Spyderco was founded in the late 1970's
in Golden Colorado, but started in
its current
design direction in the early 1980's, when it introduced the first large scale, commercially
produced one-handed opening/closing/operating knife with a handy pocket clip
- that statement was a mouthful even then. Yes, there were other
one-handed opening knives before, but nothing like the direction that Spyderco
took - a direction which reshaped the very foundation of the pocket knife market
and launched the entirely new category of Sport Utility Knives.
What Spyderco's original design
provided was a no-nonsense modern pocket knife design incorporating cutting edge
materials and manufacturing with a standard sturdy back-lock, a pocket clip, and
trademark hole in the blade. The leading edge materials and manufacturing
kept the knife prices to an "anyone can afford one" level. The standard back-lock provided a sturdy and secure locking blade for heavy
duty knife use, while the pocket clip provided easy and secure access to the
knife. A thicker, heavy duty blade featured a trademark hole in blade which
facilitated easy one-handed opening of the blade (with the thumb), with the
capability to open the blade almost as
quickly as a switch blade. Truly an innovative combination of concepts. The
look and features of main stream folding pocket knives would never be the same
again. The most successful knives from Spyderco then and now are the Delica and Endura series (released in 1990)- a tough utility knife
concept which
has performed flawlessly over the years and has survived three major revamps
since its introduction.
Someone once told Sal Glesser (President of
Spyderco) that their knives are so "unique" that they must design in the dark. I
always have said the old Spyderco plastic handled knives were not pretty, but they were infallibly
reliable and always worked no matter how bad you treated them. That said,
style was not the primary goal for the Spyderco design department when planning
the first Delica and Endura knives - their goal was unabashed utility and
durability. Needless to say the guys with mechanical pencils at Spyderco were right on the mark because
millions of each knife were sold, making these two designs the most popular sport utility pocket knives ever!
Over the years Spyderco has revised, re-styled, and updated the knives every so
often, currently on their forth
major version update. Each newer version being better, safer, stronger,
and more ergonomic. This year's newest Version 4 is the best ever and is a world of difference from even last year's
much revered Version 3.
Version 3 added and carried
over some
nice features such as a lock release indent to prevent/reduce accidental closing
during hard use situations, an upgraded handle texture to increase grip, thicker
pivot pins for added strength, ambidextrous pocket clip which was removable with
the use of only a coin, high performance VG-10 Steel, and improved
ergonomics. The knife however continued to feature a blocky and un-natural handle
design which provided for comfortable inside the waistband carry, a tip-down pocket
clip carry
option, some torsional handle strength and tension adjustments, and then there was that insufferably delicate
blade point. Somewhere there are about two
tons of Endura and Delica blade tips that have been broken off over the years. I
have three various Delicas and Enduras, all missing the first 1/8"-1/4" tip of
the blade. This is a fairly prevalent and well known problem for those of
us who use our knives frequently as mini-pry bars. The blade tip was simply way too delicate for the tasks the sport
utility knife was designed for, which is hard everyday use. Spydero recognized and addressed these issues in their latest Version 4. An Inside Look at Version 4
This year Spyderco took a giant design leap forward on the new Endura 4
and Delica 4 knives.
Features continuing forward on this version include a lock release indent to
prevent/reduce accidental closing during hard use situations, thicker pivot pins
for added strength, and high performance VG-10 Steel. Both the Delica 4
and Endura 4 continue to be available in plain (PBK), partially serrated (PSBK),
or fully serrated (SBK) versions.
New features abound and include a
newly designed pocket clip that can be
positioned in one of four positions with completely ambidextrous tip-up or tip-down carry
(finally). The mounting holes are actually in usably placed areas on the knife and were not
simply a design afterthought. I would have liked Spyderco to carry over the
"only need a coin to remove the pocket clip" feature from last year, but they
have traded that convenience for much improved pocket clip placement.
With the exception of a little more handle flex than we would have liked and
some ergonomic issues, we were happy with the overall durability of last year's time proven one piece molded FRN
(fiberglass reinforced nylon) handles. This year for the first time both
models have done away with the one piece handles to accommodate numerous improvements.
The new knives now combine the proven FRN exterior with dual interior skeletonized
stainless steel liners. While greatly increasing sturdiness and rigidity,
this construction makes the knife much stronger without adding weight and
provides a secure metal anchor for all external and internal components to attach
to. The exterior of the handles come molded
with "Bi-Directional Texturing" for a much improved grip.
