Is Spyderco Endura 4 as good..

R

rkhndjr

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Jun 10, 2010
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I am looking at the Spyderco Black Stretch and also the Spyderco Endura 4, the CHEAP, small one. The price is not a factor but I wonder if the cheaper Endura will be satisfactory when I am looking for quality as well as aesthetics. Russell does not list the Black Stretch and Thespydercostore.com does. Any opinions/ Thanks for any help. I am trying to learn so I can get a small number of knives over time. All I will use one of any kind for is whittling and looking:-))
 
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Welcome to Bladeforums!
Both have the same steel, VG-10. It's all a matter of aesthetics and ergonomics at this point (since steel is no longer a factor between the 2). I own both and I have a little more love for the Endura.
 
rkhndjr said:
Thanks for this help.
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No problem at all. I will add that the Stretch does feel a little bit more comfortable in the hand. The Endura has a slightly larger handle, so the size of your hands is also a bit of a factor. Not sure how much emphasis people put on tactile feel, but they really are great economical choices for a great knife. :D
 
I also found the Stretch to be more comfortable in the hand than the Endura because of the slightly different shape. But this is an individual thing and YMMV.

The Stretch that I tested had liners. The Endura does not. I felt no difference in how solid they felt in the hand or in use.
 
You can get the Endura 4 Waved, I don't believe the Stretch has that option.

I believe you can also get them in a variety of colors now and also with a Full Flat Grind (vs. std. saber ground).

Current Enduras (4s) have nested liners, you can't usually see the liners.
 
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seems that on the Endura 4 the handle is quite a bit smaller. My hands are fairly large and that might be a problem. The reason I ask all this is that I ordered the FeatherLite Saturday but it has not shipped and the Stretch is on the Thespyderstore site but is not on A. G. Russell site. Russell has the larger Enduras but is out of the Combo.
 
The FRN Stretch and basic FRN Endura 4's are very similar in build quality and are made from the same basic materials (VG10 steel/FRN handles with skeletonized steel liners) and both have 4 way pocket clips (tip up/down, right or left). That pretty much leaves personal preference.

Personally I like the shape of the Stretch handle better, but perfer the slighlty smoother texturing used on the Endura's handles. For blade shape, I prefer the Strech and I much prefer the full flat grind found on the Stretch BUT you can get the Endura in a full flat grind (limited run out this year). The Wave option on the Endura 4 is also very nice but the Wave is not offered in with the full flat grind.
 
For me the Stretch is better in the hand with its choil. The blade shape seems a bit more friendly which can help around non-knife people.
I prefer it over the Endura, but it's a subjective thing. Now that FFG Enduras are so cheap you can indeed wonder why you should pay more.
 
The Endura 4 only comes in one size but many other options .I have one black plain edge and one green combo edge and I love them but I will buy the flat ground one as I would like the thinner edge version some some cutting tasks.
 
i have many enduras including 3 of the new ffg. only have one stretch in zdp189. as a user considering the price differences my nod goes to the endura in vg10. of course my bais is to the enduras in ffg. if you not trying to pry or sideload your blades the endura is top choice for a edc. this knife is a slicer & cutter not a pry bar. if you are going to be cutting cables [metal] or wire i suggest a more robust blade like the spydie bradley in m4.
 
The problem I have is the Green FRN Endura is sold out. This is the larger, more expensive Endura. The cheaper ones are all in stock but availability is scarce and call is asked. If the smaller Enduras are basically the same I will get one of them. They are just lighter but have VG10, FRN and stainless liners. For a novice like me they are fine I imagine. Thanks to all for this fine help.
 
I prefer the full flat grind of the Stretch, but have carried the Delica and Endura for many moons as well. Don't sweat it too much. Pick what you like and go with it. See also nutnfancy's youtube reviews of the various Spydies.
 
Nothing wrong with the enduras, but when I hold a stretch I just get kind of a 'wow, that feels just right' feeling.
I've held many enduras and never bought one. When I held a stretch I knew I was destined to get one.

me - my 2 cents
 
rkhndjr said:
The problem I have is the Green FRN Endura is sold out. This is the larger, more expensive Endura. The cheaper ones are all in stock but availability is scarce and call is asked. If the smaller Enduras are basically the same I will get one of them. They are just lighter but have VG10, FRN and stainless liners. For a novice like me they are fine I imagine. Thanks to all for this fine help.
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Enduras are all the same size dude! Are you talking about the Delica?
 
On the A. G. Russell site they list two sets of Enduras, first one is a bigger knife, longer and heavier...and much more expensive. That is what I mean. Sorry I am causing so much trouble, I will adjust:-))
 
No trouble and no problems this side, just giving you some info so you can make a better decision when you do make it. :D
 
I think he's talking about the smaller price of the Black VG-10 Endura versus the larger price of the Green ZDP Endura.

I'd probably go with one of the Full Flat Ground Enduras. For around $60 shipped it is a pretty great knife.

*edit* No, I am wrong.

AG Russell is listing the Waved models as large and small for Endura and Delica. The small version isn't an Endura at all, it is a different knife (very similar, but different).
 
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