What's like a Tenacious but better?

[williaty]

So I've been looking at pictures online and I like the looks of the Tenacious. I like the blade shape and the forward rake to the edge of the FFG. It reminds me of my Temperance 2, which I dearly love. However, I'm definitely a knife snob when it comes to quality of construction (though not looks, materials, name of the guy who designed it, etc). So far, I've been disappointed with every knife in the Tenacious's price class that I've ever picked up. I'd rather spend a bit more to get something better put together. I've had no complaints with my Delicas over the years or some of the really old-school Spydercos my dad has carried. So, does any current or affordable-on-the-used-market Spyderco have the overall shape of the Tenacious yet is made to a higher standard?

Thanks,
Ty

[MattM68]

The Tenacious is a great knife for the money, and if you like the looks, go for it. If you want something better, get the Paramilitary 2 or Manix 2. Both have S30v, full flat grind, easy to use/strong locks, and they're made in Golden. You might like the Manix a little more if you like the Tenacious looks. Like I said, if you like the Tenacious, get it. You really can't go wrong, and it feels higher quality than knives in it's price point. I love mine! I hope you like whatever you get, and post here when you decide. :)

[Liquid Cobra]

2nd vote for the Para-Military 2. The Tenacious got me hooked on Spyderco much like many here. My second knife naturally was the PM2 and I've never looked back. It felt like a more refined knife in every way. Go find one!

[zhyla]

Just get the Tenacious. You'll get one eventually. Who doesn't own a Tenacious? Mine is the yardwork knife that I don't mind sap bleeding all over.

The fit and finish isn't bad. The steel gets the job done. I think I paid $20 used for mine. If it was 2000 and Spyderco called their 8Cr13MoV "440C" like a lot of Chinese knives do we wouldn't be having this discussion.

[Blerv]

Superleaf or Manix2.

[3rdGenRigger]

I only have one Chinese made Spyderco (Out of 37 and not counting my Byrdwrench multi-tool) and it's the Tenacious, specifically the green handled dealer exclusive version available through a few select retailers. It's a VERY well made knife. I wouldn't say it's on par regarding quality to the USA or Japan made Spydercos but it's a lot closer than I would have guessed for a ~$45 knife. The quality is a LOT higher than any other knife I've ever handled in the price range (Of same size...the smaller Ladybugs and Manbugs are similarly priced but a lot smaller), and the liners are quite thick and beefy which makes the lock very strong for a knife in this category. If you like the looks I'd say try it, but if you do want something in a better steel with better build quality I'll second the ParaMilitary2 and Manix2 recommendation. The Manix is more comparable as far as blade shape goes and should be easier to find than a PM2. I'll throw in some Tenacious pictures for you. If you want some Manix pictures I can take some of my CruWear version or ParaMilitary2 pictures if you want. Bottom line: I'm much more impressed than I was expecting for ~$45 made in China. Sal is VERY particular about the overseas plants that make his knives, and it shows.

[O,just,O]

You do mean folder I take it.
If not then the Mule series are just about the exact blade of the Tenacious, only a fixed blade.
O.

[Johnnie1801]

Buy a lightweight Manix 2

[opusxpn]

The plain black G10 Manix2 would be something similar but with better lock, steel and fit and finish. I got mine for around $90

[Surfingringo]

2 Tenacious.

[Evil D]

Overall those knives aren't my thing, mostly because I'm not a big fan of the steel. However, there is one major detail that I'm truly envious of and I really wish Spyderco would put it on a higher end knife...and that's the blade grind. If more blades were ground that way with the edge continuing all the way to the very end of the visible blade coming out of the handle, I really believe the market for 50/50 choils would all but dry up. I love when you have 3 inches of blade and actually get 3 inches of edge. I love my 50/50 choils, but if the handle is designed in such a way that your finger is still resting close enough to the edge, I don't think they're necessary.

That said, if they ever come around and make an S30V version I'll most likely buy one.

[Studey]

2 Tenacious.

Ha that's what I thought!!

[bdblue]

So I've been looking at pictures online and I like the looks of the Tenacious. I like the blade shape and the forward rake to the edge of the FFG. It reminds me of my Temperance 2, which I dearly love. However, I'm definitely a knife snob when it comes to quality of construction (though not looks, materials, name of the guy who designed it, etc). So far, I've been disappointed with every knife in the Tenacious's price class

I agree with previous comments- Para2 and Manix2 are the obvious upgrades to the Tenacious. However I have a Tenacious and I think the Tenacious is a well constructed knife. The Manix2 and Para2 have better steels than the Tenacious, and more elaborate lock types, but it is hard to describe how they are made any better.

[araneae]

Just buy a tenacious.

[nirvanero]

Until a CTS-XHP Tenacious is released I'd say a Sage it's a nice upgrade too.

[Igi964]

I dont like Tenacious and rest of the Value folders line. Because you always get what you pay for. I bought Resilience 3 years ago as a cheap version of Military, but I was disapointed. Lock is sticky, G10 is slick, steel does not hold edge very good, screws on clip are made of butter..... If I want a work knife for beating in garden and yard I will buy Mora or Hultafors for 10€.
If you want something better buy something from Golden or even better from Taichung. Price is a lot higher, but overall quality and ergonomy too. Its worth the extra money!!!

[Johnnie1801]

I'm just wondering when the new facilities are completed in Golden if Spyderco will bring back production of the Tenacious etc to the US? It's definately a knife that deserves an upgrade in steel.

[HarleyXJGuy]

I'm just wondering when the new facilities are completed in Golden if Spyderco will bring back production of the Tenacious etc to the US? It's definately a knife that deserves an upgrade in steel.

Interesting thought but I vote for using the new facilities to make enough PM 2's and Manix 2 110's so I can actually buy them.

[anagarika]

From what I gather, earlier version of the value line had screw problem (easily stripped, hex rather than torx). The newer generations are torx and the problem of stripping has been reported less often.

Although the steel is not super, it's more than decent. 8Cr well treated should be quite close to AUS 8. Spyderco does it well as demonstrated by vininull on Youtube, comparing Enlan (Chinese brand) and Tenacious, both 8Cr.

My experience with the two Resilience that I have is that apart of being sharpened & carry wear, one cannot tell one apart from another (NIB pre need replacement).

Blade shape wise, Manix is closest, but I'd say try it out. You'll be amazed.

[rodloos]

I dont like Tenacious and rest of the Value folders line. Because you always get what you pay for. I bought Resilience 3 years ago as a cheap version of Military, but I was disapointed. Lock is sticky, G10 is slick, steel does not hold edge very good, screws on clip are made of butter..... If I want a work knife for beating in garden and yard I will buy Mora or Hultafors for 10€.
If you want something better buy something from Golden or even better from Taichung. Price is a lot higher, but overall quality and ergonomy too. Its worth the extra money!!!

I'm sorry you weren't happy with your Resilience. My experience was quite different. No problems at all with the lock, and I like the feel of the G10, mine is definitely not slick. The steel doesn't hold an edge like S110V or other super steel, but works well enough and is very easy to bring back to hair-popping level of sharp.

The only thing I dislike about the Value line is that they don't have choils :) (sorry Evil D!). After I've been using my Manix or Military, if I pick up my Resilience, my index finger naturally falls pretty close to that sharp edge!

I like the blade size on the Resilience and for me, it offers a lot of value for the money (I do also have some quite-expensive Spyderco's I also carry). The value line is not compact (the Abitious fills the pocket a lot more than say, a Chaparral) but I like that Spyderco offers it.