Spyderco Endela: IS IT WORTH IT?

[@HanlonRazor]

The Endela is a fantastic knife. I have Enduras and Delicas. I like them both, but most days I need a blade larger than the Delica but not as big as the Endura. The Endela has a little belly, which is nice. I own PM2s, the Para 3, Manix 2, and Shaman. The Endela rides my pocket most days.

[@jakefromohiostate]

I have been holding on buying a delica (too small) and an Endurance (too big)...so for me this knife is perfect! Thanks for the quick review.

[@profd65]

Hey, dude: please judge knives on their inherent worth--not whether you think they add something new to the Spyderco line or are better than other knives in your collection. Why should I care if you prefer the Stretch to the Endela--the Stretch being ugly, as well as heavier and more expensive than the Endela? You condemned the Endela because the Stretch has a wider handle than the Endela and a finger choil which the Endela lacks; but then for the same reasons you should also condemn the Delica but you don't.

[@BenKickert]

Why didn't they go with the wire clip? That would have given it a leg up with the FRN handles.

[@SKPhoto816]

Because the wire clip is a piece of shit that snags and bends way too easily. Literally the only thing I hate about my Manix 2 LW

[@phantomfang1927]

The stretch isn't as popular because it's too wide for some people's pockets, and a lot of people prefer a narrow tip for piercing. My hand feels cramped on a delica, and I don't like how much extra handle I have with the endura. This looks to be my sweet spot, I also prefer my folders to not have a finger choil, I don't need to choke up on a 3 to 4 inch blade. I like finger choils on my bigger fixed blade knives.

[@kenmarapese9085]

In an interview I heard Eric Glesser explain the Endela was a product of public demand for a folder in between the size of the Delica and the Endura. Spyderco listened to its customers. I'm not planning on owning one.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I really like my Endela; it was money well spent.

[@inferaption]

Hi. Everything is okay with your endela? Can you recommend it?

[@Below-Average_Joe]

@@inferaption I can recommend it for sure. It is hard to go wrong with a Japanese made Spyderco lockback.

[@inferaption]

@@Below-Average_Joe Thank you, i think i should by it as my main knife)

[@Below-Average_Joe]

@@inferaption that would be a fine choice if you did buy it.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

Really like the stretch and was interested when I saw the endela. To me the "x-factor" in deciding between this and the stretch is what feels more comfortable in your hand. A good example of this redundancy (for lack of a better term) in spyderco's line is the centofante. Yes, there are other options in the lineup which offer similar specs. But when you factor in aesthetic preferences and individual ergonomics, it makes sense to have the different options. As far as the skinny grip on the endela - a friend of mine has wide and beefy hands but relatively short fingers. The endela fits the width of his hand as well as allowing him to get his fingers around the handle comfortably. Edit - I think the overlap between different spyderco models is part of why they're so successful (besides the obvious "making excellent knives" detail). Say you try a friend's spyderco and generally like the knife, but there is some detail or another that bugs you. Odds are good that you can find a similar model in the lineup with the features you liked from the first knife yet is different enough that it lacks the annoyance of the other model.

[@valontony]

For those who have not yet bought an Endura FFG like me and prefer the mid size handle / blade because of your 3.5 to 4 inch palm width then the Endela is a perfect fit for your hands!!! Got the Endela K390 n loving it !

[@wartstein8814]

Long time subscriber, I do agree with you a lot, but not on the Endela: I do own all 4 Spydercos you mentioned, for me the Endela is not necessarely inferior to the Stretch 2: In fact, exactly BECAUSE it does NOT feature a dedicated fingerchoil, your hand is placed closer to the actual edge in a "regular" grip, which I like. Plus, you can choke up on that Endela Ricasso almost like on a choil, no problem... Just my two cents, of course...

[@jamieperkins3744]

Ugggghhhh...the most annoying guy on the Spyderco Forums strikes again. Wartstein needs to disappear in the mountains of Switzerland.

[@thaknobodi]

The native 5 gives you a full grip while remaining small and legal in many places.

[@MrSilvervw]

I really like the endela with the wave. It's a great edc tool. Without the wave, I would agree with you not worth the money. Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I like the Endela but I just wish they would make it in more fun colors like the Delica & Endura.

[@Jack3dBrett]

Comes down to preference. Delica is nice but slightly too small, Endura is too big and for the same dimensions, a PM2 is slightly too beefy for my liking so very excited to try the Endela out. Just waiting for the colored variants or a sprint to drop hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@jcolterh]

Sounds like you need a PM3.

