1st time military owner questions

Turgid · Nov 2, 1999

Well, I finally decided to get a military, I dont know a lot about knives, but all the talk in here convinced me.

When I ordered the knife I asked for the 440v steel, but ended up getting the ATS-34. I was told that the ATS was harder and that they didnt have any of the 440 in stock. My question is, what are the differences between the two materials, and should I bother making a stink about it?

My other question is how can you tell if it is an old or new model Military?

Thanks

Bearlegs · Nov 2, 1999

From what I've read on the forums here, there is quite a difference in the two steels, with CPM440V being regarded as much better. I have a new Military, and it is distinguished by the old by NOT having any finger grooves on the finger choil (right behind the blade where your index finger would rest when choking up on the blade). My experience with the knife has been excellent thus far. I highly recommend it. If I were you, I would send the knife back because it's not what you ordered. Not that there's anything wrong with ATS-34, but I don't think it's nearly as good as CPM440V. Just my opinion. Hope this helps!

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Chris

"We Don't Rent Pigs" --Augustus McCrae

"I won't abide rude behavior in a man." -- Woodrow Call

shootist16 · Nov 2, 1999

ATS-34 is a good steel and will serve you well, however, 440-V is supposed to be better (and from what I have seen it is). I would definately raise a stink. Especially if you ordered 440-V and they sent you ATS-34 without asking you first.

The new style has three screws on the clip and the old style only had two.

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-Dennis

Nakano 2 · Nov 3, 1999

440V holds a better edge and much longer than ATS 34 which is a fine stainless itself. Just from what you' ve posted, it sounds like extremely poor business practice on their part. Suggest a pick up tag or insist on a return postage reimbursement.

L8r,
Nakano

Smoke · Nov 3, 1999

Turgid, what's the name of the business?

JoHnYKwSt · Nov 3, 1999

The ATS-34 is harder, but that doesn't mean it's better. I would definetively raise a stink about this. Return the knife and don't buy from that person again.

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Johnny
[]xxxxxx[]=============>

ptn · Nov 3, 1999

The principle here is that you did not get what you ordered. I agree with the others. Raise a stink. Insist on what you ordered. Insist on return postage....and post your story in the Good, Bad & Ugly forum.

I knowingly ordered a new model Military in ATS-34 steel a little while back. I have no prejudice against that particular steel but understand that cpm440V outperforms it in terms of edgeholding/wear resistance and toughness if it is properly hardened.

I am not sorry I got this knife but if I were to do it over again, I'd get the 440V blade based on my perception that it will perform better.

I suppose the dealers with ATS-34 Militarys in stock feel hard pressed to unload them with all the hooplah about 440v steel...but it was underhanded of him to put you in this position.

ptn

Dalerich · Nov 3, 1999

I would definately send it back. The 440V is in my opinion a much better steel than the ATS-34. Besides that you did not get what you ordered.

You can tell the "New" style of Military by the 3 screws that attach the clip to the knife. The older style only used 2 on the clip. You definately want the new version, it has many subtle refinements that make it a great knife.

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Dale Richmond
AKTI Number A000949

[This message has been edited by Dalerich (edited 03 November 1999).]

Brian Lavin · Nov 3, 1999

Yup, send it back, you at least should have been given the option to refuse the ATS34 model. Try Chai or Discount or Knifecenter.

Outlaw_Dogboy · Nov 3, 1999

I think a couple of things need to be considered here. From your post, it is ambiguous whether you were told as you ordered that the 440V wasn't available, or you just received the ATS-34 after having placed the order for 440V and thinking that was what was coming. Big difference.

Also, from what I have read, there was an 'intermediate' Military, which had the improvements of the new Military (including the clip?), but with the ATS-34 blade. I personally wouldn't worry about having an "intermediate" model, unless it was shipped to me without asking.

The ATS-34 is harder. IMO, it may be better, depending on how you use your knife. The ATS-34 supposedly has a very slight advantage in rust resistance, while the 440V has a slight advantage in toughness (I think), and supposedly holds and edge better. From my experience with several ATS-34 blades, and the 440V blade in my BF Native, I haven't found that to be true for the particular duties I put the knife to (Yeah, I know, but it's just a ****ing staple guys!

).

The jury is still out, though, on whether my BF Native 440V blade was not heat treated properly. I finally sent it back to Spyderco last Friday. If it turns out that my BF Native's blade has the right hardness (or the hardness that Spyderco was shooting for), I doubt I'll ever again put much emphasis on whether a blade is 440V, ATS-34, ATS-55, or 440C.

So, IMO, you shouldn't bother making a stink, unless the dealer substituted the ATS-34 Military without asking you first.

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It's just a ****ing staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy

Scarman · Nov 3, 1999

I have the 440V Military and I love it.
I have never had nor used the ATS-34 model so I can not give you a comparison.

I will say almost all of the favorable reports I have read about the Military involve the 440V.

I would say that if you ordered and want the 440V send it back and get it. Don't settle.
Just my $0.02

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The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a Holy God and give an account of my life.
*Daniel Webster

Rev 20:12

1st time military owner questions

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