Spyderco Persistence: A review,a comparison and an on the job test

[kirk13]

Perhaps inspired by Grathr and N_N_R's Spyderco Ambicious,I took the plunge,trading a Vic Farmer for zimchaz's Persistance.

[zoidberg]

 

[derekmac]

[kirk13]

I'm not usually one for buying locking knives,given the UK restrictions on carrying them,but given that this was a trade, I thought why not? It also is kind of a last chance saloon for Spyderco and me. If the Persistance can't win me over,I'll have to accept that despite their many virtues,and huge following,Spydies arn't for me

[kirk13]

So,to begin,let's take a walk around the Persi...

The blade is of 8Cr13MoV steel,is 7cm long,and gives an overall length of 17.3cm. UK price is around £35.

The blade


The overall size is a good fit for my relatively small hands

[Gareth]

Looking forward to this.

[kirk13]

Unlike the other Spydies I've had,which have been either slipjoints,or have had the lock on the spine,the Persi is a liner lock,with steel liners and G10 scales.





One handed blade opening is nice and easy. My thumb easily reaches the Spyder hole.

Lock engagement is very positive,although I've concerns that the choils on the lock could chafe the fingers if during repeated heavy use. Lock release is fine. It's just getting back into the idea of using a liner lock that's difficult at the moment.

The steel liners lend a satisfying weight to the knife,and the textured G10 scales are grippy,and pleasant to the touch.

[kirk13]

The scales allow the choice of four different positions to fit the pocket clip,making it suitable for both left and right hand users. I'll reserve judgement on the pocket clip for the time being. My initial feeling is that it is a little to tight on the scales,and the clip itself a little lacking in flex,making it a bit difficult to clip to,or remove from jeans. I've added a short length of paracord as a grabber,alla the Mah Liong no6 to aid unclipping. The design does feature a lanyard hole,but I've opted to loop the paracord around the spacer instead.

On the subject of the clip,I think I'd prefer a deep carry clip,as it would make the knife more inconspicuous.

For all this,the Perci does ride well in the pocket

[captain spaulding]

The scales allow the choice of four different positions to fit the pocket clip,making it suitable for both left and right hand users. I'll reserve judgement on the pocket clip for the time being. My initial feeling is that it is a little to tight on the scales,and the clip itself a little lacking in flex,making it a bit difficult to clip to,or remove from jeans. I've added a short length of paracord as a grabber,alla the Mah Liong no6 to aid unclipping. The design does feature a lanyard hole,but I've opted to loop the paracord around the spacer instead.

On the subject of the clip,I think I'd prefer a deep carry clip,as it would make the knife more inconspicuous.

For all this,the Perci does ride well in the pocket

I am the complete opposite. I love when clips are extremely tight and rigid. They do make aftermarket deep carry clips for these and they are normally not very tight onto the scale in my experience.

[kirk13]

The scales allow the choice of four different positions to fit the pocket clip,making it suitable for both left and right hand users. I'll reserve judgement on the pocket clip for the time being. My initial feeling is that it is a little to tight on the scales,and the clip itself a little lacking in flex,making it a bit difficult to clip to,or remove from jeans. I've added a short length of paracord as a grabber,alla the Mah Liong no6 to aid unclipping. The design does feature a lanyard hole,but I've opted to loop the paracord around the spacer instead.

On the subject of the clip,I think I'd prefer a deep carry clip,as it would make the knife more inconspicuous.

For all this,the Perci does ride well in the pocket

I am the complete opposite. I love when clips are extremely tight and rigid. They do make aftermarket deep carry clips for these and they are normally not very tight onto the scale in my experience.

Good to know  

[zimchaz]

Yes...I am looking forward to you beating on that knife...I got it to carry in the army due to the flow through design (ease of cleaning ),realised it was too shiny and never used it.
Hope it changes your mind about spydies mate.

[shark_za]

Also interested in fresh opinions.
My green Tenacious is waiting for me when I get home from holiday.
Currently have the black Tenacious and Resilience and in the same shipment there are another tenacious and resilience for a friend.
Yes I like the range.

[Grathr]

Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk

[N_N_R]

I hope this won't be your last Spydie! I've also been conidering another one after the Ambi, buttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt freakin money's never enough and I always spend it on something else.

Btw, is yours razor sharp? Or whoever owned it first? I can't say I was carried away by the sharpness of my brand new AMbi It's sharp, of course, but it had a miiiiinor trouble when doing the cut test and I thought this was unacceptable for such a well-known and supposedly awesome brand.

