Tenacious: A real Spyderco

[philwar]

Recently there was a thread asking what's the point of the Byrd line, and the debate included the comment that the Tenacious wasn't really a Spyderco. The main argument for this comment was basically price. The Tenacious is very affordable, very inexpensive (I refuse to use the word 'cheap' in this context for obvious reasons).

I disagree with this sentiment. The Tenacious is very much a Spyderco, and here's why: it has everything in common with every other Spyderco. It has excellent F&F, it has a Spyderhole, it comes razor sharp, it has the blade shape most common for Spyderco, it functions and works like a Spyderco, in other words, it meets the Duck requirements, it looks, walks and quacks like a Spyderco.

Except for two things. It costs way less than most other Spyderco's.
And the blade is made of an inexpensive steel. (one follows from the other)

So if those two are what distinguishes it from a Manix or a Caly, are we really saying that if the Tenacious used VG-10, THEN it would be a REAL Spyderco, but now it isn't? If you didn't know what steel it used, would you ever be able to tell it apart from a more expensive model?

I used this little folder for some serious carpet shredding today, and it is VERY true to its name. Spyderco TENACIOUS. A real Spyderco.

 

[tuffthumbz]

i agree 100%

 

[Steven Andrews]

I just wish it was a lock back.

 

[Charlie Mike]

I just wish it was a lock back.

I agree. I favor the Byrd G10 Cara Cara if I were to pick any of Sal's "budget" knives.

 

[PropThePolecat]

Agree, its a fantastic knife for the price...and i like it as it is, with the linerlock.

 

[softrockrenegade]

i like the tenacious as a beater ( i have 2 of them)but it really isnt on par with most spyderco knives as far as fit and finish ! look at the grinding on the blade.. every tenacious I have seen looks like it was flatground by a kid with his dads belt sander!! its all wavy and uneven!! now this doesnt impact its performance but its the only spyderco I have ever seen this on. if spyderco insists on making blades in china at least keep em hollow ground cause despite the 10 cents a day pay they cant mess that grind up!!

 

[*jijoel*]

Sal Glesser told that all made in China spyderco knives were planned to get the Byrd name.
So a cheaper line of spyderco with different name.


For some reason Spyderco did not hold on to these "plans" and we got the made in China Spyderco's.

They were probably designed as Byrd Tenacious but.

Maybe someone knows to locate the exact topic were Sal is telling about this.

But i have to say i would rather buy a made in China Spyderco than a made in China Byrd.

 

[philwar]

every tenacious I have seen looks like it was flatground by a kid with his dads belt sander!! its all wavy and uneven!!

Mine is perfect.

 

[Chris Pierce]

So if those two are what distinguishes it from a Manix or a Caly, are we really saying that if the Tenacious used VG-10, THEN it would be a REAL Spyderco, but now it isn't? If you didn't know what steel it used, would you ever be able to tell it apart from a more expensive model?

Yes, I can.


ALso, the three I have owned have been perfect. Just like every other spyderco product I have handled.

 

[Slowstarter]

Well... I think the BM Vex is a better knife than the Tenacious. A little sturdier and a little better design. But that´s just me!

 

[singularity35]

I have a tenacious and a persistence and they both are hair splitting sharp and slice like demons. They sure feel like spydies to me.

 

[bodgermike]

I am the proud and impressed owner for a Persistence and that little knife has been in my pocket, while not at work, (I'm a teacher) for months. I've read and viewed a lot of the disrespect that these two Chinese made knives have received over those months, and have decided that the main reason for it is right there: Chinese made. Frankly, I don't care where the tool is made, as long as it functions as expected. The Persistence has done the standard cutting of paper and packages, rope and leather with ridiculous ease. It serves as a marking knife in woodworking and a backup in the woods. I've added a cable tie to it and enjoyed my first experience with a waved folder. It's a fun little knife, it does its job, and it didn't cost the equivalent of a mortgage payment. Enlightened human beings judge people on who they prove themselves to be not where they're from. Our choice and opinions of tools that are as important and personal as our carry knives reflect this far more important issue. Sorry I rambled on: occupational hazard.

 

[wongKI]

I agree. For the price, that knife is unbelievable. I do wish it was a lockback as well.

 

[MassMatt]

I agree the Tenacious is a bargain; very solid feel and damned good cutter. This was my first flat ground knife and I like it; as far as the grind goes mine was not mirror polished but ground well--a good utilitarian grind IMO. And I actually PREFER liner locks to lockbacks, I find them far more natural to use and can work them one-handed much better than a lockback. I suppose the lockback might be stronger but I've never had a liner fail me. I wish Spyderco made more liner locks, the lockback seems like their most common choice. Maybe less expensive to make?

 

[kawr]

Tenacious :thumbup:

Totally agree that you wont be able to find a better performing knife for 30 dollars than this little monster.

 

[kawr]

i like the tenacious as a beater ( i have 2 of them)but it really isnt on par with most spyderco knives as far as fit and finish ! look at the grinding on the blade.. every tenacious I have seen looks like it was flatground by a kid with his dads belt sander!! its all wavy and uneven!! now this doesnt impact its performance but its the only spyderco I have ever seen this on. if spyderco insists on making blades in china at least keep em hollow ground cause despite the 10 cents a day pay they cant mess that grind up!!

My old Tenacious had an ugly grind on it but the newer one I got a few months ago is just about perfect. Pretty much solid F&F all around now. Gotta love Spyderco's constant quality control and always fixing and improving their designs whenever they can.

 

[singularity35]

And I actually PREFER liner locks to lockbacks, I find them far more natural to use and can work them one-handed much better than a lockback. I suppose the lockback might be stronger but I've never had a liner fail me.

IMHO, liner locks are totally sufficient for most EDC tasks.

 

[goodeyesniper]

IMHO, liner locks are totally sufficient for most EDC tasks.

They're absolutely more than sufficient. I'd bet my grandpa worked his thin bladed, slipjoint Trapper harder than most people on this forum who are in the market for "heavy duty" knives.

Though I know he snapped a few tips But seriously, knowing how to use a folder makes 99% of the "but that lock suuucks" argument moot.

The tenacious is an absolute hoot. I personally would not be able to tell the difference in quality between my Tenacious and several MUCH more expensive spydies with the same materials (other than steel) the fit and finish is excellent, it has a great heft to it, without being too bulky. The g10 is superb, and really everything was done perfectly.

 

[Hitzy]

I'm looking forward to the flat grind Byrds....

 

[Jake Bauer]

the "ugly grind" comment is the oldest tenacious condemning critique in the book. Mine's a little ugly too but who the crap cares? it slices like a demon and it just works. It's priced to be a beater so its gunna get messed up anyway and therefore doesnt need to look perfect.