Love for the plain old VG10 Endura...

Peroni1973

Peroni1973

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
707
Whilst I have more than enough choices of folders (& fixed blades for that matter) I recently felt compelled to buy a basic Endura. I am now learning why this knife is a best seller. It is light, pocketable and incredibly capable. I have used it to slice normal day-to-day stuff and to carve wood, both seasoned & fresh, & it has done an incredible job.

The VG10 does lose its razor edge pretty quickly but it holds onto a working edge like the proverbial dog with a bone! I was tempted by the ZDP variant but this value version puts many of my other (much) more expensive knives to shame.

I am really happy to own this knife! Thanks to Sal & the Spydie team...

Ben
 
I've never had 1 in vg 10. I had 1 in zdp ce that I traded.

I just bought a ffg zdp like new on the forums here. It should be here this week. I've been wanting to get an Endura ffg in zdp for quite a while.
 
My first real knife!
Uploadthis.jpg
 
I am not crazy about the FRN. On my Endura it borders on being sharp if I try to grip the handle hard. Other than that I really like my Endura. I have an Emerson Endura too and it about tops my carry list.

Ninja'd: How did you take that pic???
 
Oh, don't get me wrong I'd love G10 scales (& I may even have a go at making some) but as it stands this series represents incredible value and real-world capability...

Ben
 
Squashfan said:
I am not crazy about the FRN. On my Endura it borders on being sharp if I try to grip the handle hard. Other than that I really like my Endura. I have an Emerson Endura too and it about tops my carry list.

Ninja'd: How did you take that pic???
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Probably in the worst way possible :P Got a friend.. got a bunch of water balloons.. got a camera... and a lot of 3...2...1... go! I think it was our 7th try though.
 
Peroni1973 said:
Whilst I have more than enough choices of folders (& fixed blades for that matter) I recently felt compelled to buy a basic Endura. I am now learning why this knife is a best seller. It is light, pocketable and incredibly capable. I have used it to slice normal day-to-day stuff and to carve wood, both seasoned & fresh, & it has done an incredible job.

The VG10 does lose its razor edge pretty quickly but it holds onto a working edge like the proverbial dog with a bone! I was tempted by the ZDP variant but this value version puts many of my other (much) more expensive knives to shame.

I am really happy to own this knife! Thanks to Sal & the Spydie team...

Ben
Click to expand...

Yep, but I find that VG-10 holds that edge almost twice longer when it's thinned down. I sharpened mine to 24° inclusive, microbeveled with the brown sharpmaker rods at 30° setting and I was easliy able to get 400 cuts into cardboard. After 400 cuts, it was no longer shaving but it would still cut the cardboard without tearing. Inside of 200 cuts, it would still shave armhair.

GreenEndura1_zpsf29b89db.jpg
 
Interesting, thanks for the additional input singularity35!

I just used the 30 degree angle on the Sharpmaker to touch up the edge as necessary. FWIW, what are your thoughts on the comparison with ZDP?

Ben
 
The Endura4 FFG was my first Spyderco. While it's ceded way to the Delica for EDC (due to size), I still find tasks around the yard and house for it every now and then. A 3.75" VG-10 blade, superb design, and great build quality for under $50 (at least it was when I got mine)... excellent value.
 
VG-10 will also show greater performance with a higher grit finish and is easily maintained with strops, steels, ceramics, or polishing stones. A UF ceramic and strop can keep it going for a long time.
 
Peroni1973 said:
Interesting, thanks for the additional input singularity35!

I just used the 30 degree angle on the Sharpmaker to touch up the edge as necessary. FWIW, what are your thoughts on the comparison with ZDP?

Ben
Click to expand...

My ZDP Endura is around the same angle. I just finished it with 600 grit moldmaster that's really glazed and used dry. I haven't really done any "tests" with it but in my unscientific edc uses, it feels like it will go on for twice longer than than VG-10. Even when ZDP starts to feel dull, it will still cut without tearing as compared to VG-10, that when it feels dull is really dull.

I just went with the lower bevel angles for easier sharpening with the sharpmaker. I will touch up on the 30° setting unless the knife is really dull and I'm in a bit of a hurry, so that's when I sharpen on the 40° setting. I usually freshen the bevels when I've sharpened on the 40° a few times.

Edited to add: I did experience a bit of chippiness on the ZDP on the lower angles, but that was before I started to destress the edge before sharpening. Now, when I freshen the bevels, I run the knife a couple of times across the brown rods at 90°. Kinda like slicing into them but with very light pressure.

edc4-14-13_zpsd8c1219d.jpg
 
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The Endura was the first Spyderco I ever purchased, a III CE with black coating. Still have it and carry it every once in a while though most of the coating is gone and its not as smooth as my IV's or Pacific Salt. My first IV was the ZDP FFG and I carried it everyday for over a year. I have a love hate thing with ZDP and while I can get it sharp and keep it sharp I prefer my VG-10 model just because I can get it sharper much faster than ZDP. I've often wondered how an Endura in S30V would be though I know that its not possible.

Either way, whichever steel you have the Endura is one of the best folders I've ever used and I believe there will always be a place in knife drawer for one.
 
Arghh! Couldn't stop myself...

Ordered the FFG, ZDP variant!

Also, picked up some diamond rods for my sharp maker in light of the comments about challenging sharpening.

Thanks for the enabling folks ;)

Ben
 
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