Help Me Pick My First Spyderco!

[Blerv]

Best fit would be the Military but it's a 4" blade, drop point, and not $70. The PPT or large Lum Chinese G10 might work too but again, it's twice what you want to spend. The Barong and Khukuri are discontinued.

[zunedog31]

Guys I'm completely torn between the Tenacious and the Manix 2.

I like the Manix because of the jimping and super sturdy design. I do not like the blade grind on it because in all honesty it looks generic. I was looking through the 2012 catalog and it shows the blue one with a flatground blade. (C101BL) but I don't think Amazon sells it. Now to the lock. It appears it is very very sturdy but also takes more effort and is more awkward to use then a liner lock. It is a very cool lock however.

I like the Tenacious because of the flatground blade and liner lock. It is also about half the price of the Manix 2.

What are the quality differences between the two? Are they basically the same knife minus the lock and minor design changes? Or can you feel the quality of a Manix compared to these 'value folders'?

In all reality I will most likely keep this knife in my room and flip it open and such when I'm bored. Also I do not have much experience sharpening and most likely will not sharpen the blade.

[-F1]

The Manix2 (original) and Tenacious both have G-10 scales, but the ones on the former are much nicer. They have a lot more grip to them. This will probably cause more wear and tear on your pocket lining, however. The Manix2 has better steel (154CM) versus the Tenacious (8Cr13MoV). The Manix2 has an uber-smooth pivot that is addicting to open and close. It feels just awesome. The Manix2 has a really nice, large, steel-lined lanyard hole. It also weighs quite a bit more (relatively speaking) than the Tenacious. Yes, you can feel (and see) the quality difference. The Tenacious is still a very good knife.

I had a Manix2 briefly (ordered from Amazon), but I returned it as I was not fond of the method of closing. It was too hard on my pathetic, small hands. The blade on the Manix2 also--for whatever reason--didn't seem half as sharp to me as my Stretch blades (which are of VG-10). I didn't do any cutting tests; I am going by "finger bite" alone. When I touch the blades on my Stretches, they feel scary sharp. The Manix2 felt much different--disappointing. The knife absolutely did not look used, though. Maybe I just got a bad unit.

If you don't want to sharpen the blade yourself, you can make use of Spyderco's complimentary sharpening. IIRC, they charge a mere $5 for return shipping. You may want to have at least two knives, of course, so you have one available when you send the other for sharpening.

I'd strongly suggest getting a Tenacious, even if it's relegated to use as a backup for when your primary knife is away for sharpening. Few people regret buying a Tenacious.

[Igi964]

You are comparing two different knives.Tenacious is a value folder made in China and Manix2 is one of the best knives in Spyderco lineup made in Golden Colorado USA Earth.Ball bearing lock is IMHO one of the best locks besides the compresion and bolt action locks.Manix2 is made of quality materials and the 2012 CPM-S30V holow-ground blade is much better than 8Cr13Mov FFG on the Tenacious.The ergonomics and super smooth bushing pivot system on the Manix2 makes it a pleasure to use every day.It is worth every cent you pay extra for it.Or if you want something even better you can easily find Paramilitay2 around 100$ on ebay.That is a real queen of EDC knives.
If you can't decide go to a knife shop try both in your hands and you will clearly seen the different.

[Taonari]

I would say a Manix 2. You can get them for <$75. It is an amazing knife with a great blade shape.

[Drkknight614]

In all reality I will most likely keep this knife in my room and flip it open and such when I'm bored. Also I do not have much experience sharpening and most likely will not sharpen the blade.

Well if thats the case then I would just get the tenacious because it the cheaper of the two. The manix 2 is one of spydercos harder use folders, why buy one your not going to use.

[-F1]

Order both, return one, both, or none. Not everyone likes the Manix2, nor the Tenacious...

[zunedog31]

Any other suggestions before I commit to the Manix?

EDIT: Is this the one I want? http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Manix-Pl ... 368&sr=8-1

I found this video today and looks like there are sprint runs that are lighter and come in different colors, can you explain these and tell me how to get one on Amazon?
Here is the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBDAMK82 ... ure=colike

[gmcsuja]

I would agree with the group and go with the Manix. It is a very solid tank of a knife and have never regretted purchasing any of the 8 I have. (I have about 100 Spydercos) I do have a Tenacious and the quality between the two knives is apparent.
For the price the Tenacious is unbeatable, but I've read many posts now of clip screws stripping. I'd trust the Manix to be a lifetime of a knife vs. the Chinese made knife. If it comes down to lock preference then you have your choice made, but I really like the ball bearing lock and it is very sturdy.

[steelpatriot]

I happened to be in White Plains, NY recently and the Victorinox store at the Food Court has all their knives at 1/2 off, including Sypdies! Call them to see what they have in stock. I picked up a Gen 1 Paramilitary in S30V for $80! They had Manix, Delicas, Enduras, Calys, you name it. Other not-to-be mentioned brands were also on display, but this store is going out of business because Victorinox wants their branded stores to only carry their line, not the wide-spread assortment of brands of "alpine" sports gear.

Google "Victorinox White Plains Mall," call them. They close Dec 31.

And by the way, I don't work for them! Just a service member who was passing through and couldn't not buy something for my addiction.

[Scottie3000]

Looks like a Tenacious is your ticket if you need flat grind, G-10, and a liner lock for under $75 bucks.

If you are willing to be open minded to a different handle material and a back lock, the FRN Stretch is the favorite of many Spydie fans. As stated the Manix 2 is also a favorite. Finally, if you are feeling splurgy, the Military is another favorite that meets all your criteria except price. Good luck and let us know what you get and how you like it.

Welcome to the forums BTW!

