Tenacious vs. Catbyrd

[Y.T.]

After years of using my bf's Spyderco I'd like to get one of my own for an EDC. I just need an all-purpose folder, nothing specialized at this point. Something to use for camping, bugout, general "I need to open something" knife. The standard Spyderco lines are out of my price range right now so I've been looking at the entry point knives.

I've settled on the Byrd Catbyrd or the Spyderco Tenacious (pics & info below). I've read good reviews on both. Both come in combo edge, use the same blade material with a similar blade size and thickness. The blade shape, handle shape and handle material differ somewhat. The only key differences I can find between the two is the jimping and option for point-down carry on the Tenacious.

I'm not clear how the blade and handle differences affect use and performance. I'd appreciate any advice you may have.



Byrd Catbyrd:
- $46.95
- clip-point blade
- 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
- flat grind
- looks like a small bevel of some kind on back of the blade
- integral LinerLock (Chris Reeves design)
- blade length 3 9/16" (90mm)
- blade thickness 1/8" (3mm)


Spyderco Tenacious:
- $49.95
- leaf-shaped blade
- 8Cr13Mov stainless steel
- flat grind
- textured spine jimping
- Walker LinerLock
- blade length 3 3/8" (86mm)
- blade thickness 1/8" (3mm)

[Ram0283]

Don't have a catbyrd, but do have a Tenacious and would probably be the better choice. Has a larger surface on the liner's "unlock", so it would be alot easier to push in to unlock the blade. Also has the G-10, so its lighter in weight(1.4oz lighter). As far as jimping goes, the tenacious's jimping is more rounded and spread out, but isn't a problem because of how high up the back of the blade goes over the handle. So my choice would be the tenacious for sure. Oh and don't forget to search ebay before you buy, I got my Tenacious for about $30 new.

[The Mastiff]

They are both really excellent choices and well worth the money asked for in them. About all I can add is to try to actually handle them both before you buy as your feel and comfort will ultimately decide wether you carry and use it, or end up leaving at home in a drawer wasting your hard earned money.

To me, The tenacious is a bit more ergonomic, while the frame lock catbyrd is a bit tougher, yet still comfortable.

That's with my hands, and everyone differs in what is comfortable to them.

Mechanicly, they are both more than worth what's asked for them. They're really great deals in the knife world, and great choices either way you go. Joe

[yablanowitz]

Welcome to this forum as well, Y.T. :D

Of these two, I would go with the Tenacious, especially if you prefer combo edge. In a CE, edge length is helpful, as a short edge gives rise to the "not enough of either" complaint that some of us tend to voice when asked. The Tenacious lacks the finger choil of the Catbyrd, so the cutting edge of the blade is longer.

[jzmtl]

I would choose tenacious, for I dislike stainless steel handle knives. Also tenacious looks better.

[SimpleIsGood229]

Welcome to Spydieville!

I had a Tenacious, and was very impressed by what I got, for what I paid ($36). As far as Tenacious vs. Catbyrd, I think it's entirely user preference. The grinds, blade thickness, and blade alloy are the same. Quality should be the same. If you can't decide, get both! :D

The bevel on the back of the blade is a swedge. Purely cosmetic.

[Y.T.]

thanks all for the quick and helpful responses. :)

About all I can add is to try to actually handle them both before you buy as your feel and comfort will ultimately decide wether you carry and use it, or end up leaving at home in a drawer wasting your hard earned money.

Unfortunately, there are very few Spyderco dealers in my area and most have a very limited selection. I haven't been able to find anyone who carries the Byrd series to try them first. Looks like I'm internet-only for this purchase. But I've read such good things about them that I'm not worried. :)

Welcome to this forum as well, Y.T.

hi. :) yeah, I realized I should probably pop over here and see what folks had to say.

The bevel on the back of the blade is a swedge. Purely cosmetic.

thanks. :) it was so small I wasn't sure.

[Fred Sanford]

I've not used a Catbyrd but I have 2 Tenacious. They are great knives. Even just looking at them and not holding them I prefer the Tenacious. I prefer the ability to move the clip on the Tenacious and also the fact that the back of the blade (the tang) is not exposed when the knife is closed. I also like G10 handles more than SS + whatever. I think they are probably both really close knives and will both hold up well. My preference is for the Tenacious.

Oh and.....welcome to the forum.

