Folder handle - Stainless or Zytel?

B

BabyDragon

Joined
Mar 19, 2001
Messages
3
I am considering picking up an Endura and am curious as to the practicality of the stainless steel handle option.

I like the uniform look of the handle-blade, but when I asked to hold the display model it felt a little slippery in my hand and I had a little trouble opening it because of that. Part of the reason was because I'm used to my little LadyBug, (which is why I'm 'upgrading' ;)) but my hands were slightly sweaty as well. Also, the steel tends to smudge and show handprints and such, looking a little silly IMO, but possibly something I could get used to/work with. However, I'm not going to get a knife that'll slip out of control. Lastly, I'm afraid the steel will get all scratched and lined from constant wear.

So aesthetics aside, but still a background consideration, does anyone have a recommendation?

By the way, what should I consider for blade edge? I like the serration on my combo-edge ladybug, and I'm thinking about taking the Endura as a full-serration. However, as I plan it for a general-purpose knife, I don't know if that would be wise.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and many thanks in advance!
 
Unless you want to engrave the handle, I see no advantage to the Endura in stainless steel. The stainless model is much heavier and the grip is much more slick. More importantly, the quality of steel used on the stainless blade (AUS 6) is inferior to that used on the zytel model (ATS-55 or soon to be VG-10).
 
Definitely Zytel

I personally like Zytel way better than stainless. I used to ALWAYS carry a stainless steel worker, but I have since started carrying a Zytel Calypso Jr in VG-10 steel. Delicas and Enduras will soon be released in VG-10 steel. If I were you I'd wait and get a plain edge Endura or Delica in VG-10 because it is an EXCELLENT steel. I really like it. Plain edge because there aint nothing like a super sharp plain edge. I like serrated too, but I find the plainedge way more versatile. (plus it's difficult to get the blood stains out of the carpet after you test the sharpness of your serrated knife by shaving arm hair...)

--Matt
 
Another minus on the SS handle is all the scratching that will occur to it from keys and other pocket fauna. No question that Zytel is more practical and the blade steel is also a huge plus.
 
I have to log another vote for the zytel. I carry a plain-edged zytel Endura and it never ceases to amaze me how A) useful and hard working this knife is and B) how light and easy to tote it is.
Years ago I used to carry a Schrade LB7 folding hunter in my back pocket all the time. I loved having a large, sharp blade with me most of the time. I got sick, though, of having to cinch up my belt extra tight so my jeans wouldn't fall down from all that weight in the seat. ;) When I discovered the zytel Spyderco Endura, I realized that I actually got a slightly bigger blade, with better steel and one-handed opening ... all with very little weight. I can clip that knife to the waistband in a pair of gym shorts and barely know it's there. Also, as you alluded to, the zytel handles are VERY easy to grip and keep hold of.

As for edge-type, I prefer plain, as I feel it's more versatile. It's really just a matter of personal preference, though.
 
One further question: Do you generally prefer Zytel or Micarta?

I have just ordered a Spyderco (Mini)-Dyad in Micarta, even though it was app. $20 more expensive than the Zytel. I did that because of recommendations somewhere here on bladeforum, but now I see people praising Zytel.

Did i choose the wrong handle material?
 
I wouldn't worry about getting a micarta knife. Micarta is prettier than zytel and probably stronger. G-10 is defintely stronger than zytel. The downside is that both of those are much more expensive than zytel.
 
I like both Zytel and SS handles. To me, scratches from carry/use on a SS handle don't aren't a problem because I think they add character. The advantage of a SS-handled knife is when I cut with it, it's more solid at the pivot point than a Zytel-handled version. (I've cut some things which felt I was highly stressing the Zytel version that was easy work for my SS-handled knife). The added weight of the SS, IMO, is almost negligible, and it's thinner in the pocket and doesn't tear up pocket material when clipped like Zytel might.
The advantage of Zytel is it's lighter and has a better grip, and the lightweight Endura now has either ATS-55 or the superior VG-10 steel, whereas the Endure II has AUS-6 blade steel. The only advantage of the AUS-6 over the other two steels is stain resistance and ease of resharpening, although Spyderco does a good job with AUS-6.

Jim
 
Alright, I think I'll have to hold off on my purchase until they phase in VG-10.. Anyone know when that's going to be?

I'm also strongly considering G-10 instead of zytel for the handle. Is the Endura even available with G-10?

By the way, about G-10. I've read on this forum that it's a very grippable material, but looking at pictures of spydies using those handles they look very smooth and slick. Am I just hallucinating?

Thanks for the response, everyone!
 
Consider spending another $33 and get a far superior knife to the Endura, which is the AFCK-II. I have an Endura, and it is an okay knife for the price, but it does not compare to the AFCK-II.

I have an Endura myself, which I gave to my sister a long time ago. Comparing both knives on hand, there is no doubt in my mind that if you are willing to spend $81.00 for the AFCK-II, you'll be very well rewarded indeed. If you don't want to spend $81.00, consider the Mini AFCK-II, which is around $67 and has a 3.25" blade - not that much shorter than the Endura.

In the end, it is your money and it is your decision how you choose to spend it.
 
Zytel is a great handle material. I have several, Bucks and CS Voyagers. The stuff is tough, light, and after several years and thousands of openings, my Voyagers have yet to display any wobble. Plus, it doesn't freeze to your bare hand (something we northerners have to consider).
 
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