Police or Endura, K390 or ZDP

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Oct 17, 2015
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I'm thinking of my next buy, and I'm looking for inputs from more experienced Spyderco enthusiasts! I'm looking for something with some more edge retention than the ones I allready have (and because I just want to try something new and expand the collextion a bit).

The new one will be in the rotation for a work knife (LEO).

The only steels I have experience with are Esee 1095, Emerson and Leatherman 154cm, Spyderco VG-10 and s30v and Victorinox Inox.

For sharpening I have a Sharpmaker with diamonds and ultra fine, and a DMT Aligner with xc, c, f, ef diafolds.

Endura ZDP-189
Pros:
- I allready own an Endura, and know that I like the shape, FRN-handle, lock etc
- ZDP-189 have better edge retention (as far as I have read, no experience qith it)

Cons:
- I allready own an Endura, and I would like some variation..

Police 4
Pros:
- Long blade
- Slim
- I like the choil

Cons:
- Maybe to long/thin?
- Price

Is there something with the k390 that makes the Police 4 worth the increase in price compared to the zdp Endura?

Other inputs?

Edit: And what would YOU choose, and why?






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With K390 you have to be more aware of corrosion issues. I think ZDP-189 is considered stainless even though it is not best in class.
 
Thank you! Wasn't aware that ZDP was a stainless, I have read about rust issues with them. Anyway, rust and corrosion haven't been a issue with my carbon steel blades, so I dont think that it will be what tips the scale in favor of one or the other. :)


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I can add that the s110v Military is also under consideration (and have been for a while, but liner locks is bot my favorite). so many knives, so little cash...
 
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..aaand the Stretch 2 in ZDP is also interesting [emoji848]


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..aaand the Stretch 2 in ZDP is also interesting [emoji848]


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A 110 Millie would be nice.

The new police with k390 is nice too.


Other option.
Sell your VG10 because If you buy a ZDP Endura you will never go back to VG10.
 
No matter which of those you buy you're going to get a great knife. Personally, I'm waiting on a Police 4, so I would lean that way, but I would say this is gonna come down more to your preference than anything else.
 
^^^ Yup!! All are excellent choices, but I would lean towards the Millie. Don't sell Spydie's liner lock short brother! They do an amazing job on them!
I have 3 Millies, s30v, Cruwear and Ti. All are tough as nails!
I have a few Spydies with s110v and they are work horses!
With all the steels you are looking at, remember not to let them get very dull.......I strop each one after use. This way it's easier to keep those edges gleaming & screaming!
Good luck!
Joe
 
I'm thinking of my next buy, and I'm looking for inputs from more experienced Spyderco enthusiasts! I'm looking for something with some more edge retention than the ones I allready have (and because I just want to try something new and expand the collextion a bit).

The new one will be in the rotation for a work knife (LEO).

See comments below.

The only steels I have experience with are Esee 1095, Emerson and Leatherman 154cm, Spyderco VG-10 and s30v and Victorinox Inox.

For sharpening I have a Sharpmaker with diamonds and ultra fine, and a DMT Aligner with xc, c, f, ef diafolds.

Your steel choice is not limited by your sharpening capability.

Endura ZDP-189
Pros:
- I allready own an Endura, and know that I like the shape, FRN-handle, lock etc
- ZDP-189 have better edge retention (as far as I have read, no experience qith it)

Cons:
- I allready own an Endura, and I would like some variation..

A valid reason.

Police 4
Pros:
- Long blade
- Slim
- I like the choil

Cons:
- Maybe to long/thin?
- Price

I have a Police 3 that lies sleeping in it's case. I found the handle too long and the blade too long for accurate tip control.

Is there something with the k390 that makes the Police 4 worth the increase in price compared to the zdp Endura?

Not in my books.

Other inputs?

Edit: And what would YOU choose, and why?






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You have really set me to thinking about this, Pr3inar. My dad was a LEO, so I thought,'What would I send him out there with?' and my conclusion is a Manix 2.

The Manix has a ridiculously strong lock, lots of beef behind the blade, is easily closed with one hand and is built to take abuse. The Manix also has great tip control, a choil and a G10 handle. I believe that a robust knife with a fast and safe one-handed function will serve better than a self-defense purposed knife. Add S110V steel to the mix and I think you have a winner, IMO.

