Military vs. Police Model

[Rusty]

Hi folks, that's me again. I was thinking about military model spyderco, but I can't play with one before I buy it... I mean they have some spyderco knives here at the local store, but not the Military model. So before I buy one off eBay I would like to ask you guys a couple of questions.



I own a Police Model, and I like the fact that it has a heavy handle (I got a stainless steel one). One of the reasons is that I can flip the knife open quickly...



Now I understand that Military has much lighter handle, but liner lock and heavier blade (4mm thick instead of 3mm).



The light handle is what bothers me a little, do any of you who have Military model have any input for me?



I assume that you can flip the blade out with a little practice because of the heavier blade and liner lock... Is that so?

[tortoise]

Rusty,
The Military is light, it will seem suprisingly so, if the Police is your frame of reference. I wasn't crazy about the lightness at first. I too was an all-stainless guy at that point. Then I talked to Sal at the knife show. He explained some of the design concepts of the knife, such as the use of G-10, nested liners, eccentric pivot, etc. and used the grand prix car as an example. The goal is lightness AND strength, using advanced engineering and materials. Well, he sold me. That was a couple of shows ago, and I haven't regretted it for an instant. The Military is my everyday carry, on and off duty, and I have lots of other blades to choose from.

When I first saw it years ago, I thought the Military was pretty ugly, now every time I look at it, I see the Williams BMW (my favorite team.) -I guess Sal's not just a heck of a designer, he's also a heck of a salesman.

I haven't forgotten your original concern. This is the knife Sal does his famous quick draw with. I've seen it in person, it's unbelievable. Never, NEVER, let speed of draw concern you about this model. You won't open your Police any faster than you would a Military, I promise. This one can come out so fast, you'd swear it's a trick.

[Rusty]

Whoa tortoise, you'd probably make a pretty darn good salesman yourself - I'm itching to get that knife now <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

One last question I would like to ask is this: serrated or plain? I read a lot of articles about this particular question, but would you point out your personal point of view in regard to this particular Military Model blade?

[aero_student]

This is one of the few liner locks I have absolute faith in. It is very strong. I have no doubts about any part of the knife. CPM 440v can be difficult to sharpen at first. Definitely go with one.

[Jeff/1911]

I too think the Military is a marvelous design, and very well executed. I own two of them...a plain edge and a serrated model. Both of mine open effortlessly with either a thumb flick or by &quot;Spyderdrop&quot;.

Jeff/1911.

Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 1/5/2002 11:23:26 PM

[double axe]

hi guys,the millie is better choice you can do!the liner lock allows for pretty fast openings(much than any lock back),but be careful with this locking machanism(it is pretty hazardous to close the knife quickly,and control the blade play frequently(especially downup)the left right is not too important due to the eccentric pivot.
finally the most important feature (for me) the amazing CPM440V is odd to sharpen but it is quitely simple with some skill...to sharpen this blade one way to do:
lights and slow stokes and always respect the symmetry of the blade(and then avoid a boring burr)if you respect these simples rules your knife will a giant scalpel!complete with a few strokes on card board or with leather strop(i use ceramic benchstone UF and finally cardboard)
Harpy new year!

[ruxton]

well i'm gonna have to disagree with everyone here, seein as my military broke about 2 weeks after i bought it (a screw came off and the G-10 is all loose) it is very *VERY* easy to flick open with your wrist but whenever i do that it feels like the blade is gonna fall off, not wishing to be overly negative about it, i do like the oversized hole and the thick flatground blade is great, stick with a police tho, great knife. a G-10 serrated police vs a G-10 serrated military the police wins every time IMHO
MAT

[Tightwad]

Rusty, The Police &amp; Military are aimed a two different markets.
One point that is often missed by those new to the hobby is that
all knife makers or companies have to sell to so many different
people all with different needs.

If you study knives for just a short while you will find that there
is NO perfect knife or type of knife that fits everyone. What there
is , however, is the few knives out there that for some reason you
will instinctivly like over all the others. Very often you won't know
what your favorite knife is until you hold it and use it.

While it sound nutty do this, if you can, when you want a new knife.
See if you can borrow or hold for just a bit the knife you are thinking
about.......with your eyes closed. Yes, with your eyes closed. If your
hand likes the fit ,feel and weight of the knife it will seen natural in your
grip. If you have to fumble or adjust your grip then the knife is not for you.
Your hand doesn't like that knife. And you will not use it so save your money.
That is how you find the &quot;keepers&quot; in your collection.

The Police &amp; the Military sit very different in the hand because they were designed
for very different users. Try a Military or any other knife , if you can, before you buy one.

[tortoise]

Mine happens to be plainedge. I'm not particularly attached to one style over the other, and I may end up with both. If I were you (Rusty) I'd probably just get the opposite of what your Police is. That's likely the route I'll go when the VG-10 Police appears, I'll get one in spyderedge. Either way, as long as it's sharp!

[Rusty]

Oh well, I guess that means getting serrated military for me... I will let you guys know when I get one <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

ruxton - I got SS Police and don't like the fact that the handle scratches like there's no tomorrow... I'd rather get a different spyderco for the money instead of getting same Police model with the G10 handles... Plus I do not like the concept of having light handle with lock back.

[ruxton]

there was a post a while back about scratches adding character to SS handles, mine sure as hell has a lot of character <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
MAT

[Rookie]

**waving at Ruxton** that was my post, I still want the scratches out of my ss rookie.

In the land of knives, Spyderco is king.

Edited by - Rookie on 1/6/2002 12:22:27 PM

[ruxton]

Rookie, i used a really fine (1200 i think) wet and dry sheet on the handle of my harpy that gave it a brushed look that perfectly matched my zippo lighter <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
MAT

[Jeff/1911]

Rusty,

Here's the two toothy ones side by side, in case you want to compare them.

http://communities.msn.ca/theSpydercoiancollection/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&amp;PhotoID=36

Jeff/1911.

Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 1/7/2002 3:29:57 PM