The Spyderco Endura Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@NickShabazz]

So, they've changed the warranty in the damned-near-a-year since I filmed this, and it's now no longer voided by disassembly. Old information. Fake news. Sad!

[@The4cp]

Nick Shabazz they must have heard you and the rest of us . Getting garbage goo out of a tenacious will be a lot easier now!

[@Incidion]

It may be old information, you might even call it fake news Mr. Trump, but it's anything but sad!

[@ScottieG59]

The Endura 4 is one of the best real world knives and often, they can be found at lower prices. I choose my colors based on which has the lowest price. I often find them at a lower price than the Delica. I like the longer Endura blade with food preparation since I can keep it cleaner close to the pivot and not have to get water as close to the pivot when cleaning. Maybe I am wring, but I use WD40 to displace water in tight areas since it was made for that purpose (WD = Water Displacement). One warning about disassembly: like the Delica, the Endura backspacer has small tabs on the sides that must be seated in the steel liners. Despite the relaxing of the Spyderco Warranty, the reassembly of the Endura (or Delica) will challenge your mechanical aptitude and perseverance in the face of adversity and blood loss. I use a very thin screwdriver to hold the lock in place as I work the female screw in while ensuring it lines up with the D shaped scale hole. I can spidie flick my Enduras once they are broken in. Also, my blades will drop easily on some of my Enduras when I depress the the lock release, but it never gets as free moving as a PM2.

[@themawsjawz_9491]

Nick Shabazz About time.

[@arcadely]

Nick, how far in advance do you film your videos generally? Do you go into a cave for a month and film 200 reviews to last you the rest of the year or something? Or is it a case of keeping a few back as you go to use for holidays?

[@MannysCorner]

It’s funny Nick that you would say unless you absolutely need all this blade get a Delica, most of the people watching your videos don’t “need” another knife myself included. I am 70 years old and have been carrying pocket knifes since I was a kid, and I am still buying knives, not because I need them but because I like them.

[@bonydanza7046]

Thanks for the recommendation! Went and picked one up and, oh my actual god, I love it so much! It's just so disgustingly practical and I use it for everything.

[@Terrswithin]

Great review . I am a heavy Construction Flatbed Truck Driver . I have carried and used My Endura 4 for years . My Favorite choice of my many knives . It has served me well . It has proved tough and durable .

[@aaronl4036]

Thanks Nick, I have owned the saber ground version for about 8 years now. It has been everywhere with me from 14ers in Colorado, to 40ft underwater in spring fed caves in Florida. I still love it and can say it wears well. The VG10 is not fantastic for edge retention and does chip easier than some blade steels, but who cares. PS, I feel very good about never taking it apart after watching your great review :)

[@deanalbertson7203]

This review is spot on. The Delica and the Endura are gems.

[@rrf899]

Nick: "This blade is freakin huge" Me: "Good"

[@zube410]

I've been carrying and espada XL for a while now, and as long as you have a couple other blade options available for cramped quarters or socially delicate situations, I have found it to be much more comfortable to carry in to use than I had expected. Highly recommended.

[@BTvidsnstuff]

After many many openings endura 4 can be flicked opened and spydie flicked just fine

[@mboe7944]

Brandon Terelmes Agreed. I have 3 of them. They can all be flicked/spydieflicked. It just takes a different technique than something like a PM2.

[@gi_nattak]

I prefer this knife with a Sabre grind because it is so large, it feels fitting for it. It feels like nothing will ever break the blade so I am very confident when using it for whatever needs doing.

[@Daniel-zn7pu]

Always nice to see someone who knows what they're talking about!

[@hificat101]

Hi Nick, thanks for the review. I started collecting knives about a year ago, and am really focused on getting knives in as many knife steels as possible. This guy is high on my list, because it's now available in K390 for a not outrageous price, and it would be my first K390 knife. Anyway thanks. And thanks for mentoring other knife reviewers like MC that continue to grow our comminity.

[@tas4107]

I have the Endura 4 in ZDP 189 with a custom deep pocket clip and it's a gem

[@MrParticular]

You can Spydie flick it if you want the fidget factor.