The models now have screw
construction making cleaning and adjusting easier. The cleaning and
ability to completely disassemble the knife has been a feature which many have
requested, although few of us ever use. The addition of an adjustable pivot pin
will be a feature appreciated by all as the knife ages and loosens with use.
Their VG-10 blades are flat saber-ground with a much
stronger tip design which should eliminate tip breakage. A larger 13mm opening
thumb hole makes opening even easier with bare or gloved hands. Added to the blade’s spine is slip resistant jimping/texturing
so that your thumb has a positive non-slip perch for those times when additional
cutting leverage is needed. Phosphor bronze bushings have been added to smooth out the open/close action
just like those used in more expensive knives like Chris Reeve and Bradley
Cutlery.
The Ergonomics and Usability
So with all these great
upgrades how does the knife perform? The answer is better than ever. Our
test group thinks this is the Endura and Delica Series we have all been waiting
for.
Once in the hand, the
balance is immediately noticeable and for the first time since 1990, this series
feels like the tough and rugged knives they are. Previously, the knife
felt too blade heavy, whereas now the knives balance beautifully in the hand.
The old knife handles felt a plasticy (because after all they were), Version 4's stainless liners
add a substantial handle feel that leads your hand to believe it is holding a
much higher end knife.
Although most of us have a tool box full of
tools, one of our test group's complaints was that Spyderco did not include even a cheap double
ended Torx wrench with the knife to move the clip as desired and tighten the
pivot pin. If you are a lefty or prefer the clip in one of the other
three
positions, you are going to have to purchase a couple of Torx bits or drivers to
make use of the knife. Although it is rare that manufactures such as CRKT and
Boker include tools in select models, we think such a critical tool for
adjustment should be commonplace and worth the extra 50 cents it would cost to
have this included with each knife.
From an ergonomics
perspective, Spyderco has finally moved on from its blocky-chunk-of-plastic
handle ergonomic style to a more hand friendly design. In the process, that may
have actually introduced a little style into the Delica 4 and Endura 4 - noting that the Delica and Endura have always been the ugly
ducklings of the knife world. The new handles allow a full array of knife grips
while the new bi-directional grips apply plenty of new toothy traction to the hand for a
grip that almost locks the knife into the hand. Some testers noted that
while the new aggressive grip is great for short term cutting tasks (which is
99.9% of what we normally do), extended cutting tasks such as testing the
blade's sharpness by fashioning a couple dozen hotdog sticks, may cause some
discomfort without gloves.
One of my personal pet peeves is when manufacturers do a great job designing a
wonderful knife then slap on a pocket clip at the last minute that integrates
poorly into the overall design and use of the knife. Lucky for us,
Spyderco didn't let us down and produced one of the finest four position pocket
clips even to attach to four well positioned attachment points. From last
year's leaf spring style pocket clip design (it was functional, but ugly), this
year's new pocket clip was stylistically enhanced to a more organic hourglass
shape which is less obtrusive.
Typically the biggest
gripes and annoyances with modern knives are not with edge holding or the
ability to cut, today the knife technology is so good that that typically is not
the issue. The rub typically involves ergonomics and general carrry-ibility -
i.e. does the knife fit my unique carry and use requirements. This is one
of the toughest jobs of a knife designer, creating a knife everyone loves and
can easily use like an extension of their own hand.
continued -
Someone at Spyderco must be doing their homework because this series of knives
was one of the most the incredibly user friendly knives for all testers. From
hunting and sporting use, gardening, adventure, personal defense, general
utility use, the Spyderco Delica 4 and Endura 4 again proved themselves again as easy-to-use knives. Even the larger Endura was as comfortable as the all
time favorite Al Mar Ultra-light Series when carried executive style, clipped
inside-the-waistband. This is a knife that is comfortable for anyone to carry
and use. The blade
design still follows the wonderfully useable classic Delica and Endura shape
with the exception of the new down-turned contoured point. The point of
the blade deserves some further attention because it is almost twice as thick at the
point than previous models and proves extremely durable. Although any
knife point can be broken, all the typical things which have broken the
points off our Delicas and Enduras of the past were no match for the new
stronger tip design in Version 4 when the "tests/abuses" were replicated.
