Should I break down and buy an Endura?

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Yo Mama

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I don't "need" another folder, but you know......

The Endura looks big enough for me, and I like that the Endura 4 added a skelotonized steel liner. The lock is strong enough in my mind, and I love the color options.

However,....it's not made in the USA. I have a Native, and know the other options for Spydercos made in the US, but EVERYONE who has an Endura has loved it.


With my only hangup being that it's made in Japan, should I continue with this purchase?
 
Japan?

Japan is well respected in the steel and cutlery fields.

I've been carrying Japanese production pieces for decades (my oldest being a Gerber).

"Made In Japan" is always a good sign for me. I know that (generally) I won't have to worry about funky steel, funky heat treat, or poorly fitted parts.

My top three "Made In" countries: USA, Japan, Sweden.

I've been disappointed by some US-made knives. I've never been disappointed by any of my Japan-made pieces, nor any of my Swedes.

Yes, get the Endura.

You will be happy with it. On this you have my personal guarantee.

 
.

Japan owns the (fine) blade. Ever hear of the samurai warrior or the katana sword ?

Don't look at steel or a blade for Japan as anything but probably
a plus.

dxr

.
 
With my only hangup being that it's made in Japan, should I continue with this purchase?

I wouldn't let that deter me considering that Spyderco's knives all started out being made in Seki, the Endura was one of the first models that Spyderco developed and without that Japanese manufacturing there wouldn't even be a Spyderco.

What specifically is the hangup with a knife made in Japan?
 
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Do it, the Endura is one of my favorite EDC knives, and remains my most carried knife.

Spyderco's foreign factories are often held to the same or even greater standards than the Golden factory. Their manufacturer in Japan is very well known in the cutlery/steel industry.

Heck, even though Spyderco's Byrd line, which are made in China, uses inferior steel than their Japanese counterpart, the quality of the knives are still very good. Fit and finish from the Japanese knives have always been excellent for me.
 
The Endura was the first Spyderco I bought (and the first I modified) and I still carry it today in my EDC rotation. And yes...it was made in Seki...

wavedspyderco-2.jpg
 
I gave my Endura to my class leader this week (I'm at BOLC through mid-June). She showed me a crappy S&W, and explained, "I carry this everywhere."

I just couldn't take it. So I pulled out my Endura, and said, "Well, now carry this everywhere." The Endura is light and strong, and opens smoothly. If your fingers are the right size, it'll be perfect for you. If your fingers are too short, it'll still be a great knife for you.
 
What specifically is the hangup with a knife made in Japan?

Sorry, not specifically Japan, but that it's not made in the US. I understand that Japan is respected, and has great quality. Thanks all for the input, I'm ordering the brown handle. :)
 
I have several Enduras and have no complaints. These are knives I USE not just put on the shelf to ogle when I am in the mood.
 
endura is a great knife. picked up like new spyderco co-pilot for 5 bucks at a flea market cause it said japan on it. some folks just don't know what good is.
 
OK, just wanted to complain. I bought the Endura from Amazon as there seems to be few knife outlets here that carry knives that I want for a decent price.

Ordered on the 13th, and can't wait for it to arrive. Complaint: Darn Amazon Super Saver Shipping takes to long! Every time I check expected date of delivery it changes from the 18th, 20th, and 21st. Can't fedex figure it out!

Hope it's worth the wait. Help me find patience.
 
You know, a couple of weeks ago, I ordered a Spyderco Tenacious, based on good experiences I've had with a Native (U.S. made) and a Rescue (Seki City).

I discovered after I ordered it that it was made in China. And that I paid a few bucks more than I had to. I was expecting to be disappointed overall in the knife, but when it arrived, all I could say, and all anyone else can say, is 'what a nice knife'.

My Rescue has a couple of things done more nicely than the Tenacious, but I would have been happy getting this knife no matter where it was made. It is just a nice knife.

So, I've got 3 Spydercos, one from each of the 3 countries they are made in, and am completely satisfied with each (except that I hate the serrations on the Rescue, but that's just because I hate serrations, not because they aren't done well - it was a gift, so I can't complain). Your Endura should be great. Hope it gets to you soon.
 
I think the Delica is probably a better choice for most people. OTOH, if you have long fingers, or work outside, the Endura may be perfect.
 
Thanks John. I prefer bigger folders. I have a Native (I believe because of you), for when I want lighter weight.
 
It's entirely John's fault that I have that Native as well. (Actually, my wife has adopted it ...)
 
You will like your Endura. I know the lure of Amazon super saver free shipping.... not a good choice if you want the thing in any predictable time frame. Usually not shipped via FedEx. Most knife dealers (I use New Graham a lot) will ship for under $10 and you'd have it in hand under a week.
 
you won't regret it. i had an Endura, and oved it, buti gave it to a friend as gift, when he had to return to his native country. he sent me a karambit from his hometown in Madura, Indonesia, when he returned home.
 
I like big folders, and I like old Spyderco's.

I have an Endura (AUS-8 steel), and a Rescue and a Delica (G-2 steel).

Of the three, I like the Delica best!
Followed by the Rescue, if heavy duty tree trimming is called for!

The Endura is reserved for dandilion digging when I mow the yard.
Cause it's AUS-8 blade is usually too dull to use for much anything else!

rc
 
Now for an intervention

It came! Picks vs. my other folders. If you notice I don't much care for thumb studs. :D

So now that I got the Endura, initial empressions is a very tight lock up, will need to loosen a bit..no problem. Blade is not mirror finish? Is this normal?

Blade came sharp as hell. It's longer than any folder I have, and I thought the BM 15020 was big! The Endura is thiner though, and lighter than the 15020. Tip on the Endura is also much thicker.

So now for the intervention. Please, if you like me at all, if you care about me in the slightest, don't recommend another knife to me. I want my collection to be complete for now, so please no more shiny things to follow after! I don't think I can take much more!
 

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Oh, yeah, the Endura's nice and light, despite the size and strength. Just thinking in terms of what some folks are comfortable around...

Nice! Now, don't even think about getting a nice, tough but light fixed blade like the Schempp Rock Spyderco. A bush and fighter bargain at $130 from Cutlery Shoppe. Put the thought far from your mind...
:evil:
 
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