The Spyderco Tenacious Lightweight Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at Spyderco's latest budget-focused knife, the Tenacious Lightweight.

[@SNT16]

The “provided” note is laminated! 🙌

[@alwong604]

The Tenacious is a gateway drug into the world of knife collection. I gave this away at a Christmas gift exchange to someone who wasn't into knives three years ago. His collection now makes me jealous! I wrote this as the video was running and Nick actually uses the term gateway at the end. Well played Shabazz... well played.

[@KingKsEDC]

For me it was the Ambitious Lightweight. That's what got me hooked on Spyderco.

[@dfailsthemost]

I'll always be grateful for the tenacious for allowing me to check out a spyderco on a budget. Very few places to buy a knife where I live, and it was awesome to start my knife collecting by getting a good brand.

[@steve-us2hg]

3 years ago Tenacious already dropped out of the bang for buck boat

[@dfailsthemost]

@@steve-us2hg Yeah, but I bought it like 7 years ago haha

[@LowenKM]

You'd think from the steel snobs' _requirements_ these days, that they were taking their knives into battle... instead of typically becoming another Display Queen that seldom gets 'dirty'! ;-p

[@dm3639]

So you're saying for design you'd give it an "A", but in cost for materials, you'd give the tenacious D? /This is just a tribute

[@ericthorpe5670]

Ya gotta belieeeeeve and I wish you were theeeeere. It's just a matter of opinion.

[@ericthorpe5670]

Your comment put me in a better mood. Thank you

[@chrissexton6634]

Would pay more for 9cr18mov or better.... In vg-10 for 80$ or s30v for 120-130$ would buy and like it better for sure.

[@TedOfNod]

This is not the greatest comment in the world. This is just a tribute.

[@ihaveaheadache4657]

@@chrissexton6634 there’s an S35VN model coming and it’s $100

[@tumblingdown8612]

I think Spyderco's low and mid range knives don't have a future at this current pricing. When these knives were $35 they were compelling but now you're better off with a byrd or a different brand. Don't even get me started on Seki.

[@LXT43]

Byrds have also gone up in price. Chinese Spyderco/Byrd have no competition that is why they can increase the prices and still sell tons of them. There are a lot of budget folders out there. Kershaw has like hundred models ranging from $10-$25 but most of them have lame hollow grinds. Same thing with Gerber. $20 Gerbers are borderline junk. At least you get superb cutting ability with cheap Spyderco or Byrd's full flat grinds.

[@tumblingdown8612]

@@LXT43 spyderco has some advantages but when it comes down to it I'm not paying double the price for a different edge geometry when these new Chinese companies and even American companies have knives in d2 coming out. Some of them even have flat grinds like Ontario for example. Maybe knife guys are into the brand tax but most average people won't

[@rtaylor61]

I paid about $28 for my Tenacious, recommended it to friends and family. Now I see that price is almost double. I've just replaced it with a Harnds Warrior with D2. But I do still love my Tenacious.

[@03_austindrake88]

It's crazy that Spyderco wouldn't at least take a second to check the knife they are sending for review. It would have taken 5 seconds and they would have seen how horrible the centering was and could have sent a different one. Just a thought.

[@chimchu3232]

At least they're honest haha.

[@ShadowDaPk]

So what's the point of having the Byrd line if the Spyderco line also has "budget" models? I thought that was the point of Byrd.

[@deanalbertson7203]

Both are budget lines, but in my mind, the Byrd knives are generally lighter, and the Tenacious is more solid.

[@Harkwit]

Byrd is especially budget, in the $20 range, where the tenacious line is more in the $40-$60 range. Basically the tenacious is to kizer’s vanguard series what Byrd is to Tangram, and the US spyderco’s are like kizer’s titanium line

[@CSGraves]

Tenacious is for folk who want Byrd materials for Spyderco prices.

[@TheGamerGuy1981]

@@CSGraves The fit and finish of the Byrd knives feel like gas station X hunters compared to the tenacious. Yes it uses a mediocre steel, but the rest of the build is far ahead of Byrd. That said I can't recommend this knife to anyone in 2020 with things like the D2 Rat 1/2 exist for less. Or even the Kizer Begleiter for $59 with VG10.

