Endura 98

J

Jack Goertz

Joined
Feb 28, 1999
Messages
91
I'm looking for a full size folder as the counter part to my Wegner jr. I'm interested in a strong, light weight, functional knife. I'm not a collector, so there is no need for something exotic. This knife is going to be used. I've never laid eyes on or even handled an Endura, however, on paper is appears to offer a lot of what I'm seeking. It is certainly light weight, and I like the ATS - 55 steel. Can I get some personal observations from Endura owners regarding this knifes strengths and weakness (if it has any, of course).

Thanks,

Jack
 
Jack,
For the price and the quality the Endura98 offers, it's a fine knife. You're right, it you buy this folder, you use it--not much collectors value here. It's a work piece. It's very functional, I like the blade geometry and the steel. Mine had no blade play and it locked up solid. My only complaint was the metal clip was a little rough on clothing but for jeans it was fine.



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~Greg~

 
I like the 98 Endura a lot. I like the way it feels in my hand. I also like the way it carries in my pocket. The latter point is very important, in my view, and not stressed enough in many knife reviews. The advantage of the Endura, compared with, let's say, an AFCK is that the handle is not only thin, but also rounded on the corners. When it's clipped to the front pocket of my Dockers, it's relatively easy to slide my hand into that pocket to get my keys or whatever.

I have had no trouble whatsoever with the metal clip. I sprung it out slightly when I first got the knife, so I could clip it on easily with just one hand, and it has not torn up my pocket any more than any other knife--probably less than my AFCK after several months of carry. You want the clip to be strong, but you shouldn't have to be King Kong to tear it loose.

My Endura opens very efficiently, either with the hole or with an abbreviated shake and flip action.

I love the Endura, but I'm thinking I might like the Goddard Lightweight even better (these two knives have several essential features in common).

David Rock

 
Jack,

The Endura 98 in plain edge is my top seller. The folks at the plant where I work have all been very happy with them. In fact they still can not believe how sharp they are and how well they hold an edge. Of course when most all have had nothing but cheap knives in steels such as 420 and 440a no wonder! hahaha

Long Live Spyderco!

Tom Carey

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David Rock - I've noticed the Goddard. I would have jumped on it already, except for the serrations. I'm pretty well set on a plane blade. The size, wt., shape, steel, everything else looks great. I think I saw a post awhile back intimating that perhaps a plane blade Goddard was in the works. The problem with that is, it's a rumor, and beside I'm not known for my patience - I need one NOW!

The Native is another cool knife, however it's a little smaller than what I was looking for.

I'm so impressed with the Wegner jr. that I've decided to stick with Spyderco. In addition their prices, which are amazing, the products, as working tools, are great.

Unless a Goddard with plane blade pops up pretty quickly I'll do the Endura, I think.

Jack
 
Jack: as recent as 2 weeks past, Sal Glesser stated that the first batch of plain edge Goddard LWs were shipped! Hey, why not just get the full size Wegner?? Very ergonomic knife and the prices have dropped a bit recently. And several are showing up on the 4 sale forums as of late. Hope this helps.

L8r,
Nakano

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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
I think the Goddard lightweight is a good alternative to the Endura. The blade is more suited to general utility work as it has more belly, and the point isn't as fine or as fragile as the Endura.

I just received some of the Plain edge Goddard lightweights. I was told that there would only be 500 made. I don't know if that is true or not, but I do have some now. E-mail if interested.

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Isn't it amazing how 2 cents worth of opinion takes up a quarter's worth of paper???

Please excuse the crayon. They won't let us have anything sharp in here.
wrightknife@ixpres.com

 
I've been really using my Endura this last two weeks. The more I use it the better if feels. I'm also becoming a big believer in the ATS55 steel that Spyderco is using. After two weeks of solid use it only took 5 strokes on my Sharpmaker's fine stone to bring it back to shaving sharp. It's great to carry a knife that works so well but is easily replaced if lost or damaged.
 
My Endura is quickly becoming one of my favorite knives. I bought it to replace my BM Eclipse for general utility/cutting chores, and use it almost everyday. It holds a very impressive edge, and is a very solid lightweight knife. Opening is a breeze, even with my left hand... The only thing I didn't like about it initially was that it is a tip-up knife, unlike my AFCK (the other daily carry knife)but I quickly got used to it.

My girlfriend recently bought one and carries it consistantly. Hard to beat for the price too...

...tm
 
I have the plain '98 Endura and it is definitely one of the best knives in its size class anywhere. I got to handle the new plainedge Goddard Lightweight at Dennis Wright's store yesterday, and though I'm swayed into feeling it's even better, the Endura is still up there.
Jim
 
One thing to add (maybe to my "different review", in particular).

Now, I'm a Dremel-junkie. Will modify, if I can. Some of my knives, like the CS Voyagers, literally demand that I attack them with the Dremel (and benefit a helluva lot from that). The Endura 98, on the other hand, has a remarkable capability of avoiding *any* modifying attempts. It is as if she'd say (in a deep, smooth, reassuring voice), "you don't want to modify me". That's one of the best compliments I could ever give to a mass-production, low-priced folder.

Markku


[This message has been edited by Markku Huttunen (edited 04 June 1999).]
 
I'd have to disagree about the Endura 98 not needing any Dremel modifications.

The edges where the blade moves into the handle (where your fingers would rest in a saber grip), were way too sharp, and needed smoothing.

Also, the combination of the new handle texture and metal clip were destroying pants pockets. Polishing the back of the clip, and grinding down the relief of texture under the clip, got rid of that problem.

Same mods to the Delica.

Joel
 
I modified mine also by cutting 5 grooves into the hump for my thumb to grip into,something like the Native and Military has. Came out very nice, and was a simple job to do. I also did it to my stainless model and my Police. Never happy with things the way they come from the factory I guess!
wink.gif



~Keith~
 
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