The Spyderco Endela review is much anticipated as it falls between the iconic Spyderco Delica 4 and Endura 4. It varies in size composition between the two Spyderco knives. And like other Spyderco knives, it also has different variants.
Just like the Endura 4, Spyderco Endela has Lightweight Thin Red Line and Lightweight Thin Blue Line versions. Another interesting thing about this knife is that it is available in Wharncliffe Plain Edge and Wharncliffe Spyder Edge. Its blade steel materials consist of VG-10 and K390. Although the knife’s exclusive versions are also available in CPM 20CV, HAP40/SUS410, and CPM Cru-Wear with FRN Zome and Mahogany Pakkawood handle materials through exclusive dealers.
Spyderco Endela’s origin is Japan, and comes with the default FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) handle material. It also has Spyderco’s Lock Back with its trademark Spyder Hole, Spydie Hole, or simply known as Thumb Hole or Round Hole.
Philosophy behind manufacturing Spyderco Endela
The Spyderco Endela is a mid-tier folding knife, which was manufactured to combine the best features of its counterparts: Spyderco Delica 4 and Endura 4. While manufacturing, the design philosophy of ‘functionality over aesthetics’ was kept in mind. Manufactured in Seki City, Japan, it is made from FRN, also known as tough plastic, unlike ordinary plastic.
The knife’s length was deliberately extended up to 8.1” to fit between the two knives. At the same time, it was kept lightweight, weighing just 3.2 oz. The Bohler K390 steel blade is a high-quality hard steel that increases the price from a base $100 to $130.
On the other hand, the Endela with VG-10 blade costs less than $100, even though it is also a good steel material used in many Spyderco knives. But Bohler K390 offers superior edge stability and retention. On top of that, it is available in both Plain Edge and Spyder Edge at the same price.
The trademark Round Hole makes deployment as easy as using a Lock back. It was designed with the needs of pocket knife users in mind, offering exceptional functionality and features.
Hence, it is more for practical use and less for collectibles. Although I am pretty sure that knife collectors would be enthused to add an Endela to their collection. That is the beauty of this knife!
Spyderco Endela Review
As mentioned earlier, it has many variants, therefore, for this Spyderco Endela Review, we have selected – Spyderco Endela FRN K390 C243FK390. The name of the variant explains everything. It comes with a FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) handle and K390 steel blade.
I also picked this knife because it has the option of choosing between a Plain Edge and Spyder Edge (serrated edge). And although the official Spyderco website enlists the price as 197.50 MSRP, you can get it in $130 from the retailers and official distributors
Key Specifications of Spyderco Endela
First Impression of Spyderco Endela FRN K390
I ordered my Spyderco Endela from one of the officially listed distributors and it costs me, so it came in its default packing. The box specified the details and specs of the knife, including ‘made in Japan’ inscription. Inside, it was carefully wrapped in bubble wrapping and arrived in perfect condition.
This is how it looked once opened right out of the box. I immediately got the sense of holding a Spyderco Delica 4 in my hand, as I had previously used and reviewed it.
The first time I flicked it open, the operation was very smooth. I was able to open and close with one hand, so it’s safe to say that it supports one hand operation. Another initial thing that I noticed was how sharp and clean the blade was, without any tarnishing or scratching. It is because of the superior Bholer K390 quality steel blade. Any blade material inferior to this one may come with some tarnishing.
The knife is also screwed together securely, holding together the blade, the steel liners and the handle in perfect proportion. The blade also does not move from its position and stays erect once opened.
The ambidextrous 4-position tip-up and down pocket clip has a smooth black matte finish. The handle is slip-proof, and I could hold it in my entire hand. It offered the perfect grip that you would expect from an EDC knife being bi directional texture just like Spyderco Dragonfly 2.
The shape and position of the thumb hole is also large, but smaller than Delica if you compare the two. I think it’s fair because of the size composition of the two knives.
Endela also has a dual finger choil to allow precision cuts, accompanied with the same leaf-shaped drop point blade as the Delica. Endela also has a larger and beefier belly of the blade, which would allow slightly heavier EDC tasks.
As long as first impressions go, everything on the Spyderco Endela looks perfect so far.
