Spyderco Delica 4/ Endura 4 VS Gerber Gator clip point

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Durp13579

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Jul 3, 2014
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I am thinking about getting a new knife, and after a lot of research, this is what I have come up with. I understand that the Gator is one of Gerbers "hidden gems" per say, and is better than the average Gerber. What do you guys think of these choices, and what would you pick?

Sorry if this is a noob question, because, well, I am sort of a knife noob.
 
No competition at all frankly... Spyderco all the way (and i say this as a guy who is no fan of their design, but respects their reputation for quality and craftsmanship)..
 
Best bang for the buck is Spyderco. Can't go wrong with Spyderco, they're a better investment.
 
I did a thorough search on bladeforums when I decided it was time to purchase a new knife. I was searching for something similar to the three listed on here. After watching multiple videos, searching Amazon (where I had a giftcard to buy the knife ((YES!)), I had narrowed my search down to three knives, the Spyderco Delica 4, Spyderco Endura 4, and the Benchmade Mini Griptilian. Most people on this forum told me to go with the Mini Griptilian as it is considered by many to be one of the best affordable (<$100.00) knives you can buy. I eliminated the Endura because I really want to pocket clip my new knife and I think the Endura is a little too big. So I further narrowed it down to the Delica 4 and the Mini Grip. I watched a few more videos and did even MORE research, and found out that the Delica 4 is sold in British Racing Green, which is my favorite color. It's also a little cheaper than the Mini Grip, and has less moving parts (some people were concerned about the spring system in the Mini Grip-whether this is true or not I don't know), but people love the spyderhole opening system more than the nub on the blade. So I made up my mind and sprung for a Delica 4 with a ZDP-189 flat ground blade in British Racing Green, and it is due on my doorstep TOMORROW! I'll try and throw some pics up on this thread since you're relatively new like I am. As for the afformentioned Gerber Gator, I can't speak much. Gerber makes some good stuff, and some really cheap stuff from my experience. It seems that the Gator is about half the cost of the Spyderco's, so if you're really concerned about price point, you may consider the Gator. If you're willing to fork out more mullah, I don't think the Spyderco will disappoint in the slightest. Best of luck!
 
I'm not a fan of modern Gerbers. It's true that the Gator is one of their better products, especially considering the price. The handle is very comfortable, but also thick and bulky. It has no clip, which makes it harder to carry (unless you're OK with a belt sheath). It takes both hands to open it.

If the extra cost is not an issue, I think you'll find the Endura (or Delica if you prefer something smaller) to be a better knife. It carries well, is backed by a good company and will take care of anything you might need a folding knife for. They might nor be pretty (at least they don't please my eyes) but basic FRN Spydercos are workhorses. There are several different Endura models to choose from depending on your needs (a couple of different steels, though VG-10 is standard, blade grinds and so on).

I would go with the Endura. If I'm going to carry a pocket knife with no clip and that takes both hands to open, then I'd rather have a nice traditional from Case or GEC (just personal taste).
 
I'd go with the Delica all day, every day. And twice on Sundays. Especially if one handed opening is important.
 
If stay away from Gerber, unless you get one of the older Gator's. They aren't bad. But, you can't go wrong with an endura. I have a standard blue one and had a green zdp-189. I kick myself daily for getting rid of that knife
 
I have the Gator in 154cm. It's the upgraded steel option. I have probably 10 Spyderco Enduras. The Endura is built to a higher standard. It will smooth en up as it breaks in . The Gator will gouge it's track in the steel and not polish up silky like Spydercos. The Endura fits me better, is more comfortable, retains value better, holds up longer with good care. I do like them both but don't find even the upgraded Gator in the same class as the Spyderco. Gator definitely starts out tighter and less well finished.
 
The delica is definitely a "best in class" knife that you can't go wrong with. Love the size, weight, the feel in hand, and the awesome blade shape. It's the perfect edc in the price range for me. That being said I also own an endura. It's a bit bigger and gets carried much less but also fills a roll in my rotation. If you've got some more money to spend, I'd also take a look at the Mini Grip HG. It's got the Spyderco-like hole and a hollow grind that makes it one heck of a slicer. The delica and the mini grip are my smaller edc blades and they get carried quite often. I took the pocket clip off the mini grip and made a Sebenza style paracord lanyard. Not sure if I'll keep it that way but for now it works.
 
I like a larger blade in a folding knife so the Endura 4 in blue would be my choice, and is! Either that or get the Pacific Salt version.
 
I have carried my plain old Delica 4 since the day I took it out of the package.

Honestly there is no debate, the delica should serve you better than any of the other ones.
 
You get what you pay for.

IMO, Delica or Endura over Gerber.

I found the Endura just a bit too large for EDC. The Delica (and Native 5) fit just right. I just got a great deal on a Delica ZDP-189 from the Exchange.


There are some Gerber "hidden gems" - the LST line, specially the Microlight 1.75" and Ultralight 2" models. Sweet little folders, great for office EDC. Some of the older models are 420HC.
 
TravisH said:
You get what you pay for.

IMO, Delica or Endura over Gerber.

I found the Endura just a bit too large for EDC. The Delica (and Native 5) fit just right. I just got a great deal on a Delica ZDP-189 from the Exchange.


There are some Gerber "hidden gems" - the LST line, specially the Microlight 1.75" and Ultralight 2" models. Sweet little folders, great for office EDC. Some of the older models are 420HC.
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I don't think that the Endura will be too large for me, because my current EDC is a SOG Escape with a 3 inch lanyard on the back.
 
Durp13579 said:
I don't think that the Endura will be too large for me, because my current EDC is a SOG Escape with a 3 inch lanyard on the back.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a winner.

Lots of comparison vids on Youtube, just search on 'Delica vs Endura'
 
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