Why an Endura Trainer?

F

Full Tang Clan

Joined
Jul 22, 2000
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I'm wondering why the Endura was used as a model for one of Spyderco's training knives.

The Endura never struck me as a knife that would be marketed as a "Martial Blade Craft" knife. (Unless there's some other reason to use a trainer for besides knife tactics).

Why not model it after a Police, or Military?
 
Until someone with the real answer comes in, I'd venture to guess that the Endura is one of the most widely carried knives of the Spyderco line by those who might be interested in training with their blade.

Repeat: Just guessing.
 
Originally posted by Hawkbill
Until someone with the real answer comes in, I'd venture to guess that the Endura is one of the most widely carried knives of the Spyderco line by those who might be interested in training with their blade.

Repeat: Just guessing.
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Hawkbill, that makes a lot of sense to me. :)
 
The use of the Delica and Endura models in "self defense" training pre-dates (i think) the initiation of the Spyderco Martial Blade Craft training program. I read an article in the May 1999 issue of Tactical Knives about the use of these knives by Eric Remmen. Quoting the article "Eric's courses were not designed to promote Spyderco knives; he just felt that they were strong, reliable knives that best fit his self-defense tactics" Tha basis of the course was carrying two knives, one on each side, and being able to open one of them in less than 2 seconds.

Hope this helps!
 
Originally posted by 4 s ter
Quoting the article "Eric's courses were not designed to promote Spyderco knives; he just felt that they were strong, reliable knives that best fit his self-defense tactics" Tha basis of the course was carrying two knives, one on each side, and being able to open one of them in less than 2 seconds.
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Very interesting. It's hard to argue against the case for Endura.

They're large knives and if it's strictly for self-defense carry, who cares if the steel isn't the best (assuming it's the entry level FRN model) as long as the lock up is good.

Two knives, eh? Kinda reminiscent of Nicolas Cage as Castor Troy (in John Woo's, "Face/Off") when he took off his jacket to reveal, a pair of tricked-out, custom Springfield .45's. ;)
 
I don't know which Endura you have but mine has VG-10 steel.

It stays sharp and takes an edge easily.

Judging by other posts and the knives available in VG-10, it has to be one of the better production steels.

Just my opinion though.
 
Originally posted by wesmalo
I don't know which Endura you have but mine has VG-10 steel.

It stays sharp and takes an edge easily.

Judging by other posts and the knives available in VG-10, it has to be one of the better production steels.

Just my opinion though.
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Perhaps I'm mistaken but I was sure a few past and present Endura models came in other steels like AUS 6, and ATS-55. Not that the latter is a bad steel.

FTC

P.S. Geez, I hope VG-10 is a good steel, that's the blade on my new Police model (which I chose over the similar looking stainless Endura). ;) Just kidding wes, VG-10 is apparently (this is my first VG-10 knife) a great steel.
 
FTC - No worries.


On the Endura trainer - Though it hasn't flown out of my hand yet, I can see how practicing openings with a sharp Endura might prove troublesome to floors, counters, and fridges.


But ... how can you buy a dull Spyderco knife??????


(Please don't think I'm against trainers, just that I am for shaving sharp Spyderco knives. I am aware that trainers are necessary to world order but c'mon ... a dull Spyderco?????)

:D
 
Actually the answers provided are acurate and quite astute.

The only thing I would add is that it permits a low costs working trainer that can be used for any situation where a live blade could be dangerous (teaching a novice, acting, Counter Blade Craft (CBC), etc.).

Wesmalo, I think perhaps practicing moves like spins and twirls with a live sharp Endura could also be troublesome to your fingers and sometimes your toes.

In reality, when we made the trainers for Eric Remmen's (excellent) course, we dulled blades. A more difficult chore on modern steels than you might think. He also liked to use odd colors like our pink Delicas so as not to confuse them with live blades.

4 ster, that was a nice bit of history digging. Eric's classes were influencial in our getting involved in MBC.

sal
 
I bought a couple of the last Enduras that Eric had for sale about 6 years ago or so. Still have one of them and sold the other to Mitchell Lake a few weeks ago. Nice piece of history. Nice to have purpose-built ones though. Alot better. (Want a SPOT Trainer, Sal. :) )
 
Originally posted by Don Rearic
I bought a couple of the last Enduras that Eric had for sale about 6 years ago or so. Still have one of them and sold the other to Mitchell Lake a few weeks ago. Nice piece of history. Nice to have purpose-built ones though. Alot better. (Want a SPOT Trainer, Sal. :) )
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As I mentioned at another thread, I'm surprised to see somewhat of a renaissance taking place for Spyderco's classic knives after years of people being into the custom collaborations.

Everyone seems to dig the oldies but improved goodies like the Delica, Endura, and - for me - the Police. Their popularity seems to be gaining momentum again.
 
Don't worry Don, its seeing use.

People already know to run when I tell them "check this out" and they see me reaching for a pocket.

For some reason people don't like it when a knife, V-gar or surefire flashlight come out...

Go figure...
 
I'm with Don Rearic on the SPOT Trainer. It is, after all, a knife designed with self-protection in mind, so a dedicated trainer makes a lot of sense.
 
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