First, they are both great knives and I do not regret buying either one.
For myself, the Endura 4 is the better knife for several reasons:
I prefer VG-10 over 154CM. IMO, the VG-10 is easier to get extremely sharp, and it seems to hold that edge longer as well.
To be truthful, I actually prefer Benchmade's 440C over their 154CM.
I also prefer the full-length skeletonized steel liners of the Endura 4 over the partial-length liners of the Griptilian.
I think the partial liners are the reason for the hollow feel and sound of the Griptilian's handle--I really dislike that "hollow" aspect, it makes the knife feel and sound cheap.
The Griptilian does fill the hand very nicely, but the tradeoff is a rather bulky handle.
This is'nt too bad in the pocket (although it does take up alot of the pocket space), but it's not very comfortable in the waistband.
And, ironically, I find that the Griptilian affords less "grip" than the Endura 4.
Despite its name, I have always found the Griptilian to still remain somewhat slippery.
The Endura 4's "3-d" handle texturing is simple outstanding!
In fact, it's the best FRN/Zytel handle texturing that I have ever experienced, and I hope Spyderco gives this treatment to nearly all of their FRN models.
The Axis-lock is great, but I don't think that it actually works better than a lock-back in everyday practical useage.
Some folks claim that it is easier to open an Axis-lock folder...maybe...but I have never had any trouble opening or closing any Spyderco lock-back.
Speaking of opening the knives...I think the Spyderco thumb-hole is better than either the studs or the oval hole.
IMO, it is simply the best non-auto opening method for a folder.
One other reason I prefer the Endura over the Griptilian is a rather petty and vain reason:
The names of the knives.
I have never liked the name "Griptilian", it always sounded a bit childish IMO.
Whenever someone asked me about the knife, I would always say "it's a Benchmade 551" because "Griptilian" is just too embarassing.
But, as I said before, they are both great knives.
And to give credit where credit is due, the Endura has been around for many years and Spyderco has had a long time to learn and improve upon the design.
But the Griptilian is still rather young, and I'm sure that it will evolve over the years and become even better.
Cheers,
Allen.
