Spyderco's Answer To The Buck Model 110?

[MaxFisher]

Another vote for the Endura/Delica here.

JD, I understand your reasoning for picking the Military, but I've always felt the Endura is "Spyderco's version" of the 110 because that's exactly what it was when it was first envisioned, designed, and produced. When Spyderco first produced the Endura, the Buck 110 was THE locking folder to have. At that time there were fewer options. The Endura was Spyderco merging their innovations (hole, clip, lightweight handle) with the idea of the folding hunting knife that the Buck 110 embodies.

 

[NG VI]

I'd probably have to go with the Delica too. For reasons that others have already mentioned plus it's iconic to the brand and I think it sums up the brand's ideology in one simple knife.

I agree, the Delica/Endura are spiritual twins to the Buck 110 in a way that the lovely but expensive and less iconic Military can never be.

They truly epitomize the spirit of Spyderco, the knife as a functionally high-end replaceable cutting tool is what Spyderco does.

 

[nccole]

I normally don't talk about other knife forums here on BF because I value my 11 year membership highly>> but in this case I do urge you to check out Spyderco.com where I have a similar thread up for discussion. One of my Brothers over there responded to my thread and he indeed put up some fantasic pics of the Schempp Bowie and voted for it to be Spyderco's answer to the BUCK 110 and I've got to admit that there are some striking similarities between the two models.

However and I don't want to kill anyone's enthusiasm but that is one of Ed Schempp's designs. A major qualifier in my opinion is for the knife to be one of Spyderco's IN HOUSE designs that they themselves did. And GOD knows the GLESSERs ( Sal & ERIC) have both done some really super designs over the years. I almost went with the C-07 POLICE model as I have had a couple of good friends suggest that one. But no I want it to be one of Spyderco's IN HOUSE designs.

These days Ed can maybe be thought of as an in house designer. He's more associated and involved with Spyderco than a normal collaborator. Him, Janich, and maybe Bradley seem to be very tight with Spyderco.

 

[uxo2]

the Endura is the modern 110.

 

[cbxer55]

I've had numerous 110's over the years (still have one: auto conversion). Nowadays I edc a Spyderco Military. Have since I bought my first one, when they first came out, in like 1996. Still have it, still edc it.

The Military is my 110. Don't like no plastic handled knives. The 110 doesn't have plastic handles. Why would I want a plastic handled Spydie to be my 110?

I have had two Endura's. Never edc'ed either of them. Never thought much of them at all. :barf:

 

[JD Spydo]

These days Ed can maybe be thought of as an in house designer. He's more associated and involved with Spyderco than a normal collaborator. Him, Janich, and maybe Bradley seem to be very tight with Spyderco.

Yeah and I do tend to agree with you to a point>> but Sal & Eric were at Spyderco at their inception>> In other words Sal & Eric were there and launched many models before any of these guys arrived. No I'm going to stick to my guns on this one>> When I mean IN HOUSE design I mean from the beginning, pioneer stages of the company. And I guess you can say that the C-36 Military in a way can be considered kind of newcomer compared to models like The Endura, Delica and POLICE models. But I still think the MILITARY model truly epitomizes Spyderco from just about every angle you can look at it.

Oh don't get me wrong I have a ton of respect for Michael Janich, Ed Schempp and many of the other current staff. Also Ed Schempp has only been there since the early or mid 2000s to the best of my memory. I believe Michael Janich has been there since either the late or mid 90s. But Eric & Sal are SPYDERCO and I don't think any argument can be made against that in my opinion. But I do understand where you're coming from and it is a point well taken. Interesting responses you guys!

 

[JD Spydo]

I've had numerous 110's over the years (still have one: auto conversion). Nowadays I edc a Spyderco Military. Have since I bought my first one, when they first came out, in like 1996. Still have it, still edc it.

The Military is my 110. Don't like no plastic handled knives. The 110 doesn't have plastic handles. Why would I want a plastic handled Spydie to be my 110?

