New spyderco choice

Earl1

Earl1

Joined
May 11, 2016
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460
I am looking for some opinions about budget spydercos. I've collected knives for years and carried knives since I was 5. I have had to begin to carry more modern folders because of my hands shaking alot as a result of seizures. I have a griptillian that I really like a truly great all purpose knife. It's not the best slicer though. I've had several kershaw but have sold them all except a couple.
I've never owned a spyderco but the design interests me. The full flat grind is something I know is a great slicer. I am wondering about opinion. Or experience about the efficient, persistence,and tenacious. I have looked at the manix 2 as well. The manix is out of my price range for now but the others are ones I may afford soon.
Any experience or thoughts are greatly appreciated.
 
I strongly advise saving up for the Manix. It's one of the best cutting tools available.

I have owned a Spyderco Tenacious, and, while it is a fine knife, there are currently better deals in the price range (Ontario Rat in D2 comes to mind). The Tenacious used to be king of the ~$40 price point, but, at the end of the day, it's not quite the Spyderco level of quality that has made the brand famous - and the 8Cr13MoV steel hardly holds a candle to S30V.
 
So long as you enjoy the look and feel of Spyderco , it's hard to go wrong with any of the above . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
The Tenacious is considered one of the best budget / entry level Spydercos out there, so everybody is gonna be happy to endorse that for the most part. I have one as well (misplaced it for the moment :mad:) but it's a pretty good knife overall. I think you should mainly consider what lock type you favor since you can have something from Spyderco in any flavor.
 
The Endura is a good full flat grind knife in VG10 ... fairly easy to maintain and takes a really good edge ... is a bit longer blade than those you mentioned ... at a good price ... not sure if you want the shorter blade or are open to the bit longer Endura ... I believe

the Manix 2 is one of my favorite Spyderco knives ... but yes it is more expensive ... can be found on the exchange for decent prices depending on your budget.
 
A pm2 or manix2 will feel at least 3x’s better in quality than a tenacious—plus they’re made in the US, so the ~$100 price is more than worth it imo.
 
If you have issues with fine motor control, make sure you can work the lock on the Manix before you buy.

It is a great knife, I have the s110v version and use it for cardboard every day. But the lock requires more control to work than a generic back lock. It’s similar to an axis, with a stronger spring.
 
The China made Spydies (as well as their Byrd line) are a decent introduction to Spyderco without spending too much. Unfortunately, The quality is lacking compared to models even just one tier up in Spyderco's lineup.
It seems you don't want a lockback. Otherwise I would recommend something like a Delica or Endura.
I do think for about $20 more a Polestar or Alcyone would be a much better way to spend your money than anything in the Tenacious lineup..
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
The China made Spydies (as well as their Byrd line) are a decent introduction to Spyderco without spending too much. Unfortunately, The quality is lacking compared to models even just one tier up in Spyderco's lineup.
It seems you don't want a lockback. Otherwise I would recommend something like a Delica or Endura.
I do think for about $20 more a Polestar or Alcyone would be a much better way to spend your money than anything in the Tenacious lineup..
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I have been looking at the polestar and alcyone both. The upgrade in steel is something to consider. I'm sure I'm probably in the minority but I'm not a big fan of super steels. I've had to knives with s30v. And the grip I have now is in 154cm. I think the ctsbd1 may be something I would like. From what I have seen the edge retention co.pared to difficulty to resharpen isn't enough for me to have. I can sharpen a knife pretty well so I don't mind to resharpen a little more . But those are great options and something I am also considering. Thanks for the suggestions. So many choices to choose from anymore it can be minboggling. I remember when each brand offered just a few to choose from
There is so much more available now it is overwhelming at times. That's a good Thing though :)
 
Nothing wrong with the Tenacious, it is a terrific knife especially for the price. The Manix 2 is definitely a step up though. The Manix has S30V steel vs 8cr13mov on the Tenacious. One thing I definitely favor on the Tenacious vs the Manix is the liner lock. The ball-lock locking mechanism on the Manix felt far too stiff. If you are looking for a good slicer, either will fit the bill.
 
I agree with everyone that said to save up for the Manix. My first Spyderco was a Tenacious(a gift), that knife really propelled me into Spyderco's headfirst. I loved it. So the next step was a PM2, I loved that knife as well and my trusty Tenacious got set aside.