[@Rime0ne]

I'd pick the Byrd Raven 2 over this any day of the week. The fit and finish is definitely on par with my other Spyderco knives under 100. One I put some nano lube in the action was smooth as silk, the blade centers up perfect, and the lock up is solid with minimal side to side blade play.

[@P1015532oni]

It’s actually piss easy to sharpen. Five light strokes each side with a diamond rod and it’s back to phonebook paper sharp... and that’s after a lengthy vigorous session of cardboard cutting. Now, do a handful of passes on a leather strop and it’s hair-popping. I think there’s nothing wrong with 8cr13moV. People just need to skill-up in sharpening.

[@bernielomax4702]

It’s just like anything else that has “communities” or “enthusiasts” they’re more interested in prattling off specs and numbers than how it actually looks, feels, works, satisfies needs.

[@Manic.miner2077]

Personally I’m not too keen on lightweight, I prefer weight, gives it a feel of quality in my opinion, I know that’s not necessarily true but that’s how I see it.

[@edrader]

cheap plastic at high prices. brilliant marketing

[@manifestgtr]

I was actually *super* impressed with the lightweight tenny. I’m a pretty heavy Spyderco collector…Cruwear, K390, Shamans, Stretches and Taichung…if you can name it, I probably have two. And honestly, this little thing compares favorably with a lot of that stuff…super comfortable and easygoing, good lock access, full liners and smooth FRN. I dunno, man…I’m into it for some reason…

[@ravenvision222]

Nothing wrong with that (: knife snobbery is lame

[@feralgrandad4429]

I started with a Tenacious, loved it and still love it. The para 3 lightweight is my favourite EDC knife. So picking one of these up is a no brainer, another nice video Nick 😁

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

A fine review of an old favorite. I'm on the Civivi, Artesian Cutlery, CJRB train lately and much prefer D2 to any OLD alphabet soup steel.

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

I disagree with a lot of the hate on 8cr13mov. It does dull quickly and it is rather rust prone... But! It is one of the easiest steels to work on in term of both quickness and ease to sharpen and actual achievable sharpness. In just a few minutes I can have it shaving hairs of my arm. A strop is quite excellent at extending the time between needing to actually use a stone. I had a Benchmade Crooked river that I should have sent back to Benchmade because the factory edge was sooooo dicked up! I instead re-profiled it using my KME diamond sharpening system and it took over six hours! I literally watched both LOTR “the Two Towers” and “Return of the King” before I had it in suitable shape. Sharpening high grade steel, even s30v sucks! Where I can hand sharpen a completely dull and thrashed 8cr13mov in 30 minutes or less and maintenance it with a strop it with a strop to great effect!

[@THEamMASSACRE]

I enjoy my old Tenacious. I bought it with a broken tip so it now has a modified sheepsfoot blade.

[@harrisonjr98]

So much potential in the budget Spyders, just wish they could get past 8Cr13MoV when charging almost $50 after tax. Otherwise just too many other options! Great review as always Nick!

[@MBT3X]

Whoa, 19.99? Their website says $51

[@cearealkiller5956]

Harrison Wilson I’m not sure if it was a typo or if you just thought of the wrong knife, but the tenacious is actually 8Cr13MoV

[@harrisonjr98]

Ceareal Killer typo haha thanks!

[@harrisonjr98]

1134 really? Can’t find it

[@harrisonjr98]

The RightStuff I couldn’t find it for $20 anywhere on Walmart’s site over the course of a few weeks. I think the guy that mentioned that price was mistaken.

[@tidge879]

I think that Spyderco are being left behind in this market space. There are plenty of brands offering higher quality at lower prices. $60ish is no longer "budget", especially for the materials they're using.

[@ricas1143]

100% agreed, QSP, Kizer, AMARE, etc...far more bang for the buck

[@marcelotoledo1820]

Indeed... 8Cr13 at that price point is just ridiculous nowadays.

