your experience with stainless steel handles please

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NetshadeX

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Oct 17, 2013
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Posted a similar thread in the Spyderco forum but sadly didn't get any results so I'll try my luck here.

I'm eyeing a Stainless handled Endura as an EDC/User blade. I don't mind it scratching easily but the thought of being unable to remedy any side to side play has me somewhat worried.

Do any of you have user experience with SS handles and could you tell anything on how prone they are to developing play? Are my worries justified?
 
I don't understand why you think stainless would cause a 'play' problem. It shouldn't cause any more problem than other scale materials. You can always tighten the pivot, etc.

Have you had that happen with stainless or something??
 
I have a fully serrated one. Terrific knife, no blade play so far. If it developed such you'd have to live with it or send it in to spyderco for warranty service. If you can't live with this possibility then select something with a pivot screw. I love mine.
 
EChoil said:
You can always tighten the pivot, etc.
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The SS Endura does not have a pivot screw, nor any screws that allow you to take the knife apart. It has a great "shaved" look to it, but the trade off is no user serviceability.
 
JarrodS said:
I have a fully serrated one. Terrific knife, no blade play so far. If it developed such you'd have to live with it or send it in to spyderco for warranty service. If you can't live with this possibility then select something with a pivot screw. I love mine.
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Thanx for your reply. Good to hear yours is still solid. I already own a couple of different Enduras and I want to add a stainless handled one to my collection. I made up my mind already so I'm getting it I guess I was just looking for some reassurance ;)
 
I have had two over the years-a stainless Delica and years ago a stainless Police. Both were great solid feeling knives but I traded them because they both felt too "slick" in my hands. Maybe that is not the best of words-I just didn't feel like I had confidence they would not shift in the hand during hard cutting. Tit for tat though-the guy I sold the stainless Delica to LOVES it and it's a primary carry knife.
 
My fully serrated Endura has the Stainless scales/handles. I like it and it has not developed any blade play. It is not used a lot as I tend to use plain edge knives. I generally do not like metal scales on knives as they are slippery, and hot or cold to touch depending on weather or where you have it stored. It is a good knife.
 
I have seen many well used stainless knives made for Spyderco and other companies, probably by the same Japanese manufacturer. They did not have any appreciable blade play. Even if it does get some play, it uses a pin, just highly polished so it cannot be easily seen. You should still be able to tighten it up, but probably not by yourself. Just send it in to Spyderco.

I have a stainless endura and a Sog Gentleman, both have no problems. They do get scratches, but if it bothers you they can be removed with sandpaper. I don't find them slippery, but they are certainly not as grippy as other handle materials.
 
NetshadeX said:
Do any of you have user experience with SS handles and could you tell anything on how prone they are to developing play? Are my worries justified?
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SS handled Spydercos are prone to developing side to side play, at least all 3 of mine did.

They're also prone to slipping out of your hand, being slick sided polished steel. The only exception was the Lava, due to its shape.
 
I've not used any SS Spyderco knives, so I can't comment on their resistance to developing blade play.
I have, however, used several SS handle knives from Kershaw and CRKT. All of them were very slippery in the hand, making them less than ideal for daily use. In addition, the steel they use in the handles is often extremely rust prone (and often bead blasted as well, the most rust prone steel finish). Every SS handle knife I have owned (with the exception of the CQC-7K) developed significant rust whether it had been carried or was simply in storage.

Needless to say, I'm not a fan.
 
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