[zimchaz]

I hope this won't be your last Spydie! I've also been conidering another one after the Ambi, buttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt freakin money's never enough and I always spend it on something else.

Btw, is yours razor sharp? Or whoever owned it first? I can't say I was carried away by the sharpness of my brand new AMbi It's sharp, of course, but it had a miiiiinor trouble when doing the cut test and I thought this was unacceptable for such a well-known and supposedly awesome brand.

I'll answer this.When I got Perci as he is now called, it was not razor sharp.However, I have not yet bought a knife that I am content with its edge out the box. These are ground by a machine process and any variation in the grinding wheel used is going to impact the quality of the edge.

I also don't like machine grind marks on my edges, just from an aesthetic view, so sharpen every blade by hand when I get it.

The difference between a sharp knife and a dull one is only tenths of a millimetre when it comes to forming the edge apex, and tolerances in mass produced machining processes aren't that specific.Thats before mentioning rolled edges from assembly etc. So I don't place much expectation on a factory edge especially as they are usually semi annealed by the grinding process.

[Aloha]

I also dont get carried away with the OTB sharpness either.  I know some need to have their knives like scalpels OTB but on the lessor priced Spydercos it's not a big deal to me YMMV.

I love my Tenacious and have used it quite a bit since getting it.  Mine was very well used but in terrific shape.  IMO its a great offering for those interested in the Spydie brand. 

[N_N_R]

Thanks for the comments on the sharpness, guys. I just got my Buck Spitfire first, the same price range if not absolutely the same price, both US knives and... the Buck was like a scalpel, indeed. Out of the box. Then the Spydie disappointed me a bit. But I still love it It does the job and why the hell would I cut paper with a knife, anyway, lol.

[kirk13]

Just to round up the first leg of this tread:

Conclusion

Pending field trails,I'm quite impressed with Perci. While I tend to think it's a bit overkill for a UK EDC,I'm impressed with quality,fit'n'finish and value for money

Pros
-Solid build,good quality
-Value for money
-Grippy pocket clip
-G10 scales are very nice

Cons
-Not UK legal for EDC
-Easily perceived as threatening to non knife people
-Concerns about the ergonomics of the liner lock

[raistlin65]

I've been carrying an Ambitious off and on for about a year, so I just got the Persistence this week to give it a shot. Really looking forward to what you have to say about it

[kirk13]

I've been carrying an Ambitious off and on for about a year, so I just got the Persistence this week to give it a shot. Really looking forward to what you have to say about it

Cheers mate And thank you to everyone whose commented so far

[kirk13]

I said we'd have a comparison,and here it is...

Spyderco Persistance vs CRKT Liong Mah No6

The Specs of these two are very similar,as are the prices. The only really big thing is that the no5 is nominally UK legal!

[kirk13]

So,how do they compare?

Blade

The Liong Mah has a significantly thicker blade,and is hollow ground. The cutting edge is shorter,with a finger choil. This helps the handling of the knife,as its handle is slightly shorter(feels much shorter in the hand) compared to Perci

Opening

For one hand opening,the Perci is better,and by a margin. The big Spyder hole,and well contured cutaway on the scales allow easy and instinctive operation. The Liong Mah is far from bad. The blade has a long(inch plus) cutaway to aid opening. The problem is that the contours of the scale prevents the thumb finding an instinctive grip. It's not a major problem,but the Spyderco is far easier to use


Closing

The Perci is a liner lock. The Liong Mah has a bearing indent system. The Perci has the more secure feeling when the blade is open. The Liong Mah doesn't feel as secure as say a Vic 91mm SAK ,but the finger choil will prevent accidental closing...as long as you've the right grip!

In closing though,I'd give the CRKT the edge. The No6 has a half stop,and is a nice easy movement,nice and natural to someone used to slip joints. The Spydie needs you to roll the knife over(cutting edge up) to get to the lock. Because there's no back spring,the blade is under your control when closing. Again,it's not to say the Perci is bad,but here the Liong Mah is better!


Pocket Clip

The Perci had the choice of four positions for the pocket clip,while the No6 has no options. The spydie's clip is stiffer and sits tighter on the scale and is a deep carry clip. Over all I'd give the No6 the edge

Fit and finish

Split honours here. I like the polished finish,and logos of the Spydie better,but the No6 is better in that screw heads are nicely recessed. Those on the scales of the Spydie sit slightly proud. The blade of the Liong Mah is more of a satin finish.