[@hurricaneheli79]

I'd get the Tanacious because of the design, almost alone if it had better steel. But happy with my Para 3.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Tenacious is the best looking from Spyderco, IMO.

[@mikeking6686]

WHEN YOU OPEN THE BAG OF SAND ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR

[@drewpfeif5028]

The tenacious was my "gateway" knife and will always hold a special place in my heart. Spyderco if you're listening PLEASE MAKE THE TENACIOUS IN A BETTER STEEL. Would it kill you to make a couple sprint runs????

[@zachguinta1421]

check out the latest product reveal

[@drewpfeif5028]

@@zachguinta1421 thanks for the heads up. I pre-ordered from knife center day one. Now I'm checking the mail daily like a child 👍

[@martinuslion8485]

I love your reviews, man. Greetings from Germany.

[@zackbenedict9142]

Awesome review, i just purchased one of these today, looks like its going to be a solid choice in my EDC.

[@jmuhr8952]

The g10 version was the gateway knife that started my knife addiction lol. Also a great knife to give as presents to my non knife addicted friends who always wanna see and play with whatever knife I’m carrying.

[@legendarypillow1450]

I started with the para 3 in s110v, but I still think that starting with the tenny would be an amazing choice. The para 3 blew me away, it’s easily one of the most iconic knife silhouettes and easily the best edc folder ever created.

[@ParisLondonRoma]

This is a good model to get the serrated blade. Lots of people don't like serrated but they have their uses. This knive for $50 checks the box without spending a lot

[@flamingballzonice]

My only opinion on this guy is that it is absolutely the most expensive, yet simplest (design & material), 8cr13mov folding knife ever. A great example of paying for the brand. And that is the reason why I never bought a Tenacious. It's currently reaching the price range that the delica & endura used to sit in. Bought my endura for $60 just 2 1/2 years ago.

[@jazzcazzbazznazz4778]

Well yeah, almost all Spyderco prices have gone up as of late. The point they were making is that the Tenacious is becoming less and less reasonable with the price increases. You’re essentially paying for the Spyderco name. There are better finished better quality knives available for the same or lower prices. I absolutely love my tenacious. I had no problem paying $35 for it, but it’s harder to justify when the price keeps going up and the materials stay the same.

[@chimchu3232]

@@jazzcazzbazznazz4778 asking $60 for it now at my local store. Was looking at buying one to get into spyderco, I've never had one, but at this point im debating selling a knife to go straight to the Para 2

[@Shanes_sharp_sheet]

I have much more expensive knives, but still love my old tenacious, its been kicking around a long time, and it makes me smile.

[@JDStone20]

I have the G10 Tenacious, it is hard to get a better knife design for the price. I want to get my hands on the LW model.

[@poisonousnut]

have something you might want to trade for? i have the LW.

[@AYellowPepper]

Picking this one up once it hits in S35vn!

[@redneckmetalhead1931]

Ordered my Tenacious last week and it should be here tomorrow, so I'll have to keep in mind your review. I use my knives daily at work to cut silt fence, seed/fertilizer/pellet lime bags, cocnut matting, straw matting, etc., and i got tired of having shitty $15 knives, so i hope this guy holds up better as far as sharpness. Looking at the Delica or Para 3 lightweight at some point too, but price kinda played a factor as well, so we'll see!

[@ZeeWolfgang]

How was it

[@redneckmetalhead1931]

@ZeeWolfgang pretty good for a while, but i had to sharpen it more often than I'd like

[@cavalry1213]

I’d love to see a review of the Tenacious Lightweight in S35VN and hear what you have to say about it, Nick.

[@donmcron3334]

I just ordered it to use as a beater. It’s my fourth spyderco and my first cheap one.

[@tsriftsal3581]

Nothing but praise over here and many thanks for insight and entertainment over the years. Trying not to go insane with sharp small pieces of steel in my pocket. YES I NEED THIS! Obviously the Ontario Rat # something that I will be compelled to buy someday but I was guessing, Civivi. Lol. Does that mean I need to buy 3 now? I wish there was a blending of the Para 3 and the Para 2. Most people see the kitchen duty Tenacious as too, as Advanced Knife Bro says, "too murdery" and he is not wrong so it seems best to carry the Para 3 for one that finds the spydie hole and compression lock "sane."

