Getting my first Spyderco...

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Psychopomp

Joined
Feb 21, 2005
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For years I've always been kinda turned off by Spyderco knives, but I've never really been able to put my finger on why. I've known all along that they're high quality knives and some of the best out there, but I've never really wanted one.

Until I got my Sharpmaker. I just moved into a new place and in the process of getting settled one of the first things I did was get out all of my knives and put them in a nice safe place. Since I moved, I haven't done much other than work, in fact I still haven't unpacked a great deal of my stuff because I've had a grand total of about four days off since I moved almost a month ago.

Since I didn't have internet/TV, and since I've gone through most of my fairly extensive library, there was nothing to do but sharpen my knives. I'd just gotten the Sharpmaker before the move and hadn't really got to use it much.

A few days later and all of my knives, even some mystery steel kitchen knives my mom gave me when I moved out, were scary sharp and I was thinking "hmmm... I want a Spyderco knife." For no reason that I can think of, it just hit me that I want one.

The Endura has caught my eye and I plan on ordering it tomorrow. I'll probably end up with the plain edge... but should I consider the combo edge? I've never liked combo edges, but have always heard great things about Spyderco serrations and I'm open to trying it out on the Endura since it isn't overly expensive.

Several other questions that come to mind... the New Graham site lists the FRN version as either VG10 or AUS-6, which is it? Because the Spyderco site says the FRN is VG10 and the SS is AUS-6. Which brings up another question, how durable is the finish on the SS version's handle? I really like the looks of it, but since i tend to use my knives they get a little banged up. I'll probably go with the FRN in VG10 because I've always had trouble sharpening AUS-6 (if it was AUS-8 then I'd get it in a heartbeat... love that stuff).

And finally, how easy are these knives to take apart and clean? I'm assuming you can't disassemble the SS version?

Anyhoo, thanks for help and I'm really looking forward to getting this thing.

Ben

EDIT: I fear that other Spydercos will also find their way into my collection...
 
Am pretty sure all the FRN Enduras are VG-10. IIRC they, like the Delica went from GIN-1 to ATS-55 to VG-10 and were never made in AUS-6. Am thinking perhaps they got mixed up by the Endura Trainer, which is AUS-6. But, your best bet, to play it absolutely safe, would be to call NGK and speak to Mike or Mary Beth, they can look at the actual knife you'd be getting at tell you for sure what the steel is. As for disassembly, not possible, both the FRN and all stainless versions are rivet construction.
 
you'll love your spyderco knife(ves), there's no doubt about that.

as for chosing the blade edge, you can try CE for your first time, you'll have a good idea of both type...

the SS finish can get scratched by keys or stuff in the pocket but it only adds character ;)
 
The Endura is a great knife, mine has served me well for many years. I've had alot of other folders since I got mine but recently it's made its way back into my pocket as my EDC, cuz I have nothing else that combines the same versatility, light weight, and ease of opening that the endura does, doesn't hurt that it's pretty light on the wallet too ;)

My recommendation as a combo-edge owner, get the plain, the combo is a bit of a pain for me to sharpen using larger benchstones, as is my preference, the motion from heel to tip of the blade feels unnatural because I'm starting halfway up. The serrrations also tend to get mangled after a number of years. They also snag on most materials that I cut, I do like them for large diameter rope or trimming small branches when I don't feel like going back to the house to get a proper tool. I'm thinking of sending mine back to spyderco so that the serrations look pretty again :p
 
On AUS-6, I believe the older SS-handled Enduras and Delicas were AUS-6, not sure what they are now.
 
Psychopomp said:
Several other questions that come to mind... the New Graham site lists the FRN version as either VG10 or AUS-6, which is it? Because the Spyderco site says the FRN is VG10 and the SS is AUS-6. ...
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(Edit: there are a lot of limited number models out there, so I am only sure this applies to current models)

None of them can be disassembled.

The FRN versions are definitely all VG-10 now (AUS6 is an error on that website). The current handle shape was ATS55 at one point, but that was a while ago. Older steels were only on the older handle shape. The people at New Graham (I shop there too) will be happy to check the knife they send to you, but I wouldn't worry about it.

The stainless handle is definitely AUS6 which I really don't recommend for a lot of use. VG10 is way ahead of AUS8 and even further ahead, of course, than AUS6. Ocassionally someone will try to convince me that AUS6 is OK for some uses, but why settle for OK (and just barely so) when super-good is also available...and at about the same price?

Serrated or not really depends on what you do with it. I prefer a plain edge, but with a Sharpmaker it is fairly easy to keep a serrated edge fully sharp. You are going to want two anyway. Why not a plain edge Delica and a half or full serrated Endura?

You might also want to look at the Calypso Jr as a second (3rd, etc) knife. They are discontinued, but New Graham still has them. It looks weird (or maybe better if the Endura shape was not always your favorite?), but it's a really good handle shape for a small knife.
 