Other knives that I rather like are the Military and the ZDP-189 Stretch.
 
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You have really set me to thinking about this, Pr3inar. My dad was a LEO, so I thought,'What would I send him out there with?' and my conclusion is a Manix 2.

The Manix has a ridiculously strong lock, lots of beef behind the blade, is easily closed with one hand and is built to take abuse. The Manix also has great tip control, a choil and a G10 handle. I believe that a robust knife with a fast and safe one-handed function will serve better than a self-defense purposed knife. Add S110V steel to the mix and I think you have a winner, IMO.

Other knives that I rather like are the Military and the ZDP-189 Stretch.

Thank you for responding! The Manix 2 looks good, and will probably be glove-friendly like the PM2, and I want to try the CBBL. The only con i have for the Manix compared to endura, stretch and police is that it looks like it will take more pocket space. But a good suggestion!:)

And the lower price for the Manix 2 (and especially the LW) compared to Police 4/Stretch 2 G10 is aldo something to consider. The list grows!


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There is a linerless G10 BACK LOCK Manix 2 due out any time now. That would be a great option if it has S30V steel or something.
 
Between the Endura, Police and Military, I think it ultimately comes down to preference. What's important to you, given your intended application (i.e. dimensions, weight, corrosion resistance, toughness, edge retention, ability to use with a glove, etc.)? As you think this through, it will help you settle on the knife that best suits you.

Having said this, I'll second those who have recommended adding the Manix 2 to your list of candidates. It's a stout knife that makes a great all-arounder. Yes, it's definitely wider than an Endura in pocket, but I don't feel that it's too wide. Plus if you act soon, you can get the Knifecenter exclusive with Cruwear and carbon fiber. Mine is scheduled to arrive on Monday, and I can't wait!
 
I looked at the manix some years ago, but that time I went with the pm2. I have looked at the s110v manix today, both lw and g10, and they DO look nice. It's just a little different from what I was originally looking for.

On the other hand, I already have a long, thin spyderco with a backlock, maybe it's time to try a short and broad one with a cbbl?:)




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On the other hand, I already have a long, thin spyderco with a backlock, maybe it's time to try a short and broad one with a cbbl?:)

I love the caged ball bearing lock. It gives the Manix 2 a very smooth, positive action, both when opening and closing the knife. It's one of the primary reasons that I prefer the M2 over the PM2. But again, it all comes down to what qualities are most important to you. You really can't go wrong with any of the knives that have been mentioned.
 
Between the Endura, Police and Military, I think it ultimately comes down to preference. What's important to you, given your intended application (i.e. dimensions, weight, corrosion resistance, toughness, edge retention, ability to use with a glove, etc.)? As you think this through, it will help you settle on the knife that best suits you.

Knifecenter costs to much with international shipping + taxes, so if I go with Manix it's between g10/s110v and s110v LW. But I dont know how the LW will hold up over time, will the frn loosen up around the lock with time and use, bladeplay, pinned etc.




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I would not sell my vg-10 Endura because vg10 is such an excellent user steel. ZDP is quite a bear to sharpen if you let it get dull. (Most these steels are with a hand sharpening system if you let them get truely dull) However if you never let them get dull and touch them up always before they do then these super steels are much easier to maintain.

I have no experience with the Police or K390, but the Manix2 and Endura Zdp are excellent knives. You couldn't really go wrong woth either.
 
Knifecenter costs to much with international shipping + taxes, so if I go with Manix it's between g10/s110v and s110v LW. But I dont know how the LW will hold up over time, will the frn loosen up around the lock with time and use, bladeplay, pinned etc.

I've never used the Manix 2 LW, so someone else will have to comment on how tough it is. Unless weight is really important to you though, I would spend a few extra dollars and get the g10/s110v version. Besides that, it has skeletonized liners, so it weighs noticeably less than the standard g10/s30v version.
 
I'm not a huge fan of liner locks either, but the Military liner lock has stood the test of time. It has a concave interface (unlike most liner locks that have a flat angled interface) which makes it better than the average liner lock.
 
It is probably more than good enough for my use, but I think I'll wait for the comp lock Millie (Para 4?), and go with a blurple Manix. Tried to order it a couple of minutes ago, but they were out of stock...[emoji849] should be getting in some more this month, so I will just have to wait.. [emoji36]


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