First EDC

A.P.F. said:
Yes indeed, cziv, (says he as he reaches for the ZDP Endura in his pocket), full ventilated steel liners, secured with four bolts and the pivot. When I first saw the Endura, I expected some handle flex, but it is as stable as my shrink's shrink. An interesting feature of the Endura handle design is it's two position grip - forward so you can choke-up on the blade and rearward for an extra bit of reach should you need it. The Endura has a minimal print in the pocket and the clip is so placed that it doesn't shred pockets. All in all a hell of a knife and one of my favorite Spyderco offerings.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info APF. The knives & featues move faster than I can keep up with. I read FRN and moved along, not knowing it had liners. Now with ZDP blade, that's a h*ll of a combo and probably very light for wicked slicer. :)
 
So I just came back from a local knife store, had a closer look at Endura :) What surprised me that such a big knife feels about twice lighter than my current 3,3' chinese one. Would've bought it, but they only had ZDP-189 version, which is about $140 instead of $91 for VG-10. Does anybody know any online shops with a cheap shipping to Europe? KnifeCenter's shipping costs around $35 to my country, so thats a little too much I guess, however knifes prices are reasonably.
 
Last edited:
They are all good knives. Out of the 5 the Endura and Griptilian have the best steels, probably about double the wear resistance of the others but also at double the price. The Tenacious is a high value knife that's worth every penny, and the Triad lock on the American Lawman is famous for its strength. The Titan Drop is a dark horse that I have been seriously considering to buy, it's 440C steel with full titanium handle at around $40, very tempting.
 
I currently have three of the ones listed and I would go with the griptilian, but would make it the mini.
I love the tenacious, endura and the 551 and they do make it into my EDC lineup but find them a little to large for most EDC needs. Check out the delica as well.

Another great option is the Dragonfly 2 as a EDC .
It is one of my favorite EDC knives. I have a lot of Spydercos but I always have a dragonfly in my pocket.
 
Here a shot for size comp.
Top to bottom ( my tenacious is out in my car )
Endura
Delica
Dragonfly
Griptilian
Mini grip
19697821.jpg
 
I just stopped by the factory outlet store the other day and checked out the Endura and Para2 for my own edification. One thing that I noticed is that the locks are a LOT thinner than, for instance, the ZT 0350, and the spines were substantially thinner than both the Manix 2 and the Ritter Griptilian, not to mention the 0350. I didn't really find the handle all that comfortable compared to the Carbon Fiber Sage in FFG S30V that they had there. I very nearly bought that, but that money is reserved for carbon fiber scales for my Griptilian.

2011-08-19171533.jpg


2011-08-19171339.jpg


For your reference (Griptilian, Manix 2, ZT 0350)
 
Thanks for the pics guys! Had Tenacious in my hands today, it felt a little too small for me. Endura felt better, however wouln't mind if it was a few mm's shorter. Something around 3.6' would be just the right size for me. Anyway, I'm leaning to Endura atm.
 
Hi again,
u should have told right away u live in Europe...in my first post, I would have added the frustration given by the difficulty to buy knives, and the anger of spending much more than any knife user on the other side of the Atlantic...I know the problem.
Which country are u from?
Buying online from US websites is usually cheaper even considering the shipping prices. European online stores are very expensive when u buy an American factory knife. Also, get some info on customs in ur country. here in Italy, they charge u taxes...
Back to the knife u are choosing...u are being very specific on length...the Endura is 3,75" and it's a very good knife, great slicer, lightweight and well built (I don't own one - it's too big for my EDC needs - but I've handled it a few times, and as u can see, it's a very recommended knife for a number of reasons). If u like the way it feels in ur hands, it will be hard for u to find a better alternative.
:cool:
 
Thanks for the support quattromori ;) I'm from Lithuania. There are no limitations on a knife size, so I can legally purchase any of these knives mentioned above. Also there are no taxes if package is being shipped from European Union country. Otherwise there is 21% tax. Considering that, what online shop would you recommend?

