pocket folder

R

Rimmer

Joined
Aug 28, 2006
Messages
5
At the beginning I would like to say hello to all, coz I’m new here and this is my first post here. :)

And now to the question. I would like to buy some folding knife for every day carry. After looong decision making, I’ve finished with two favourits:
- Spyderco Endura 4 FRN
- SOG Spec Elite 1

I like SOG slightly more (it looks more durable). But I red few topics (even here) where owners of this two knives say that Spyderco is much more quality, and the SOG isnt too good in overall quality (in comparison to other famous manufacturers).
What I want from my knife is preciseness – no blade play, and lock which hold blade safely and without play too.
So I would like to ask which one of this two knives you suggest me. Or even which other knife should replace my present selection (about 4” blade, opening and clip for lefty, small enough for carry in pocket, and cost no higher then this two prety :) )

PS: In my choosing was earlier also: CRKT M21 (too big), Benchmade Ambush (too big), Benchmade 710 (too expensive).
 
Both knives look very good to me, but I'd go for the Endura4. Better steel. Better ergonomics. 16 years of design refinement. Opening hole. Simple, no-nonsense lock. The Endura isn't as wiz bang cool as the SOG, but just a very solid and well-executed design.
 
That's a tough choice. The Spyderco has better steel, but the Sog has a better lock, I think. The endura is a well designed knife. It does feel comfortable in the hand. I due prefer the sogs blade shape though. -Tough choice. But, I would go with the spyderco unless you think the lock may become an issue, then I would get the sog. You could also find an endura with the wave on it if you think that might be of interest to you. Spydercos like that are likely to have some blade play in an openned position though, just for your info. (don't think the sog would).
 
Welcome to BF!!! I am voting for the Endura for all the reasons that Buzzbait mentioned.
 
My vote is for the Endura. Great, time proven design and spyderco stands behind their product.
My buddy was irate when his Sog was defective and their reply was that they didn't make the knife, they only imported it with their name on it, therefore they would not repair or replace it. He bought a Spydie and hasn't looked back.
 
I don't hear a lot about SOG in these forums, but I know that SPyderco has a solid reputation for high quality and great customer service. Is SOG still American Made?
 
I don't know if any SOG knives are American made. A lot of Spydercos are also made overseas, though. The original poster isn't from the US, either, and he's still welcome here. :D

The Endura 4 is a significant upgrade from the previous Endura models in that it now has steel liners, making it a bit heavier-duty. The lock is extremely reliable. The slightly redesigned blade has a stronger tip.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I don't know if any SOG knives are American made. A lot of Spydercos are also made overseas, though. The original poster isn't from the US, either, and he's still welcome here. :D
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I did not notice that. Welcome Rimmer, and I would like to commend your English, as it is better than some of the Americans that post on this forum:)

Go with the Spyderco!

Jeremy
 
I had a SOG PE-14 which is basically the same knife as the Spec Elite. Also have more than one Endura.

I like the Endura better, mostly because the VG-10 steel takes and holds a sharper edge than the AUS 8 on the SOG. I'd say the knives are equally well made; the SOG lock is slicker but the Spyderco is IMO equally solid.

Also the Endura handle ergos are better than those of the SOG.

Having said all that, in the end I think the Endura is the better tool, but the SOG is more fun to own and use. That Arc-Lock is smooth, smooth, smoooooth...

I'd recommend, on choosing between these 2 knives, that you'd have to best see them and handle them, and see if the action of the SOG entices you enough to choose it over the better cutter.

As for build quality, they're both excellent, both made in Seki Japan. (The Endura is, and the PE-14 is. I'd check if the Spec Elite is made there too, I'm pretty sure it is.)
 
Thanks for advices!
Because everyone suggest me Endura (and not only here), I´ll take it (thanks God, its much cheaper here as well :D ). But that bring next question: FRN or stainless steel on the handle? Version with FRN handle looks like that FRN handle and steel liners are screwed together = strong. On the other hand, version with stainless steel handle looks like that the handle is only hook on the steel liners (or something). And so they don´t reinforce the liners, and all the power effect is only on the liners. SS version looks great, and if it has same endurance like FRN version, I´ll take it. If not, I prefer endurance, and take Endura with FRN handle ... :confused:
 
Rimmer said:
Thanks for advices!
Because everyone suggest me Endura (and not only here), I´ll take it (thanks God, its much cheaper here as well :D ). But that bring next question: FRN or stainless steel on the handle? Version with FRN handle looks like that FRN handle and steel liners are screwed together = strong. On the other hand, version with stainless steel handle looks like that the handle is only hook on the steel liners (or something). And so they don´t reinforce the liners, and all the power effect is only on the liners. SS version looks great, and if it has same endurance like FRN version, I´ll take it. If not, I prefer endurance, and take Endura with FRN handle ... :confused:
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Stainless steel handle looks good, but FRN is more secure in the hand, especially when wet. My Endura FRN, an earlier model, has held up well to hard use. After 6 years, the blade still locks up solid with no play. The current version should work even better.
 
I would suggest FRN, as that is more secure in your hand. And SS and cold weather......
 
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