The Blade of Spyderco Endela (K390)
The K390 blade plays a major role in Spyderco Endela. Not only is it strong and hard, and serves as an amicable folding knife, but the $30 price increase above the base price of $100 in a VG-10 blade, places this knife at a higher spectrum. That being said, we expect the Bohler K390 blade to perform exceptionally well. But before that, let me tell you what is blade material is made of pocket knife!
| Carbon | 2.5 |
| Chromium | 4.0 |
| Molybdenum | 4.00 |
| Vanadium | 9.00 |
| Cobalt | 2.00 |
| Manganese | 0.40 |
| Silicon | 0.55 |
This composition makes the hardness level of K390 up to 64-65hrc. It makes the K390 a very hard tool steel, and exceeds the hardness level of Cru-Wear, which starts from 60hrc. It is unlike VG-10, which is a stainless steel with a hardness level of 59-61hrc.
We can see from the table that K390 possess the highest amount of vanadium. It adds toughness, wear and corrosion resistance. It also promotes carbide formation, contributing to the toughness, hardness, and wear resistance.
It means that you can use this blade for a wide range of EDC tasks for many years without much wear, tear and corrosion. The overall hardness level makes it perfect for heavier EDC tasks. This, along with the length and belly of the blade, makes Endela the perfect choice for a practical use EDC knife.
The blade thickness of 0.12” with a blade length of 3.41” and an edge length of 2.99” with a full-flat ground makes it an ideal knife to cut. It should be able to cut through paper, plastic, cardboard, food materials and ropes, etc. for as long as possible.
The Handle of Spyderco Endela (FRN)
The FRN is a commonly used handle material by Spyderco used in many of its knives. The bi-directional textured handle scales injection-molded in the blue color provides a slip-free matte finish.
The Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) is a thermoplastic material as opposed to cheap quality plastic. It is super resistant to bending and abrasion, is strong, and can hold its own. It places the FRN on the top spectrum when it comes to knife handles. At the same time, it is also cheap as compared to Endela’s K390. It keeps the overall price of the knife in check.
However, the only drawback of this handle is that it is sharp around the edges. Although the outer finishing is fine, the finishing from the insides could use some upgrading. It happens because of the haphazard arrangement of the nylon fibers inside, resulting in sharper edges as well as well as the top finish.
This does not happen in other knife handle materials such as Micarta, G-10, stainless steel, and carbon fiber, etc. They have the fiberglass nylon strands aligned in order in a single direction. It also makes FRN handle less grippier than G-10.
Spyderco Endela Scales
Nevertheless, FRN is a pretty good handle material, which can be used for several years, and makes the knife lightweight. You will also find it in many Spyderco lightweight knife versions. It is also because of the high manufacturing that contributes to its lower cost. Thus, Spyderco has made the most of FRN as opposed to other knife brands like Civivi, We Knives, Kershaw or Kizer Cutlery.
Moreover, the 0.11” thickness of the handle makes it easy to hold and perform EDC tasks. So, it’s safe to say that the ergonomics on Spyderco Endela are pretty tight. You can hold it for extended periods either with sweaty hands, wet hands, or while wearing gloves.
Spyderco Endela Pocket Clip
The ambidextrous 4-position pocket clip also hangs comfortably in the pocket or wherever else you want to. Its black finish is encouraged and appreciated. It is tough yet easy to use in different ways.
I would not recommend disassembling the knife. It may be challenging to reassemble it the right way. It requires too many screws and bolts to hold the knife back together in perfect perpendicular position as before.
The steel liners inside the handle are well-aligned for easy cleaning from the outer surface. Perhaps if you do witness rust or tarnishing, it is better to get it cleaned by a professional.
Spyderco Endela Scales
Nevertheless, FRN is a pretty good handle material, which can be used for several years, and makes the knife lightweight. You will also find it in many Spyderco lightweight knife versions. It is also because of the high manufacturing that contributes to its lower cost. Thus, Spyderco has made the most of FRN as opposed to other knife brands like Civivi, We Knives, Kershaw or Kizer Cutlery.
