Spyderco Endura, Benchmade 710, or Emerson cqc 8 for utility? Which lock is safer?

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AfterDark

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Apr 9, 2007
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Which would you prefer for cutting boxes and opening boxes? Which lock would be safest to prevent accidently disengaging the lock? I am worried about the axis lock hitting the cardboard when I insert it to open a package and thus disengaging the lock. For the enduras, it seems as if you can accidently disengage the lock with your palm. As for the liner locks, it is also possible to disengage with a twisting motion of your hand during utility work. Please give me some recommendations for an excellent utility folder.

Or should I go with a small fixed blade? Any recommendations for that?
 
Small FB's are becoming popular. Or use a prySTR. They open boxes and a whole lot more.
 
id go with the 710 just cause out of the two i have experience with it holds an edge better. I have never had a problem with any of the locks you mentioned.
 
As far as the axis lock I think that you would be ok.:thumbup: The two axis locks that I have the most expireance w/ are the mini-rukus and the griptillian. On these two models the scales are wide enough that a stab into cardboard is not going to go past the scales and if that happens then your fist would probably be right behind it.:eek: Also while the axis lock is easy to use w/ one finger I doubt that the edge catching on cardboard would cause it to fail.:D
 
I'd go with the Axis lock almost every time. The Endura's Back lock is also solid, though if you are really concerned I would get something with a Compression lock (Spyderco), which is the most reliable lock I've ever seen, is easy to clean, and very hard to accidentally disengage (the downside being that some find it awkward to use).
 
The Spyderco Endura is a hell of a deal for alot of knife. The 710 is a great knife as well. For utility you cannot beat either of them. The axis is slightly better lock, and D2 holds an edge longer than VG-10.
 
AfterDark said:
Which would you prefer for cutting boxes and opening boxes? Which lock would be safest to prevent accidently disengaging the lock? I am worried about the axis lock hitting the cardboard when I insert it to open a package and thus disengaging the lock. For the enduras, it seems as if you can accidently disengage the lock with your palm. As for the liner locks, it is also possible to disengage with a twisting motion of your hand during utility work. Please give me some recommendations for an excellent utility folder.

Or should I go with a small fixed blade? Any recommendations for that?
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Why not use one of those inexpensive box cutters with a retractable blade?
That way you don't have to worry about the lock.
 
Hands down, get a Superknife if you're going to be breaking down a lot of boxes.

But, if you're dead set on getting a traditional folding knife, I say go with the Axis lock.

I do a lot of that sort of thing at work with my Griptilian.
 
One thing to factor in - how do you feel about chisel grinds ... I would rate both the 710 an the endura as having a more reliable lockup than the Emerson . The Endure is a bargoon , the axis lock on the 710 is very slick .

Chris
 
The D2 on a Benchmade isn't going to hold a candle to the ZDP-189 Endura if you spring for that flavor.

The edge holding on ZDP is nothing short of ridiculously amazing.
 
For actually cutting through boxes, which is where any lock failure would more likely occur compared to tape and just opening boxes, the grind on the BM 710 seems like it would give you the least resistance through cardboard.

For the actual lock failure, I would think that the Endura would be safer because it has a "kick" built in so that the blade wouldn't chop down on your fingers if the lock did fail. For edge retention and resistance for slicing through cardboard, the Endura line offers options that I think would be superior to the other 2 knives. You can get a ZDP version for edge retention and they have the G-10/full flat grind that would go through the cardboard easier.

If you're considering edge retention, just remember that sharpening takes longer if you don't touch up the edge frequently.
 
I would sharpen it nightly if you are cutting many boxes. I would suggest the full flat grind endura of those you have mentioned. When I am at work I have to break quite a few boxes and I will say that flat grinds go through boxes quickly and easily as long as they are decently maintained. I use either a manix or a M2 Ritter grip for most of my box cutting but sometimes a fixed blade. If you a really concerned about lock failure look at RAT Cutlery's RC-3 or Spyderco's Street Beat or any of literally dozens of good EDC sized fixed blades.
 
the BM or Spyderco are both good strong locks and great knives, but all I can say is that these must be some big boxes!
 
The endura and 710 are two very time tested designs, with the endura being around for like 18 years I believe. Neither got be where they are today by being vanquished by cardboard boxes.

I traded my 710, kept my endura wave. I'd go with a SE endura for boxes if I didn't have my SE ATR ;)
 
Not much was said about the Emmerson so far - it's as canny as the Benchmade and the Spyderco. It's stiff off the bat, takes a bit of time to break in, but the liner-lock is among the strongest of its kind, and also the only one of which I'd be willing to stake my life one. Also, well-tempered 154cm - like on an Emmerson - holds up to extended slicing very well, which makes it a good choice. Plus there's that cool wave-opening thing, though I suppose you can have those on the Spydercos now two.

If you were thinking of the endura, I'd forgo the VG10 - wonderful as it is - and schill out a bit more for the ZDP-189 version. You won't be dissappointed.
 
As far as the safest lock goes, I would give my vote to the benchmade or the spyderco. The more time passes, the more I dont like liner locks. I have an emerson that I have been using for about a year. The liner is clearly wearing down and it even moves around a little with use. For the longest time it was fine but I think liners, in general wear quicker and I dont really trust them.
 
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