Endura: Aus 6 (?) Vs. Vg-10

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Jan 1, 2013
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I'm looking to buy an endura. I am a huge fan of spyderco and have always had one as an edc. I want a stainless spyder edge endura, but I don't know which model to go with, so I an wondering what people prefer. The old aus 6 (I thought it was aus 8, but the site says 6) or thenewer vg-10?

Thanks,

ALLHSS
 
I've used a VG-10 Delica and I can assure you that VG-10 is a great steel
 
I'd be willing to bet that its just an error in the listing as those enduras have not been around for a few years. Even if it's not I see no reason not to go with the newer version. Not only is the steel upgraded but they also come tapped for the four-way clip.
 
^Seconded.

My two cents is that VG-10 is far superior to AUS-8 (AUS-6, if that wasn't a typo). AUS-8 will take a pretty scary edge, but it will lose is fairly fast (compared to VG-10). Both are easy to sharpen/touch-up.

Also, VG-10 models can be found in full-flat grinds and colored handles! Fun!
 
I didn't know the newer were drilled for the for way clip and the older weren't. That's pretty important to me. Also, I've been extremely pleased with their other vg10 blades,.but I haven't owned a knife with aus 8. Thanks for the comparisons and advice!
 
Another vote for VG-10, while AUS-6(I've owned Spyders in this steel) is a decent steel and takes a nice edge as well as holding it fairly well, VG-10 takes a keener edge and holds it's edge for much longer. On top of that you can get a FFG(better for slicing and EDC in my opinion) blade in just about any color you want with a 4-way clip.

So I say, get one of the newer ones. =] Can't beat a good Endura or Delica(FFG or otherwise) for EDC.
 
I have an older full SpyderEdge Endura in AUS-6. I thought it was alright at the time, but as I use it today, it's not quite as good as 8Cr13MoV. VG-10 is noticeably better in edge retention and ease of sharpening than 8Cr13MoV and AUS-8, but still firmly midrange. VG-10 is very similar to Kershaw's 14C28N in performance if that helps you compare.

Given the choice, I'd definitely go with VG-10, though my old AUS-6 Endura holds a special place in my collection and my heart. :D
 
Another vote for VG-10. AUS6 isn't in the same league... IMO it's not even as good as 8Cr13MoV.

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SpyderNation
#0009
 
VG-10 is a great steel, and, IMHO, superior to both AUS-6 and AUS-8.

Here's a good reference list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_blade_materials

I agree with this Brother all the way>> why do you want to go back to "horse & buggy" days of Spyderco models>> and please I'm not at all knocking older models per se because some of my most favorite Spyders are older models. But AUS-6, AUS-8, 440A, G-2 and other older blade steels just don't hold a candle to VG-10. They have been doing VG-10 models since the late 90s so you can get older models with great steel.

Even ATS-34 was way better than AUS-6 in my opinion. That's one of the main reasons I declare that 1998 to 2003 was the "GOLDEN ERA Of SPYDERS" because not only did the model designs get much better that's also when VG-10 and other great blade steels started being used as well.

VG-10 is a slam dunk and a no brainer. The only reason I would own a Spyder with AUS-6 would be for reasons of collectibility.
 
Have you considered the Pacific Salt H1 SE? It is very close to the Endura in design, the H1 works very well serrated and there is nothing more stainless than H1. I like the Endura VG-10 and ZDP-189 with a plain edge, but when it comes to serrated I would go with the Pacific Salt H1 hands down.
 
Have you considered the Pacific Salt H1 SE? It is very close to the Endura in design, the H1 works very well serrated and there is nothing more stainless than H1. I like the Endura VG-10 and ZDP-189 with a plain edge, but when it comes to serrated I would go with the Pacific Salt H1 hands down.

Yes, i was looking at the pacific salt serrated. I like that they are screw constructed now. I was hoping to get a stainless handle. My brothers and uncle all had the stainless police models and thought they could handle anything.
 
Have you considered the Pacific Salt H1 SE? It is very close to the Endura in design, the H1 works very well serrated and there is nothing more stainless than H1. I like the Endura VG-10 and ZDP-189 with a plain edge, but when it comes to serrated I would go with the Pacific Salt H1 hands down.

Also, I was thinking of trying to get in the spyderco group. Is the 50 post requirement thread posts, or any? I'm still pretty new to this.
 
Yes, i was looking at the pacific salt serrated. I like that they are screw constructed now. I was hoping to get a stainless handle. My brothers and uncle all had the stainless police models and thought they could handle anything.

The stainless handles look great when they are new but not so much when they get scratched up which will happen. The biggest problem with them IMO is that they make the knife heavy and offer a poor grip in comparison to FRN, G10, Micarta and most Carbon Fiber.


Also, I was thinking of trying to get in the spyderco group. Is the 50 post requirement thread posts, or any? I'm still pretty new to this.

My understanding is that the 50 post requirement includes posts in the Spyderco forum here plus the Spyderco.com forum and that it can be waived by exception.
 
VG-10 all the way vs AUS6. AUS6 is not even on the same playing field. I have a SOG with VG-10 steel and it holds an edge and sharpens like a dream.
 
i honestly believe that a flat-ground plain edge endura in zdp 189 is one of the best folding knives you could own.
 
Given the choice I'd always go for the VG-10.
For something you're going to use for EDC carry you want good edge retention.
 
The only Aus 6 Enduras were all steel, correct?

It should be a bit tougher steel but obviously has less wear resistance than VG10. It is a good, clean steel and has fairly decent corrosion resistance. Recall Aus 6 has been made in knives up to 9 inches I know of ( old 2nd generation SOG Tigershark) and is not a bad steel at all. It's just designed to different specs for a different use. That doesn't make it better or worse any more than a station wagon is better than a 2 door coupe. It all depends on the perspective.

When it was being produced I don't recall many complaints about the Aus 6.

Aus 8 is similarly called a bad steel by some. If it was I don't think you would find it in fairly expensive Moki's and Al Mars. As in all steels a great heat treat makes it perform better. Try a Al Mar, than try the same steel in a CRKT and see if you notice any performance differences.

And yes, I usually prefer VG10 to Aus 6 or 8 in smallish ( up to 4 inch) folders due to greater levels of wear resistance yet ease of sharpening. It has good edge stability for my type uses too, but so do Aus 6 and 8 if done properly.

Joe
 
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