[@jesseespinosa9739]

I only own five spydercos at the moment: delica4 brown, Manix 2 S30V DLC, chaparral lw, Magnitude and this Endela I just got on Monday. I have big hands (xl/xxl) and the Endela fits me perfectly. Delica disappears into my palm and becomes a three finger knife. Endura is illegal to carry in CO (3.5in max). I’m quite pleased with it. Cuts like a laser. But then again I was always the perfect customer for this product.

[@mikehigbee2320]

I have a first generation Endura that I carried on duty for 20 years or so. I also have a Delica 4 which I think is a pretty perfect EDC among a number of other pretty perfect EDC's. Now I'm getting an Endela "Thin Blue Line" edition on sale to complete the family. Because it is a special edition and has a combo blade, it will add something new to the collection. I think I'm going to like it a lot.

[@recycled3654]

Well, the Endela is still in the running for that single folding knife dedicated for the knife enthusiast backpacker, as my single lightweight quality lockback folder, that isn't the Benchmade Bugout or Griptilian. Kind'a still looking for that quality blade length acceptable in multiple states, a thru-backpacker might find useful and at least semi-legal on these trail systems. Appreciate your great channel and fine work !

[@timbo4374]

I tend to agree. The Delica was to small for me, the Endure to large, so this size would be perfect, were it not for the Stretch. I don't know why the Stretch isn't more popular. Great knife, and it has the forward choil that I love. I'm not a big fan of their frn, so I grabbed the brown G10 ZDP189 version. Since it's been discontinued now, you can get it for about $170..still a bit steep, but I much prefer G10, and the ZDP189 holds an edge for a very long time. If you don't want to pay the higher price tag for the G10 or the ZDP189, the regular version is still a great knife.

[@micheleharris4768]

As soon as it comes out in different steels and colors I'm buying one👍👍👍👍good job spyderco

[@craigcarroll6161]

Variety is the spice of life. Like everyone else, the Delica was too small, the Endura just didn't feel right to me, though others love it and I lost my PM2, so the Endela K390 fit right in. Now I'm trying to actually use the Endela as a true pocket knife just like in the old days, and not ever trust a pocket clip again. I also lost a Mini Grip using the pocket clip along with a Kershaw or two over the years. After a week or so in the pocket, I'm actually wishing the Endela was just a tad shorter, but hey, it's all good as so many like to say today.

[@jcolterh]

I prefer my Paramilitary 2 and PM3. I love the choil, compression lock, g10 and s30v. They're perfect. I have a brand new Endura but I'm gonna sell it.

[@arthurrobertson1725]

Excellent review Aaron. I'm personally not a fan of the Stretch & would much rather have the Endela or even better the Manix 2 LW. jmo Keep up the great content & God bless!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for the honest opinion Aaron an your expertises Sir.

[@lucastube74]

I'll stay with delica, but if I had to choose between endela and endura, I will pick endela for sure

[@sergeb.1717]

Same handle as endura boss. You are quite not correct. You put one over the other and you will see. The endura has a tiny bit more in the very back lengthwise. Otherwise all of the grooves perfectly match with Endela even having slightly more width in the back, if you are really looking. The blade is shorter and has got more of an upsweep in cutting edge compared to the dura. Makes killer feather sticks FYI.

[@AlMullard]

I kidd you not ...if you already own the endella, file down the front finger guard & sand it smooth. It makes this ( just ok knife ) into a egonmic gem - and your finger rests choked up or hangs back : totally changed this knife, its like the stretch 2 now

[@AlMullard]

But better in alot of ways, becuase its slim and lighter

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

Just got the Endela personally I'm a fan never bought a delica or endura a little to big or small. Had a PM2 and lost the tip after a month then Spyderco told me I was SOL so I refuse to spend over 100 on a Spyderco ever agian

[@bradminor147]

I feel like that weight difference is a pretty good reason to choose the endela over the stretch. I would sacrifice a little ergos for a little weight

[@evolv76]

For me Endela looks like it blows away Endura (which i have) and Delica. This one makes those two kind of unnecessary entities. If you want only one knife from vg10 japan series then Endela is the obvious choice - has the best all around size. Delica seems generally pointless to me - it is to small for "one knife" option, to small for defensive use, and it is less useful than let say Victorinox pocket knife. Endura is good knife, but funky big. Now i need to choose between Endela and Para 3 Lightweight :-)

[@dualsportoutdoors]

I'm grabbing one in K390 just to try it out. If I like it I might grab one in VG10 for the times where I need it in stainless

[@MoosesGearGooReview]

great review and I agree that its not worth it. With the Delica being around for so long and the blade steel prices dropping for older steels, this knife is over priced in my mind. I did a review of a VG-10 blade that i picked up for $35 bucks. Vg-10 knives shouldn't cost this much now a days.