[@arthurmisirlis6994]

Both the Delica and the Endura are fantastic entry knives into the world of Spyderco and knife world in general. That's exactly how and in that order that the disease started with me anyway.

[@Tom-uj4uf]

Fun fact: Endura is cheaper than Delica in my country (Czech republic)

[@redriver6541]

Thanks Nick. As always I appreciate your thoughts and reviews.

[@paultrow7108]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the obvious use case for this knife: hiking and backpacking. This is the main situation in which having knife with a 3.75 blade that weighs 3.4 pounds (or whatever is is) might actually be useful - things can go wrong in the wilderness, so having a bigger knife provides some reassurance. I wouldn't carry the Endura for EDC- but I would take it camping any time.

[@mattwalters6834]

You mean 3.4 oz

[@g.graham3810]

Now that the warranty has changed, do you think they will change the interior design to facilitate easier disassembly?

[@totschopper]

I like the painted clip, as i usually wear black pants.i have a fully murdered out p3.and it is virtually invisible even without the deep carry clip(wich is on the way).im a newb and i got the delica first then the p3,and you explained it perfectly the delica/endura are more of a sporty knife..the p3 is waay more of a serious peice of machinery

[@svgs650r]

I’ve carried mine for a decade, fantastic tool and made even better with a Lynch Ti deep-carry clip. Great for everything from food prep to light duty pry bar, not the easiest thing to sharpen but it’s so well balanced and comfortable it’s a joy to use

[@0scartheCat]

yes superb slicer. mine lives in the kitchen for food prep, the colours are ideal for kitchen use . . . the whole family use it . . .

[@mastermachetier5594]

After disassembly I got some very slight side to side play on the balde of my Delica any advice to resolve this ?

[@rabbitslayer42]

I use mine 100% for food prep, and it works great.

[@tonyochoa7097]

Yeah it does,me too

[@exotics5721]

Love your videos. Best on youtube imo. Nice job. Always honest.

[@GCasey]

Your reviews have been so helpful to me. I just ordered the Endura after watching!

[@DSNugent91]

I love the endura, I have the damascus and titanium version and I think it's a overall great knife.

[@muuce]

VG-10 is towards the lower end? I haven't purchased a vg10 blade yet but I've only heard great things about that steel. What gives?

[@steveman751]

It's usually on knives around $60-$100. It's not really low end, it's pretty damn good steel but it's not as good as a steel on a $200 knife. It's definitely still great though.

[@user-qp3xe6vn6d]

When I first heard him mention it was on the lower end it definitely threw me for a loop. I then rationalized his words due to the niche of knife reviewing and the fact he most likely encounters and uses the highest quality steels and this makes it normal thing to him. Now back to reality. VG 10 is a high end steel, no debating. Super quality. I think when he said that he must think that people who edc $200 plus knives frequent this channel by a such a majority that he is comfortable saying VG 10 is low end.

[@mattwalters6834]

@@steveman751 yes, it’s a mid tier steel but not high tier steel or premium grade steel like CPM S30V or CTS 204P

[@sputumtube]

I've got two Endura's, one in HAP40 and the other in ZDP189. I carry the HAP40 Endura everywhere I go and even in jogging bottoms I don't know it's there. The ZDP189 version stays at home because it took me so long to sharpen it I daren't use the damn thing! I don't mind the painted clip getting scuffed - it adds character!!

[@mojaal]

Same here. I love the wabi sabi thing with the clip. How it looks will change depending on how you wear and use it. That's a beautiful thing. =p

[@blitzbbffl]

Another addition for the Shabazz Thesaurus: Laterality

[@arianewell6252]

Anyone out there know of customer scales this guy. I have seen a few makers of g10, but I’d love to find some titanium or brass scales.

[@Theylive4213]

I find the delicas blade to short for some applications and opted for endura which can do it all and still light in pocket.

