Raven 2 or Endura?

Hello. Guess I will be the odd ball. Don't own an Endura but I do a CC2. The Raven 2 is very under appreciated imho. The ergos are great, has a thicker blade than most, the steel is great and I really like a choil. Raven 2 for the win!
Edit. I feel the Raven 2 cuts cardboard better than my pm2
 
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You all have a lot more experience than I do, so what is more important for outdoor use? The steel or the strength of the lock/shape? I should have asked this question in my OP.
 
They are quite different knives to compare directly, IMO, both in dimensions, and in feel.

I haven't picked up a Raven 2 yet, but I'd do own the Crow 2 and it is a phenomenal knife for roughly $40! Completely underrated. I like it better than my Spyderco Value line folders (Ambitious/Persistence/Tenacious).
I would like to also purchase the Raven 2 at some point.

The blade is a bit on the thicker side, so it won't be quite as slicey as the Endura/Delica, but for those who prefer a more stout blade the Raven 2/Crow 2 is an excellent option.
Ergos are fantastic, for anyone else who loves Sal's in-house designs it'll be hard not to like these also.
I have owned a few Enduras, and now just have 2, but I don't carry them all that often. I prefer the Delica and Stretch. But I do grab the Crow 2 quite often recently.


Endura
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Crow 2
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Is your Crow 2 BD1? My mind was made up until I read a few older topics talking about how the BD1 steel didn't hold an edge.

PS beautiful pictures.
 
Fuori said:
Is your Crow 2 BD1? My mind was made up until I read a few older topics talking about how the BD1 steel didn't hold an edge.

PS beautiful pictures.
Click to expand...


Thanks! :thumbup:
Yes, I believe all Crow 2's & Raven 2's have a BD-1 blade, which may be a small improvement over past Byrds (this is my first Byrd knife, so no other first hand experience).
Edge retention is not stellar by any means, but has performed well for me, with cost and value considered.
I have no beef with sharpening knives, and actually quite enjoy it many days. All I've done with my Crow 2 so far is hit the micro bevel on the 40 degrees a few times with a medium. I do the same with my higher end knives with more exotic steel, until I feel a need to reprofile. Grind on my Byrd was quite even.

Long ago I went years with many knives that were just AUS6/AUS8, etc., so compared to that, BD-1 is doing quite well.
I do also like VG-10 in the Enduras/Delicas etc., and have recently been spoiled by HAP40 runs and my Mule Team 21 in 4V. But regardless, I have no intentions of becoming an elitist and have no problems using and enjoying many entry level knives or steels. I know a good design when I use one. And since I have gotten the hang of using my Sharpmaker, a dull edge never made me sad. If I can use a knife, I can also care for it and clean it and sharpen it. :D
 
I really like the Sharpmaker. I'm still learning how to use it, but I'm quite happy so far. Thank you for the information! I'm kind of scared to search Mule Team 21 in 4V. You also made the BD1 sound a lot better than what I read this morning.
 
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I've carried a Manix 2 LW in BD1 for the last few months, and it's a steel I respect. I told myself that if I liked the Manix (which I do) then I would sell/gift this one and get the S110V version, but now I like it enough to have no plans to replace it. I also carry a Native 5 in S110V and they are honestly both good steels. The S110V seems to hold a better working edge but I can get the BD1 sharper with less effort, so for me it's a push. I like them both.

People turn their nose up at the BD1 and it's not the new hotness, but it's a decent steel. They call it "entry level" but the VG10 is also considered entry level and I've always liked that steel, too. And as others have stated, once you get a Sharpmaker and learn to use it, then it makes you look at steel differently.
 
I tried to make a list to finish making my decision. These are all based only on their use for camping, hiking, and emergency prep. Did I miss anything? Am I wrong?

Blade shape- Raven
Lock-Raven
Steel-Endura
Handle material-Raven but it's close and probably personal preference
Weight-Endura
Edge retention-Endura
Tip strength-Raven?
Rust resistance-Draw
Potential for blade play-Endura
Overall toughness-Raven
Quality-Endura, but the Raven seems to be good
 
I just thought of something else. I own two Manix in BD1, so would the Raven be almost like downgrading to a third just with G10? They have similar blade shapes.
 
Fuori said:
I tried to make a list to finish making my decision. These are all based only on their use for camping, hiking, and emergency prep. Did I miss anything? Am I wrong?

Blade shape- Raven
Lock-Raven
Steel-Endura
Handle material-Raven but it's close and probably personal preference
Weight-Endura
Edge retention-Endura
Tip strength-Raven?
Rust resistance-Draw
Potential for blade play-Endura
Overall toughness-Raven
Quality-Endura, but the Raven seems to be good
Click to expand...
The Endura is pretty rugged for what it is.

Try out a G10 Cara Cara, you'll understand when you get it.
 
Nothing beats a classic. Put the extra bucks toward an endura. you will not be disappointed. Its possibly one of the best folding knives available for the money.
 
I forgot to update this that I bought a blue Endura and am happy. I still think the Raven may have had a better blade shape for what I will use it for, but I already have two Manix LW in BD1. The Endura would give me something new, so I went with it. I'm still thinking about the Raven anyway...
 
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