[@cp1532]

If you want the best knife on a budget, the tenacious ain't it. But if you just want to get into the Spyderco brand and you're on a budget, the tenacious is good to go. That is it's place in the market.

[@st3phenJC]

“This is a great knife in the Vaseline factory.” Such a funny delivery, but yet so concise 🤣🤔

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

This knife is almost $100 after tax and shipping in Canada. Kinda nuts :/

[@clintonlewis1261]

I would like different color scales on same knife!

[@chrisfell2621]

if anyone's thinking about picking up the tenacious they should look at the Raven 2 from Spyderco Byrd line, it's almost the same knife with better steel. I had both and prefer the Raven 2.

[@santikilmister]

"This is a great knife for the vaseline factory".. Nick S.

[@Dodger_Dawg_]

Misquote.... AT not FOR. You ruined history!

[@ryanfrank7758]

Yea he said that implying it’s not gonna slip out of your hand. Not saying it’s bad.

[@Fablades]

great look and feel, ideal beater imo

[@isabellam1936]

I wish Spyderco would use their deep carry wired clips on more of their knives. They’re so much more attractive and look higher quality.

[@jeremywhitney7573]

I'll never get tired of you saying how the knife will do in the "vaseline factory " haha I love it

[@Tinman-1]

We need this guy announcing the Brooklin doggers games lol

[@flytdigforhelvede3961]

Hey nick, I think you should also do the civivi elementum for size comparison, because it's a knife a lot of people own, too. Great video!

[@Rime0ne]

I wish Spyderco would use thinner blade stock for their lightweight models. Not only would hat reduce the weight more to make them truly a lightweight version, it would also make them more slicey.

[@donjobi9400]

i had so many Spyderco.... but in reality the steel in tenaciuos is the best.. why: hold good edge retention, easy to sharp😂

[@HeavyMental1000]

How thick does do the handles feel in the pocket? Im used to my Cold Steel Code 4 so I know that it isnt that thin but still, Cold Steel's dont deploy the way a Spyderco does and that is what im looking for

[@mityjoeyoung8855]

You are a brilliant man

[@thsbulldawg82]

First selling point? It's not another flipper. It's cheap. The steel isn't the best, but extremely easy to get a screaming edge.

[@theMeshtar]

45$? In Europe it costs around 70€.

[@soslan1812]

How is their s35vn version? Good heat treatment?

[@kristopherwilloughby9242]

This is a work knife. You don’t mind beating it up and what ever you throw at it it will take! Had mine for 2 years now and yes it’s edge retention Is poor nothing like my bug out but a sold knife 👌🏻 grate review as always 🤝 and I do pay more for my knifes as I am from the uk 🇬🇧 as well

[@thegeth4293]

Unfortunately the tenacious has gone up in price without any improvements, this was THE budget knife to have 5 years ago when it was $35, but now the lightweight is $50, the g10 version is almost $60. The rat 1 in d2 is $42. That would be the knife i'd reccomend for someones absolute first knife today, not the tenacious. How mighty have fallen

[@joshdoe7288]

I want a tenacious with the Spyderco back linerlock thing and made in either the taichung or golden factory with better blade material and pretty handle scales. That would be a pretty cool

[@stillshot2]

They are releasing a new knife called the Bodacious, may be what you're looking for

[@arttorres9010]

Bought mine at Walmart good knife but would definitely pay a little more for a better spyderco tenacious is entry level

[@TheGamerGuy1981]

Sending Nick Shabazz an 8CR13MOV knife knowingly to review... Is like sending a rabbi pork to review. They have some balls, I'll give them that.

[@kenkelley6579]

Two years ago you could get a Tenacious for 35 bucks. What changed?

[@donw5641]

It would be nice to see the liner lock locked up.