Edit:
The best deal I've found on Endura yet is on ebay. It's $64.50 (+21% tax) + $8 shipping = $86. Local shop sells it for something around 91$. I'm pretty sure I could get it for less, just don't know the right place to buy online.
 
Last edited:
quattromori said:
Welcome to BF!
I suggest that u invest some money and time in sharpening. This is something I have done way too late...and I have spent alot for having my knives sharpened, since even the best knife in the world is useless when it's dull. On this forum u will find tons of info. Since eventually u have to choose one, start from the knives u have carried and used so far. Even if they were very low quality knives, using them should have taught u a few things about ur own needs. Size, for example. Opening. Locking. Blade shape. Start from there. From what u already know about "ur EDC".
One last thing. Use ur blade responsibly. For urself, and for all the knife users in the world.
:cool:
Click to expand...

+1, learn to sharpen and have fun.

buck vantage is something to look at, S30V at a very affordable price.

all great knifes though! pick one which you like best and feels best in your hands. just like when buying guns, you should try to see if you can get your hands on them to see how they feel and how much they weight as well as how they ride in your pocket. everyones different.


P.S. As a EDC, eventually its gonna get dull. To me, most knifes to me come fairly dull. you might wanna get a pro to sharpen it for you if you have the cash to spend to see how sharp some of these knifes can get and what they can do if you have never felt a truly sharp knife. It might make you want to spend the time to learn how this is done and you'd be suprised how easy it is. again, have fun!
 
Last edited:
eccvets said:
P.S. As a EDC, eventually its gonna get dull. To me, most knifes to me come fairly dull. you might wanna get a pro to sharpen it for you if you have the cash to spend to see how sharp some of these knifes can get and what they can do if you have never felt a truly sharp knife. It might make you want to spend the time to learn how this is done and you'd be suprised how easy it is. again, have fun!
Click to expand...
I know very little about sharpening, so yea, it's another thing I need to learn. What I know is that I'm not going to take my knife to a pro knife-grinder. Instead of that I'll do it myself. Too bad I don't have any sharpener tool. It's the next thing I'm going to get after buying a knife. I don't feel like spending another $70 on spyderco sharpmaker and I don't know anything cheaper worth paying attention to (tbh I don't know any other sharpener tool at all :D). Any recommendations on that?
 
Great to know u are from Lithuania (I loved ur country when I visited it!).
As for European online shops, I can only recommend one Italian shop, prices are 'European' but the guy's nice and very kind. Don't know if he ships abroad. I will send u a PM with the address.
American online dealers are way cheaper, but u have to add the shipping and the 21% tax (it's the same here in Italy). So u really have to do the maths before u decide. Here on BF there is a section with feedbacks on dealers. From what I've read, most dealers are reliable (on average). Also, not all of them may have in stock the knife u want, or charge the same $ for the shipping, so u will have to spend some time. Choose the knife first.
One more thing about sharpening.
Sharpening kits (such as the Sharpmaker) are surely good. But take some time to read on the 'maintenance' section here. U will be shocked to see what can be done to an edge just freehand with some sandpaper or with leather and compound. Also, u will find many incredibly nice forumites willing to help if u have any questions. Read the older threads before. That's what I did, and I wish I had taken this path earlier. I'm learning now, and it's a very nice part of our passion.
Finally, the Buck Vantage might be a very good alternative to the Endura. Slim profile, very good steel, cheaper price, reknown factory. Of course, it would be good if u could handle it before, but that is often complicated for us Europeans. Good luck!
:cool:
 
Thanks for useful advices! I'm happy to be a part of such a great community :thumbup:

Finally after all the reviews, recommendations and handling Endura myself, I know that it is the knife I'm going to buy. I'll let you guys know for how much I managed to get it.
 
inspekto said:
Thanks for useful advices! I'm happy to be a part of such a great community :thumbup:

Finally after all the reviews, recommendations and handling Endura myself, I know that it is the knife I'm going to buy. I'll let you guys know for how much I managed to get it.
Click to expand...

