I was looking to replace some folding knives that were expropriated by various friends and family members over recent months. I wanted knives that were light, of a proven design that was also offered in a trainer or drone variant.
I decided on an Endura, a Delica and matching trainers. I didnt need or want the Wave feature, so the Endura 4 and Delica 4 would be the ticket. If I could get the FFG versions, Id be a really happy camper.
I visited the cutlery shop closest to my office and the clerk said they had but two Enduras in stock. Delicas were on order but would take a few weeks to arrive. They did not stock trainers but referred me to a distributor in a nearby city.
I checked out the two Enduras. One had a black blade with a serrated edge, while the other had a white blade with a plain edge. Both were saber grinds. Not being a big fan of serrations, I paid for the plain edged variant and went home, making a mental note to visit the distributor over the weekend.
Saturday morning, I made the trip. Much to my chagrin, the proprietor said he too was out of Delicas and Spyderco trainers. He mentioned that he expected his Endura trainers to arrive within a week and offered to call me once his inventory was available. I gave him my business card and proceeded to peruse his displays.
Sensing my frustration, he asked what I needed the Delica for. I mentioned my requirements and he offered to suggest alternatives. He showed me a bunch of the smaller Spyderco variants. In particular, he showcased the Tenacious and Persistence. He mentioned that these were made in China, but were good knives for the money.
I checked out both models and was very impressed by the quality, given the coin asked. No trainer drones were available for these models, but I had the Endura trainer on the way anyway. After ten minutes of examination, I choose the plain edged Persistence.
As the store owner was filling out the invoice, something caught my eye. I asked the proprietor if I could see one particular knife. He handed me a Manix 2 and added that it was selling very well for him. I had great trouble putting the knife down. It was hefty but the size and handle were right for me. He explains the Ball Lock to me and I remember nothing of it as I was too busy admiring the knife. I was uttering to myself, Walk away now boy. Just walk away
He then uttered those words of doom, Hey, I can give you a really good price on that one.
He quickly scribbled something on a scratch pad and showed me the figure. At that point, all sense of restraint vanished.
Five minutes later, I walked out the door with two knives.
Looking back on the purchases, I felt no buyers remorse and thought I did well.
I have three different sized knives that will all work well for EDC.
I have three different lock types backlock, liner and ball
I have something from each of Spydercos manufacturing hubs Golden, Seki and China.
Not bad for a week's work.
Pics are here
[img=http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4495/clipits2.th.jpg]
[img=http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7432/clipits1.th.jpg]
Pic quality may not be that great. I used a phone cam.
I decided on an Endura, a Delica and matching trainers. I didnt need or want the Wave feature, so the Endura 4 and Delica 4 would be the ticket. If I could get the FFG versions, Id be a really happy camper.
I visited the cutlery shop closest to my office and the clerk said they had but two Enduras in stock. Delicas were on order but would take a few weeks to arrive. They did not stock trainers but referred me to a distributor in a nearby city.
I checked out the two Enduras. One had a black blade with a serrated edge, while the other had a white blade with a plain edge. Both were saber grinds. Not being a big fan of serrations, I paid for the plain edged variant and went home, making a mental note to visit the distributor over the weekend.
Saturday morning, I made the trip. Much to my chagrin, the proprietor said he too was out of Delicas and Spyderco trainers. He mentioned that he expected his Endura trainers to arrive within a week and offered to call me once his inventory was available. I gave him my business card and proceeded to peruse his displays.
Sensing my frustration, he asked what I needed the Delica for. I mentioned my requirements and he offered to suggest alternatives. He showed me a bunch of the smaller Spyderco variants. In particular, he showcased the Tenacious and Persistence. He mentioned that these were made in China, but were good knives for the money.
I checked out both models and was very impressed by the quality, given the coin asked. No trainer drones were available for these models, but I had the Endura trainer on the way anyway. After ten minutes of examination, I choose the plain edged Persistence.
As the store owner was filling out the invoice, something caught my eye. I asked the proprietor if I could see one particular knife. He handed me a Manix 2 and added that it was selling very well for him. I had great trouble putting the knife down. It was hefty but the size and handle were right for me. He explains the Ball Lock to me and I remember nothing of it as I was too busy admiring the knife. I was uttering to myself, Walk away now boy. Just walk away
He then uttered those words of doom, Hey, I can give you a really good price on that one.
He quickly scribbled something on a scratch pad and showed me the figure. At that point, all sense of restraint vanished.
Five minutes later, I walked out the door with two knives.
Looking back on the purchases, I felt no buyers remorse and thought I did well.
I have three different sized knives that will all work well for EDC.
I have three different lock types backlock, liner and ball
I have something from each of Spydercos manufacturing hubs Golden, Seki and China.
Not bad for a week's work.
Pics are here
[img=http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4495/clipits2.th.jpg]
[img=http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7432/clipits1.th.jpg]
Pic quality may not be that great. I used a phone cam.
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