Request. Code 4 vs endura 4

R

raschalt2000

Joined
Apr 20, 2010
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Could someone please post a side by side of the code 4 and the Endura 4. And your opinion as to which is the better overall knife.
Thanks
 
I'd like to see this also. I ended up getting an endura but thought that the Code would be wider and thinner, and carry better. looking forward to pictures.
 
raschalt2000 said:
Could someone please post a side by side of the code 4 and the Endura 4. And your opinion as to which is the better overall knife.
Thanks
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I am a big fan of Spyderco, but my Endura is my least favorite model. The blade is too bulky for the slim lightweight handle, and VG-10 is not all that durable. I would much prefer the Cold Steel Code 4 with the new CTS-XHP blade for a few bucks more than the Endura. It's just much more knife for the money:

If you were considering the Spydie Stretch in ZDP-189, than that's a different story....
 
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I have both the CS is really nice but a little slick ,would be even worse with fluids on the handle and takes up a little real estate in the pocket-but the steel and locking system are over the top imho-code4 is 1 oz. heavier,and a 1/16" wider

the endura is grippy and lock is decent ,lighter in weight than the CS,not the biggest fan of vg10,but there are options zdp,hap40,superblue...Endura is more collectable

I think CS has a better warranty system,if you have never owned a CS knife I'd get the code 4
 
I like them both but between the two I think I would go with the FFG Endura.

Either one would be a great knife. I have not yet tried a CS with the new steel, only the AUS8 versions so not sure how it compares to the VG10.
 
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Both are great knives from great companies, and designed for the same purpose but with different perspectives on what makes a good knife.

The Code 4 is a much stronger design, and though both knives are very smooth on the pivot out of box, the Code 4 is more so.
Both knives offer great ergonomics. The Endura's are better, in my opinion; it's a lot less likely to slip out of your hand due to the awesome jimping and bi directional texturing.

The Code 4 is very lightweight at just over 4oz, but the Endura is lighter. I believe it comes in at around 3.5oz.

The Code 4 is available in CTS-XHP steel, whereas the Endura is VG-10 or ZDP-189, unless you count the sprint runs. Mine is the Super Blue sprint run.

Fit and finish is a little better on the Code 4; the only meaningful difference I could see between the two is that my Code 4 is perfectly centered, whereas my Endura is not.

Prices are very comparable, though the ZDP-189 and sprint run Enduras are going to be a little more expensive than the Code 4, which tends to be a little more expensive than the base VG-10 Enduras.

Either one should make you happy. Both companies offer wicked warranty services, so there's no need to worry about the quality of either knife upon purchase.
 
Not what you asked about, but if you are considering the Code 4, take a look at the new model of American Lawman with XHP. The thickness is very, very close to Code 4, but no issues with slippery grip. Also, the grip is no longer so coarsely textured that is shreds your pants. I have one, and a Code 4 and I prefer the new Lawman. I also have an old (very old) Endura, prefer the new AL to all.
Bob
 
Kwon Kwang said:
33trtip.jpg


Both are great knives from great companies, and designed for the same purpose but with different perspectives on what makes a good knife.

The Code 4 is a much stronger design, and though both knives are very smooth on the pivot out of box, the Code 4 is more so.
Both knives offer great ergonomics. The Endura's are better, in my opinion; it's a lot less likely to slip out of your hand due to the awesome jimping and bi directional texturing.

The Code 4 is very lightweight at just over 4oz, but the Endura is lighter. I believe it comes in at around 3.5oz.

The Code 4 is available in CTS-XHP steel, whereas the Endura is VG-10 or ZDP-189, unless you count the sprint runs. Mine is the Super Blue sprint run.

Fit and finish is a little better on the Code 4; the only meaningful difference I could see between the two is that my Code 4 is perfectly centered, whereas my Endura is not.

Prices are very comparable, though the ZDP-189 and sprint run Enduras are going to be a little more expensive than the Code 4, which tends to be a little more expensive than the base VG-10 Enduras.

Either one should make you happy. Both companies offer wicked warranty services, so there's no need to worry about the quality of either knife upon purchase.
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Great response. I have nothing to add except the idea of the endura-like Pacific Salt if he wants lighter (no liners) and 100% no rust. But in Colorado it may not be necessary. Also note the blade shape is a bit different.
 
I have a delica and code 4. The code 4 is a heck of a knife and a little more of a hard use knife. They are basicly onpar for build quality in my opinion. My advice hold them both and try them in the pocket in the store if you can.
 