After the PM2 I went with a Manix, and to be perfectly honest I snagged an exclusive, but ever since that showed up my PM2 became another knife that just sat around(I don't have the heart to sell my Tenacious or my PM2, though). The Manix is pretty damn perfect if you're ok with carrying a knife of that size.

Just to sell you on it a bit more, here's one of my favorite pictures of mine -

1MHWBrF.jpg
 
McFeeli said:
I agree with everyone that said to save up for the Manix. My first Spyderco was a Tenacious(a gift), that knife really propelled me into Spyderco's headfirst. I loved it. So the next step was a PM2, I loved that knife as well and my trusty Tenacious got set aside.

After the PM2 I went with a Manix, and to be perfectly honest I snagged an exclusive, but ever since that showed up my PM2 became another knife that just sat around(I don't have the heart to sell my Tenacious or my PM2, though). The Manix is pretty damn perfect if you're ok with carrying a knife of that size.

Just to sell you on it a bit more, here's one of my favorite pictures of mine -

1MHWBrF.jpg
Click to expand...
I really like the manix. How dies it feel in pocket. I'm fine with larger knives as long as they carry well. I actually like a knife that fills out my hand very well.
 
Earl1 said:
I really like the manix. How dies it feel in pocket. I'm fine with larger knives as long as they carry well. I actually like a knife that fills out my hand very well.
Click to expand...
It's probably the most ergonomic knife I've ever owned (for my hands anyway: XL gloves). It is, however, a pocket hog.
 
Earl1 said:
I really like the manix. How dies it feel in pocket. I'm fine with larger knives as long as they carry well. I actually like a knife that fills out my hand very well.
Click to expand...

100% what Bilbo said. They really aren't that bad in the pocket compared to some other knives, but they are wide. I carry all my folders in my right front pocket, that's my designated knife pocket, so I usually try to keep it empty.. Except for the knife of course, haha. So the width doesn't affect me hardly at all, in jeans or shorts. If you want to load it with your phone and keys as well, the Manix may not be the best choice, neither is the PM2 or Tenacious really, though.

A lot of people complain about that, but to me it's worth it for the super spectacular ergos the Manix provides. It'd be the knife I'd choose every time if I had to break down a million cardboard boxes. If you have an opportunity to get one in hand before you buy it, I'd really suggest that. Once you hold it I think you'll really see the appeal. Plus you'd be to clip it in your pocket and see if the width is too much, just don't forget to pay for it when you're done, haha.
 
FWIW, the UKPK gets you all of the Golden quality and consistent slicey edge at a significantly cheaper price. I don't know if a lack of a lock is a plus or minus for you though. Using the finger choil it's pretty safe.
 
kniferelatedname said:
FWIW, the UKPK gets you all of the Golden quality and consistent slicey edge at a significantly cheaper price. I don't know if a lack of a lock is a plus or minus for you though. Using the finger choil it's pretty safe.
Click to expand...
I really need one with a lock. That way if my hands begin to shake or tremble I won't accidently close it on my hand. With a lock would be a great choice
 
Earl1 said:
I am looking for some opinions about budget spydercos. I've collected knives for years and carried knives since I was 5. I have had to begin to carry more modern folders because of my hands shaking alot as a result of seizures. I have a griptillian that I really like a truly great all purpose knife. It's not the best slicer though. I've had several kershaw but have sold them all except a couple.
I've never owned a spyderco but the design interests me. The full flat grind is something I know is a great slicer. I am wondering about opinion. Or experience about the efficient, persistence,and tenacious. I have looked at the manix 2 as well. The manix is out of my price range for now but the others are ones I may afford soon.
Any experience or thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
I've got a manix 2 for sale for 80 bucks right now ;);););) Really isnt that huge of a price difference, and the quality is far beyond the spyderco budget line.
 
Earl1 said:
I really like the manix. How dies it feel in pocket. I'm fine with larger knives as long as they carry well. I actually like a knife that fills out my hand very well.
Click to expand...

Just throwing out the suggestion for the Manix 2 Lightweight in BD1. It is abit less expensive than the regular manix 2 I believe. It has the full flat grind and the same great hand filling ergonomics as the standard manix 2.

The knife may feel TOO light for some and they will mistakenly think that it is not a sturdy knife. Infact the manix 2 LW is plenty strong as long as you use it as a knife and not for things like prying.
 
I prefer the tenacious over the Manix. I’ve owned both and the tenacious is the only one still around. More cutting edge in a similar size package and the liner lock is much easier and more intuitive to use. The steel is lower quality but it sharpens easily.
 
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