Cheers :)

[Y.T.]

doh! don't know how I missed the previous thread on these two. sorry about that.
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31906

quick question... wondering if any of you feel the Tenacious is best suited to a plain or serrated edge? I know individual preferences vary, but I was wondering if you felt the design of the knife was intended for one over the other. :)

[SimpleIsGood229]

Again, I'd say it's all about your personal preference. Being full-flat ground, it is a very nice PE slicer. Having a SE one for a while, I can tell you that the SE version is a sweet cutter, too.

What sorts of materials do you cut on an everyday basis?

[jzmtl]

Depends on what you want to cut. There are a few applications where SE is better but most of the time PE is.

[bladese97]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder:I don't own any Bryd knives, but I have 2 Tenacious's, and they Kick some SERIOUS @$$, and are extremely affordable, and are a high valued knife for the price :cool:

[tap]

I just need an all-purpose folder, nothing specialized at this point. Something to use for camping, bugout, general "I need to open something" knife. ........... Both come in combo edge, )

quick question... wondering if any of you feel the Tenacious is best suited to a plain or serrated edge? I know individual preferences vary, but I was wondering if you felt the design of the knife was intended for one over the other. :)

CE. Nothing says "All purpose folder" like a CE. I don't care if the blade is one inch long or four inches long, a CE does everything. Just watch those fingers at closing time.

[Y.T.]

I'd be using it for a variety of materials: rope, plastic, wood, cardboard, webbing. I've read that the flat grind is well suited for a serrated edge, and since the Tenacious seems like such a workhorse I thought the addition of a serrated edge would be a plus. I have a plain edge fixed blade (around 4"), so I also thought a serrated (or combo) would be good for versatility between the two. But figured I'd ask in case adding the serration would be trying to make the knife something other than what it was meant for. (I'm still learning about all this complicated knife stuff )

re: combo edge, I've done some reading on it and I can see the argument that on a small blade you end up with a situation where don't have enough of the plain nor the serrated edge to be helpful. But I've also read how the two edge types can work together if you use it properly, particularly for slicing since the serrated edge does the work of starting the cut on a difficult surface then the plain edge finishes with a clean cut.

Though honestly it sounds like the knives are so well made that I really can't chose the "wrong" edge or the "wrong" knife. :) Thanks again to everyone for being so helpful.

[vivi]

I think either would satisfy you. I'd personally go with the Tenacious for the following reasons:

-4 way clip (The Catbyrd works for me since I use RH TU but it's nice knowing I can switch my folder for left hand carry)
-G10 Handles (Better grip and they don't get cold in the winter)
-Round hole (Byrd hole is perfectly functional, but the round hole feels better in use to me)
-Lighter


The Catbyrd has a few advantages itself, such as having being thinner in the pocket, having a slightly smoother draw and being cheaper to purchase.

You can find some info on each here, though my Catbyrd review is unfinished and my Tenacious review was written long ago and needs re-written...

http://metalx.org/raum/articles.html

[Nemo3000]

Hello,

both knives are just great.

Things I love about the Tenacious
-the edge length/handle ratio at its maximum.
-the G10 grip

Things I love about the catbyrd:
-the incredibly strong lock.
-the choil.

(Now I would love to see a special edition by Spyderco
with titanium handles and a round hole. And any steel !)

I use my Catbyrd as my EDC for quite a long time now...
(since november)
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.p ... post462691
I have some scratches on the handle but nothing serious.
The CatByrd has been cleaned mostly in soap and water and the full steel contruction asked for some oil on a monthly basis.
The 8cr13MoV steel is soon going to be a classic of the workhorse steel.
Not brittle, rustproof and easy to maintain sharp as a razor.
I luv' it. (My Cara Cara is on hold since...)

cheers
Nemo

cheers
Nemo

[v8r]

I have both, and If I where you I would go with the Tenacious.I have a Catbyrd also ,and the blade was bent on it from the factory.I'm guessing it was warped form heat.Every Catbyrd I have seen has been warped ( 3 knives besides mine)I have since straightened the blade on it and like it very much,but every Tenacious I have seen has been very nice.I might also add a few other knives to list Byrd Cara Cara G10 , and Flight if you don't mind back locks.I have a SS Flight ,and have two buddies that have G10 Cara caras and they all lock tight as a bank vault when open.Absolutely zero blade play in either of them.Welcome to the forum. :)

[THG]

You probably get more cutting edge on the Tenacious, too.

[monkeyboy]

i don't know anything about the Catbyrd.
the tenacious is a fine knife and the blade steel is excellent.
i am very satisfied with the Tenacious.

your call
my choice is the Tenacious.
buzz

[monkeyboy]

WOW,
my first post
all good
buzz
oh crap, this is my second post