Kershaw Skyline vs. Spyderco Tenacious? (probably done to death on BF)

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Ecchi-Spud

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Apr 16, 2015
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Yes, I recognize that this topic may have been done to death on these Boards (haven't spotted any, but it's possible I missed a recent thread).

Okay, I'm still relatively new to all of this. In checking out the boards, online reviews, and YT vids, trying to pick "that first blade" to get started, two knives that frequently get mentioned with high praise (at modest budget -- say, under $50) are the Kershaw Skyline and the Spyderco Tenacious. And by looking at the specs for both knives, one might have some trouble deciding between one and the other. So maybe someone (who has had both -- or still has them) might have some thoughts about why they prefer one or the other -- HELP!!!

-OR- some thoughts on why it's a good idea to get BOTH knives (actually, THIS is where I'm at; already have the Skyline -- and I'm enjoying it -- but I also wonder if maybe the Tenacious should also be added to my nascent collection).
 
I have them both and they are both good values. The Skyline is much lighter, easier to EDC in that is disappears in pocket. I like flippers but find the Skyline kinda tough to flip open reliably, maybe because the blade is light. The Tenacious is more substantial, definitely feels more solid in hand. It has no choil or ricasso so some people have cut themselves on it because they are accustomed to stopping the closing blade with their thumb close to the pivot.

I like the liner lock, Spyderco has tons of locks but lots of mid-locks which I'm not so crazy for. If you don't mind the lock another good basic Spyderco is the Delica, a bit in between the Skyline and Tenacious in size/weight.
 
The Tenacious is a solid knife, but the Skyline is really remarkable for the price. I like 14C28N quite a bit, whereas 8Cr13MoV is merely par for the course. The fit and finish on both are great for the pricepoint. Where the Skyline really shines, for me at least, is the dimensions - it's thinner, slimmer, and lighter than the Tenacious, which, while comfortable, is brickish in pocket compared to the Skyline. There's also the fact that I love flippers. If you're not a fan of flippers, you might like being able to choke up a bit closer to the blade on the Tenacious.

Honestly, I don't think anything can really touch the Skyline at that price-point at the moment. The new Byrd Raven that Spyderco announced, though, might give it a run for it's money depending on what the street price ends up looking like on that thing.
 
Essentially Skyline for light-duty tasks and for a extremely light and slim EDC flipper.
Tenacious for a fairly solid no-nonsense EDC with a good edge-to-handle ratio.

Personal experience from around 2006-2007:
Lock strength might be moot for EDC usage however I found the detent on my Tenacious a little too weak (opened up several times in a bag) and was not easily adjustable for a beginner without damaging the very thin PB washers. The same could be said of the Skyline but the washers are more robust and handled my inexperienced tinkering better. If not tinkering/full disassemble ignore this.

So for the sweet spot in pivot adjustment to allow proper detent and smooth opening/flipping action, invest in a small tube of Loc-Tite and a quality Torx multi-screwdriver now rather than later for these two knives. Should run an extra 20-25 dollars and well worth it.
 
I'd pick the Tenacious, myself. Had a Skyline, but I gifted it to my dad. Even better though, I'd just get a Delica and call it a day. :D
 
Ecchi-Spud said:
-OR- some thoughts on why it's a good idea to get BOTH knives (actually, THIS is where I'm at; already have the Skyline -- and I'm enjoying it -- but I also wonder if maybe the Tenacious should also be added to my nascent collection).
Click to expand...

I don't have either but based on the fact that you stated that your collection is going to be growing, I think that
if you've got the spare cash you should definitely try out that spyderco. If it's in the price range you prefer and
you like the looks of it, which I think it's a nice looking knife, give it a try. You might be very pleasantly surprised
and turn into a spyderco convert, or opposite of that, you will have tried something different and further refined
your tastes for future purchases.
 
The Tenacious takes up more room in your pocket, so I must tip my hat to Kershaw on this one. If the Skyline is made with Sandvik steel then I also have to bow in the direction of Kershaw factory. I have had very good luck with that blade steel. I like it.