[@Venusdietrap]

4:05 so often lefty’s get screwed in the knife world. Best quote ever from shabazz

[@739sf6mwq6pRdocosbaiTxocmKlkes]

I’ve inserted this one in my carry rotation along with my others, but your video made me think. Now I’m considering replacing my large daily bag knife, the VG-10 Police from Seki-city. Because of the Stainless Steel, I can gain some weight back.

[@aidanocallaghan1284]

"Laterallity" is not the word you were looking for when you were talking about the symmetry of the knife; the word would be "chirality", to indicate that it does not have the property of "handedness" as in left or right. Just thought you'd like to know!!

[@NickShabazz]

Found the Biologist!

[@aidanocallaghan1284]

Close but no cigar! I am but a lowly student of chemistry. Those are properties we find in molecules, which allows certain drugs Adderal to exist (Dextro-Amphetamines) which is to say their the "dextrous" or 'left-handed' version of the normally super harmful/addictive drug.

[@iangraber-stiehl461]

Aidan O'Callaghan I ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT CHIRAL ISOMERS. I FEEL SMART!

[@zackslaststand]

Hey Nick I was wondering if you might recommend the endura for someone like me who has unusually large hands. Normally I think I'd like the Delica but in my hands the ontario Rat 1 fits my hands the same way the Rat 2 fits most people's hands and larger bulkier knives are just far more comfortable than small ones for me. Am I still better off with the Delica if I don't need all the blade on the Endura or should I spring for the Endura because it might be better ergonomically for my hands?

[@boopieboi439]

I call it my pocket chefs knife

[@mdmorris112]

How do you sharpen vg10 and what do you recommend using

[@Yosarian22]

Michael Morris Lansky turn box diamond or spyderco triangle

[@tonyochoa7097]

I've had my endura over two years,got it when I was just starting my collecting.Now,about thirty mid to high ends later,I still carry it on occasion.About the only downside,(to me),is the backlock,I prefer a compression or axis lock.The knife is light,(for it's size),one of the best slicers around,big enough for self defense, yet still just fine for usually edc tasks,and it's reasonably priced.Hey,even Nick likes it,and you know how he feels about anything with a blade above 3.25in

[@michaelsantana5781]

I had the plastic pin deform, it would get smushed, and sit sideways. So i just ordered the flytanium titanium scales that include a metal backspacer/lock spring holder. Hopefully that makes this knife less of a headache to reassemble. At the cost of some extra weight.

[@ramenoodle7853]

My favorite knife guy! Keep em comin Nick

[@rjo8500]

I bought my Endura 4 eight years ago to share EDC with my Delica 4 which I bought thirteen years ago. Both knives have seen their fair share of pocket time. Both are holding up great. However even though I still own them they have been retired for a Manix 2 and a Para 3 which will most likely be my ride into the sunset Spydercos.

[@HellGatefr2]

I take it that the Manix 2 replaced the Endura, if so what are the pros/cons of this replacement for you ? Thanks

[@rjo8500]

@@HellGatefr2 Manix is my new EDC. I’m actually on vacation and it’s sitting next to me as we speak. It’s just better feeling in the hand, more stout in build. I’m really enjoying it. It’s even seeing more pocket time than my Para military.

[@Clockwork5quirrel]

I ordered a Delica and was sent an Endura. My main criteria was carryability. Is it worth sending it back?

[@theoutdoordad7395]

favorite edc blade. just wonderful.

[@SliceyDicey]

Flickitude. Nick Shabazz... Creating new words every day.

[@zube410]

Flickitude definitely deserves to be a word

[@mattwalters6834]

@@zube410 totally

[@abc456f]

I thought spyderco changed their policy about disassembling their knives not voiding the warranty any longer. Got an endura in zome green. Amazingly lightweight.

[@NickShabazz]

+REED BROOKS Yep, filmed this nearly a year ago!

[@gstrader73]

Very nice review. Out of all of the Endura's, Delica's and Stretch's I have had, a HAP40 Stretch is the only one I have left. It is in between the Endura and Delica in size, making it the best option IMO.

