Spyderco Endura Blade Steel

KeithAM

KeithAM

Joined
Dec 15, 2003
Messages
3,154
I think the Endura will be my next purchase. But what's it made of?

A.G. Russell lists it as AUS-8

Knifeworks.com lists it as VG-10

New Graham lists it as ATS-55

All else being equal, I've gleened from the forum that VG-10 would be the best of the three. But who is right?

All three (i.e. they're made with all three types of steel)?

Or is only one right and the other two wrong?

Or some other variation?

Thanks for your help! :confused:
 
P.S. The Spyderco site says it's VG-10, but can I rely on that?

What I'm worried about is that there are different versions of these out there, and I may wind up having an internet dealer with, for example, old and new (or just different) versions of the same knife on one shelf, and just my luck he'll grab the AUS-8 one when what I really want is VG-10. Something like this has already happened to me. An internet dealer shipped me one each of the OLD original version of the CUDA MAXX (which also happened to be defective:mad: ), and the newer version with the thinner scales and much better finish.
 
It's a matter of time period and handle material.
Delicas and Enduras have been made with a variety of clips, blade grinds, as well as handle and blade materials.
IIRC, stainless handle models had/have AUS-6, while the FRN handle versions have run from AUS-8 (maybe, not sure), to ATS-55, and now VG-10.
Clips also changed, from molded FRN clips on the older lightweights, to ambidextrous metal clips on the more recent ATS-55 and VG-10 models. I believe all of the VG-10 versions have flat/sabre grinds in favor of the hollow/sabre grinds of the earlier models.
Somewhere in there, they put the "Boye dent" where you depress the lock.
Most recent, as far as I know: VG-10, flat/sabre, ambi metal clip, Boye dent on the lockbar.
Not sure if any changes have been made on the stainless handle versions.
Can't say that is all 100% correct, and hopefully someone will correct anything erroneous. It's hard to keep up with companies that continuously improve their products like Spyderco does.
Dealer websites (not to mention manufacturers') are not always up-to-date on specs, so you may have to call to be sure exactly what you are getting.
 
If you want VG-10 steel in your Endura, it'll have to have the FRN scales. The stainless model comes with a AUS-6 blade (and AUS-6 steel isn't really all THAT bad of a steel). On the other hand, you can get VG-10 steel in the stainless-scaled Police model.
 
If you're going for the toughest steel and don't mind the money I'd say go with the Military in CPM S30V. it seem to be getting rave reviews from all that have one. Still saving up for mine. Need to stop looking on the internet. To many stores....
 
It started with Aus 8, which also should have a FRN clip.
Then it went to the ATS-55 with steel clip, and then VG10 afterwards.
Phone up new graham instead of going through the online form, and I'm sure they'll fix you with VG10 if you ask.
 
Thanks for the replies. The Military w/S30v and G!) and the Police w/steel scales are both tempting.
 
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