[@davidpeters1042]

Moose's Gear Goo Review just take a look at the spyderco byrd cara cara

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

Agreed 100%

[@hepatitisjay]

Bahhh hate finger choils on anything under 5 or 6 inch blade. Will never understand peoples love for them on small knives. Makes the knife look 2/3rds handle. Love the new spyderco. always wanted a slightly bigger delica. Thanks for the vid..... Even if u r wrong! Lol. Keep'em comin

[@damianblu]

I like the endela because the delica is too small for my hands and gives me a bit of a cramped grip. And the endura is just too big to get away with at the office. That being said, I do like the points you make.

[@wis1024]

Goldie locks i say this ones just right, i always thought that the delica was too small and the enduras not necessarily to big but kinda goofy looking like it was over stretched to narrow to be so long. The endela is more attractive and proportionate like the delica but also has more of a work knife size and feel.

[@danofiremano]

The 20cv Black Blade Zome Endela is on its way to me from DLT. Blade steel and coolness factors matter! ~ LoL

[@davidkinninger0164]

You should have Called this the stretch review because that's the knife you reviewed not the endela.

[@pyshpoak]

The Endela will push the Stretch 2 on the way of the Dodo . For me , the blade shape on the Stretch , but especially the choil were a deal breaker . I bought the Endela and it's the goldielocks knife for me .

[@gideonstactical]

radu ardeleanu will have to disagree on that one. I am sure they will both have continue to have a strong following.

[@pyshpoak]

@@gideonstactical Time will tell .

[@pyshpoak]

@ablackprep Delica and Endura don't have choils . You can use the ricasso as one , but it won't wise .

[@rhonda837]

stretch is far better.

[@krait44]

Solid Review! I think you nailed it. I would love to see your review and opinions on locking mechanisms. I have owned Spydies since 98 and of those lock backs, they all have vertical blade play. I recently switched my brand loyalty to Benchmade because of the axis lock along with slimmer profiles. Great channel I have been following you for a while. Keep it up.

[@beaver6d9]

I struggle with this. Endura is too big and Delica is a tad too small, so I totally totally get the appeal. But there are other options around that size that might be a bit better value for a little more money.

[@Dynotop1a]

Nice review! I do agree with a lot of other comments here that some spydercos are a tad overpriced. Especially those from Japan. Would love to see those prices come back down in the future.

[@christopherrodriguez4391]

Why can you critique there being 3 3.5 inch lws from Spyderco but not do so for the fact that there are 3 3inch models;native 5,para 3,and the sage series

[@pop4803]

Thanks AARON, that stretch 2 seems to fly under the radar but I want it

[@darthblade2016]

I would tend to agree with a lot of the points you made. I don't plan to get this right now, but might add it in the future if there is a sale so that I can complete the trilogy, haha. Might be a great blade for someone who wants to jump into that line of knives, but wants the in between size (same as one of the comments below, I know, lol).

[@barkriverbravo1]

I have both delicas and enduras since gen 1 and to gen 4. I think this is a good option if the endura is a litte big for you , however I wont be getting this in VG-10 steel they will have to release a better steel.

[@howardgreen9718]

The only reason I would purchase the Endala is if it had a special steel upgrade or sprint run.

[@stevepark2643]

Comparison of two different types of folders isn't really a review.

[@ThomasConnolly]

The Spyderco Endela only comes in VG10 blade steel. While you can still currently get for $136.50 from BladeHQ the Spyderco Stretch 2 with British Racing Green FRN handle and ZDP-189 blade Steel!!! Yes, it's almost twice the price but the British Racing Green FRN looks great and the ZDP -189 is quite an amazing super steel!!! Also, the finger choil and curved spine of the Stretch 2 allow you to really choke up onto the blade to do some fine controlled cutting!!! To me the Endela just seems to be a downgraded stretch 2!!!

[@frederickj.7702]

@ Thomas Connolly... I can appreciate that you, unlike others expertly commenting here [sarcasm alert], are able to distinguish a Streth 2 from a Stretch folder. Do you actually own a Stretch 2?