[@cristalclear5625]

Change clip to that of Dragonfly, continue the blade edge further towards the handle, offer better steel then VG10 and there you have the Endura 2.

[@krikun98]

CristalClear it's already the Endura 4, so the 2 is taken. And there is a ZDP version if you're looking for a better steel.

[@thomaslanders1162]

You left out some good with a back lock.. No worries about a weak detent due to the strong spring.. I read or heard 100 times that the Endura is great for XL hands.. I have at least XL hands and it's uncomfortable.. The finger points (grooves) on the handle are in all the wrong places for my hand..The forward finger point digs into my middle finger.. I have to hold the knife too far back (unwieldy)) or too far forward (unnatural) to be comfortable..For some reason, the Delica doesn't bother me so much.. The handle is just large enough (barely) and it works.. Many come off center, lock bar not flush, bad edges/grinds.. But, if you get a good one, they are great knives..

[@NicolasShaffer]

I have a green vg10 endurs that drops to my finger when I pop the lock, and I can spydie flick it. When I first got it in my pocket, I was in love with then light-a-tude and how well it carries, I am a bigger handed guy so I like the endura a lot, but I haven't gotten a delica in hand yet.

[@WalterW]

Why does the Rat 1 have a lot of oil on it?

[@NickShabazz]

+Walter W I had likely been using it for a video on oil.

[@WalterW]

Nick Shabazz I figured you just got off work from your job at the Vaseline factory.

[@syafiq271]

personally i prefer the black clip for more low profile carry against dark colored pants

[@ruansmith5983]

why would i mount this knife in disposition? also, why am i watching this video again, when i've seen it already?

[@travmasters4231]

Wuts ur take on the spyderco "zome" runs

[@mattwalters6834]

Neat

[@4715826930]

The only thing I really hate is how wide it is in the pocket

[@flat6targa]

Is the stainless version built better?

[@stuartnsharpe]

Please review the Kabar Dozier!

[@devon08059]

I just picked up a almost new Spyderco endura 4 from a pawn shop for $50. I have a endura 2 all metal I bought at the same pawn shop about 8 months ago it was used more but a good price.

[@The4cp]

My next knife is an endura 4 with the wave and I'm getting the wise men karambit ring for it. Sorry I went so tactical but I love that look on this knife.

[@BradGryphonn]

I just swapped my British Racing Green ZDP-189 Delica for a fixed blade that I have admired for a while. The Delica was worth more but I really like the fixed blade. No, I didn't initiate the swap. A friend who is new to the knife scene was looking for a good EDC knife, so I swapped, I'm now looking at an Endura...maybe.

[@bigrube420ify]

I'd love to see an endura with a liner lock and s30v.dont get me wrong I have beat the hell out of mine for years now and it still gets carried everyday

[@vanderie8482]

Adam Hastings The Military comes pretty close to what you’re asking for :D

[@TechZACH16]

I got a secondhand endura (like new in box) with s30v for $95

[@stillshot2]

Mine endura flicks open like butter. And you install the lockbar last as to not deform the frn backspacer. Also there is no reason to purchase a delica when the endela is a much more useful size if the endura is too "big" for someone

[@kylemiller3924]

Does an Endura really need oil in the pivot?

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

if its feeling stiff a little bit of oil in the pivot can be helpful as can loosening the pivot screw a quarter turn.

[@rlsjunior797]

Every couple of years it wouldn’t hurt. You don’t need to oil it every week though.

[@alexmiller8838]

Nick, what about blade to handle ratio? This is one thing that REALLY bugs me from Spyderco (especially the Delica 4), its not about the blade length but about efficiency.

[@nintendontbutdo5507]

Love lock back knives but the main turn off for me carrying it in my pocket i get lent build up where it locks up. Its a pain to clean out the lent all the time to get it to lock. Other than that both the endure and delica are some of my favorite knives. They need a collaboration on the benchmade axis lock on these knives or put the compression lock on it somehow and it will be the perfect edc knife in my opinion. Oh and have s30v or 154cm steel but that would up the cost :(

[@jlee4849]

Decided I needed one. Ordered the ZDP version.

