8 Years of the Spyderco Military

Nice polished edge. Nice point. Convexed edges seem to be the way to go. It would be nice for Spyderco to sell a convex sharpening system.

I'd love to see a Military in M4, but maybe it's too close to S90V.
 
Twindog said:
It would be nice for Spyderco to sell a convex sharpening system.
Click to expand...

Hehehehehehehe...... Some wet/dry paper and a mouse pad with a Spyderco logo on it? :D:D:D The best thing about a convex grind is that you don't really need a "sharpening system".


Now that we're talking M2 vs M4, I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this. I've never tried M4. I've read that it is more wear resistant and tougher than M2. So where is the down side of M4, in comparison to M2? If it's just a matter of corrosion, I'm all for M4.
 
Buzzbait said:
Hehehehehehehe...... Some wet/dry paper and a mouse pad with a Spyderco logo on it? :D:D:D The best thing about a convex grind is that you don't really need a "sharpening system".


Now that we're talking M2 vs M4, I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this. I've never tried M4. I've read that it is more wear resistant and tougher than M2. So where is the down side of M4, in comparison to M2? If it's just a matter of corrosion, I'm all for M4.
Click to expand...
But it is, its a very technologically advanced sharpening system, using space age technological breakthroughs, of technological systems of technology, making it the most advanced handle free convex system available :)
 
Thanks Buzz for the review. Your 2003 review has caused me in the past to purchase 2 Militaries. They are great knives.

In fact, I used to be a huge proponent of the Paramilitary. It WAS my favorite knife of all time. Now however, it's the Military. If I'm not carrying my Salt 1, I have a Military in my pocket.

Thanks again for this review and the one from 2003. They are both awesome and will pretty much sell anyone on a Military.

I want to get the exact model you have pictured also. Very nice looking.

Cheers! :)
 
Here is the convexed Endura4 -

Picture095.jpg

Picture118.jpg

Picture141.jpg


And the convexed Military -

Picture106.jpg

Picture107.jpg

Picture147.jpg
 
I do sand down the flat grind a bit. It ensures a more smooth transition from the convex edge grind to the flat grind, thins out the edge a very tiny amount, and gives the whole knife a more even overall finish.

I start by knocking off the edge grind shoulders with a coarse diamond bench hone. Then I shape the convex edge with 200 grit adhesive backed SIC wet/dry paper, mounted to an old mouse pad. The Then I work myself up to 600 grit, 1200 grit, and then 2000 grit. Last, I use a leather strop mounted with either Herb's Yellowstone for less wear resistant steels, or Bark River black stropping compound for more wear resistant steels.

When I'm done with the Endura4, the blade should be completely convex from the edge to the secondary grind line. It will rock the house down. It will essentially be a full convex ground folder. I may even refinish the entire blade, as well as round the spine for more comfortable two-hand work.
 
Last edited:
I have carried my s90v CF millie for 9 months now with no desire to replace it.
I doubt I will be able to find a better edc in some time.
 
That's a nice edge, Buzz. My Para looked like that the first time I worked it with my Harbor Freight belt sander. Then I decided I wanted to thin it more, and I made the mistake of doing it when I was tired and ended up with an uneven grind. The edge is definitely thinner - and a better cutter by far - but it will not win any beauty contests. That sander sure makes fast work of it - for better or for worse.
 
Nice pics of the convexing. That's how mine become after a while as well, start by knocking off the shoulder and then gradually convexing the edge every time it needs a touch up.

Edge seems just as durable and cuts better imho. Biggest difference is with the sabre ground spydies.

Sal: A Millie convexed from Golden with Ti on one side and Micarta or carbon fibre on the other would be perfect:D Liner or framelock are both fine.

Micarta with nested liners would also be great. If the steel is carbon and darkens I prefer lighter colored scales ;)

Sverre
 
Last edited:
Sal Glesser said:
If you were going to "design" the perfect Military, what would you do?

Yeah, M2, I know. That we can do. What else?

sal
Click to expand...

Finish the M2 blade with DLC. Normal coatings look like krap after some use.

Shorten the handle by 1/2" I love the full grip of the Millie, but I still feel that it's too long. I think you can shorten the handle somewhat and still keep the current Millie's blade length. This modification would make the Millie more pocket friendly.
 
Last edited:
I agree that either M2 or M4 would need a coating. Heck, in a folder, I'd even prefer that D2 have a coating.
 
Thanks Buzz,
I will do my Mili with the convex, but right now I did my Para. It turned out ok. I did not use sandpaper and a mousepad, however. I just don't have the talent for it(will mess it up).
I used the cardboard wheels you get from the knife supplies, with grit on one and compound on the other. They don't cut too fast so i can control it. There is much less drag:D.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Thanx much for the insightful historical review.

The Millie is still my daily carry on the mountain.

SOOOOoooooo.....

If you were going to "design" the perfect Military, what would you do?

Yeah, M2, I know. That we can do. What else?

sal
Click to expand...

Being from the 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' school, I would keep the existing Millie as is. More holes for left handed users? Nope, I can't see adding to the cost of drilling and taping extra holes for 7-10% of the population.

I think that the existing Millie would make an excellent platform for new steels. A compression lock may be entertaining as well, but only if it can be done within the current price structure. Otherwise, why mess with a good thing?
 
Sal Glesser said:
If you were going to "design" the perfect Military, what would you do?

Yeah, M2, I know. That we can do. What else?

sal
Click to expand...

M4 and H1 would be interesting steel choices. Coated option for the former.

Compression lock if it's possible.

Tip up carry option.

Current fine jimping on spine and finger choil.

Those things would make the Military perfect to me.
 
Sal, my perfect Military would be CPM M4 and a compression lock. The knife is so great as is, but CPM M4 has been great for me in over a year of use and the compression lock is my favorite lock out there. It is smooth, very strong, and ambidexterous, IMO it is a huge leap over the Walker liner lock. I'm sure there is a downside in terms of costs and complexities compared to the liner lock, but I just love the comp lock and think that it's greater strength better fits the Military's hard use role.

Mike
 
I would also love a Military with a compression lock. I would change nothing else however.

Problem is that I am in love with the ball detent on the Military and the Paramilitary doesn't have as good of a detent.

I'm sure you don't "need" to make the liners thicker for a compression lock but it would be pure cool if you did. :)

Thanks, as always, for asking Sal
 
Sal: how about a clip to attach to a rifle (10/22?) and turn your millie into a bayonet? I'd buy one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top