Although we don't advocate in any way using a knife as a pry bar as it is
considered "gross abuse", we all do it on a daily basis, prying staples from
papers, to popping off paint can lids. Although prying is not recommended,
we feel better knowing that this newer, tougher tip is much less prone to
breakage and can handle a little prying should the need or demand arise.
As per the Military
model, the jimping/texturing on the
back of the blade was much needed feature which the test group loved. The
texturing was not quite as aggressive as the Military model, but provided the
right amount of added grip during hard cutting chores.
A little but nice feature was noted by a climber in
our test group who was happy that
Spydero has continued to retain a lanyard hole. The lanyard hole remains
approximately the same size intended for use with 1/8" paracord and prevents
accidental loss while climbing or around water.
Overall a very
impressive set of features which all work harmoniously to deliver comfortable
and usable performance.
Cutting Performance
The upgraded VG-10 steel
carried over from Version 3 is has excellent edge holding abilities. This
high performance super-steel was the first steel designed/created exclusively as
a cutlery steel and continues to be one of the top steel choices for high
performance cutlery manufacturers.
The original Spyder-Edge
serratations on the fully and partially serrated models aggressively and easily
cut through just about anything they come in contact with. The popular plain
edge model is extremely sharp and continues to benefit from the upgraded VG-10
steel.
Without completely repeating
the reviews and tests of the last 16 years, it suffices to say the Spyderco
Endura and Delica's edge geometry and cutting prowess endures as a high
performance knife and continues to deliver one of the most user friendly blade
designs available. The handle redo, with much improved ergonomic comfort, was greatly appreciated and noticed while performing our testing. We
also appreciate Spyderco taking the time to assure every knife is delivered
shaving sharp - a detail which is occasionally missed by even some higher end
knife manufacturers.
Overall, the knife performed great.
Our vote is to also release the new Spyderco Endura 4 and Delica 4 with upgraded G-10
and/or
Linen Mircata handles for those with more demanding wants and needs.
Maintenance and Sharpening
After our test crew
sufficiently dulled the knives, we decided to test one of Spyderco's other great
products - their Sharpmaker sharpening system. We chose the person in our test group who had never
sharpened a knife and sent them on their way to sharpen
the test knives with the Spyderco Sharpmaker sharpening system. The Spyderco Sharpmaker system even includes an
instructional video.
According to the chosen sharpening victim, the video
was simple and easy to follow and the returned shortly from our break room with
six properly sharpened knives. Several benefits of this system are that it
requires very little if any knowledge of knife sharpening, does not require the
messy use of water or oil as a lubricant, and because the sharpening rods are
made of aerospace ceramic, they will last a lifetime. Additionally, the Spyderco Sharpmaker knife sharpening system is extremely flexible and can easily
sharpen plain, partially serrated, and serrated pocket, hunting and kitchen
knives easily and store
compactly in its own compact hard plastic case.
Our Conclusion
Testing the Endura
and Delica is like testing an old standard. The older version was so good
that you begin by being skeptical of new improvements to a proven design.
Spydero did not disappoint us, and we believe the newest version 4 has again
raised the bar in sport utility knife value. With everything that has been
upgraded and added, we are amazed to find out that the price is exactly the same
as last year with a suggested retail of $74.99. If
you are looking for a do-it-all sport utility knife, look no further, than the Spydero Delica 4 and Endura 4 Series.
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handy pocket clip
- that statement was a mouthful even then. Yes, there were other
one-handed opening knives before, but nothing like the direction that Spyderco
took - a direction which reshaped the very foundation of the pocket knife market
and launched the entirely new category of Sport Utility Knives. 
points off our Delicas and Enduras of the past were no match for the new
stronger tip design in Version 4 when the "tests/abuses" were replicated.
Although we don't advocate in any way using a knife as a pry bar as it is
considered "gross abuse", we all do it on a daily basis, prying staples from
papers, to popping off paint can lids. Although prying is not recommended,
we feel better knowing that this newer, tougher tip is much less prone to
breakage and can handle a little prying should the need or demand arise.
back of the blade was much needed feature which the test group loved. The
texturing was not quite as aggressive as the Military model, but provided the
right amount of added grip during hard cutting chores.
test group who was happy that
Spydero has continued to retain a lanyard hole. The lanyard hole remains
approximately the same size intended for use with 1/8" paracord and prevents
accidental loss while climbing or around water.