If you claim you're getting it then you have to post pictures of it when you get it. :)
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
I just stopped by the factory outlet store the other day and checked out the Endura and Para2 for my own edification. One thing that I noticed is that the locks are a LOT thinner than, for instance, the ZT 0350, and the spines were substantially thinner than both the Manix 2 and the Ritter Griptilian, not to mention the 0350. I didn't really find the handle all that comfortable compared to the Carbon Fiber Sage in FFG S30V that they had there. I very nearly bought that, but that money is reserved for carbon fiber scales for my Griptilian.
Click to expand...

The blade on the Para 2 is actually thicker, not substantially thinner, than the Manix 2 and I'm fairly certain the Endura uses blade stock that is the same thickness as the Manix 2. I'm a little confused about the lock thickness comment since they all have different locks. The ZT 0350 is a liner lock while the Endura is a back lock and the Para is a compression lock. The compression lock is one of the strongest knife locks made and vastly stronger than a liner lock. The lock on the Endura should be basically as wide as the blade so I'm not sure how it is substantially thinner than a liner lock? But the average back lock is probably stronger than the average liner lock, at least more reliable. The Para 2 is a great knife so you might want to check it out again.

To the OP: be aware that some stores charge less for Benchmade products. Knifeworks is one that has a coupon code that knocks about 25% off the advertised price.
 
Not sure where you get your information? It was pretty obvious to the eye that the spine was thinner on the Endura than on the Stag Arms Manix 2 that I had in my pocket. I held them up right next to each other and compared. The difference was visible even to the Spyderco rep that was assisting me.

As for the bit about the compression lock, I can't say I understand the physics of why it would be vastly stronger than a liner lock. You're right though, I was thinking of the Para2 when I was talking about the lock thickness. I personally don't like back locks, but to each their own.

The Spyderco folks said that the compression lock is basically the same as a liner lock, just on the back of the knife. From what I could see, it looked to be the same concept; it's a piece of metal that bends out to fit to fill the space under the blade so it can't return to closed position. I'll see if I can stop by again next week and take pictures, and perhaps you can educate me about the compression lock? That's not something I know much about, and I'd love to learn more about the mechanics of it. But it's

As for the Para2, I'm not denying it's a great knife. I just don't like it. Handle's too long for my tastes, and I think it looks kinda funny.
 
I don't have an Endura so I'm not positive about the Endura (which I eluded to above) and I was basing that on what I read. I do have the Para 2 and it is definitely thicker than the Manix 2.

As for the compression lock I have never seen Sal say the compression lock is anything like a liner lock, which it isn't. I don't know how educated his retail store employees are but if they said it was like a liner lock then they were greatly simplifying things or uninformed. A liner lock has a long lock bar that springs over to lock the blade. The lock bar is thin and compressed in the long direction. Imagine standing on a ruler and how strong it would be. Not only does it want to buckle but since the lock is not attached to the tang which many times is ramped, so it can want to slide out from under the force pressing on it.

The compression lock also uses the liner material but that is really where the similarities end. When the blade opens a small tab engages and wedges itself between the blade and the stop pin. In this design all the forces are applied through the lock tab to the stop pin and the tab isn't absorbing blade forces but transfering them. The stop pin is inserted in the liners and supported at both ends. So for something to break the short tab of metal would have to be compressed or the stop pin would have to bend or break, or most likely the liners would have to rip that support the ends of the stop pin.

This is both simplified and also probably not explained that well. But hopefully it makes some sense. I have also seen a good picture of the compression lock which really helps picture how things work. I will post it if I can find it.
 
We are getting off track, all of the knives you are choosing from are excellent choices, what you really need to decide is which to buy FIRST! A double sided sharpening stone, a piece of leather and some polishing compound is more than what you need to get started sharpening, all of which is available at hardware and industrial stores for pocket change. My father is still sharpening his toothpick-thin 2-dot 110 with a double sided 2x8" sharpening stone he probably got in a hardware store somewhere around 1980, its the one I learned to sharpen on. Have you considered the exchange forums? what is commonly available in Lithuania? maybe you can get a trade going to save yourself some money? I'm from Canada and everything is overinflated here as well, which is really frustrating because I can see the US across the lake. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top