Looking for advice

C

Charlie_K

Joined
Jul 16, 2012
Messages
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Recently I've started looking at the budget Spyderco models like the Tenacious, Ambitious and Persistence. But before I pull the trigger and buy one, I'd like to know from owners what to expect. Do any of these models stick out for comparative durability over the others? Are any more prone to blade wobble from repeated use? Is any particular model more likely to suffer stripped out clip screws than the others?
 
I just picked up my first China made Spyderco Tenacious last week and have to say it exceeded my expectations. There are some quality issues but nothing that would prohibit using it as any other Spyderco. The blade is just a bit off center, lock-up is at 75% or better, clip is way too tight and the finish on the clip is a little sloppy. But for a sub $40 knife it's really well built and after adjusting the clip it'll get some pocket time.
As far as the clip screws, they are actually larger and have more material on the Torx head than other Spydies so no worries about stripping. On the other hand the screws in the body are a little weak, or maybe I just got a fluke, but one head just popped right off when I was removing it. No big deal, I disassembled the knife and removed the rest of the screw and replaced it with another.
I would recommend this knife.
 
Ambitious, Tenacious, Persistence. I have not owned any of these. But I have handled a friends Tenacious quite a bit. I've often been shocked how he abuses it. It is a nice knife. All three have the same quality of construction. I'd recommend the one that is the right size for you and your purposes.
 
The only real difference is blade size.
For the price they are all very well made and the steel is an excellent choice for a hard working EDC blade.
 
I keep the Tenacious and Ambitious in my tool box as working knives. I don't abuse them, but I don't baby them either. And I don't cry if I get a few dings in their edges (this isn't the same reaction if I were to chip the highly polished edge of my Caly Jr. ZDP...:eek:)

I find that I need to sharpen them more often than some of the more expensive steels, but they take a good edge and keep it a reasonable amount of time. They certainly hold their edge as long as stock Buck, Case, or Gerber knives at a similar price point...

TedP
 
This is my blue G-10 Persistence and of all my Spydie's it gets the most use since I don't care if it gets dinged up. It's just the right size for me, light, sharp and easy to resharpen. For a budget blade it has exceeded my expectations, a great bang for your buck blade and one of my favorites.

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I own the same Persistence with Blue G-10. Its an excellent knife for the money. The size is perfect for EDC use. Im getting the standard black G-10 model to be my daily beater. Don't shy away from it being China made as Spyderco enforces excellent quality control proyocol. Chinese steel isn't exotic but its flexible and easy to sharpen. For hard use expect the blade to dull quicker than your VG-10 or S30V. Overall you get a ton more from this knife than the $36 you pay for.
 
Have had a Tenacious for several years now (paid $28 I think). Excellent quality, it is my farm, work jeans knife and does whatever I ask it to do. To me the size is perfect the ergonomics very good and it lives up to its name..

Tom
 
Charlie, I haven't seen anybody mention this, but they are basically the same knife just made in different sizes. The Tenacious came first, and it had HUGE success, so Soyderco released the Ambitious, Persistence, and Resilience. They all use the same steel, have identical construction, and quality levels. I have all four, and they are a great value for the price. I've had mine for a couple of years, and they have held up well.



Think of them as the Three..... Um, Four Bears. One might be to big, one might be too small, but one will be just right.
 
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