Scales and ergonomics

Both knives have G10 scales. The no6 is smooth,curved and polished,the Perci is flat and textured. In short the Perci feels like a working knife,the No6 like a gents folder.

The No6 has nicely contoured finger grips,making it a pleasure in the hand. The Spydie has a long,flowing contour,which isn't as easy on the eye. In the hand it feels good,and is likely to suit many different sized hands and fingers. The only bug bear is the lock. I can always feel the indents on the lock on the middle joint of my middle finger.

Again,I think it's slipt honours. I think the Perci will be a better working knife.


Last thing

Public perception

Here's the thing. While the CRKT is UK legal,I would fancy having to explain it to a Bobby of the Met. The Perci,whilst not legal for general carry is no less cute or cuddly. Even my pink Squeak gets some very nervous looks from my younger 'street' coworkers. Either of these two full size knives will give them get running smurfs!

Bearing all that in mind,I'd tend to give the Perci the edge. If your going to scare the natives,you might as well have the lock!

In conclusion here it boils down to this. If your going to work on a building site,or a machine shop I'd give the Perci the edge. If,like me,you work in retail,I'd give the Liong Mah the edge. But either way,it's not by much!

[Grathr]

Very good comparison

Personally I find it difficult to see what knife is scary and not to non knife people these days.
The Dragonfly, wich I thought was small and cute, raised a few eyebrows when I lent it to a colleague at work.




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[kirk13]

Very good comparison

Personally I find it difficult to see what knife is scary and not to non knife people these days.
The Dragonfly, wich I thought was small and cute, raised a few eyebrows when I lent it to a colleague at work.




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I suspect it's anything not red,with a Swiss cross on it

[SAK Guy]

Finally got to read this through....great review! 

[N_N_R]

I also wonder what's scary to people.. I guess whatever knife I take out of my pocket and open with one hand will look ... at least weird I do it when I'm shopping in these huge stores and some of the goods haven't been unpacked yet from the huge retail cardboard boxes they come in - so I use my knife to open a box, take whatever I wanna buy... and when I do hte CLICK OHO with the Ambi, I have the feeling people might be like O_o

[captain spaulding]

I also wonder what's scary to people.. I guess whatever knife I take out of my pocket and open with one hand will look ... at least weird I do it when I'm shopping in these huge stores and some of the goods haven't been unpacked yet from the huge retail cardboard boxes they come in - so I use my knife to open a box, take whatever I wanna buy... and when I do hte CLICK OHO with the Ambi, I have the feeling people might be like O_o

I am of the mind that I could care less if anyone is "uncomfortable" with me using a knife in public. I'f I am using it in a proper manner and not doing something like waving it around yelling or just weirdly standing with a knife in my hand then why should anyone be scared of anything. If they are uncomfortable than its not my issue. Just my personal opinion.

[kirk13]

I also wonder what's scary to people.. I guess whatever knife I take out of my pocket and open with one hand will look ... at least weird I do it when I'm shopping in these huge stores and some of the goods haven't been unpacked yet from the huge retail cardboard boxes they come in - so I use my knife to open a box, take whatever I wanna buy... and when I do hte CLICK OHO with the Ambi, I have the feeling people might be like O_o

I am of the mind that I could care less if anyone is "uncomfortable" with me using a knife in public. I'f I am using it in a proper manner and not doing something like waving it around yelling or just weirdly standing with a knife in my hand then why should anyone be scared of anything. If they are uncomfortable than its not my issue. Just my personal opinion.

And while I in principle agree with the Captain on this, cultural norms vary from country to country. Also,one does need to be circumspect when one works in a toy shop The other point is that someone's discomfort could end up with police involvement...but that's life in the UK,and to be honest,I think public perception falls into the remit of this review,our individual views of of the public,the laws they allow passed and so for is for discussion elsewhere(which we have done many times )

I live in a country where Scouts no longer have knives

[SteveC]

How can you be a scout and not have a knife   

That is extremely sad   

[Aloha]

Very good write up Kirky. 

I use my knife in public but I'm conscientious of my surroundings and whom I'm around.  It's legal in my city to carry a knife and even a fixed blade ( in the open on the belt ).  I try to be courteous but within reason for each situation.  I carry a SAK for times when a larger knife would be seen as a weapon rather than tool. 

Examples, While in my local home improvement store Sypderco got the call.
I was in a craft store with my friend and Deluxe Tinker seemed like a better choice. 

It's hard to understand how the rest of the world views knives but I can totally understand it's not worth the hassle to be in the grey areas.