I have had two Endura's. Never edc'ed either of them. Never thought much of them at all. :barf:

I think you've driven my point home better than anyone so far "cbxer55" I couldn't agree with you more because as much as I respect the Endura & Delica models they just can't begin to be compared to the C-36 Military IMO. The Military model is truly the result of the evolution of Spyderco's designs over the years and is a knife design that has stood the test of time. The C-36 Military design reflects Spyderco's advancement as a major player in the knife industry.

And I can't agree with you more that the Delica and Endura remind me of a discount type knife made more for everyday, economical purposes rather than being a rugged folder you would have for a lifetime like the Military model is. Also the Military model is available in many different handle styles and different blade steels just like Buck made their 110 model. No I certainly agree with you that the years of development that has gone into the many variants of the C-36 MILITARY much more reflects what the model 110 is to the great BUCK knife company.

But hey I do enjoy and appreciate all of the posts you guys have put forth. This has been a much better thread than I thought it would be>> great responses you guys!!!

 

[nccole]

I've had numerous 110's over the years (still have one: auto conversion). Nowadays I edc a Spyderco Military. Have since I bought my first one, when they first came out, in like 1996. Still have it, still edc it.

The Military is my 110. Don't like no plastic handled knives. The 110 doesn't have plastic handles. Why would I want a plastic handled Spydie to be my 110?

I have had two Endura's. Never edc'ed either of them. Never thought much of them at all. :barf:

G10 is a plastic as well, so that 1996 G10 Mili is a plastic handled knife[emoji6]

 

[coldmrk]

I don't think spyderco can compare to the old popularity of the buck 110 until it's in the sporting sections of all the big box stores and people are buying them and carrying them as their one and only dedicated pocket knife. From my own experience day to day I feel like I see the Kershaw leek most often on people who carry a knife other than a keychain knife.
But I saw an old plastic clipped endura on someone once.
As far as everyone here I would say the PM2 if not the Endura or Delica. It doesn't have the history yet but it's gunna be around for a long time probably.

 

[JD Spydo]

G10 is a plastic as well, so that 1996 G10 Mili is a plastic handled knife[emoji6]

That is true that G-10 is a Polymer type of material>> but comparing FRN to G-10 is like comparing a Volkswagon to a Cadillac El Dorado. G-10 is a far more sturdy and more resilient handle material than FRN. Now please don't get me wrong because I do own quite a few FRN Spyders and I use several of my FRN Spyders especially the ones from the H-1 Salt Series>> but I definitely consider my G-10 handled folders in a completely different league all together.

Also they've made the Military with a Titanium handle as well. I don't remember any Endura or Delica models with Titanium handles>> they reserve Titanium handles for their upper tier models. I still maintain with all due respect that the Military model comes a lot closer to being an iconic, flagship model far more than a Delica or Endura IMO.

And I do appreciate everyone's opinion as to which Spyder should get that distinction but so far I haven't been convinced that any model as of yet beats out the C-36 Military model. It truly is a model that just defines everything Spyderco has accomplished IMO.

 

[nccole]

The Endura/Delica come in or have come in FRN, Ti, SS, G10, CF (maybe Delica only), and bone handles. I too prefer G10 over FRN, just being a technical p.i.t.a.!

To the popularity, Spyderco did for a short while sell the Native in Walmart. I would rather not see that though. It is a sort of "sell out" in my opinion and the start of what makes Spyderco great ending. Look at Gerber and Buck to some extent. Kershaw has done a decent job of selling the very popular Leek while maintaining their upper tier and now ZT. But there Kershaw name is declining IMO. The popularity really has more to do with the price IMO. You can get a $5 knife and everyone would agree that you get what you pay for and it's junk. The Leek is a fine knife, but pushing that $50 limit and that is where most (general public) don't see the return on value compared to a $130 GB2 for example.

