Pls respond here if you have both old/new Endura

  • Thread starter Thread starter RH
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RH

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Jan 31, 1999
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I'll make it quick:
1) Is ATS-55 a big improvement over AUS-8 ?
2) Does the butt end of the old style have enuff meat, that if a person were to have at it with a dremel and a drill, could zip off the plastic clip and pop on a new style steel one ?
3) If #2 is possible, would it be worth the trouble if I'm not concerned about left/right switches, eg.: is the plastic clip OK for everyday carry ?
4) All things considered, would the better purchase be the old at about $30, or the new at market price ($45-49 or so ?)
 
Well like most things in life there are tradeoffs. Old Endura, plastic clip doesn't scratch things when you brush against them. I carried different ones for years and never broke a clip. Last the black will not wear off.
With the new one you will definetly be sharping it less. The reversible clip allows easier opening if you change carry side. Clip can be rebent or replaced if sprung.

Volcano grip and enlarged butt defintely increase grip retention, which is the most important thing to me personally.
If you don't mind sharping, and are easy on plastic clips go for the old.
If you might use it as a possible defensive tool go with the new.
[This message has been edited by Weapon_X_711 (edited 03-02-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Weapon_X_711 (edited 03-02-2000).]
 
I have both...

The original model, which I bought almost 10 years ago, is still going strong - my wife carries it now. I find its grip slightly more comfortable than the 98 (new model), but agree with Weapon_X on retention (though I don't think it's such a big difference).

As a southpaw, I find the new model a big improvement with its ambidextrous clip. However, if you're right handed and don't want to carry it in your left pocket (for instance, as a back-up to some other weapon), there's nothing wrong with the old one, IMHO.

As far as steels go, I'm sorry, but I can't help much; all I know is what I read in these here forums. There's a whole bunch of forumites that know a lot more on the subject than I do. Though I sharpen all my knives, I never used these two hard enough - their main purpose was as defensive carry pieces.


Regards,

Leo Daher

------------------
"Though the meek shall inherit the Earth, they won't keep it past Saturday night..."

[This message has been edited by Leo Daher (edited 03-02-2000).]
 
RH - I've had both and the new one is a lot nicer for everyday carrying. The old endura with the plastic built in clip and large handle bulge make it a bit bulkier than the new model. The newer model's handles are flat and with the thin metal clip once you put it in your pocket you forget it's there. On another note why take the chance with a clip breaking off and having to be without the knife while it's being repaired!
 
I have had both old & new styles in Delica, Endura and Rescue. I have never had a problem with either style. Personally I can't tell much difference in the steel types as well. I have seen others with severe wear problems on the new metal clip attachment recess.
 
At one time, I had both....I kept the old style. To me it is more comfortable, maybe I am just more used to it. I have never had any trouble with the plastic clip, and the knife is several years old, and been used hard.

Richard
 
I have both a semi-serrated AUS-8 model and the new '98 version, plainedge.

The new version has a bit larger blade, and the the edge is ground thinner, thus sharper, than the old one. The plastic clip on the old one loosened, and the knife started slipping out of my pocket when I'd get up from sitting. It's now in my drawer as an around-the-house knife.

The new one feels better in the hand to me. It's thinner, grippier, and the ATS-55 does hold better edge than AUS-8, although the latter resists rust better.
Jim
 
I HAVE HAD 10+ ENDURAS AND THE OLD ARE THE BEST ! I LIKE THE ONES WITH G2 STEEL THE BEST MINE CURRENT IS A GREEN HANDLED ONE , AS FOR QUESTION 2, LETS SAY THE CLIP ON THE OLD ONE BROKE OFF(IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN)SPYDERCO WILL PUT A NEW METAL CLIP ON FOR FREE!!! I'VE DONE IT TRUST ME
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I find more favor for the newer steel clip models. Reversible/ removable clips are a boon for multiple carry options, including coat pocket carry w/o the clip.

The improved texturing lends to much better retention while working around oils and chemicals. It also aids the pocket clip to hold the knife secured in the pocket. The older models always seem to find its way partially out of my pockets.

The ATS 55 steel holds a better edge and needs less sharpening. But that is subjective since we all don' t use our knives the same way. As for corrosion resistance, the Spyderco chart shows a 1.0% Carbon and 14.00% Chromium. The AUS6 and 8 series show a .55- .65 and 13.00- 14.5 and a .70- .75 of Carbon and a 13.00- 14.5 of Chromium respectively. With the addition of .4% Cobalt in the ATS 55, I' d say it is just as stainless as the AUS series and with better edge holding characteristics.

My vote goes to the ATS 55 Clipits.

L8r,
Nakano



[This message has been edited by Nakano 2 (edited 03-04-2000).]
 
I've carried the old ones, but never with the plastic clip...
smile.gif


Spyderco used to do occasional second/return sales at the KnifeStoreFormerlyKnownAsIronstone. There they would have many different magnificent, _Discounted_ products, including all the blades people had broken and returned. The most common, by far, reason for return on the old enduras/delicas was a broken clip. They would file off the remaining stub, and for a small, additional fee, apply a screwed-in metal clip. This is my working carry, and I have several in different places. It's also my cold weather carry since the native doesn't open as well with gloves on.

I have bent out a metal clip once or twice. It's nice to be able to bend it back. Mostly it happens on the passenger side seatbelt, since I carry right pocket. Less passenger side sitting now means less likely for that to happen.

I'd buy the new one in a new vs old, but new, I'd take the native over both. However, I like the bigger blade of the endura for a workhorse/camp blade, and the native for a office/home task and smaller, detail work like small game or fish. The delica is too small to feel good in my hands.


Stryver
 
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