A couple weeks ago I mentioned that I was looking for a replacement for my Manix, and that I was going to get a Lone Wolf Harsey T2 Ranger. Well, I did, and I also got a Spyderco Tenacious. So here are a few initial thoughts after carrying the T2 for about a week. I was a little more familiar with the Tenacious -- my father has had one for a while, and I've handled/used it on occation. So this will be a bit of a "first impressions" comparison review:
Blade: Both are just great, full flat ground blades. Ege geometry appears to be excellent on both. The Tenacious was very sharp out of the box, and the T2 even more so. I haven't cut much over the last few days, so I can't speak to edge holding yet, but I suspect both will do well (based on reputation). The T2 is S30V, (like the Manix I lost), so I will be disappointed if edge holding isn't truly excellent.
Grip: The T2 has FRN scales over titanium liners, while the Tenacious has textured G10 over steel liners. I think I like the general texture and feel of the G10 a bit better, but I do like the full size grip and notching on the T2, which really locks into the hand securely. I do, however, feel like Lone Wolf could have done a better job rounding the edges and corners of the FRN scales. They aren't particulary sharp or anything, but I expect a knife of this price (~$130) to go the extra mile -- the scales on the $27 Tenacious are rounded off very nicely. So I guess I'd say the Tenacious grip is a bit more comfortable, while the T2 is more secure, due to the design and extra size of the T2.
Both have lanyard holes, and I have attached a "pinkie lanyard" to both, using black paracord. This adds a lot of security to the grip on both knives, when it is used.
Blade play/Lockup: Both use a liner lock, and both seem quite solid to me, though I'm by no means an expert on this controversial point (the only linerlock I've used that has actually worried me in terms of strength was a Benchmade mini-Darkstar from a few years back). I must say that the Tenacious actually has a bit less side-to-side blade play than the T2, though the T2 blade may simply not be screwed down as tightly -- it seems to swing with a bit less friction than the Tenacious, after you get passed the detent. I am VERY impressed with how little blade play is there in the Tenacious -- I think it has even less than my Manix of a few years ago.
For the money, I am blown away by the Tenacious -- just incredible for $27. The T2 is expertly designed, and is made of top-quality steel, titanium, etc. but you really do pay for it. Which one will I carry? The T2 for now (though the Tenacious will get used as well), as I like having a good-sized folder that could in principle double as a self-defense tool. The design and rock-solid grip does indeed inspire a lot of confidence.
I still want a next-generation Manix with a ball bearing lock, though.
Blade: Both are just great, full flat ground blades. Ege geometry appears to be excellent on both. The Tenacious was very sharp out of the box, and the T2 even more so. I haven't cut much over the last few days, so I can't speak to edge holding yet, but I suspect both will do well (based on reputation). The T2 is S30V, (like the Manix I lost), so I will be disappointed if edge holding isn't truly excellent.
Grip: The T2 has FRN scales over titanium liners, while the Tenacious has textured G10 over steel liners. I think I like the general texture and feel of the G10 a bit better, but I do like the full size grip and notching on the T2, which really locks into the hand securely. I do, however, feel like Lone Wolf could have done a better job rounding the edges and corners of the FRN scales. They aren't particulary sharp or anything, but I expect a knife of this price (~$130) to go the extra mile -- the scales on the $27 Tenacious are rounded off very nicely. So I guess I'd say the Tenacious grip is a bit more comfortable, while the T2 is more secure, due to the design and extra size of the T2.
Both have lanyard holes, and I have attached a "pinkie lanyard" to both, using black paracord. This adds a lot of security to the grip on both knives, when it is used.
Blade play/Lockup: Both use a liner lock, and both seem quite solid to me, though I'm by no means an expert on this controversial point (the only linerlock I've used that has actually worried me in terms of strength was a Benchmade mini-Darkstar from a few years back). I must say that the Tenacious actually has a bit less side-to-side blade play than the T2, though the T2 blade may simply not be screwed down as tightly -- it seems to swing with a bit less friction than the Tenacious, after you get passed the detent. I am VERY impressed with how little blade play is there in the Tenacious -- I think it has even less than my Manix of a few years ago.
For the money, I am blown away by the Tenacious -- just incredible for $27. The T2 is expertly designed, and is made of top-quality steel, titanium, etc. but you really do pay for it. Which one will I carry? The T2 for now (though the Tenacious will get used as well), as I like having a good-sized folder that could in principle double as a self-defense tool. The design and rock-solid grip does indeed inspire a lot of confidence.
I still want a next-generation Manix with a ball bearing lock, though.