Endura or D'Allara ?

upnorth

upnorth

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
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I already bought the big Manix. Now I am interested in either an Endura or D'Allara. I want a plain edge, no wave and no serrations. Which would you pick over the other, and why ?
 
I would take the Endura 4 as it has the same size like the D'Allara but longer blade and cutting edge and lighter weight. Besides this, I could choose between VG-10 and ZDP-189 steel and different handle colors and it's cheaper. Just my 0,02 $.

Let us know how you decide :)
 
I would go for the Endura in VG-10, less bulky in the pocket than the D'Allara. VG-10 is so easy to maintain.
 
I had a D'Allara and did not like it much. The blade was great but the handle and the ball bearing lock system did not do it for me. The handle seemed unusually thick. It had to be thick to house the big ball bearing. The bb locking system was very solid but I found it to be slippery to grasp when trying to close.
 
My original Spyderco was an Endura (back in the early 90's). Recently, I picked up the ZDP-189 version, and I'm very happy with it.

The ball lock on the D'Allara is great, but I did not like how thick the handle is. If you have a knife store near you, try handling both.
 
I have the D'Allara, and love it... its thick yes, but that add's to its strength... not tried the Endura myself, but the D'Allara is a large folder...

I personally love the ball bearing system, its really solid and won't fail on you... it stays sharp and is good for all the tasks I've asked of it
 
I like the Endura or the Military in plain edge. Nice light & sleek and ride well in the pocket.
 
the dallara is large, but it can be flicked out very fast and easily due to the ball lock. i dont know if self defense is a concern for you, but the dallara can be deployed faster and easier than the regular endura. i like my dallara a lot, its very strong and hefty. the ball lock is a nice alternative to the traditional lock back as well.

if you carry a manix, then a dallara shouldnt be a problem for you.

both are good knives, try to get both eventually as both models are really different from eachother but both are great.
 
The D'Allara is one of the best bangs for the buck that you can find. It is smooth fast and strong with a very comfortable grip. Highly recommended.:thumbup:
 
Put my vote for D'Allara aswell. Mine goes clipless in my change/watch pocket. Never leave home without it. I have two Enduras aswell, but are SE and CO.
Atleast try the D'Allara before you decide.
 
Hmmmm, more response for the D'Allara than I anticipated. It is an interesting design, as is the Endura. I can't afford to get both immediately as knives in Canada are usually about twice the cost as in the U.S., when all is said and done. Other expenses are prioritized over my toys. :D I did however grab a NIB Buck 110 as an impulse buy today, while going through a sporting goods store. I couldn't pass up the great deal. I'm kind of tired of these models because of owning them off and on for so long. But, hey, it will be good for opening up small game birds. Back to the Spyderco's.... well I still haven't got a clue which one I'll get first. The Endura reminds me of a jet fighter and the D'Allara, a tank. I'm sure that I will like them both. :thumbup:
 
The D'Allara has, for me anyway, the most natural arc when opening. That and it's super smooth action add up to a very safe and easy opener. I love the Enduras but if I had to do a lot of steady cutting, I'd choose the D'Allara. The "Big D" is a better slicer IMO. You really can't go wrong with either.
 
The D'Allara is a good knife, and I was pleased with the performance of the steel. But due to the location of the pivot pin/ball lock it is very wide when folded. Not a problem for pocket carry perhaps, but I had a hard time finding a sheath to fit it.
 
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