Again, I wouldn't pick a knife to compare to the status the 110 hold but would say the addition of the clip and the emphasis on one handed opening defines Spyderco. Problem is most people don't know that Spyderco pioneered the clip and one handed opening, and the modern folder has a lot owed to Spyderco.

 

[rje58]

I understand those who value small, light and easy to carry over other attributes, but my vote goes to the Endura as the counterpart to the 110.

For me, the Delica blade is shorter than I prefer, and the primary use I would have for it (if I hadn't sold mine) would be when I was passing thru oppression zones where a 3-inch blade was the legal max. This is just my personal preference and I know the Delica has many ardent fans.

 

[uofaengr]

I didn't think the materials needed to be similar to compare the knives relative to the 110. I don't even think of the materials, or the blade length, or the lock type. I think iconic to the brand and not necessarily flagship. Like BM, I think the 710 is their 110 although they're not similar knives. Delica and Endura are just the ones that automatically pop in my head. They're what the brand is all about, design wise, a design that's been around decades lending to multiple handle materials and blade steels used and blade grinds for that matter. Offered in the most basic of options to the most expensive of options, giving a choice for every man. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[vba]

I can tell you my personal answer to the Buck 110 occurred back in the early 90's when a co-worker pulled out his Endura.

Still love the 110 but the Endura and many other Spyderco's have turned the page for me.

 

[carbonsteelfan]

Hey , JD ! Been a long time since l was on Blade forums. It's funny you mentioned a Buck 110. I just got one as a gift from my Gramps , a month back. It's a beautiful 440c model. It's a good knife. But l am having a nightmare sharpening it.
Anyway , it's a very sensible hypothesis to compare a Military model with a Buck 110. But to me , Spyderco's Best knife is the new Hap40 Endura model. This steel is everything Spyderco Advertises it to be. Great stuff. I'm damn lucky to have gotten one.

 

[mael333ca]

*holding my newly acquired G10 Endura and thinking* obviously the Endura is that answer! lol especially the G10 model that is. I have the FRN and Ti, yet this one: the G10 version...stands above as the reigning contender... I mean answer

 

[Insipid Moniker]

*holding my newly acquired G10 Endura and thinking* obviously the Endura is that answer! lol especially the G10 model that is. I have the FRN and Ti, yet this one: the G10 version...stands above as the reigning contender... I mean answer

Honestly, I like the G10 better, but in many ways I think the SS version is the most comparable to the 110. Adds some WEIGHT to the equation.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

In any case, not having a choil (see recent thread) to appeal a bigger non aficionados market is why Endura (or Delica for 112) is the answer.
Edit to add the thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...an-t-have-a-finger-choil-for-the-index-finger

 

[JD Spydo]

Honestly, I like the G10 better, but in many ways I think the SS version is the most comparable to the 110. Adds some WEIGHT to the equation.

I honestly could give consideration to the G-10 handled version on the Endura model.

Albeit the more I think about the RENEGADE and POLICE models which are both IN HOUSE designs I believe I could be happy as having one of them being Spyderco's answer to the BUCK model 110. But from a pragmatic standpoint and considering the C-36 Military model a "hard use" folder as well as having tactical aspects to it I still have a hard time considering another model at this point.

 

[vanslem6]

I honestly could give consideration to the G-10 handled version on the Endura model.

Albeit the more I think about the RENEGADE and POLICE models which are both IN HOUSE designs I believe I could be happy as having one of them being Spyderco's answer to the BUCK model 110. But from a pragmatic standpoint and considering the C-36 Military model a "hard use" folder as well as having tactical aspects to it I still have a hard time considering another model at this point.

I can't help notice that it sounds like you've never actually used an Endura. I can assure you it isn't nearly as fragile as you seem to think. Anyhow, I can appreciate the Military. I'd love to have one. I'm gonna hold out for the FRN version with a back lock.

The last person I saw using a 110 snapped the blade in half like a toothpick. Maybe the Ladybug is more on par?