Replacing my Endura for EDC - Benchmade?

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Sobriquet

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I've carried the same gen 2 Spyderco Endura for about 6 years. It's served me well, but I'd like to upgrade. I've been looking at Benchmade knives, but they have 10,000 models and I haven't seen one I really like.

I'd really like to get something with a 3.75" blade (what I'm used to on my Spyderco), but I don't want it to be much bulkier than the Endura. I'm interested in something with good steel (VG-10 or comparable - or better), and I'd like either a combo or plain edge. As for blade shape, I prefer something with a modified spearpoint - or something similar to an Emerson Commander.

What do you gentlemen recommend? I'm in an area where I can't CCW my firearms, so I really rely on my EDC knife for personal protection. I've had to draw the blade in self-defense once in my life, so I take this piece of gear very seriously. Thanks in advance, guys.
 
I don't own any benchmades yet. But, people love griptillians. You can get 2 sizes (mini, and normal) and they have all types of blade style.

A griptilian, wharncliffe blade, has hole in blade for opening (like spydercos) and the fun to use axis lock. Steel is 154cm, and if you shop around you can get it in D2.

Looks like this: http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8528

Hope that helps.
 
Why switch? The Enduras have been upgraded already to VG-10 steel and the clip redesigned. You could just get the new model.
 
hso beat me to it but that's what I did. I just got a Endura 4 and the grips are better and I can switch the clip over for left handed carry. I carry one in each back pocket now.
 
Do you guys have any thoughts on the Benchmade 710? I'm trying to find a size comparison between that and my Endura.
 
The 710 is popular, but it's a mild recurve, which is not everyone's cup of tea, especially for resharpening.

I wouldn't get too hung up trying to match an Endura's blade length. Spydies have a little bit of a ricasso, and Benchmades usually don't, so one usually sees fairly comparable useable edge lengths.

I had both a regular VG-10 and a ZDP-189 Endura 4 for a while in my EDC rotation. Now I have a Benchmade 610 Rukus and my only Spydie is a Pacific Salt, which is an Endura 3 with a H-1 blade.

The new liners on the Endura 4 are a great improvement for both flexing toughness and clip mounting choices, but Spyderco using a little FRN backspacer held into the liners by two plastic nubbins is not very impressive on disassembly or reassembly. That locking bar anchoring depends on this little bit of plastic is not confidence inspiring.

The Rukus is 4.25 inches of S30V, the mini Rukus is 3.4" of the same. My 610 looks, feels, and performs as if it were indestructible.

So no VG-10, ZDP-189 or other exotica steels, but a faster, tougher, and smoother knife overall IMO.

Oh yeah, and more expensive too, (but worth it), so the 710 probably is too.
 
I have three Endura's and I'm quite fond of that knife design although it is not my usual EDC. I just can't stop carrying a SAK... must be an addiction or something.
 
I personally would buy a Spyderco over a Benchmade simply because they happen to make a couple of designs that I like better, but I would like to get a Benchmade or 10 just for my own edification.

Boats, your mention of the Rukus inspired me to look for a review, and as is increasingly common, I found a video on youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hvU9UN1eS8&feature=related

It's a nice knife, though probably a bit larger than I personally would want.
 
710 is rather large. 705 is much smaller version.
I'm partial to this one, 812, which is discontinued but still my EDC. You can find them on ebay occasionally. The 960 is also nice.

IMG_2533.jpg

960

BM960.jpg
 
Aesthetically, I don't care for the three decorative holes in the blade, but I past that, I like that Phoenix. A lot.
 
I have the waved Endura-4. Its a very nicely made knife but I don't like the blade profile. Its very sharp but doesn't cut very well, if that makes sense. My Delicas cut much better. I've heard of people sending their E-4s out to have them reground to a flat grind with happy results, I might eventually go that route.
 
I went on a binge and bought the Endura 4 (waved), the Delica 4 (non waved), the Kershaw Blur S30V non serrated, and the Kershaw Storm II.

All were nice knives but, the final tally ended as follows:

Blur: On my mantle I think. I carried it a lil.
Delica: On my computer desk. (sometimes a back up to EDC)
Storm II: Gave to a friend who dropped his Leek and bent the tip.
Endura: My constant companion.

My Endura is not very old (less than 1 year). It has endured many trips through a sandy creek (swimming and kayaking), 3 trips to water parks, and the blue collar work week part of which includes cutting valve packing rope with inconel wire. The wave feature is faster than the Blur. I havent torn or ruined any pockets yet. It is still just as tight as the day I bought it.

The only down side to some is the paint on the pocket clip wears off fairly easy. I dont mind, it gives it some character.

YMMV just some of my observations.
 
I have to second that BM 940 recommendation. New models are S30V. I have a 615 as well. Either are great blades.
 
The Axis lock is worth the extra cost. If on a budget you can get a Griptilian from Cabela's a bit cheaper with a D2 black tewflon coated blade.
 
sc07p.jpg


I have carried the Spyderco Police for several years and IMHO is just cannot be beat. All stainless with a 4-1/8" blade and as rugged as a brick. Great knife.
 
And so the great Spyderco/Benchmade divide rears up again. I believe it is much akin to the 1911/Glock or pistol/revolver "debates" and no amount of discussion will sway one side to the other. For myself, I've not found a better EDC than a Benchmade 730 and it has withstood much abuse and is still as sharp and as tight as ever. For what you are looking for, I wish I had something concrete to tell you but I really think it boils down to what fits you best, so try to hadle a lot of knives before you settle down with something new.
 
You should go to a knife range and rent as many models as you can. See which one cuts best in your hand. It should feel like a natural extension of your body. Make sure it conceals well and does not print. Make sure you live in an area that allows high capacity knives. You may have to get your CLEO to sign off on one depending on blade length and/or the ability to accept a muzzle device and or pistol grip. Does it have that thing that goes up?


We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.:evil:

ducks and runs for cover
 
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