I for the life of me do not know why I haven't picked up a Code 4. It hits all the right notes especially now with the imoroved steel. It's time.

E4's an old stanby.
 
rcb2000 said:
Great notes KwonKang,,
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GlockandBalls said:
Great response. I have nothing to add except the idea of the endura-like Pacific Salt if he wants lighter (no liners) and 100% no rust. But in Colorado it may not be necessary. Also note the blade shape is a bit different.
Click to expand...

Thank you, gentlemen. GlockandBalls pointed out what I did not, the difference in blade shape. The FFG Endura 4 is a better cutter overall in my opinion due to its full flat geometry. It is important to note, however, that the Code 4 (in spear or clip points, anyway) is going to give you more belly. Whether or not this means much to you will depend on your usage. In my usage, it isn't as important as other geometric considerations.

If serrations are important to you, I like Cold Steel's. I haven't tried Spyderco's yet (getting a Police model after I get a few other purchases out of the way) but I hear very good things about them. Cold Steel's serrations are very grabby and rippy rather than slicey (because I aspire to always use the most technical and scientific vocabulary ;)), which for my purposes is useful. Keep in mind that the points on them can break off according to some users. I have had no issues with this, myself.

One more thing: the thumb studs on the Code 4 are great, but my favorite method to open a folding knife has always been the Spyderhole. It's very ergonomic and fun to use.
 
I recommend the E4 FFG ZDP-189 with super-splicer blade. Bought mine a month or two back from an online auction. The true super steel gives it amazing edge retention. Weighs 68 grams which for a 3.75 inch blade is pretty decent considering what it gives you in performance. It did take a little bit of getting used to with the design and plastic handle but now I'm sold. The bidirectional patterning on the scales gives it great grip. I haven't owned it for very long and apparently one of the drawbacks is that its difficult to sharpen so I'm currently looking into where I can get a better sharpening system if anyone has any ideas?. First time i've owned a Spyderco but really pleased with it overall.
 
vtnwi said:
I recommend the E4 FFG ZDP-189 with super-splicer blade. Bought mine a month or two back from an online auction. The true super steel gives it amazing edge retention. Weighs 68 grams which for a 3.75 inch blade is pretty decent considering what it gives you in performance. It did take a little bit of getting used to with the design and plastic handle but now I'm sold. The bidirectional patterning on the scales gives it great grip. I haven't owned it for very long and apparently one of the drawbacks is that its difficult to sharpen so I'm currently looking into where I can get a better sharpening system if anyone has any ideas?. First time i've owned a Spyderco but really pleased with it overall.
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The Sharpmaker from Spyderco is fantastic. :thumbup:
 
It was a toss between the Code 4 and Endura 4 for me. I'm more than happy with the Endura but after reading some of the positive comments here on the Code 4, I might be looking for a second knife.
 
Kwon Kwang said:
33trtip.jpg


Both are great knives from great companies, and designed for the same purpose but with different perspectives on what makes a good knife.

The Code 4 is a much stronger design, and though both knives are very smooth on the pivot out of box, the Code 4 is more so.
Both knives offer great ergonomics. The Endura's are better, in my opinion; it's a lot less likely to slip out of your hand due to the awesome jimping and bi directional texturing.

The Code 4 is very lightweight at just over 4oz, but the Endura is lighter. I believe it comes in at around 3.5oz.

The Code 4 is available in CTS-XHP steel, whereas the Endura is VG-10 or ZDP-189, unless you count the sprint runs. Mine is the Super Blue sprint run.

Fit and finish is a little better on the Code 4; the only meaningful difference I could see between the two is that my Code 4 is perfectly centered, whereas my Endura is not.

Prices are very comparable, though the ZDP-189 and sprint run Enduras are going to be a little more expensive than the Code 4, which tends to be a little more expensive than the base VG-10 Enduras.

Either one should make you happy. Both companies offer wicked warranty services, so there's no need to worry about the quality of either knife upon purchase.
Click to expand...

Thank you
 
I'm a big Spyderco fan, but the newer Cold Steel folders are very worth checking out. The round hole opener is a compelling argument for me to EDC a Spyderco. The balance, the spear point blade, and the Triad lock were all excellent aspects of the Recon 1 I recently purchased.
 
I am a confirmed Spyderholic and not seeking a cure. However, I have to say that the Code 4 is very, very nice. Over in the Cold Steel sub forum there is a thread now about the Code 4 being a Sebenza killer. Check it out. I prefer the clip point to the others. I looked at a Code 4 today in the store but it was a tanto blade. If it had been a clip point I would have bought it immediately. It was that nice.
 
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