[@The4cp]

Big question to put the wise men karambit ring on do I have to disassemble the knife? I've never done that before.

[@BTvidsnstuff]

The4cp yes

[@NickShabazz]

Yep. But if it's made of aluminum, it'll solve the floating pin problem.

[@The4cp]

Thanks it's going to be an adventure!

[@HellGatefr2]

I do feel like the endura isn't that big, the blade length is the same as a small paring knife, as a french I love to cut my cheese with it, it feels a bit craped doing it with the Delica and I don't like having food in the spidie hole... But there is something so satisfying about going right through it so easily with that Endura blade, especially compared to many EDC knives which are not full flat ground... Love my endura, was crazy sharp out of the box too, was 95€ in France.

[@haroldhyatt6337]

Sanded all seems/ edges on mine carry it everywhere most loved edc

[@stephenciavarri7165]

I thumb "flick" mine all the time. More often than not with no wrist movement either. It's an acquired technique...involving muscle memory. Now, don't get me wrong...it's not an Axis Lock kind of thumb flick...I can't think of any other that easy. But once you get the hang of it...you can "fidget" away....Practice makes perfect. So, folks...don't be dissuaded in the least by the reported lack of action of this knife. Unless you need a smaller blade...BUY ONE of these...along with the Delica.

[@WordMadeFlesh777]

A sharp endurance sliced cardboard better than any knife I have carried. Damn lightsaber .

[@thedrawrf]

Nick! I nearly replaced my trusty Boker UrbanTrapper with one of these but couldn’t make myself like the “sporting goods” look, as you rightly call the aesthetic of this knife. Thoughts about an updated Urban Trapper review?

[@GhostlyGroom]

It took me so many years of buying this knife and that just to realize I really only wanted the Endura

[@derkmein534]

Love this knife.. been carrying everyday for two years now. I removed pocket clip and carry in pocket

[@BrentonCarr]

Good thing is they make a variety of these knives. The Sabre ground version has a much more stout tip, but you lose the "sliceyness" of the ffg.

[@camorakidd_edc]

It would be really nice if you could also say the weight and the length in grams and centimeters. Nice review :)

[@vina3451]

Hiya Nick. FYI, I've been able to get every Spyderco back lock that I have ever carried to open with just a thumb flick. Proper centering, not too tight but no blade play, frog lube liquid, and a little breaking in. I've done it with the ladybug, manbug, delica, dragonfly, caly 3, and native 5. I've managed to do it with a slew of tri-ad locks as well. I hope I caught all the spell correction that created a bunch of errors with all the funny names. Have a good day.

[@nicholasfoster5231]

Grabbed my endura to check out the lanyard hole, I had no idea it was there.

[@Count_Smackula]

Saved! I was going to ask you for a recommendation for a larger, but equivalent gem-quality, to my Delica.

[@lifenature5463]

I like my endura, it is a very good knife that does not get much pocket time. Generally I carry the delica or one of my many Victorinox. If a need a larger knife that would be the PM2 or the sebenza 21. Too much competition. Good review!

[@ToxicityAssured]

The knife is bilaterally symmetrical = lefty friendly! :) That's good for me!

[@MetalRush666]

Has to be the first time you opened the rat 1 without a wrist flick

[@ogwanksauce9936]

Just bought a just bought and endura 4 today. I also own the PM2 in all black. We will see how much of a beating the endura will take.

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

Have you ever checked the knife laws in wa. State? It seems the police here can call just about any knife a dangerous weapon and it's a crime. Very vague laws seem to be written so no one is legal if the officer is having a bad day.

