Spyderco Endura or Military?

T

Tye Possum

Joined
Nov 16, 2009
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Hey, so just recently I've changed my mind about knives. I used to only like more traditional knives and wouldn't even bother looking at the more modern ones available. I still like the look of traditional knives and they still have their use for me (I like to whittle), but lately I decided that certain knives of mine should be more utilitarian and so instead of having wooden scales that look nice, I should have scales made of man made materials which aren't as easily damaged or at least they won't dry out, and instead of an extremely sharp scandi grind, have a tougher, more all around grind such as a flat grind. My fixed blade wasn't quite what I wanted (a Kellam Wolverine, this) so I bought an RC-4, which is tougher and is a knife I feel I can depend on (I guess it's an ESEE-4 now though).

For a pocket knife, I've been carrying a Victorinox Farmer and a Case stockman, now I still plan on carrying those (farmer for it's tools mostly and the stockman for whittling), but I want a knife that's more easily accessible and can act as my main user when I'm not carrying a fixed blade or as a reliable backup if something happened to my fixed blade.

This knife will be used for everyday cutting tasks but I also like camping and wilderness survival/bushcraft and so it will be used in the woods quite a bit too. I'd also like to have it for self defence if that's ever needed, hopefully not but I'd much rather have a knife that's capable of being used for that rather than pulling out a swiss army knife.

So I've picked Spyderco because their quality seems good and a lot of people seem to really like them, and I've narrowed it down to this or this because I like how they look (which I think is important, even for a more utilitarian knife) and I think they'll fit my needs. So out of the two, which do you think would be better for my uses, or at least which do you prefer?
 
Both are excellent knives IMO, and I own examples of both. That said, I say go for the Military.
 
I'm in the minority, but I like the point on the Endura better than the Mil. It curves downward a tiny bit at the tip and, IMO, makes it easier to apply pressure to a specific spot. Now, I also prefer the lock on the Mil over the backlock on the Endura, so go with what feels better for you. Both are excellent knives.
 
IMO, I like the the Military but the Black blade and black handle is the way to go. I have over 215 Spyderco products/knives on my site. I can help you out and save some cash as well. Spyderco is a great company and they make great knives you will be pleased with either knife you go with.
 
if you decide on the endura, get the g10 version. I just got it and what a nice knife this is. It is quite large, amazing grip and feel for the long handle.. plus it can be found on sale right now.
 
I have both of these knives in G10, and I am planning on keeping the one I like best after playing with them both for a while longer, but I haven't made a decision yet.

The Spyderco catalogue is accurate. It shows that the Military is a bit larger than the E4 and weighs slightly less. Note the thicker blade of the Military. The catalogue doesn't provide handle thickness. The Military handle is slightly thicker, 0.454" versus 0.418."

The E4 is a is smaller, more practical size for my every day utility needs, and it's slightly easier for me to carry because the handle is shorter and thinner without being too short or too thin to provide a good grip, and I have large hands. However, the Military has a choil, which gives the option of choking up on the blade for fine work.

I believe the quality of materials and workmanship of both knives is high. The Military uses more expensive steel, which many people believe is better steel, but I haven't noticed much practical difference.

The locks are different, but both work fine IMO, so it's a matter of operating preference. To me, one is as good as the other.

The E4 is delivered for tip up carry, but can be switched. The Military is tip down. Either orientation works equally well for me.

What one will do, so will the other. For me, it comes down to a decision based on slight difference is size, so I am leaning towards the E4.

I don't do bushcraft or whittle, so I can't comment on these aspects of the knives. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
 
I think that for utilitarian purposes the Military is the way to go. Personally, I would not take a liner lock, but people say it's like the 350's liner lock. It's got that nice 50/50 choil, too. For ultimate strength, go Endura with a Sabre grind, not as much fine slicing but more power.
 
+1 on the Endura 4, plain edge, foliage green G-10 grips.

I own both as well and the E4 is the bomb. Feels just as long as the Military "in hand" for tactical use. Tip-up carry, stouter tip (not sure on spine) and indented lock-back.

I have large hands and the Endura 4 is plenty large. Out of my Military or the model above, I'd part with the Military 1st if I had to. :thumbup:
 
I too like many have some of Enduras and some Militarys. The Mili is the Gold Standard I would say. It's multifaceted tool that can serve many functions.
Endura is nice, the classic staple knife of Spyderco. It's hard for me to choose.
I would say try and handle each on at a knife store. Get the one that asks to live in your pocket. Once it's there, chanced you will not look back anytime soon.
 
Hmmm, 2 nice knives - I'm not seeing a bad choice there, either would be a really good choice. In fact I would love to buy either myself - though the military is technically illegal to import into this country*.

Why don't you buy both and then whichever one you don't like as much you can send to me (I'll even pay the postage).




* Knives designed to be concealed are illegal to import here except any folding knife with up to 10cm blade length (the military has a 102mm blade).
 
I have the Endura 4 G10 and have the Military Ti framelock on order. I love my Endura 4! I had the FRN version prior but wasn't crazy about the grind. I like the FFG grind of the G10 but must admit the FRN version has a thicker spine all the way to the tip so it should be more robust. But the FFG should be plenty strong.

The Military is generally regarded as the quintescential tactical folder so it too would be great choice.

Either one should suit your needs fine. Both are excellent high quality folders. You can't lose either way.

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I wish I had a Military for a comparison pic. :(
 
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The Military is generally regarded as the quintescential tactical folder so it too would be great choice.
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I have no quarrel with this statement and agree that many folks say this - my Police 3,G-10 grip, plain edge, whoops on it in every category IMHO.

I think the VG-10 is just as good for the average user. The blade length is 4 3/8" long, indented lock-back, blade thickness 1/8", tip up carry.

The Mili is slower to deploy and the only glaring difference is the Military has S30V steel - which compared to VG-10 is a steel snob issue. They'll both slice through equivalent materials easily.

What am I missing? :confused:

I own all of these and never carry the Military, it's a pain in the butt to get out and open quickly if needed.
 
imo the military is a large utility folder made for use with gloves.

also, how is the military slow? two words: spydie drop
 
It seems a lot of you like the Endura with the G10 and FFG which are of course std on the Military, the price is about the same too. Call me a steel snob if you want but I prefer S30v over VG-10. Not to mention the fact the Military is made in the USA, right here in CO of course.:D
 
two words: spydie drop
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What's that mean? Where you pull it out by the top and stick your fingers through the hole and try to get the handle to pop open?

Okay - if that's what it means, I just got it out and did it and it works so - so.

Pulled the Police 3 out and it's built like a tank compared to the Military. I also noticed the extremely thin linerlock when I closed up the Mili.

I don't care if it's made in a different democratic country, who's known for better edged weapon craftsmanship than our own - I'll take it.
 
I would like to have a millie one day, but for now I have 4 E4s and they all work fantastic in the field and in town.

THe millie is a better slicer, but the E4 has a thicker blade and tip. Not saying that the millie cant take a beating, but the E4 really feels like it can take more of a beating.

As for steels, I've always thought S30V and VG-10 were were very close to each other in edge retention
 
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