[@alphaartax1044]

You forget that Stretch 2 is ugly, misshapen.

[@eyeteeoh_5117]

Yeah but the stretch looks like a duck and the endela looks good

[@jacobschmidt9353]

What whould you reckoned for a good knife around 100$

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

Benchmade Griptilians, or Bugout; or something higher end USA made Kershaw. Both companies have great warranties, and make quality products

[@jacobschmidt9353]

Thank you

[@vorpfriendly7574]

I own the stretch as well in VTOKU steel but hate the profile of the knife overall, even if its got great ergos. Its just ugly as sin. Meanwhile my Endela in K390 is a much less exotic shape and actually is a really understated subtle profile. Cutting performance is the same on both. If both these knives came out at the same time it wouldn't be a question of "is it worth it" it would be a question of "what style do you prefer?" I just think the Endela is a better looking knife, and their performance is identical to me, choil (which I dont like anyway) or not. Love your channel. Keep it up. Just my .02

[@FPSNovaS]

My problem is I have monster hands but I want to experience a delica 4 but it’s just way too small so ... yeah

[@dualsportoutdoors]

I have ginormous hands as well and the Delica actually isn't as bad as you would expect it to feel for such a tiny knife

[@FPSNovaS]

@@dualsportoutdoors I got 2 now but I still find it very little. Great knife tho haha

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I have large hands too & I prefer smaller knives & compact pistols, smaller everything.

[@Maggieroniandcheese]

Boy scout just posted the same review! Lol. Great video again

[@gideonstactical]

Maggieroniandcheese haha wow

[@Tuskevari]

Des finger choil is a BS. You can add 2 or 3 mor des finger choil for "detailed works", or make a decent handle with a norm ricasso. If the Tenacious upgraded to D2, that would be nice.

[@ChristianW1975]

Uploaded the exact same minute as the late boyscout, nice 🙂

[@gideonstactical]

Christian Windum great minds think alike

[@ChristianW1975]

gideonstactical too true 🙂👍🏻

[@cassshields5106]

Why get any of these when the para 3 lightweight is out now?

[@wis1024]

Stubby blade lol

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Because the "para" 3 is garbage

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

​@@dualsportoutdoors Blade centering on the Para3 lightweight is off center too due to lacking a washer on one side.

[@iyn1911]

Thanks for reminding me I have a Stretch 2.

[@enochjukie]

Stretch 2 all day, love that knaf!

[@rhonda837]

in zdp 189

[@anthonycardona1121]

K390 whanrnecliff is why i went w an endela. 2 nd reason is arsthetic. Even yhe stretch 2 looks unappealing imo.

[@devatwell334]

Ontario rat 1 puts them all to shame and you have to pay more for the brand name spyderco

[@dandildarious4849]

I vote for the Stretch in ZDP.

[@iyn1911]

You got me curious.

[@brianf9619]

Definitely NOT worth it to me , I never liked VG10 , it's always overpriced and overhyped . But , I will buy the ZDP-189 model when it comes out . So , let's go Spyderco , where is it ? I figure it will be out sometime next year.

[@alphaartax1044]

ZDP is not stainless (like VG-10) and tends to chip because it is fragile.

[@brianf9619]

@@alphaartax1044 -- On Hitachi's website they list it as a Stainless Steel and stainless steel will still rust , it's not rustproof steel like LC200N . And I wouldn't call it fragile, I'd say it's a little brittle due to the high hrc usually around 65 hrc . But to each his own ... 🖖

[@alphaartax1044]

ZDP-189 is the most fragile of the stainless steels as you can see here: i0.wp.com/knifesteelnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/stainless-toughness-4-29-2020.jpg?w=754&ssl=1 and with a score of 4.9 / 10 it's not stainless as you can see here: i1.wp.com/knifesteelnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/corrosion-rating-table-12-10-19.jpg?w=477&ssl=1 Here instead there is a specific reliable source on the ZDP-189 which demonstrates the absolute lack of stainless: knifesteelnerds.com/2019/12/30/zdp-189-and-cowry-x-super-steel-or-overrated/ This is the test result after just 8 hours, rust everywhere: i0.wp.com/knifesteelnerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ZDP-189-corrosion-coupon-cropped.jpg?resize=743%2C1024&ssl=1

[@DavidHill-jr5wv]

Spend 10 or 15 dollars more and get a para 3. No brainer

[@jesseespinosa9739]

David Hill too small. I already have three finger knives. I just picked up an Endela in Golden this Monday. Delica is too small for me and endura is illegal to carry in CO. (3.5”)

[@LTT.Official]

Can't wait for the manbug version of this, the mandela...wait what.

