Endela by Spyderco

Endela by Spyderco

Editor: Johnny LeMaster

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Just the Facts:

Sized to literally split the difference between the iconic Endura® 4 and Delica® 4 Lightweights, the Endela proudly offers all the highly refined, time-tested features of each in a the perfect “in-between” format. Its full-flat-ground blade is crafted from VG-10 stainless steel and proudly sports a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole™ for ambidextrous one-hand opening.

Available with either a PlainEdge™ or SpyderEdge™, the blade is supported by a sturdy back lock mechanism, skeletonized stainless steel liners, and injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) scales. Spyderco’s trademark Bi-Directional Texturing™ pattern ensures a non-slip grip and a four-position pocket clip offers a choice of tip-up or tip-down carry on both sides of the body.

Overall Length: 8.10″ (206mm)
Blade Length: 3.41″ (87mm)
Steel: VG-10
Closed Length: 4.69″ (119mm)
Edge Length: 2.99″ (76mm)
Weight: 3.1oz (88g)
Blade Thickness: 0.118″ (3.0mm)
Handle: FRN
Clip Position: Ambi
Tip Carry Position: 4-position
Lock Type: Back Lock
Grind: Full-Flat
Sheath: N/A
Origin: Japan

My Story:

My love for Syderco is no secret.  Much of my adult life I have owned and carried Syderco knives on a daily basis.  My first Spyderco knive was a Delica I bought 15 years ago.  I lost the knife in for a short time, only to have it reappear when I rolled my truck up wheeling in the snow.  During the period the Delica was lost I bought an Endura, and carried it forever.  Anyone that knows me knows that my typical go to EDC has been Spyderco.  I have had numerous over the years, lost many of them for a time to have them show up when I least expect it.  In fact my Endura is on vacation at the moment.  I am happy to have the new Endela as an EDC to fill the Syderco void in my life.

The Endela was made to be the medium between the Delica and the much larger Endura.  With a size much closer to what the Endura is, this knife is very comfortable to me.  I have always liked the larger size of the Endura, and honestly hardly notice the difference in size overall of the Endela.  The Endela shares many of the same features as its two close counterparts.  They all share the trademarked Syderco Roundhole opener on the blade for quick opening of the knives.  They all have the fiberglass reinforced  nylon scales  for excellent texturing grip on the handle in all conditions.  The FRN handle sits over the skeletonized steel frame that includes the backlock blade lock.  And of course they can all be carried in one of 4 different configurations of tip up or down on either side to allowing everyone to carry this knife how they feel the most comfortable.

Spyderco used a the VG-10 steel for the blade, one of their favorite steels to use, and for good reason. VG-10 steel was typically used in kitchen cutlery in Japan, but has been used by Spyderco and other companies for utility based knives.  It creates a steel that can achieve a very sharp edge, and hold the edge well.  I have found this steel to be one of the best general purpose knife steels from my experience.  Easy to sharpen, takes an edge well, holds the edge well.  It is a great all around steel.  The back of the blade features the thumb rest with jimping to provided a secure place for gaining extra leverage when really trying to cut into things.  What sets the Endela apart from its counterparts is the blade grind, instead of the usual saber grind found on both the Endura and Delia, the Endela has the full flat grind.  I love the way it looks and cuts.  The slight drop point compliments the overall beauty of this knife.

This knife has been a great EDC carry for me.  It fit in seamlessly after my Endura was misplaced, and will continue to be a stable part of my EDC even after the Endura inevitably shows back up.  The Endela is a great new addition to Syderco’s line up.  I have loved using and carrying the knife in all conditions.  I the Endela has been on me while swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, in the office, and everything in between.  Most of the time you hardly notice having the Endela in your pocket with as slender and lightweight as it is.  The 3.41” blade makes this knife compliant to carry in most places including its home state of Colorado that has one of the most strict knife carry lengths of any of the states.

Find it Here:

https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C243BK/1782

What could be done better:

I love the Endela, it is a great knife at a great size, my only complaint is that the knife doesn’t come in a half SpyderEdge (serrated edge) and half PlainEdge.  I like to have the half and half blades as a happy medium for a utility blade.  Currently you can only get the Endela in the PlainEdge, or SpyderEdge.