[zunedog31]

Thanks, here is the plan I have in mind. Ask for the Manix for christmas and then buy the Tenacious or maybe another value knife like the Persistence (the Tenacious seems a bit big)

I am still open to other blades so keep making suggestions :D what i do not like is a lock back, slip joint, stainless steal handle, FRN handles or abnormal looking knives like they have a small blade and big handle or example.

[duvaldrummer]

If the manix 2 is now in your price range, def check out the Sage 1!! You won't regret it :)

[-F1]

For the price the Tenacious is unbeatable, but I've read many posts now of clip screws stripping.

That's because people make the mistake of either using a Torx wrench or using 1.5-mm hex wrenches on the clip screws, when they actually call for a 1/16" hex wrench. 1/16" is a slight bit larger than 1.5 mm; enough to make a difference.

[fast.ed]

Hi guys just joined the site.

I have been interested in Spyderco Knives for some time now and I am thinking of finally getting one.

What i'm looking for:
-Under $75
-Flat ground
-Circular hole with gimping on the spine
-G10
-No steel preference (don't know enough about steals and I am a casual user)
-No wacky designs (Although I love the look of the Dodo)
-Leaf shaped blade
-Thick blade
-Liner lock (not really sure what the pros and cons of other locks are)
-Can be purchased on amazon

I like the Tenacious but want to know if there is something better.

Thanks!

Best way is to find a local store and make several visits and handle as many different models as you can. Then pick one that feels and looks good to you.

As for blade steel, any steel in a spyderco will work for the average guy.
I stay with VG-10. Has a good edge, holds it, and is easy to sharpen.

The FRN handles are almost indistructable.

[wrdwrght]

Thanks, here is the plan I have in mind. Ask for the Manix for christmas and then buy the Tenacious or maybe another value knife like the Persistence (the Tenacious seems a bit big)

I am still open to other blades so keep making suggestions :D what i do not like is a lock back, slip joint, stainless steal handle, FRN handles or abnormal looking knives like they have a small blade and big handle or example.

The Spyderco Cat together with the Persistence can be had on Amazon for less than $75.

I mention the Cat because you seem not to want knives "a bit big". Although it has no jimping, it does have both a thumb ramp and a choil that will let you bear down on, if not assuredly stab, what your cutting (I gave away my first Spydie, a Tenacious, because I found the choil to be indispensible).

As others have mentioned, if you can add $20 to your budget, the Manix2 would be a nice acquisition, but "a bit big".

I don't understand your earlier statement that you will not be sharpening your knife. Knives get dull just sitting in a drawer... I suspect if you hang around this forum (welcome, BTW), your views on sharpening will change.

[Allen R.]

Manix 2 was my first spyderco knife, and it is amazing. It is the smoothiest opening knife i own, and i own several. That being said i rarely carry the manix 2 because, well im always working and move around alot and the manix 2 is heavy and takes up alot of pocket space, even clipped to the pocket, and i haft to carry alot of stuff in my pockets for work. For me the para 2 is the perfect blend of size and weight,blah blah blah its been said on here 1,000 times. I suggest opening your mind a little bit, what do you have against back locks? Out of all my spydercos (even the para 2) my delica, native and endura get the most pocket time, as they aren't that expensive and im willing to do more with a 50 dollar knife than I am with a 100 knife. I'm just saying dont limiit yourself to just a couple of styles of knives based on the locks, you will be messing out on some of the best spyderco models IMO.As far as a knife under $75 though the manix is a steal, If you dont mind the weight it is one of the most well built knives i have ever seen regardless of brand, Happy shopping and enjoy! Whatever you choose as long as its a spyderco you will be satisfied.

[-F1]

I agree with most of what Allen said. (I don't think you will always be satisfied, just because you buy a Spyderco. If one size fit all, they'd only offer one type of knife.) When I first got "into" knives (which was quite recently), I thought I would only ever want liner locks. Then I bought and tried a bunch of different knives, and learned about the strengths and weaknesses of each type of lock (and steel, etc.).

Now my Tenacious which I loved so much lives in its box in my closet. My Stretch--which has a back lock I thought I'd hate--is now by far my favorite knife. (I think Glock, among others, vindicated polymers a long time ago.) My Manix2 got sent back for reasons I'm sure everyone is sick of reading about by now.

I'm not proselytizing or condemning any knife or knife design, just saying--you have to find out what works for you, the hard way. Sometimes that even involves trying a knife you aren't sure about or even one you think you won't care for. Hopefully you have a decent store locally where you can try them out without the hassle of ordering and returning.

[DCDesigns]

Yep I think in that price range a Tenacious would be the best option. Although I would spend $10 more and get a Manix2.

where on earth can you find a manix 2 for $10 more than a tenacious? I can find a tenacious for $35, manixs are usually around twice that...

[MIL-DOT]

I just checked Amazon, and the Manix2 is down to $67.99 :eek: .
I had a Tenacious and liked it, but wanted something smaller so I sold it to my brother and got the Persisitence, and later got the even smaller Ambitious. As stated, they're cool knives for the money, but not cool enough. I've been buying U.S. and Japanese-made Spydies lately like a man with a mission.
But listen closely: You've been infected, and there appears to be no cure. Do NOT settle for the cheaper knife, just do it right, or you WILL regret it later, and end up spending even more money.
Get the "real" Spyderco, made in the good 'ol U.S. of A., the Manix2 is calling your name.Amazon is great, they'll ship it for free, usually arriving in 48 hours in my experience, but I've also been buying from Cutlery Shoppe lately, they often beat even Amazon prices.
Now I need to go huddle in the corner and chant,"I will not order a Manix tonight.......I will not order a Manix tonight.......I will not order a Manix tonight.........."