Upgrade Endura->Military - benefits?

Askari

Askari

Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
14
Hello!

It's nearly time to put the old Endura out of its miseries. Instead of buying a new one, how about upgrading to Military? I've never seen or handled a Military, but I read Buzzbaits review of it, and it got me really interested.

So, what would be the benefits of a Military over Endura in everyday use, mainly utility? The Endura has performed solidly, and it's cheaper. I don't really need a "tougher" folder than Endura, nor a lighter one.

Let's hear it from people who have used both. I also have a Police, so that could be used as reference as well.

Thanks!
 
I recently was in the market for a new Psyderco and I was going to bey the endura as well. I liked my rescue so much that I figured I would like the Endura just as much. Then I went to the knife store and handled the Military. If you liked the endura, you will forget all about after you handle the military. It is a much niver knife. It rides better in the pocket, in my opinion. I was gun shy about the price as well until I found one on ebay, new in box for about 90 dollars. That sold me and I bought it on the spot. For about 20 more dollars or so, I got a much meatier knife, made from better materials, that suit me perfectly. But here is the kicker: I am currently finishing up work in VA and my kniofe arrived in NC last week. So I havent carried it daily. I read all the reviews I could find, and posted wuestions about it and it was from the advice of those who responded that I got the knife. I have no doubt that I will like it, but I have only handled one for about 20 minuutes at a store in Fredericksburg, VA.

I hope this helps. If I was you, I would try to find one in the flesh before I bought one. After reading this forum, and others, and then handling the knife, I was sold. You will not be disappointed.

Garrett
 
What the Military has that the Endura doesn't.

1. Choil to choke up with.
2. S30V steel.
3. G10 grips.
4. Clip with three screws so it doesn't loosen like the barral bolt.
5. Smoother Opening.
6. Enlarged Spydie Hole.
7. Traction on spine for no slip when choking up.
8. More ergonomic handle. (Just my oppinion, everyones hands are diff)
9. Can be taken apart. (Some consider this a plus).
10.More belly than Endura for slicing.
11.Full Flat grind for better slicing.
12. Made in the USA. (Plus if you're an American).

I'm sure there are more reasons to pick the Military over the Endura, but I can't think of them right now.
-Kevin
 
kevin gave the total run-down. Functionally, I think the flat grind, grooved thumb rest, and choil would make the biggest difference. S30V should be tougher too, but that's only a consideration if you don't like to sharpen and/or use the knife hard enough to dull down the Endura in a day of use, or chip/roll the edge.

The big spydie hole is nice, especially if you use the knife with gloves, but the endura hole works fine. YMMV depending on hand size.

I don't have any Spyderco G-10 (yet!), but I find the FRN on my Delica is grippier than the G10 on my Benchmade. There's been some comments about Spyderco G10 being pretty grippy, so that comparison may not be valid.

Personally, if cost/loss/damage were an issue, or if you would loan it out, I'd go with the Endura. Gets the job done, and you seem to like it. If the bucks aren't a big deal, just try to handle them both, and see which one feels best for you.
 
Thanks, sounds like a solid case for the Military. Handle ergonomics could be the decisive factor. I never buy without trying, but the countries I've been living in lately simply don't have decent knife shops. I'll have to try and find a Spydie dealer when down in Cape Town later this year.
 
military is not $20 bucks more than the Endura, it's more like $45 bucks more. I've handled the Military, feels better in the hand but is too big/long handled for me (I'm not a 6 feet tall big guy). The Endura sits better in the pocket, and won't cause me so much pain should I lose it.

Plus VG10 steel is NOT that far off from S30V, although the full flat grind of the Military is miles ahead.
 
Spyken,

My Military was 20 dollars more. I got mine on Ebay for $90. SO I figured that a retail Endura for $72 was too high when I can get a $160 knife for 90!!;) :D
 
Garrett, you can get the Endura for less than $45 from the online dealers. The military is worth it, but for a 4 inch blade under $50, you can't beat the Endura VG10 PE.
 
I've said this many times that the CE Endura was my favorite knife, I bought my 1st Spyderco knife, way too long ago to remember the exact year, but it was a SS Endura in AUS-8 steel.
I used it for a cpl years then my youngest son took an intrest in knives so I gave him that 1.
During that time there were many that tried to replace my love for the Endura, but none could.
Now that I can afford just about any knife I want, some how my old CE ATS-55 Endura still gets carried more than any knife I own.
I feel naked w/o it, and now I have 3 in my collection 2 are ATS-55 and the other is VG-10.
It's strong
It's light
It does anything I need a knife to do.
Having said all that, I'ts NOT in the same class as my Military,s
and I have 1 of each blade configuration. SE, CE, PE,
IMHO the price difference is worth every penny, and altho none of mine are the newest rage S30V, 2 are CPM440V the fully serrated is ATS-34.
I honestly believe this is the strongest NON liner knife on the market today.
Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either, but you will be happier with the Millie. Ron
 
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