[@timbo4374]

lmao! Good one!

[@RobertWilliams-ox4hz]

Not worth it in VG10 in my opinion. I think the Delica/Endura are overpriced. I love them, but they are $50 knives tops. You can get much more for your $80.

[@davidbeason3399]

sooooo......its a tenacious with poly handles and a narrower blade?

[@markjg2275]

Why get the Endela when you can get the Spyderco Harrier 2 for $37.00 they are both the same size .

[@alphaartax1044]

The blade steel, 9 months later.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

The Harrier 2 is from their ultra low quality Byrd lime which is made in china using "steels" that would barely be passable as pot metal. The Japanese line is infinitely superior to anything coming from china

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Unless its a special designer version of a Spyderco, I think every single Spyderco looks the same, other than size. Exactly the same.

[@briansamonas3805]

I agree as well. I just don’t understand the love that people have for Spyderco knives.

[@Dynotop1a]

I disagree, but to each their own I guess. I personally like them. Another reason they could look similar is that they are designed by either Eric or Sal Glesser.

[@conductorcammon]

Ehh....VG-10? I dunno.

[@jeffhollar1830]

I agree not worth it

[@tubezv]

I think its perfect. the stretch is pregnant bro... :)

[@murrayannandale]

Not worth it. Griptilian with S30v not much more made in USA. No contest

[@J.sh_CDN]

Grip is much nicer in hand and with a more convenient lock too! Much better deal

[@cwsmith17]

It is a $39.99 Knife. Sal and Eric love squeezing their customers

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

At MOST I'd say $64.99.

[@paladin4570]

Odd review. I was looking for a review of what the blade at hand is capable of. Not what the other Spyderco knives are. No testing but opinion. Kinda like watching Cooper Anderson or other drive by media. No substance. I have a Para 2 and it’s great. I feel like I just wasted 9 minutes I can’t get back. Gideon’s Op Ed might be a better channel name.

[@gideonstactical]

I love the new channel name idea 🤣, sorry you didn’t get what you were looking for. Always try to give good perspective and pros and cons of a design. Cant win them all I guess.

[@paladin4570]

You did give an excellent opinion on it’s worth if you owned one or both of the value. You did that well. Since I own neither, I was thinking I’d find performance tests. Also ease of use and comfort, durability and accessibility from pocket to deploy. Ideas for upcoming efforts. I’ll try you again.

[@paladin4570]

Spell check got me. It should read both of the others. Endura and Delica.

[@Sumatra123]

But the stretch is kinda ugly.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

The K390 Stretch 2 looks just like a giant Delica

[@legoutdeslames]

A mix of Delica and Endura, I will have named it "Delira" ! xD

[@ssunfish]

I accidently thought it was named Endica.

[@TheLateBoyScout]

Copy cat! Lol! Jk, bro.

[@gideonstactical]

The Late Boy Scout haha ya crazy, great minds think alike

[@butchhill5656]

So I wonder! The Spider-Man carry a spider knife?

[@robo52]

Disagree... there can never be too many Spydies to choose from.

[@wartstein8814]

Honestly? Para 3 instead of Endela? Very little amount of actual edge in a quite bulky package, unnecessary thick blade stock, and the compression lock can't compete with a good back lock imho...

[@conductorcammon]

I'll wait for some cool colors probably. Black is boring AF.

[@rickeybullington68]

Yes it's worth buying .why not .its a spyderco knife .

[@lordindigonnisvoldebeastal3796]

Irrational review this time.

[@tomsimmo5789]

$80 dollars. Wtf. Oops. I love my Spyderco Wave.

[@michaelmetler6315]

No no non Too many other better knives from Kershaw,Boker,Gerber, Buck,Kizer,and Cold Steel

[@williamhorn1061]

Spydercos are overpriced

[@joe_a_photo]

I honestly don’t understand why so many ppl are making videos about this knife. It’s practically the same thing as a delica. There is literally only 1 change. Longer blade. End of review.

[@frederickj.7702]

@ Joseph A... How many Spyderco lightweights in FRN or FRCP do you *own* , sir; and which models would they be?

[@joe_a_photo]

The delica and the Manix 2 lightweight are ones I own.