This is probably my favorite Spyderco -- a 2006 sprint run of the CF Military in BG-42 steel. I like it largely because I like the Military, with its big, pointy blade and high quality construction. It's a really useful knife. And this model is fun because it locks up with a loud "clack" that I never tire of. And, even after lots and lots of use, it's still rock solid.
Many of its state-of-the-art features in 2006 are dated, but they still shine: peel-ply carbon fiber handles and BG-42 steel. There is some kind of partial steel liner opposite of the liner lock, and the carbon fiber scales do not flex, despite the light weight (just 4.0 oz for this big knife). The BG-42 high-speed, ball bearing ingot steel was a super steel back in that day. It was made by Latrobe, with a special double-vacuum melted (VIM/VAR) technology that created a clean, fine-grained steel with high-speed characteristics typically needed for aerospace bearings, gears and other critical components.
Its high carbon (1.15) and chromium (14.5) alloy -- along with the addition of vanadium (1.2) -- gave it high edge wear and corrosion resistance. It has better wear resistance than 52100, M50, 440C and 440C(mod).
Spyderco made 1,500 of these knives (SP36CFBGP), and then stopped. In a post I found of Sal's, he said the high cost of BG-42 and the arrival of better steels pretty much ended its use. The MSRP price was $280. The hardness seems to be 61-62 Rc, but I can't confirm that for sure.
You really have to handle a well- and long-used knife like this to appreciate its quality. It's still super today.
Many of its state-of-the-art features in 2006 are dated, but they still shine: peel-ply carbon fiber handles and BG-42 steel. There is some kind of partial steel liner opposite of the liner lock, and the carbon fiber scales do not flex, despite the light weight (just 4.0 oz for this big knife). The BG-42 high-speed, ball bearing ingot steel was a super steel back in that day. It was made by Latrobe, with a special double-vacuum melted (VIM/VAR) technology that created a clean, fine-grained steel with high-speed characteristics typically needed for aerospace bearings, gears and other critical components.
Its high carbon (1.15) and chromium (14.5) alloy -- along with the addition of vanadium (1.2) -- gave it high edge wear and corrosion resistance. It has better wear resistance than 52100, M50, 440C and 440C(mod).
Spyderco made 1,500 of these knives (SP36CFBGP), and then stopped. In a post I found of Sal's, he said the high cost of BG-42 and the arrival of better steels pretty much ended its use. The MSRP price was $280. The hardness seems to be 61-62 Rc, but I can't confirm that for sure.
You really have to handle a well- and long-used knife like this to appreciate its quality. It's still super today.