[@wheresmydamnedkeys2179]

Loved my Endura. Yes the larger copy of the very old ATS-55 Delica which resides in my pocket at the moment. However, having made the fatal error of having it in ZDP-189 one day decided, rather than the arduous (for me) task of getting the blade just so, to send it off to Spyderco for their sharpening service. I Just got a call that they examined the knife and unfortunately they felt the locking mechanism wasn't up to their safety standards. Since they no longer offer the model in zdp-189 with a combination edge they offered me either a replacement under warranty with a plain edge in that metal, or the equivalent credit of the MSRP. Not yet sure what direction I want to go with this . I'm going to miss that knife but at least glad they are addressing it under warranty. The problem as always is that in such a situation the question is to spend a few more bucks and get something different. At this point I may look at a different selection of Endura with a steel I and my bench stones from granddad (well, that and a few ceramics from spyderco) might get along better with. Then again, I've had my eye on the Opus lately. I don't happen to see a review for the Opus yet. I welcome any thoughts. Oh, by-the-way I never had any problem with flickatude.

[@CVNOU]

I love the flickcosity of the smaller knives too much. I think the Tenacious a try.

[@Calf_Kicker]

Great review. Hope you can get your hands on the Massdrop x Spyderco Endura 4 in SG2.

[@mastermachetier5594]

I was literally going to request you do this one in your next video !!

[@pyshpoak]

Great review.I love the gems so much i own 5 of each.

[@jskrawz4611]

I was comparing the Endura with the Manix 2 and I went with the Manix 2 lightweight because it was easier to open and close with the ball bearing lock... liked the blade shape better... preferred the wire clip... I would guess that CTS-BD1 is probably comparable to VG-10... Still... looks like the Endura is a good knife too... I would like that black clip on my Native 5 since I wear dark pants all the time and it wouldn't stand out so much...

[@thelonerider5644]

You can flick it open with your middle finger but over time it will wear away at the side of your fingernail which is quite painful... trust me i did this with a sabre ground version (heavier blade).

[@billy_2473]

The Endura is simply the best work knife available. Relatively Inexpensive, stainless, easy to clean, lightweight but strong thanks to the steel liners, tough handle material, plenty of blade length with a functional but robust tip, and you can get any damn color you want. Only problem is the VG10, which means if you’re working in a warehouse hacking through tons of cardboard every day you’re going to need to sharpen it pretty regularly, but you can always get a tool steel version if that’s you. Or there’s even a few dealer exclusive versions with S30V or better steel for a couple bucks more. Not the flashiest choice but if I’ve got serious work to do, I’m reaching for this over my PM2, 940 or anything else similarly sized.

[@HellGatefr2]

For the use that you are referring to, K390 would be great of course ! Now, if you also eat with your knife I wouldn't be sure about that tool steel hehe

[@Sparkywhale]

I own 3 enduras... I love this knife to death. I carry a zip 189 for every day use. And a fully serrated vg10 with a wiseman co signet ring and a fang wave opener for self defense.

[@badtexasbill5261]

I bought this for daily use and have fallen in love with it. I use it outdoors and fishing as well as around the house. Yes, it's long but you won't notice once you pick it up. Seki City rules.

[@nickontherun218]

You should call your nit picks "Nick Picks". Awesome review.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Nick pits

[@jroddz]

Spittle at 02:58 ugh.. Great review though!

[@Mike_Y.]

One of my favorites..

[@TheKillerKlok]

I always wanted spyderco to adapt the Finger choil on this knife like the byrd...

[@pdxeddie1111]

the one thing I hate about clip knives is they tend to bend and bend till they no longer stick very well in your pocket and then if you are working they have tendency of getting easily pulled from your pocket and lost so no I don't like that

[@NickShabazz]

This is something that's diminished with higher-end clips, which are easily re-bent.

[@Knifewizz]

The tip on my Endura broke a month after I got it. Also, vertical play in the blade. IMO, these knives suck. Now it lives it’s life doing yardwork.

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

If you werent doing wierd like prying or hammering on the blade or turning screws then thats definitely something you should contact spyderco about in regards to warranty. I have an endura and after accidently dropping it blade down twice on tile and once on concrete everything is still holding strong with zero blade play in either direction and perfectly centered in the handle.

[@Knifewizz]

West Coast Warriors Archive never contacted Spyderco because I had already taken it apart and voided the warranty. I guess that has changed though.