I need help with a Military model quandary...

[Jeff/1911]

Fellow Forumites,



It has come to my attention that I can get an NIB plain edge, early version Military w/ ATS-34 blade steel for a good price, locally. I have thought for awhile that I would likely prefer a Military in ATS-34 to mine in CPM-440V, as I have some trouble with sharpening CPM-440V. After owning my Wegner for awhile (in ATS-34) I absolutely LOVE this blade steel and think I may prefer a Millie with it. CPM-440V is neat stuff alright, I just have a hard time achieving and maintaining a shaving sharp edge on it. It's cuts stuff like nobody's business, but I am a stickler for the "shaving" edge. I also think that this knife would make a neat companion for my current style toothy Millie in 440V. So here goes...



My first question: How would the ATS-34 used in an early Millie compare to that used in my Wegner? Is it likely identical, do you think?



Second question: Is the early Military design a good knife? I remember hearing about some issues with reported lock failure, or something of that nature. Is this something to be concerned about, and can I easily assess this through inspection before I buy?



Last question: If I do get this knife and find I prefer it to my current plain edge in CPM-440V, is there much market for mine to sell or trade it?



Thanks for any help you can offer, Jeff/1911.

[Jeff/1911]

I checked, and it's the three screw clip model, in ATS-34 that is available to me.

Does anybody else out there prefer ATS-34 over CPM-440V?

Jeff/1911.

[jay frew]

Jeff:
I bought a Military ATS34 Plain Edge when they first arrived in my area (Toronto). It is a BIG folder (9 1/2" when open). I don't have a CPM 440V model so I can't compare the blade steels. My Military proved to be tough and very light for its size. The lock does seem a little flimsy to me but it has not failed (I never put much trust in this type of lock...a personal thing). My Military will open as I pull it out of my pocket (it opens very easily (even more so after it has worn-in a bit).
Be aware that the Military may be considered a "prohibited weapon" here in Canada. Unless you keep the screw quite tight, this blade opens easily by centrifugal force (you can easily flick it open) which may classify it as a switch blade up here (see below).

"..."prohibited weapon" means
"(a) a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife..."
You can look this up in the Criminal Code of Canada, Part III (see the link below). I am not a "legal beagle" but I believe Canadian knife enthusiasts should be aware of this stuff.
http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/cfm/ENGLISH/LEG/CC/0840000F.HTM)

Cheers! Jay

[Jeff/1911]

Jay,

Thanks for your reply. I am most interested to read about the "prohibited weapon" description. Thanks.

Do you like the ATS-34 steel used in the blade on your knife, does it hold an edge well? Is your knife one that has two or three screws attaching the clip to the handle?

Cheers, Jeff/1911.

[Tightwad]

Jeff howdy from Golden Co.
The ATS 34 in you Wenger is from Japan and has a hollow grind, The Mille is USA ATS 34 and is flat ground---- get it is a great blade plus you can never get to many...

I.K.I.N.J.A.K. !!!!!!

[jay frew]

The clip has three screws. The ATS-34 holds a pretty good edge and sharpens easily. I like this knife and I carried it everywhere for about a year but I found it a little too large to use as a daily carry...it attracts too much attention when I use it around town. Now I carry a Calypso Junior or a Syperdo Jesse Horn around town. For a heavy work knife, I prefer somthing with a more positive lock with a heavier, shorter blade (like my BM Pinacle monolock). Actually, the main reasons I bought the Military was the large sized hole (I can open it one-handed with my most bulky mitts) and the fact that the design and materials used pretty much eliminate dirt build-up and corrosion.
Cheers! Jay

[Jeff/1911]

Fellows,

My quandary has been taken care of, thanks to the co-operation of my local knife dealer. I approached him this AM and explained my situation, at which time he immediately agreed to trade me the ATS-34 bladed knife for my very slightly used version in CPM-440V for a small charge. You see, I had acquired my Military from my brother in law some time ago so this fellow had no obligation to help me here, but he did anyway. Good guy.

I was delighted with this solution, as I didn't really want to end up with two Military plain edges. I already have a serrated Military in CPM-440V to go with this new one. The fact is that there are simply too many other Spydies that I aspire to own, to have exact duplicates; at least right now.

Thanks for your comments fellows, you have been most helpful. Spyderholic - I hadn't thought of the possibly different origins of the ATS-34 for these two knives...I'll be interested to see how this Millie in (USA) ATS-34 performs. Here's a link to a picture of my new baby:

http://ca.msnusers.com/theSpydercoiancollection/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=22

Jeff/1911.


Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 11/23/2001 3:43:42 PM