[@SlayersFan1988]

What material is the handle?

[@mityjoeyoung8855]

I've heard spyderco does a nice job on their 8cr13mov heat treat. I like sharpening or just stropping my knives up and don't mind the 8cr. It's a great knife for 45 dollars. I refuse to spend a lot of money on anymore new knives. I don't think it matters much considering how much any of us use our knives. My last expensive knives were made by spyderco. It was the Sage 5 lightweight. The stretch sprint run straight spine & 2 Delica's and 1 Endura. I collect GEC & spyderco mostly. My favorite that I carry everyday is the civivi little fiend. It's a great knife for 48 dollars and comes in D-2. It's light, strong and has zero hot spots for me. A perfect knife for working in the Vaseline factory.

[@MooreReviewz]

Hearing you voice makes me feel like I’m at a Mets game 😂

[@briankeith922]

Makes me feel like I'm on the set of Seinfeld! 💯 👍 George speed talking. Lmao!

[@YanDoroshenko]

Yo Nick. The title says "Full Review".

[@dude28405]

I would like to see D2

[@jps2989]

My gate way was the resilience. Let’s say the majority of my knifes are spyderco, with one in the mail right now on it’s way to me.

[@MegaMastiffman]

I just picked up 3 of these at Walmart. I think it has G10 black grips for $11 each merry Christmas for 2 luckyish people

[@mildmannerededc]

If you're going to buy an 8cr Spyderco, it's the one to buy I think. I've never been sold on the Byrd line.

[@michaelandrew8493]

I just needed a cheap beater knife so I got it. If I like it I'll buy a better one eventually

[@deanalbertson7203]

This would be a better knife with D2 steel. As is, it is still pretty good. This knife could be used when you don't want to mess up a better knife. For example, the other day I was cutting some window sealing tape, and that stuff is pretty sticky. I'm not going to use one of my better knives for that, so I used a Byrd Harrier. At the end of the day, I cleaned it up, sharpened it, and it was good to go for the next day.

[@harrisonkrominga1706]

Wish they would make this in the bd1 for 50 bucks. Its hard to justify this when for 10-15 dollars more you can get the raven 2 in a .15 inch thick bd1 steel blade, and g10 scale.s

[@chrissexton6634]

Found the black oxide coated version for 49$ but at the same time there's better options like the rat 1, rat 2, civivi backlash, civivi praxis, ECT (better steels or better price for almost all of them)

[@Acre00]

I'm not sure how much of a selling point the spydie hole is. Us knife guys might like it, but every single non knife person I've talked to about it hates it; they find it ugly as sin

[@alexhill828]

I don't think most spyderco guys find the knives beautiful, but once you get them in hand you stop caring about looks and realize how practical they are.

[@kogasoldier9379]

Personally as a knife guy I'm a huge fan of Kershaw speed safe design. I love being able to pull it out of my pocket and deploy it with one hand even if I'm wearing a glove.

[@nicholsliwilson]

Seriously the liner lock thing is not a problem for lefties, I don’t know why you think it’s such a big problem, @Nick Shabazz

[@jandal8905]

Looks to me like a Sanrenmu build - the clip is a giveaway.

[@vrystater42]

Thanks Nick. Your channel is awesome and grossly underrated.

[@enrico3453453]

my first spyderco is the manix 2 lightweight in bd1n. im really impressed with it! next i either want the smock or mini vallotton

[@alisuperhornet]

My "gateway spyderco" was a gray delica-4 exactly like yours. It was my first "good knife" that actually had a blade steel marking!

[@arktikgraywolf]

Imagine an s35vn compression lock tenacious 😱

[@speckledjim_]

A great example of paying more for less. Never saw the point in the "lightweight" Spyderco's

[@Ice_Berg]

This knife is excellent as a first knife in another category as well: full-serrated folder. I have many folding knives, but I didn't have anything with a fully serrated blade, and the Tenacious is probably the cheapest there is from a respected brand. It definitely hasn't been a gateway into loading up on more serrated knives, but it's nice to be able to try it out relatively cheaply.

