Tacticool Delima: Endura 4 Vs. BM 551

J

Jake Bauer

Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
4,293
Hey guys, I'm organizing my Christmas list and I have a lot of knives on their and it's getting expensive. I want a good, hard use "tacticool" folder as yall would say. I'm Stuck between two great knives. The Spyderco Endura 4 Black blade P/S edge, and the BM 551SBK. I Have 3 Enduras and love them all. I also have a 550 Griptillian I love it as well. Here's the Pros and Cons to each as I see them:

Endura 4 Black:

Pros:
Great Ergonomics
Little longer blade than BM 551 (3.77 in, compared to 3.45)
VG-10 Steel (probably my favorite)
Thicker Blade (.118 Inch vs. .115)

Cons:
Thinner handle
Lock back

BM 151SBK:

Pros:
Thick Handle
AXIS lock
tough 154CM

Cons:
Little Shorter blade
Little less thick blade

I Like the idea of a thicker handle when im really beating on the blade and using it over a long period of time. I Also think that the Axis Lock is stronger than the Spydies lock back (although I could be wrong). However, I like the way the spydie feels in my hand better, as well as the longer and thicker blade. Plus the VG 10 is an amazing steel. I wonder how the two steels compare as far as chopping goes. Any thoughts?

I'd appreciate the input fellas. Dont try to sell me another knife. I have done my research and narrowed it down to these two.
 
If you like the way the Spydie feels in your hand better then that is what you're gonna want to use. I like the Griptilian design but only on the mini version.
 
I had a BM 551 and regret selling it. I will definitely get another. I’ve several other high end folders that cost as much as six times the price of the BM 551, but still think the BM 551 is a great knife. It was easy to disassemble for cleaning and held a nice edge. As to the blade thickness 003” will not be noticeable. My vote goes to the BM… :thumbup:
 
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The Endura 4 with full liners has a more solid feel to me over the 551. It's a great knife no doubt, but my vote is E4.
 
Why not look at the 550 hg from benchmade? I love mine. cuts very well!

bench550hg41.jpg


bench550hg31.jpg
 
I like everything about the Endura better, except for the ergos.
 
You sure you don't just want a good hammer instead?

Both are great knives, I prefer the Endura 4 Wave over the 551, but probably the 551 over the Endura 4 without the wave.
 
They are both great knives. My preference is for the Endura, but if I were you, I would get whichever one feels better in the hand. I don't think you're going to notice a difference in the performance.

The Axis lock is probably stronger, but the lockback is probably more reliable. I've heard of Axis locks failing, but I've never heard of a Spyderco lockback failing.
 
shangchi108 said:
The Axis lock is probably stronger, but the lockback is probably more reliable. I've heard of Axis locks failing, but I've never heard of a Spyderco lockback failing.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I'm saying. It's not because the axis lock is weak; it's because of those springs.
 
I have an Endura 4 but rarely carry it, although it is a very good knife.

The Axis Lock has spoilt other folding knives for me, so I say:
551 Griptilian or 552 RSK Mk1.
 
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