Help me decide which Knife fits me

S

seanuhthin

Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
362
My EDC tasks usually revolve around simple things like cutting tape to break down boxes and cutting other weak things like plastic wraps and such. There will be the occasional tough material I need to cut but I am sure most things will handle it.

Like most of you I prefer not to use serrations, I like just PLAIN EDGE. Serrations are a hassle to sharpen and I just plain out never have a task that calls for that.

When it comes to style of opening, I prefer regular fold, but I equally love assisted, ESPECIALLY KERSHAW STYLE ONES. I like automatics, only they tend to be most expensive, and EDC doesn't really call for the flashiness.

So any other questions? I love spyderco, and I love the Cento 3 and the Tenacious but I just cant quite decide. Right now I am leaning towards the Cento,

but please, if another company has a better deal, please do tell!:thumbup: spend around 100- 120??? maybe lower maybe higher.
 
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how much are you lookin to spend? that will def narrow down the search. im assuming you are looking in the neighborhood of 30-60 bucks based on your choices. either of those will suit you well also take a look at the delica/endura, salt series, or grip/mini grip
 
If you like assisted opening and don't mind a larger sized knife, the Kershaw G10 Tyrade is a great deal.

They won't be around for long, so get one while you can.

KS1850G10SWa.jpg
 
The first thing Clint Smith tells a class is that every hand is the same, and none of them are the same.

You really have to get your paws on some to see what works for you.
 
I will edit that. 30 to 60 would be great in anyone's opinion but when it comes right down to it your paying for what you are getting, and if I want a good knife I have to spend some time saving up. I will say, ehhhh around 100, maybe 120? but that's about it.
 
The Buck Vantage Pro for $45. Nice premium S30V steel and G-10 handles with steel liners and a liner lock.

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Or the Tenacious (or smaller Persistence) if you like Spydercos. I love mine. A great high-value knife also.

Also, check out the Zero Tolerance ZT0350 and the ZT0350KW.
 
I have the Centofante 3 in my lap right now. Truly great knife, It is really under hyped. Blade shape is gorgeous, It has a really thin blade which equates to a very sharp edge plus, it is hollow ground. The smooth FRN is wonderful, it feels great and looks great, it doesn't feel plasticy or cheap whatsoever. The inlaid silver spyder bug is a great touch. The lock back is strong and I have no vertical or side to side play. I say you'd be making a great decision if you get this knife. May i also recommend picking up a full spyder edge dragon fly or lady bug? You said you occasionally had a tough material to cut through and they're great for that. Don't toss the idea of a full spyder edge away, the have insane cutting ability and when you have a sharpmaker, can be easier to sharpen then pe knives.
 
The centofante is really nice. Carries slim, really light, fits nice in the hand and the thin blade cuts really nice. Its quite aesthetically pleasing IMO and seems to be one of spyderco's more underrated designs
 
Well, no matter what, you cannot go wrong with a spyderco. They simply cannot be beat and in my opinion are they best production folders out there. That doesn't mean I don't love other companies, I just love how Spyderco executes their knives and designs.
 
@ Heiheit- Thanks for that review, and I will definitely look into the ladybug. The only thing that has been keeping me from the Cento is the term "gentlemen s folder". That knives look is outstanding and the last thing I want to hear from people is that its just another pretty face...
 
Does anyone know if their is a big difference in blade steel between the cento and the tenacious? how about handle material?
 
seanuhthin said:
@ Heiheit- Thanks for that review, and I will definitely look into the ladybug. The only thing that has been keeping me from the Cento is the term "gentlemen s folder". That knives look is outstanding and the last thing I want to hear from people is that its just another pretty face...
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Yeah, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Everyone would call it a "gentleman's folder". It aint no prissy knife, though. Its a good size too, I'd say medium. It's a great EDC and great to look and. Its a great blade. I can never have just one knife on me though, i usually carry 3-4 spydies on me at all times. This usually lives in my left front pocket. Fit and finish is extraordinary.

Regarding steels. VG-10 is noticeably higher quality steel than 8Cr13MoV. I've found that both hold a razor edge very well, VG-10 just lasts longer. They're both easy to sharpen. I'd say 8Cr13MoV is a good steel, but VG-10 is a great steel.

Also, the centofante has an FRN handle. It's a polymer that is very stong and light. The FRN in the centofante is executed differently though. It is smooth as opposed to textured. You need to hold one to know what I'm saying. The centofante handle is incredible IMO. It is extremely solid and doesnt feel like any plastic.

The tenacious has a g10 handle which is epoxy impregnated fiberglass. It is just as strong and sturdy and has great texturing that is smooth but grippy. It feels very secure due to the metal liners.
 
Heiheit said:
Yeah, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Everyone would call it a "gentleman's folder". It aint no prissy knife, though. Its a good size too, I'd say medium. It's a great EDC and great to look and. Its a great blade. I can never have just one knife on me though, i usually carry 3-4 spydies on me at all times. This usually lives in my left front pocket. Fit and finish is extraordinary.

Regarding steels. VG-10 is noticeably higher quality steel than 8Cr13MoV. I've found that both hold a razor edge very well, VG-10 just lasts longer. They're both easy to sharpen. I'd say 8Cr13MoV is a good steel, but VG-10 is a great steel.
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And I am sure I won't mind the FRN. The design actually looks quite comfortable. The lack of G-10 hardly bothers me. I have to say, if they remade this into a 154cm with varieties of G-10, FRN, and Stainless or even titanium, I would be a lifetime costumer. The over all design is amazing and I just wish every spyderco knife had that spyder logo on the handles. What a trademark that would be...
 
seanuhthin said:
Does anyone know if their is a big difference in blade steel between the cento and the tenacious? how about handle material?
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Handle material on the Tenacious is medium quality G-10. It doesn't have the chalky feeling of Golden G-10, but is decently grippy. It is definitely more grippy than the flat FRN handle of the Centofante. However, Considering your tasks, I don't think that that should matter.

Blade material is VG-10 for the Centofante3, and the Tenacious has 8Cr13MoV. The steel on the Tenny has been compared to AUS-8. The steel is better on the Centofante3, as VG-10 can take a superb edge and hold it quite a bit longer than AUS-8. Considering that you cut a lot of boxes, it'll probably be annoying sharpening the Tenacious that often.

That being said, I don't think that you can go wrong with either. They're both great values (I think the Cento is around $45-55 and the Tenacious around $35) and would make great choices for edc blades.
 
I thought i wouldn't be a fan of FRN but spyderco has really great stuff. Feels really sturdy and not plasticly. It is quite ergonomic indeed. I have large hands and its great for me. I agree with you on every point. I've heard talk of this model being discontinued,though. I love the spyder on the handle, spyderco for life mate! :p
 
I sure hope it doesn't get discontinued. They would have to remake it because of all the Riots there would be on the streets!
 
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