[@frimatt5355]

Tenacious with g10 is my EDC. After dropping a sage 5 to the bottom of a lake and having 2 different benchmades "CONFISCATED" 50 bucks is my limit. Will also carry a buck if I can't find a tenacious anywhere but there not hard to find. Your super entertaining Shabazz especially with your worst knife's reviews, I laughed my ass off thank you 👍😁👍

[@maxk5038]

I want it but I'd really rather get a model that's made in the US

[@franksalem8580]

The Tenacious was the first Spydie that I could middle finger flick. From there I learned to do my other 53 Spydercos.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

I feel like Spyderco is completely out of ideas. Also I see the comments are filled with people still lying about needing something harder than 8cr13mov.

[@poisonousnut]

i don’t mind the 8cr. my complaint with this is the action and the centering but mainly the action.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

poisonousnut that’s surprising! Normally bronze washers are pretty good to go unless they changed it to Teflon

[@poisonousnut]

Hunter Glaspell yeah most of my knives are on bronze washers. usually great. but there’s 4 really thin washers on this.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

poisonousnut that’s really stupid

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

If they put a compression lock on it like the para 3 lw I'd be all over it.

[@poisonousnut]

with the action on this blade the compression lock wouldn’t work.

[@tidge879]

I think they're scared of sending the exact plans of the compression lock to China. None of the Byrd line have compression locks.

[@Eyesofthasouth]

In general spyderco isn’t aesthetically appealing to me. In fact they’re weird jelly bean shaped due to the need they seem to have with the signature hole. I really want to like them, as they come highly recommended. Thought I had found one that was a go-until… I found out it wasn’t American made… bummer! The search continues

[@bernielomax4702]

Is Mayor Quimby doing these reviews?

[@DieYuppieScum91]

8cr13 is the one thing that is killing this knife for the non-walmart crowd. If they offered this in 9cr18 or BD-1 for $55, I'd buy it. And Tenacious FRN instead of Tenacious lightweight would be more accurate. It's still well over an ounce per inch.

[@willng34]

Hey Nick! The centering on the tenacious LW is kinda weird and will change depending on the placement of the clip. If you install the clip for left hand tip up it will center the blade.

[@jonathanklein9168]

Do I dare call this the "Toyota Camry" of the knife world?

[@caraddict8692]

They could’ve at least used 9cr13mov it’s even better than VG-10. Just like civivi.

[@ae7454]

East coast magician !

[@sputumtube]

3.6 ounces? My Supergold Endura is 3.24 ounces. Weird.

[@jojojaykay]

I've been tenaciously commenting on these videos hoping for Shabazz senpai to notice me :(

[@randomescu]

not a great knife for the money. but in his family, the fully serrated is the only one and ofc the best of its class. i searched alot for a fully serrated folding knife and i only find Spyderco with 8Cr, and better steel at double and triple the money. i already own a very expansive SwissTool Plus Ratchet and a serrated blade was the only thing missing.

[@basbas63]

I have had the original for 7 years and it is still good to go, except that the G10 is quite slippery by now. I think what is said here, that it is a good introduction, is true. It makes me want to see what Spyderco has to offer besides this.

[@jt9958]

Id love the tenacious is literally anything better than 8cr lol if it was even BD1 or something or vg10 id freak! I know a few of their LWs get stuck in bd1 and this could have been the first time I was happy to see it

[@sebastienbonnamy8472]

Take a polestar or a alcyone.

[@tomgarcia9200]

Id love to see them hand over the rights to the tenacious to WE and have them make a d2 blade with superior fit and finish for the same price

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

I love my brown and black tenacious because is rugged with full linners and i am not afraid it will break! With that being said... man! 50$ for 8cr is a hike! This knife is old and r&d has been paid 10 times over! Give me some blade options! Maybe a tenacious 2 and drop the price of this one to 35-40$!

[@RealLockheedMartin]

The Tenacious is a grand total of .4 oz lighter and nothing else for $45. And it's still 8cr. Come on, Spyderco. If you won't even try to compete, why bother?