Endura vs Para2

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Jan 30, 2010
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I know this is comparing apples to oranges but if you own both what one do you like to edc most and why? I've got a bad case of walking the fence.LOL I already know the obvious answer of get em both, just can't swing it right now.:)
 
I struggle with the handle on the endura, it's just too narrow for me in a knife that size. The para 2...perfection!
 
I struggle with the handle on the endura, it's just too narrow for me in a knife that size. The para 2...perfection!
Thanks,also I should have stated the Endura 4 .Hopefully some more guys will weigh in.:)
 
i never want to mess up my para 2 so i just beat the snot out of my endura-esque pacific salt, and it doesn't even care. both are great knives though, its like asking which kid i love more
 
I also really like the Endura 4 (FFG) but the Para 2 is perfection (except that S30V is not my favorite blade steel, but that's just me). Both are great values. I love the long 4 inch blade on the Endura 4 FFG and for the money it can't be beat.

But the Para 2 is just an exceptional production knife for the money that is also a lot of fun to play with (open and close). The compression lock is very strong and very cool. Great blade shape with a lot of belly. The open construction, great ergos, strength, and G10 handle are other pluses.

I would say, if you can afford it, get the Para 2. Otherwise the Endura. (Btw, atm the black G10 satin blade Para 2 is only $100 shipped on sale at Howes.)
 
I prefer the ergos on the Para2 over the Endura 4, and G10 comes standard on the Para2 vs the FRN Endura 4 (although there were some FFG G10 Endura's made).

To be honest the Endura slices better, being thinner than the Para2, but I prefer the blade shape of the Para2.
 
Although everyone's mileage may vary, I don't agree that a stock Endura (FFG) slices better than a stock Para 2 assuming both are equally sharpened. I find the Endura (again a stock one) to be thicker down near and just above the edge than the Para 2 is, even though the Para 2 may be thicker at the spine (don't remember atm). But this is nit picking as both of them slice very well assuming they are properly sharpened.

If one was to thin out the Endura's blade above the edge a bit, it would further improve its slicing performance and then it might equal or exceed the Para 2 in slicing performance. But of course if one is going to modify the blade profile, that can be done to either knife. But the Para 2 has a more extreme dual distal taper, OOTB, which is why it slices relatively well for a knife with a fairly thick spine.

Anyway, this is just my opinion based on having 2 of each of these knives. I am intending to thin out one of my Enduras one of these days. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.
 
I traded my endura but absolutely love my Para 2. If you can afford it, definitely go with the Para 2.
 
Simply pragmatic, I'd buy the ZDP-189 Endura now, and pick up the Para2 when the next sprint version comes along. A M390 or CTS-XHP Para2 would be nice. ;)
 
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The Para 2 is a hall of famer. Bar none. @ $92 for the plain satin blade, you won't be afraid to beat it up. It's so good you'll end up like me and have every version, except for the CF :(
I had a Endura but returned it. The FFG blade was great but I didn't like the thin handle nor the lock on the Endura. Everything about the Para 2 from blade shape, to ergos, to compression lock, etc is PERFECTION.
 
For the money the Endura is a great knife, but I'm going to sell mine as soon as I get a chance as I can't see any reason to ever use it again now that I have a Para 2.
 
Para 2....bettter steel, better lock, better handles, MADE IN THE USA!!!! Plus it comes in multiple flavors of g10/blade color...ie black or satin

Its a great knife though, and my personal favorite edc

if you can get one pick that up.
 
The Para 2 is a hall of famer. Bar none. @ $92 for the plain satin blade, you won't be afraid to beat it up. It's so good you'll end up like me and have every version, except for the CF :(
I had a Endura but returned it. The FFG blade was great but I didn't like the thin handle nor the lock on the Endura. Everything about the Para 2 from blade shape, to ergos, to compression lock, etc is PERFECTION.

Sorry you missed out on the CF one bro. I started with a satin one last fall, and fell head over heels in love! I then knew instantly that I had to pick up a CF S90V one. Thus I did. I then traded off my old one and have been edcing the CF beast for the last several months. It stays so sharp for so long!!!
 
The Para 2 is more user friendly if you use the knife a lot.
 
Thanks for you're input guys,I'm gonna pony up the extra $ for the Para2.The Endura looks like a great knife but I believe the blade on the Para2 may better serve my use,plus it's made in the USA. Thanks again!
 
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