Psychopomp said:
Which brings up another question, how durable is the finish on the SS version's handle? I really like the looks of it, but since i tend to use my knives they get a little banged up.
The SS handles get marked up pretty quickly when carried in a pocket with change, keys, etc. However, the finish can easily be renewed. Sal once gave us this little tidbit on the Spyderco.com Forum

We use Scotch Brite to put a satin finish on our knives.

sal


Hope this helps!

David
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when I got home from work tonight there was a little box on my door step. So I rushed into the house (it was raining) and cut the box open and a large (larger than I expected) Spyderco box came out.

My first thought that the box was a little large, so there must be a lot of foam inside. Then the knife came out. This thing is huge.

So I've been playing with it for a few hours and my first impressions are a solid, well made, scary sharp knife. I'm still trying to get used to the hole, my thumb has slipped off several times, I haven't cut myself yet, but it is a concern. Should I consider getting my Dremel out and roughing the edges to give a little better grip, or just wait until the knife breaks in and opens smoother? Right now, out of the box, it opens very smoothly but I'm sure it'll get better over time.

I would, however, like a serrated thumb ramp on the top of the blade and I may make that modification. Assuming that I do file the thumb ramp, will that void the warranty? I'm guessing it will, even though it shouldn't do any structural damage to the knife.

I really like this knife after just a few hours. I won't say I'm a complete convert yet, but I plan on EDC'ing it for a few days to see how it goes... and who knows, it may be in my pocket years from now.

So far, I'm a happy customer.
 
Psychopomp,

Are you used to thumb studs? That could explain why the hole feels weird. I would suggest working with it a couple weeks before doing anything to the hole. You may find, after becoming better acquainted with the hole, that thumb studs feel awkward. At least that was my “Spyderco newbie” experience. The holes are laser cut, without any chamfering, or beveling, so it should grab you thumb well. Again, it is probably just a matter of adapting to the new opening method.

The serrated thumb ramp idea is understandable, as many others have thought of it. Be careful, VG-10 is hard stuff. I remember reading somewhere that someone finally resolved to use a Sharpmaker rod because it was so hard. Don’t know for sure about the warranty, but I don’t know why it would. You can email the customer service department, and they’ll get back to you.

Your right about it being huge. However, once you start using it, you may find it no longer feels, or handles that way. I know that’s the way it was for me. The ergonomics are just that good.

Have you ever experienced VG-10 before? If not, you’re in for a treat, because it’s fun.
 
Thanks for the comments Ghostrider. I do like the thumbhole, and it's growing on me more and more everyday. Yes, I'm used to thumbstuds so I knew it was going to take some time... but interestingly enough, I got a Kershaw Hawk this afternoon, and the thumbstud felt odd after carrying the Endura for only a few days. I was even playing with my Sebenza this afternoon and it felt strange in my hand too, and I've always loved the stud on that knife.

I became more comfortable with the hole after I realized that this wasn't going to be as fast an opening knife as some, which is fine. I have no need to open my knife very quickly, especially a utility knife which is what I carry a knife for.

It never really felt as massive as it looks. It surprised me how well it handles being so thin (I'm used to thicker, heavier knives), but this is one of the nicest handling knives I've ever owned.

On top of it all, the lock up is impressive as well. This thing is on par with some of my older Buck 110s... it's solid, no play in any direction.

I've always liked ugly, functional knives and the Endura does nicely in both aspects. I'm still not going to say that I'm a complete convert, but I'm increasinly impressed with this thing, and Spyderco in general.

I've just gotta get the pocket clip loosened up a little... almost pulled my pants down this afternoon, and I'm sure that's something society just can't handle.
 
Spyderco's grow on you. After a while, you'll be opening it fast enough. Want to have some fun? Hold the handle between the thumb and heel of the thumb, and your ring, and middle finger. Then work the lock bar with your index finger. You can open and close it fast that way and not even touch the hole.
 
It's a lockback, and those have some inherent friction from the lockbar and generally tight pivots they come with from the factory. Handle a Military sometime and you'll see just how fast a hole can be :p
 
Working a SS Spydie is the best way to smooth it up. Sit down in front aof a good movie, and drive everybody nuts with the clicking. :D
 
Grover_Cephas said:
Working a SS Spydie is the best way to smooth it up. Sit down in front aof a good movie, and drive everybody nuts with the clicking. :D
Click to expand...

Well, I did get the first season of Dragnet on DVD this afternoon. So I may sit down and watch a few episodes and open and close my Endura.

Actually, it's getting faster, or I'm getting faster. I'm still a little concerned about flicking it open too fast and cutting my thumb as I'm still in the "holy god this thing is sharp" phase of having a new scary sharp knife.
 
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