Spyderco Endura 4

not-too-sharp

not-too-sharp

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
243
I'm relatively new to mid to higher end production knives and my question is: Is the Endura 4 a good user? Weight isn't an issue and I've seen them on line for 60ish bucks so price isn't either...I guess I just want some genuine user feedback, everything I've seen on line so far is based on aesthetics and personal opinion about blade play and steel liners but not how the knife holds up..... :confused:

Any help will be VERY appreciated.
 
Its a good choice for a hard use blade, the lock is strong, the handles do flex a bit and there can be some side to side play. Hard to beat for the price and will probably outlast you if taken care of.
 
That was my leap from lurker to poster lol.
(ironically I lurked until someone replied)
Thanks for the reply btw, I've been wanting one for a while :D
AND one more question: Is the side to side play serious? Or is it easily fixed by adjusting the pivot?
 
Mine has no side to side play. You can adjust the pivot on the Endura 4 so if there is play you should be able to fix it. My only complaint about the regular Endura 4 is that it has a very thick edge bevel.. I have the G10 version which is full flat grind which I like much better.
 
I checked the g10 version out for the same reason :D But I feel like I could use the hollow ground version for some of my everyday "misuse".
It seems a bit thicker.
 
They are releasing a full flat grind version in FRN that will cut much better than the standard model....but really I've seen the G10 Endura's for roughly 75$, which is a steel for what you get. If I was in the market for one I'd get that.

It's a very well constructed folder, a knife that could easily last you multiple decades. If you think you might abuse / misuse it, I'd get the saber ground FRN version. It would be tougher overall, if you intend to pry things or cut metal. I tend to do neither with my folders so I go for full flat grinds. ;)

there is also a version in ZDP189 steel, but it will need heavily reprofiled to bring out the best in the steel. That, plus it not being the quickest steel to sharpen, make it more suitable for someone with sharpening experience. If you feel up to taking care of the steel, it will take very good care of you.
 
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The thick bevel issue I think was corrected, my dads endura suffers from this but my E4W does not. The side to side play can very between examples, my recent E4W after adjustment still has a bit and if I tighten until its gone I can't open or close the blade. There can also be a bit of vertical play, my endura has it but my delica does not, spyderco says that's OK though.
 
Thought I would jump in and lend a quick opinion. I'm currently on a "pass-around" for a G10 Endura and am quite impressed. It's a large knife with a blade ~4", so that might preclude some from EDC it, especially in slacks or khakis. It would be superb, however, for outdoor use such as camping or hunting IMO. It has a great grip (G10), a very nice blade shape (not too pointy), excellent lockup and blade seating, and is outstanding in fit and finish. That part blows me away as I tend to favor BM and even a Sebenza or two. It's really growing on me and I may have to get one for my outdoor pack (BOB).

I give it two:thumbup::thumbup:
 
I've got a fully serrated Endura and side to side play and edge thickness are NOT issues. The knife cuts through a lot of media as quickly or faster than some of my sharpest plain-edged knives.
 
The serrated models are typically ground at about half the edge thickness of the plain edge models. If you compare a serrated model to a plain edge that's been reprofiled to 10 degrees per side the comparison would be much more fair.

Glad to hear recent examples have thinner edges either way.
 
The Endura 4 is an outstanding no-nonsense user knife. I have several and have never had a problem with bladeplay or anything else. My current favorites are the full flat ground G10 version and the Emersion opener, both plain edged VG10. I will probably get one of the new sprint run flat ground FRN versions too. Great knife. Highly recommended.
 
All of your info was top notch, thanks.
I went with the FRN Saber Ground E4 in plain edge.
Got it for 58 bucks on yourcornerstore.com.
I watch a lot of nutnfancy and he practically does commercials for 'em.
Do any of you have experience with them?
I've only ever ordered through amazon but the prices were WAYY lower at YCS.com.
 
not-too-sharp said:
All of your info was top notch, thanks.
I went with the FRN Saber Ground E4 in plain edge.
Got it for 58 bucks on yourcornerstore.com.
I watch a lot of nutnfancy and he practically does commercials for 'em.
Do any of you have experience with them?
I've only ever ordered through amazon but the prices were WAYY lower at YCS.com.
Click to expand...

Good choice :thumbup::thumbup:

I love my Endura, it's as if they used my hand when they went to design the handles/grip of the knife. The lockup is rock solid on mine. It also carries very well IWB.

Also, check the "good, bad and ugly" feedback forum for info on dealers.
 
Spyderco makes a lot of models that I like better than the Endura, but there's a reason why it and the Delica have a long production history and are among the company's best-selling models.

I use the Pacific Salt (Essentially a 3rd generation Endura) as my main backpacking knife, and it's held up very well to use.
 
I got a visit from my favorite brown truck today :D
I love the Endura 4 it's exactly what I was looking for, thanks for all the info and feedback. Now I have two addictions, Knives and Blade forums lol.
 
the endura is one of the longest model pattens & i've had a ton of them thru the yrs.great blade to handle/ weight ratio. have to agree with Vivi on blade profile since i doubled the edge relief on my latest endura zdo189. contrary to several comments i've had no rust & no brittleness. i have'nt oiled blade once although i did lube the lock & pivot. zdp is best maintained by users with some alloy maintenance since it doe'st come back to razor edge w/o some effort.the endura takes it's place beside the millie as a spyderco classic.
 
Endura's are great knives. I'd recommend picking up the G-10 version if you can still find them in the ~$70 range online.

The Pacific Salt is also pretty neat. It's the older Endura3 handle with no metal liners and a rustproof H1 blade.
 
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