Moreover, the 0.11” thickness of the handle makes it easy to hold and perform EDC tasks. So, it’s safe to say that the ergonomics on Spyderco Endela are pretty tight. You can hold it for extended periods either with sweaty hands, wet hands, or while wearing gloves.
Spyderco Endela Pocket Clip
The ambidextrous 4-position pocket clip also hangs comfortably in the pocket or wherever else you want to. Its black finish is encouraged and appreciated. It is tough yet easy to use in different ways.
I would not recommend disassembling the knife. It may be challenging to reassemble it the right way. It requires too many screws and bolts to hold the knife back together in perfect perpendicular position as before.
The steel liners inside the handle are well-aligned for easy cleaning from the outer surface. Perhaps if you do witness rust or tarnishing, it is better to get it cleaned by a professional.
Deployment and Lock Back Mechanism of Spyderco Endela
The Lock Back is the simplest type of lock on Spyderco knives. It works seamlessly with the thumb hole, and is easier to get used to. Even if you have never used a Spyderco knife before, you can easily get used to this lockup mechanism.
Lock backs are no exclusive to Spyderco knives. It is prevalent in many other folder knives. Hence, if you have a collection of different branded folding knives, a lock back could be a common denominator in them. It makes using different knives easier.
The Lock Back is distilled into the lock bar pinned to the scales of the blade. If you flip it, it will bend over and disengage the knife. Once the blade disengages, the spring bends and anchors further in the back of the handle putting upward pressure behind pivot points. It presses the front of the lock bar into the downward position. In this position, the lock bar sits onto the lock ramp at the bottom tang, providing detent for opening.
The Endela’s Lock Back system works perfectly fine, except for the vertical blade play. Endela’s counterparts, Spyderco Delica 4 and Spyderco Endura 4 do not have this problem. Even though the lockup mechanism itself is good, there is a slight blade movement when the blade springs into opening position. But there is no side blade play, and the lock is absolutely safe to operate.
It may be a very minor defect, and someone who isn’t a frequent pocket knife user may call it ‘nitpicking,’ but knife enthusiasts may realize. Although it is not a big issue, it seemed relevant to mention.
The blade also sits in place with the steel liners inside the handle perfectly safely. The phosphorus bronze washers are wide enough in the pivot that make lock back a smooth action. However, the bearing pivot folder is not free-dropping.
Once you disengage the lock, you have to move your fingers at the back of the blade to complete the closing action. Else, your index finger may get in the way, especially if the blade is unsharpened, making the locking mechanism a two-hand job.
My Experience with Spyderco Endela
When I took the Endela out into the field to test, it showed exceptional performance in slicing papers and cutting cardboards. It could work for hours without the blade giving way. Although I found that the ergonomics were not so durable.
The handle was too thin, even for this simple action. And the finishing was not as fine as it could have been. Nevertheless, I found that the blade refused to give up. The edge retention was also great, and I was able to punch through a thick stack of cardboard pieces with exceptional ease.
The Endela would be a perfect fit for use after a party, or even when unpacking. I found the edge performance to be better than the higher end knives costing above $100. So Endela passed the first test
After paper and cardboard testing, I took the Endela out into the crop field. I had to harvest certain plants, so I took Endela along. It was able to cut through stems very easily, as expected.
Gradually, I moved towards cutting through a bunch of thick roots. The action was very smooth. I did not have to apply much pressure.
Then I moved on to cutting wood chips. It was able to slice thin pieces of wood chips. It carried out the action easily. I was also able to cut out chunks of wood with deeper cuts using the edge. The Endela performed well there too. The ergonomics proved to be a hurdle here as well. But surprisingly, it was comfortable for the hand, and did not get dirty immediately.
I only had to clean and sharpen the knife after conducting all the tasks, and it worked quite well for a few hours of continuous EDC tasks.
You may have to be careful when slicing through acidic fruits and vegetables though. The K390 may not respond well to acidic content, and you may have to clean it immediately. Do not let the acid sit on the blade for too long. Otherwise, it can make the blade rusty, which would be harder to clean.
The lockup also remained smooth throughout the field test.
Comparison: Spyderco Endela Vs Spyderco Endura 4
The Endura 4 and Endela fall in the same spectrum. Both the knives have drop point blade with FRN handles with similar texturing and Lock Back mechanism.