I owned a Tenacious in the past and found it to be a great knife for the money. Have never found a Spyderco that I like the feel of more than the Tenacious. Fit my hand perfectly. So well in fact that it is the knife that I use to judge all of their models. I could only find two complaints with the darn thing. First, it took up way to much pocket real estate. This was my biggest complaint. Secondly, the quality of the steel was lacking. It wasn't bad. I just wanted better steel than the Tenacious offered. After owning the Tenacious, I can see why some people become Spyderco junkies.
 
The Skyline was my main EDC until I got a Spyderco Native and then the Spyderco Delica which I now EDC almost exclusively.

I found the Tenacious just a bit too big and heavy (4.1oz vs 2.5 for Skyline and Delica).
 
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I have 7 different Spyderco knives, but I don't own the Tenacious. This is due to the fact that my first Spyderco was the Delica 4 (one of my favorite EDC's).

On the flip side the Skyline is the only Kershaw I collect. I have 3 of them, and as many have stated for EDC the size and weight is amazing.

Not really an answer to your question, but I would forego the Tenacious and look at the Delica 4 vs the Skyline. Either would make an excellent EDC.
 
I too, skipped the Tenacious in favor of the Delica. Also, the Benchmade 531 is as thin and light as the Skyline, but it's much cooler. :D :D
 
They're both only just ok in my book. The tenacious is too chunky to edc and fit and finish is only so so. Mine came with stripped screws. It's really a chunky edc.

The Skyline has a horrible pocket clip and the bottom part of the scale is decorative and a waste of space.

Both brands have way better knives for just a little more.
 
The skyline has been my edc for about 6 years now and I love it. I've since bought 5 more skylines and after "borrowing" it for a week my dad has bought 5 or 6 of them. I really like the tenacious also but prefer the skyline for its steel and weight.
 
:eek: YIKES!! What have I done here? ;)

Didn't really give much consideration to the Delica at first, but only because of the price point (over the $50 -- but, if you look around, not TOO much more). Certainly one to consider (how does VG-10 steel compare to 14C28N?). Still haven't ruled out the Tenacious; like Leftytwogunz put it, it's something to try out -- and, if I wind up liking it, pursue other Spydercos (FYI, that Skyline has certainly gotten me interested in other Kershaws).
 
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I like VG-10. It's easy to sharpen/maintain, and I can get a razor's edge on it with my Sharpmaker. I believe it's an upgrade from both previously mentioned steels.

Just remember you can get the Skyline in S30V and Damascus!
 
lcsmith84 said:
Just remember you can get the Skyline in S30V and Damascus!
Click to expand...

You can? I did not know that.

So, you know what that means don't you?

Skyline with Sandvik = Your EDC/loaner/beater knife.

Skyline with S30V= Your folder for serious stuff.

Skyline with Damascus= Your dress knife.

Why even consider the Spyderco?:thumbdn:
 
Just skip lunch for the week and buy the tenacious...or buy it for nearly half price on the exchange.
 
lcsmith84 said:
Ecchi-Spud said:
(how does VG-10 steel compare to 14C28N?)
Click to expand...
I like VG-10. It's easy to sharpen/maintain, and I can get a razor's edge on it with my Sharpmaker. I believe it's an upgrade from both previously mentioned steels.
Click to expand...
Agree. VG-10 is 'better'. Takes and holds a very sharp edge and in a full-flat grind blade makes a fantastic slicer.



Just remember you can get the Skyline in S30V and Damascus!
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You can't get a Skyline in S30V for $50. Closer to $100. Damascus will run $75.

Keep an eye on the Knife Exchange here. There's always Delica's going up for sale in the $50 range.
 
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ON A SIDE NOTE (deviating from the Tenacious): I know some are saying "go for the Delica." By extension (since I'm seeing it for a few dollars more -- cue the music), how about the Endura?
 
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