extraordinary commitment to customer satisfaction, in this day and age, not to mention it's coming directly from the company's president. I accept your proposal.....and look forward to trying AND enjoying the new Endura 4. There certainly is a reason, when, yesterday, I went out looking to buy a knew knife, that I looked only at Spydero's.......I believe I have just added another to the long list !
Thank you Sal....I shall keep you and everyone updated on my purchase and "break-in" of the new Endura.

-Best regards
 
Personally I love my PE Endura 4. I liked the older models, but the 4 is the 1st one I have bought in 5 years. Right now I am holding off on getting another till the British Racing Green models come out. I'm tempted to get the Foliage Green model, but I'm not a fan of the Combo Edge.

I say get the Endura 4, especially with Mr. Glesser's offer. Additionally I suggest you might try the Pacific. The Pacific has the handle design just like the Endura 3, though the blade tip is a bit less pointy. Added bonus of the Pacific is the H-1 steel being rust-proof. If you are still missing the Endura 3 than look around and buy a few of them to keep in stock.
 
FIRST UPDATE :

I just finished ordering an Endura 4 from an on-line retailer. At the same time I also bought a Native III for the neighbor's son. Last month I needed a root canal (ouch !) and was unable to drive myself home after the surgery due to the lingering effects of the anesthesia. The neighbor boy kindly offered to pick me up and ferry me home.....and wouldn't take a penny for gas !
I have been meaning to pick up a little something for him in the way of a "thank you" gift. The Native III should work nicely....don't you think ? I know he enjoys folding knives as we have chatted about them together in the past.

-regards to all !
 
Well Gramps(nice screen name BTW:) ), at first I didn't like the Endura4 as well but the knife DOES grow on you given it a little time.

Now I prefer the ergo's of the 4th generation over the 3rd one.

However, I wished the kept the older blade shape:grumpy:

All in all I don't think you will be diappointed by the E4. It doesn't hurt to try. Especially with such a great offer from Sal himself;)
e4inhand.jpg
 
I have a nice little pile of Endura 3s and earlier. It took me about half of 2006 to warm up the E4, but I have. Not to mention the Salt series uses the old style Delica and Endura handles, as was already mentioned. So if I ever miss the old school I can get my fix with the Salts.
 
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