Combat: Police Vs. Military

[Veers]

Hello. I am very new to the world of knives and I would like to feed off the wisdom of those who have more knowledge on this subject. I have gone to several Gun and Knife shows and I really like the way spyderco knifes handle. I looking for a combat/self-defence knife. I have decided between the Spyderco Police or the Military. If you could only have one, which one would it be? Is one of them better for self-defence? Is one of them better for combat? I do feel that there is a difference beween a combat knife to a self-defence knife. I would appreciate any input. Thank you.



Veers

[tique]

I, myself, choose the Military over the Police. I feel it is a much more utilitarian blade than the Police should I need it for such a task. I also think that it can't be beat as a slashing tool if that point is absolutely necessary. I usually carry most of my blades in a utility role and the self defense thing is only a secondary/last resort option. I rarely carry a self defense only blade, when I do, it's usually not a Spydie. I just feel more comfortable with a few other knives I own for defensive purposes, but when the day warrants a self defense blade, the Military is always my main piece, and could see action as well if necessary.

I have recently acquired a neck sheath from a fellow forum member for my Military that is going to see some use next weekend on a camping trip, and depending on it's performance, it may make the Military a good defense only tool at times as well.

The Military also fits under most carry laws more easily than the Police. The police is over 4" and the Military is not. Could be a factor that saves your a$$ if a self defense situation ever ends up in court.
If you can carry a knife over 4", and you want it to be dedicated self defense only carry, look into a Civilian. I believe that is its purpose, and I believe it would do the job. I know mine would, but I have yet to carry it.

[dePaul]

Military, every time <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[br44]

Of the two I would go with the Military, but I would pick the Starmate over both. Now if you want a knife that would work just as well and costs less go with the Endura.

I wouldn't consider any folder a 'combat' knife. If you're looking for a combat style knife, there are a number of fine fixed-blade, pure fighters that are meant for combat/fighting. For self defense(not a stand-up blade to blade 'fight'), either model you're looking at will work for that.

Ken

[Glenn]

The Military and Police are both good knives but might not be the best for what you propose. It is my understanding that the Military nor the Police were designed specifically for martial blade craft. However Fred Perrin did give the military a favorable review on his web page for this kind of use. - http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/2292/reviews.htm
Of the two the military is the superior field knife. It has a far better steel and more belly in the blade. In the same price range as the military is the Chinook with a lock designed specifically for MBC. Although it is a lot heavier than the Military I think it is a great knife for anything - utility or defense.
The new Ayoob is is also worth considering. It is has a good steel and is very light. The almite handle is a little slick but it is a very intimidating knife.
If your just going to carry a knife for self defense and not use it for utility then you should consider the Civilian. Spyderco recommends that you keep it factory sharp so this is a one use knife.
If your willing to go to a smaller blade then you should also consider the Gunting. It is a MBC knife that is designed to be used as a impact weapon when closed. It is a really cool concept that gives you more options.
Anyway, both the Military and Police are very good knives but some of these other Spydercos might serve your needs better.

-Glenn

[sal]

Hi Veers. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

I think the confusion might be in the word &quot;Combat&quot; which is much different than &quot;self defense&quot;.

Any sharp pointy thing can be used for self defense. Combat is an entirely different issue. If you separate the two, your choices will be easier or more difficult depending on the real reason you are seeking the model.

I can say that the Military is a more refined design, but made for a different purpose than the Police.

sal

[Mancer]

yip yip yip, luverly luverly luverly, all em lill spydies are.
My personal favs are the hawkbill blades like the Civilian/Matriarch, but Ive got a soft spot for that lill Military.
Intend on gettin one of em after my Gunting.

Happy Hunting

MaNcEr

[Mancer]

yip yip yip, luverly luverly luverly, all em lill spydies are.
My personal favs are the hawkbill blades like the Civilian/Matriarch, but Ive got a soft spot for that lill Military.
Intend on gettin one of em after my Gunting.

Happy Hunting

MaNcEr

[BRAM]

As Sal has said Self defense is very different than COMBAT...
Self defense means &quot;going home&quot;..combat is a struggle between trained peoples...

and of course, the one knife to get is...get a GUNTING..yup..I like that attitude..
Check out the MBC line up for great self-defense tools...
hmmm so self serving I am...