Persistence with VG-10

ccf · #1

It seems to me this type of knife would be a big hit. I've heard some people prefer the ergos of the Persistence & say the only negative is the mediocre steel (compared to other models).

Myself, a relative newbie, think much the same. I love the feel of the Persistence as well as it's wide FFG blade. I'm not even sure I'd prefer FRN scales (although, I might). And while I have nothing to back it up, it seems the Persistence/Tenacious/Resilience line is more robust than the Delica/Endura line.

Question, what is similar to a Persistence, but with better steel? BTW, anybody know where to find a hard-use vid with one of Spyderco's value knives (P/T/R)?

Spydesense · #2

I have used a Persistence as a hard use work knife off and on for a couple of years now. The 8Cr13Mov steel has not been a problem for me. Sure, I might have to touch it up a little more often than I would if it was VG-10 or S30V, but to keep the price down on a beater knife, the 8Cr13Mov is fine with me. :D

syphen · #3

I'm EDC'ing a persistence daily now. Love the ergos and size. Its very similar to a Sage 1... but a Sage 1 is too nice in my books to really beat on, so I carry my persistence.

I'd like to see a VG-10 version.

Muad'Dib · #4

Honestly, I like the fact that it is 8Cr13Mov, or rather, I like the cost that this steel allows. For me, my persistence is a knife that I can abuse without feeling bad at all. I'm not risking a large amount of money, and I'm not feeling that I'm mis-using the beauty of a super-steel when I cut abusive material with it.

LowTEC · #5

ccf wrote:
Question, what is similar to a Persistence, but with better steel? BTW, anybody know where to find a hard-use vid with one of Spyderco's value knives (P/T/R)?

You may take a look at Native FFG, Caly 3/3.5, Sage, Delica FFG, Persian mini 2, and many more :cool:

feed_the_animals · #6

Current value folder steel seems adequate for most jobs. For my purposes, I wouldn't be very interested in VG-10 version. If the steel were to be upgraded it would outstrip the other qualities of the knife. No doubt ergos are excellent, but for a VG-10 blade and the resulting price increase of Seki production, I would want something with more character, like a Persian 2 or a Caly-3.5. I think of the value folders as value-oriented not only in their steel and place of origin but in their design aesthetics: very pleasant but of bare bones.

DeathBySnooSnoo · #7

I think that if the persistence were given vg-10 I would love it...as long as the price were kept down. I like that it's a bit plain, not flashy. And vg-10 would make it a really excellent knife. I love it now...but with a little better steel...I'd order 10 and just use 'em that little bit harder.

Orion's Belt · #8

There was a thread on BF where Sal hinted at a Golden made Tenacious. I hope the Persistence gets the same treatment. 154CM would be fine by me.

akaAK · #9

Have used the persistance and tenacious and find the steel adequate for my needs. Maybe doesn't hold its edge as long as VG10 but actually sharpens up easier. I would definately pick one up in VG10 if offered but don't I also dont discount the steel currently used. For the money they are fantastic knives.

araneae · #10

Would you pay $100 dollars for one? Seki production would push it into that range. The Chaparral which is apparently due out later this year will be a smaller version of the Sage and will probably be close to the Persistence in size. I would guess S30V for steel.

wongKI · #11

Can bully without guilt. I don't mind :D

DeathBySnooSnoo · #12

akaAK wrote:Have used the persistance and tenacious and find the steel adequate for my needs. Maybe doesn't hold its edge as long as VG10 but actually sharpens up easier. I would definately pick one up in VG10 if offered but don't I also dont discount the steel currently used. For the money they are fantastic knives.

I agree, for $30 they are great! And do just about everything you'd want...but with vg-10 I think it would be great, and really I can't see the cost being upped to more than $50-55 (maybe it would I'm no expert) but at that cost I think that I would take it over a delica any day.

Donut · #13

I think the Persistence with better steel IS the Sage.

The Deacon · #14

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:I agree, for $30 they are great! And do just about everything you'd want...but with vg-10 I think it would be great, and really I can't see the cost being upped to more than $50-55 (maybe it would I'm no expert) but at that cost I think that I would take it over a delica any day.

A while back Spyderco investigated upgrading the steel in the Tenacious to 9Cr18Mo, which they felt was the best of the Chinese steels. Their maker there felt it would be too difficult to work with. Not sure how it compares to VG-10 but it might be an indication that, at least in the near future, 8Cr13MoV is all we'll see in Spyderco's Chinese knives.

Blerv · #15

The big problem is it being a Chinese made Spyderco and VG10 being a Japanese steel.

Sal has mentioned the idea of seeing of US imported steels would be affordable under certain situations. Would people buy one with Crucible or Carpenter steels? Would they still buy them if they were 50% more money?

Good questions. IMHO 8Cr13Mov is a killer "entry" level steel. I'd put it against most other companies "premium" line. The ergonomics, blade shape/grind, and fit & finish make the Spyderco line a win in my book.