Newbie: Spyderco Endura or CRKT Crawford? more..

T

TCW

Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
29
Hi All,

Which of these two do you recommend for a general purpose carry/utility/defense knife? Other suggestions in that price range? I have average hands.

Also, I'm leaning toward plain edge for easier sharpening. Is that wise?

Oh yea, I've never really sharpened a knife (I'm not counting the kitchen knife)..What's the best sharpener for me? I want to get one that can handle serrations if I need it to...

Thanks!
TCW:)
 
Well I own both, and speaking from that experience
Spyderco all the way. I loved My large crawford for sheer
intimidation factor but over all best for the money is
the endura. No way around it. It's going to hold up
better in the long run, in my book it's more comfy as a
utility knife and well should you have to use it in
self defence the endura has a friendlier look to it.
 
Endura and a 204. That was easy. The Endura is a great edc because of its light weight and somewhat non threatening looks. I have had and Endura for five years and it may not be pretty but I have not had a single problem with it. Lots of hard use at work and in the great outdoors. With the recent purchase of a 204 and some tuff glide it feels new again. You really can not go wrong with this combo. The 204 comes with an instructional video that shows you how to sharpen serrations and anything else you can think of. As far as a defensive weapon I am sure it would do fine. I myself have been lucky enough not to find out for sure.
 
I owned a CRKT KFF but later traded it for another knife. It was very well designed and an excellent value. It would be the best choice for a self defense knife due to the shape of the handle and to a lesser degree the blade. It was recently reccommended in an article appearing in SWAT magazine.

I presently own three zytel Enduras. The Endura is the best choice for a utility knife since it is lighter and the steel is a little better. I find that the plain edge is the most useful though I do have a fully serrated Endura and I like it for cutting rope and cardboard.

Tom.
 
Although I have a soft spot for CRKT's...the Endura all the way...especially in VG-10!
Matt
 
IMHO, I think CRKT is some of the best bang for the buck...having said that...I'd go with the Endura...
 
I agree with the sentiments so far. Frankly, I don't think there's a knife close to the price of the endura that can really compete with it in a general-use EDC role. Great steel, great edge geometry, great all-purpose blade shape, great opening mechanism, solid lock, ergonomic handle, thin lightweight & carryable.


Joe
 
It's a tough fight with ergonomics. Both Endura and KFF fits my hand very well and I'm very comfortable with them.
Both comes out very sharp, but the VG10 on the Endura does keep it longer. The sharpmaker should deal with most of your sharpening problems.
Both are great pieces but I'd go for Endura because I prefer it hold the edge longer than having me to sharpen it more often, cause I'm really lazy ;)
 
The KFF is an excellent design but, the ones that I have seen were of poor construction. The locks did not work at all and the finish was not that good. I would love to have the custom version though.

I would go with the Endura...better steel...better for utility. Spyderco makes a great product and has an excellent warranty.
 
Thanks for all the info!

Sounds like the Endura is the better of the two. The CRKT feels more solid...Will the Endura hold its own if ever called upon as a defensive tool? I appreciate the Endura's slimness and light weight. I just wonder about its rigidity.

Pleaase don't flame me!

Thanks!
 
spend a bit more for the stainless steel handled endura. The steel on the blade is not as good as the FRN version(plastic handled ones) but the steel is still the better than the CRKT knives. Despite the steel being the same as the CRKT models, the Spyderco aus 6 is better
 
The endura will hold up to surprisingly hard use. That said, it's still a zytel folder, you're trading off some strength for carryability. I personally would advise sticking with the zytel endura. However, if you feel you are willing to go with a much heavier knife in order to get some more strength in the handles, jjcoolay's suggestion is a good one: by going to the stainless steel endura, you gain handle strength, drop way down in steel quality (but no worse than the steel that was in the KFF you were looking at), and end up with a heavier knife.
 
Endura II...Hmmm. Anyone ever have problems with their hand slipping on a steel handle?
 
Other than scracthes you should have no problems with t ss endura.
If you are illing to spend 50 bucks, I suggest you look at the Howard Viele model that is being offered at Smkw for about 45 bucks. It is stainless steel handled with micarta with really good steel.

That would be my suggestion
 
Opps my bad. THe Viele is outta stock. There are still shabira's and massad ayoobs in plain edge for sale.
 
I have to agree on the Viele. I was lucky to get in on the deal. Very smooth action and a nice edc size.
 
The Viele looks cool. I can't quite tell by the pictures on the net if that piece of Micarta would make it too thick for EDC.
 
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