As of the time of recording, these K390 Wharncliffe knives are still in stock from various retailers, but Spyderco has discontinued them (the Endura, Endela, and Delica), so get one while you can.
Pretty good video. Lots of comparisons. I like Wharncliffe blades. If not skinning out, they seem best! I had no idea of all these discontinued models! I'm very happy for getting a Wharncliffe Endela in K390. I have a KnifeCenter Endela and it's a huge favorite! The back of the handle has so much polished stainless steel. The balance and tough laminated HAP 40 make this folder so inviting that it's almost CRAZY. I guess it won't be made again, but I only had one other HAP 40 Spyderco so I had so much trouble getting anything in HAP 40 that I'm glad to get a really great version of Endela in it! Totally happy with KnifeCenter exclusive Endela...it's pretty much the ultimate knife to EDC.! The straight spine Stretch II is the best ergonomic Spyderco I have experience with. I love that it's not all belly n had that straight portion of the edge. I'm glad they did it in K 390 before they abandoned that model in favor of Stretch II XL which isn't half as good in ergonomics . With as many models and different versions that Spyderco does, the numbers game says they have odds of producing incredibly appealing knives here n there. I wish they were doing as many Fixed Blade knives. I'm glad for what models I have been able to score. I'm looking forward to UK Prn knife, one in SPY 27 and one in Magnacut. Also the hornet Magnacut Paramilitary II..
But why discontinue something so good. They keep the stuff nobody cares for in regular production but discontinue stuff like this. They also should have a pm2, and pm3, and manix in s90v regularly available not just in the high end models and cf native. I like spyderco alote but they don't always make sense.
I received my K390 wharncliffe Endela two weeks ago & I noticed right away that the lock bar doesn't sit fully flush in the open position it sticks out a little bit & my four Delicas + Endura it sits perfectly flush. Does your Endela have this too & is it something to worry about? I tried getting a glimpse of yours & other reviewers but couldn't tell nobody angles it to where I can see if the lock bar on theirs is fully flush or not. I know it's not a counterfeit because I bought from a trusted seller.
The lock bar is flush on mine but I have an older Spyderco Native lockback which has a protruding lock bar. It doesn’t seem to cause any problems except aesthetically.
I can understand streamlining the model range, but TBH I'd consider dropping color options for the Delica and Endura, or eliminating silly Manbug / Ladybug products, before I dropped legit blade options for the mainstay Seki Spydercos. That said, I don't understand why many would choose a Delica, Endela, or Endura. The 50/50 front choil options like the Dragonfly 2 or Stretch 2 are just better in ergonomics. If you had a limited knife budget, would you choose the K390 Wharncliffe Endela, or the K390 Stretch 2? Most of you chose the Stretch 2, and you weren't wrong for doing so. I have a number of Spydercos, all have 50/50 front choils, and the best working knives are the Stretch 2 and Dragonfly 2 Wharncliffe, both in K390.
Tough call. Me personally? I’d buy both. I guess that’s not a very helpful answer to your question, though. If you’re routinely going to be cutting a lot of material, I’d go with the k390. If you only use the knife occasionally I’d go with the s30v, which will stay clean (no rust).
The Delica has a thinner blade stock and is slicier. It’s better for things like breaking down cardboard. The Endela is a bit longer and has better ergonomics for most hands.