The Endela however, is a newer Spyderco knife as compared to Endura 4. Its invention lies on the spectrum between Endura 4 and Delica 4, hence the name Endela. It is slightly larger than Delica 4, but smaller than Endura 4. Hence, its price is also between the Delica 4 and Endura 4. However, it is not available in ZDP-189 blade. It comes in other blade materials, like K390, that are equally good when it comes to cutting performance. Therefore, for fair comparison, we chose Endura 4 with a K390 blade as well.
Both the knives were manufactured in Seki City, Japan. Japan is a well-known manufacturer of knives and high-quality steel.
The comparison between these two knives also falls on the size. The Endura 4 can easily fit in larger or beefy hands. However, Endela also does a good job and provides excellent ergonomics. Its handle may not be as large, but it fits an average-sized hand perfectly on its scale, providing a non-slip texture.
Therefore, if you want a perfectly sized knife with a reasonable blade size, then Endela is the right choice. However, if you have slightly larger or beefy hands, then Endura 4 might be the right choice for you. For me, both the knives are equally good. I can easily use them both as EDC knives.
The Endura 4 and Endela fall in the same spectrum. Both the knives have drop point blade with FRN handles with similar texturing and Lock Back mechanism.
The Endela however, is a newer Spyderco knife as compared to Endura 4. Its invention lies on the spectrum between Endura 4 and Delica 4, hence the name Endela. It is slightly larger than Delica 4, but smaller than Endura 4. Hence, its price is also between the Delica 4 and Endura 4. However, it is not available in ZDP-189 blade. It comes in other blade materials, like K390, that are equally good when it comes to cutting performance. Therefore, for fair comparison, we chose Endura 4 with a K390 blade as well.
Both the knives were manufactured in Seki City, Japan. Japan is a well-known manufacturer of knives and high-quality steel.
The comparison between these two knives also falls on the size. The Endura 4 can easily fit in larger or beefy hands. However, Endela also does a good job and provides excellent ergonomics. Its handle may not be as large, but it fits an average-sized hand perfectly on its scale, providing a non-slip texture.
Therefore, if you want a perfectly sized knife with a reasonable blade size, then Endela is the right choice. However, if you have slightly larger or beefy hands, then Endura 4 might be the right choice for you. For me, both the knives are equally good. I can easily use them both as EDC knives.
Comparison: Spyderco Endela Vs Spyderco Delica 4
The Delica 4 and Endela are both available in VG10 stainless steel blade. However, the K390 is superior to VG-10, hence priced higher. The FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) handle scales with a full-flat grind make the knife lightweight.
The difference is that the Endela was produced as a tribute to the law enforcement that acts as a barrier to reduce crime and violence. Spyderco created the Thin Blue Line Endela series with the engraved motto ‘To Serve and Protect’ in honor of the law enforcement officials.
Another difference is the price. Endela has a slightly higher markup. The difference reflects its limited edition and it is slightly bigger than Delica 4.
As you can see, the size difference is very apparent between the two. Because Endela is bigger than Delica, it is also thicker and slightly heavier than Delica 4. It means that Endela can carry out heavier and bigger cutting tasks than Delica 4.
Moreover, the ergonomics of Endela are better than Delica 4, mostly because of the handle size and grip. The deployment and locking mechanism on Endela are as good as Delica 4, although it feels sturdier in the hand with a more comfortable index finger tip position.
Concluding Thoughts on Spyderco Endela
The Spyderco Endela review suggests that it is a good mid-tier folding knife, capable of performing tough EDC tasks. The K390 makes this knife very practical. The FRN textured scales make it lightweight, grippy, and slip-free. However, the ergonomics of Endela are not so great. It will give way after a certain period, or after a certain amount of conducting EDC tasks. The G-10 scales could work better on Endela.
Endela falls between Delica 4 and Endura 4, and varies in features, size and price accordingly. Using any one these three knives would be enough. Al you would have to do is consider the size, price, and materials.
I liked Endela, but my experience was not fully satisfactory. So I may use it for a short period before switching back to Delica 4 or Endura 4.
Pros & Cons of Spyderco Endela
