Replacing my Endura for EDC - Benchmade? Emerson?

S

Sobriquet

Joined
Jul 27, 2008
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I've carried the same gen 2 Spyderco Endura for about 6 years. It's served me well, but I'd like to upgrade. I've been looking at Benchmade knives, but they have 10,000 models and I haven't seen one I really like.

I'd really like to get something with a 3.75" blade (what I'm used to on my Spyderco), but I don't want it to be much bulkier than the Endura. I'm interested in something with good steel (VG-10 or comparable - or better), and I'd like either a combo or plain edge. As for blade shape, I prefer something with a modified spearpoint - or something similar to an Emerson Commander.

What do you gentlemen recommend? I'm in an area where I can't CCW my firearms, so I really rely on my EDC knife for personal protection. I've had to draw the blade in self-defense once in my life, so I take this piece of gear very seriously. Thanks in advance, guys. I'm hoping to spend $75-150.
 
Hey Sobriquet, welcome to bladeforums!

I'd say a BM710D2 could fit into your description
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7582
BM710D2.jpg

Good steel, great lock! I don't own this particular model, but other benchmades I got give good bang for the money in my opinion. Or you can stay brand loyal to Spyderco and go for new G10 Police 3, that is one long but thin knife, very comfortable to carry! (the middle one in this picture)

Good luck!
Take care
Pavel
 
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Welcome!
Flip a coin! Think about the Liner-lock or the Axis lock. Which one do you prefer? You can't wrong with either knife Company. :)
 
Since self defense is a priority, strongly consider the axis lock on the Benchmades. They are lightning fast. I have a D2 Griptilian (in fact I was just trying to get the edge back razor sharp...harder than I thought) and it has a 3 3/8ths blade. Its a drop point which I prefer.

I own the G10 Endura 4 that Pafka showed above. Since you're used to Endura's ... this is a heck of a knife with that flat grind.

I do think a 710D2 is in my future but can't speak to it just yet although I'm sure its a great knife. Remember axis lock and the speed of opening.
 
With the Wave feature, the knife is opened as soon it leaves your pocket.
 
I'd personally go with whats already natural in your hand. Since thats been an Endura for six years I'd go with the G10 Endura shown above. I carried an SE Endura 4 for a few years now and moving up to the new G10 version just felt like home. Its just such a nice and solid knife that feels so right in the hand and pocket.
 
I carry the Emerson Commander on a daily basis. You can't go wrong with the wave feature. The handle is the most comfortable, ergonomic knife handle I have held. I am a bit biased but I would take a long hard look at the Emerson line.
 
how about a military
very good steel, well thought design, bth in blade geometry and handle, very ergonomic, lightning fast, a whole lot bigger and a whole lot lighter
its not really made for SD, but you have to hold one :D
 
I've been swapping out between the Spyderco CPM S30V Military (4") and the CPM D2 Para-Military (3-1/8".) The shorter handle (3/4") on the Para hasn't seemed to be a problem and it's still a pretty substantial knife. The Para seems to have more 'belly' but it's just closer to your hand and gives a bit more power and control. For most situations it's a tough choice between the two.
 
what don't you consider a Endura 4 Wave with SE VG-10 blade, that's all you need for your purpose. you can't really find anything else opens faster than wave, not even with autos :)
 
I'd encourage you to sick with Spyderco. The Griptilian is a very good knife and all the have one seem to praise it.

One advantage of the Griptilian now is that you can get them in very "sheeple" friendly colored handles. If you are carrying for defensive usage, it won't look as "tactical" to LE or a prosecutor if you end up having to defend yourself with it.
 
I would say since you've had an Endura, get another one.

I would spend the $102 and get the G10 handled steel linered Endura as pictured above (the 3rd one down). It's a winner.

 
I would also suggest to take a peek at the Endura Waves. They come in PE,CE and SE. It would be a nice "upgrade" from your Gen 2 endura. You get better Egros, screw construction, wave feature and they even make parts kit for them!
 
You might want to take a look at the Emerson CQC 8, it is an awesome carry knife, and the wave is super quick.
 
Wow, thanks for all the replies, guys! I went into one of the local dealers that carries both Benchmade and Spyderco and the guy basically said to avoid the new Spydercos. Obviously the Benchmade was more expensive, so I think he may have just been trying to up-sell me, but he mentioned the new Spydercos were prone to breaking right behind the pivot point under hard use.

Granted, I'm not going to be cutting through steel wire with any regularity, but given how long I keep these things, I don't mind spending a little more for something more reliable.

Which system is stronger, the Benchmade axis-lock or a Spyderco locking back? If I choose a model with a liner lock, how do those compare?

I'm not really a fan of the "wave" feature because I don't love the idea of the blade opening on the draw. It's a personal comfort thing.

That BM710D2 looks closer than anything I've seen yet to what I'm looking for from a Benchmade. How does D2 steel compare? It's the first I've heard of it. I'm really looking for something that is relatively easy to sharpen and will take a wicked edge. I'm less concerned about its ability to maintain the edge - it just doesn't get used that much.

Does the technique to sharpen these things vary according to brand? I have a Lansky kit, but I'm convinced even my Spyderco isn't as sharp as it could be if I knew how to use it properly. I've been sharpening the knife at 20 degrees only - is that bad?
 
quote : the new Spydercos were prone to breaking right behind the pivot point under hard use.

the new spydercos what knives ?
any proof of that bald afirmation ?
ive NEVER listen to any word a sales man has to say, especialy in what concerns knives
very funny you believed the guy, i would have told him a few words, from myself, that is
 
LowTEC said:
what don't you consider a Endura 4 Wave with SE VG-10 blade, that's all you need for your purpose. you can't really find anything else opens faster than wave, not even with autos :)
Click to expand...

I agree. Very fast deployment, good VG-10 steel; what's not to like?

The OP also mentioned a spear point blade. The Waved Delicas/Enduras kind of have spear point blades. They aren't exactly the same shape as the regular ones (for obvious reasons).

I have a Delica wave, and I highly recommend it.

Sobriquet said:
Wow, thanks for all the replies, guys! I went into one of the local dealers that carries both Benchmade and Spyderco and the guy basically said to avoid the new Spydercos. Obviously the Benchmade was more expensive, so I think he may have just been trying to up-sell me, but he mentioned the new Spydercos were prone to breaking right behind the pivot point under hard use.
Click to expand...

I disagree with that dealer. I feel that they're both very good quality knives; I haven't heard anything that should lead me to believe that Spyderco is skimping on quality.

Sobriquet said:
Which system is stronger, the Benchmade axis-lock or a Spyderco locking back? If I choose a model with a liner lock, how do those compare?
Click to expand...

The Axis Lock is one hell of a lock; it's fast, smooth, and it's one of the strongest.

I don't consider liner locks, but I'm biased.

I like Lockbacks and Axis Locks: those are my two favorite.

Sobriquet said:
I'm not really a fan of the "wave" feature because I don't love the idea of the blade opening on the draw. It's a personal comfort thing.
Click to expand...

It doesn't have to.

Sobriquet said:
That BM710D2 looks closer than anything I've seen yet to what I'm looking for from a Benchmade. How does D2 steel compare? It's the first I've heard of it. I'm really looking for something that is relatively easy to sharpen and will take a wicked edge. I'm less concerned about its ability to maintain the edge - it just doesn't get used that much.
Click to expand...

D2 is a good edge holder. That's where it excels. It's said to be harder to sharpen. Diamond is recommended for that. Corrosion resistance is a bit lower; D2 isn't classified as a stainless steel.

If I could find a knife that had D2 that wasn't so expensive, I would be all over it.
 
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