Endura vs. higher-end Sypie lockbacks (Manix, Chinook II)

E

edb

Joined
Aug 30, 2002
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OK, aside from the obvious differences (Endura is about 1/2 the weight, less than 1/2 the price, etc.), is there anyone out there who owns (or has owned) both an Endura and a Manix, or Chinook II?

My primary thinking is that on the occasions that I do want to use a 4" (approximate) blade, I'm wondering if the G10 handles on Manix and Chinook II are that much grippier, safer, or (insert adjective here)? I have an Endura, and like it, but wonder if a beefier blade/handle/lock would be worth the extra weight...either EDC, or weekends outside (woods, yard, chores, etc.)

Any and all opinions appreciated :)
 
Also wondered about the same comparisons with a Paramilitary. I know the Para is not a lockback, but it looks pretty solid to me, with a definate reduction in weight (vs. Manix or Chinook II)..
 
I have both. I have an Endura(12+ years of carry) and a Chinook II(1+ year)
I have only had one occasion where my Endura tried to close on me, and that was when I was cutting open sandbags. I repositioned my hand, and kept on cutting. Other then that, the Endura is a great knife for the money.
The Chinook II carries well for the weight. The G10, and width of the knife lock it into my grip. It just fits my hand great. I think it is worth the extra weight, if you want a folder built like a tank, that won't let ya down. Probably the only knife "stronger" is a Strider folder. If you are going to do a lot of daily cutting then the Manix would probably be the best choice with its flat ground blade. I have held the Para, and own a Military, they are lighter, and they are not as wide. I suppose they might twist in the hand, maybe, but Spyderco's G10 is pretty "sticky". I have never had my Military twist, but if we are playing "what if". :)
Hope this helps alittle.



Blades
 
I just got a Paramilitary. Have not put it to task yet, but it seems pretty solid.
Extremely (suprisingly) smooth on the open/close. And it was shaving sharp out of the box.
The lock is cool. - When locked, a portion of the liner is actually wedged in a gap cut in the base of the blade. It seems like it would be extremely difficult to cause it to fail, Seems a lot more stable than any liner lock.

It's construction is wider than expected.
Blade thickness is awesome. Very heavy duty knife.
It's the first G10 handle iv'e owned. Grip is killer.
 
I have both an Endura and a Manix and consider them both good value for their price. Depending on the clothes you wear en the work you do a Manix might be to big for EDC and for odd cutting jobs an Endura performs allmost as well. For prolonged use however a Manix is IMO far superior in the way it fits your hand and the grip the G10 provides and I would definitely recommend one for weekends outside.
 
I have an Endura, Para and C2.

I end up carrying the Endura the most as its lightweight and makes for a good IWB knife should I need it worn that way.

I'm carrying the C2 today and while I like the knife and would never trade or sell it I have to admit that upswept points are just not my thing.

The Para is great as its a full flat grind but I prefer tip up carry so this knife gets less carry time than it really deserves.
 
Hey Bok,

Interesting - I probably wouldn't have gone for the CII as much as the
Manix, but the Para is seeming like a better idea, size-wise.

Is it the tip-down carry that puts you off - more than, say, weight (or your perception of lock toughness, durability, anything else)?

Also, how does the Para compare (in the same departments) to a Delica, if you have one? Or, does anyone else have a Delica and a Para??

edb
 
edb said:
Is it the tip-down carry that puts you off - more than, say, weight (or your perception of lock toughness, durability, anything else)?
Click to expand...

I would say that the knife for me is perfect in every way except for the tip down thing. The Para has plenty toughness and durability for what I use it for.

And the tip down thing is purely my preference so this may be a non-issue for you.

Its bigger than the Delica and the G10 has much better grip than the FRN.
 
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