Question about Endura 4 Ti Damascus

Zoomie517

Zoomie517

Joined
Sep 24, 2015
Messages
70
Good morning everyone !

I read through a ton of threads via search here, but was unable to locate an answer to my question.

I intend to pick up an Endura 4 Ti Damascus. I read a number of reviews citing a very difficult to open blade, requiring all but a two-hand open. And I read it on the internet so it must be true!

Seriously, this is a very intelligent, objective group of folks here. And I am far more comfortable with an opinion here. Is this really a difficult knife to open? And if so, can the problem be alleviated if I send it to someone to competent to have the blade pivot polished, while being customized?

Thank you in advance!
 
Initially, because of the etch on the layers of Damascus, the knife had a "grindy" feel to it when I opened it. Certainly not smooth, and substantially more difficult to thumb open than my Military (different locks, though, so not really a fair comparison).

However!

After a few weeks of use, the blade has smoothed right out. The knife opens with the similar if not better smoothness to any other Endura 4 I've handled. The backlock is quite strong, but not so much as to single-handedly make one-hand opening impossible.

That'd be my two cents. Backlocks are always going to be harder to open due to the internal spring, and the etched layers make the pivot less than ideal at first. But the knife wears in to be a smooth and elegant opener.
 
^^This...
Mine was a bit hard to open at first, but with a few days of use it opens as smooth as my other Enduras
 
Sincerest thanks to both of you. I thought I smelled a rat when I read a couple of reviews. They didn't sound like they were written by true knife people. I'll pull the trigger today.

And I also thank you for being enablers!
 
I had bought one, the fit and finish was off and it was very stiff as well, but I returned it and the replacement opens quite nicely. the very first thing I'd do before opening it, would be to pour some oil at the pivot area. The guys at W&W checked mine out to ensure it was a nice specimen, but when they opened it, the grittiness scratched deeply the tang at the pivot, the same had happen with my SB Endura4...these are nice superb knives! but they are not on a collector's level sadly...
 
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Thank you! This will be a user with a little style. Doesn't have to be collector level but must function after break-in at the level of Spyderco's normal standard.

I'll work a little oil in prior to opening.
 
Zoomie517 said:
Thank you! This will be a user with a little style. Doesn't have to be collector level but must function after break-in at the level of Spyderco's normal standard.

I'll work a little oil in prior to opening.
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rest assured, it will truly make for an epic user! :) Quality knives seem to improve in regards to the operating action and edge holding with diligent use and good maintenance.
 
On a non-pivot-related-point, the VG10 edge in the Damascus came as the single-sharpest factory blade I've ever handled. Mine showed up screaming sharp. I have the nicks in my knuckles to prove it.
 
I'll work it in, then get one of our Spydie brothers to fling the blade and scales in to a tumbler.

TA DA !
 
Zoomie517 said:
I'll work it in, then get one of our Spydie brothers to fling the blade and scales in to a tumbler.

TA DA !
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the blade too? The scales are screaming for a stonewash indeed! the bead blast will show wear a little too much. I have read that we can do it by hand by using a large vitamin like pot, filled with small smooth rounded pebbles, had a little WD40 and tumble gently for less then an hour while watching game of throne :D
 
So maybe just the scales and leave the blade alone ?

Hurry up, man ! Knife is already on the way ! ;)
 
Zoomie517 said:
So maybe just the scales and leave the blade alone ?

Hurry up, man ! Knife is already on the way ! ;)
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That's what I'll do. and I would put some duck tape and the inside face of the scales too as to not affect the tolerances.

I have recently bought 3 blue tenacious that I plan to stonewashed the blades, but not the blade tang and rit dye in royal blue the powder blue scales. I just might try to sell off the third one afterwards.
 
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Sorry for failing to respond.

Mael, can't wait to see those. Sounds like they are going to be stunning.

Ive emailed a couple of people that provide service. As soon as I get a response, I'll send it out. ANd I'll be sure to bring up your suggestion of taping to protect tolerances.
 
Zoomie517 said:
Sorry for failing to respond.

Mael, can't wait to see those. Sounds like they are going to be stunning.

Ive emailed a couple of people that provide service. As soon as I get a response, I'll send it out. And I'll be sure to bring up your suggestion of taping to protect tolerances.
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yesterday I went ahead and stonewashed 2 of them! clips included. Now it's not a nice as the finish on the techno, but it's not so far apart. Tuesday I should get the rit dye and I'll go ahead and stain the scales. I'll take some pics with an original side by side and I'll post them! I kid you not, It's all child's play and I'm stoked! lol
 
I did a home stonewash on my Titanium Delica a while ago , best thing I ever did .



Ken
 
harronek said:
I did a home stonewash on my Titanium Delica a while ago , best thing I ever did .



Ken
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Ken that is EXACTLY what I want ! Fantastic job. I thought about it but decided the better answer for me is to just send it out.

Knife gets here Tuesday. Now if I can just get a one of the knife services people to answer my requests, and give me a quote, I'll get this going !
 
My Ti-Damascus Endura was a little bit stiff to open at first, but a little bit of Tuff Glide and a few hundred flicks smothed it right out.
 
harronek said:
I did a home stonewash on my Titanium Delica a while ago , best thing I ever did .



Ken
Click to expand...

Did you tape the inside of the scales to protect them from the stone washing? I am absolutely gonna be doing it to mine soon, yours it plain awesome there :)
 
Well, mine came in yesterday and to say that I am disappointed is the understatement of the day. I cant even keep it as a trader.

I understand that these aren't 1000.00 knives but dang, this is NOT typical of representing true Spyderco value, especially at 160.00, at least to my wallet.

I don't know if it means I have to try and hand-pick one in person or what.

Back to the post office, and the drawing board.
 
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