Advice on Spyderco Military

K

KeyserSöze 1

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Nov 22, 2016
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Hi, everyone...I am new to the forum and joined to learn. I've carried a variety of SOG and/or Gerber over the years in both EDC as well as overseas deployment. I was recently fondling a friend's Spyderco Military and I fell in love with the feel of it. What was even more impressive was the abuse he said he'd put that thing through. I would like to pick one up, but those "blue" scales are absolutely hideous to me. I've looked all over for one with different scales, but am coming up empty...any thoughts suggestions? Thanks!
 
You can find the following combinations within the Military as your most basic models.

You can find them on Knifecenter.com (they are registered members here on BF as well) and other registered dealers (here is a link to a list that can help you http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1089879-Paid-Dealer-Members-List-(Updated-2-5-16))

Satin, black handle
Black DLC coated blade, black handle
Satin Blade, Camo handle
Black DLC coated blade, camo handle.

The Military model is a workhorse folder.
 
Many different variations of the Military. Broaden your search. BladeHQ, GP Knives, National Knives are some of the "Usual Suspects" ;) Or browse the exchange here.
Welcome, and happy hunting!
 
Sorry...I should have specified that he was pretty adamant that his in particular had a crazy hard steel as the blade that made it so tough. When I went on Spyderco's website, it looks like he may have been referring to CPM S110V, and that appears to only come in that color. This is my first venture into a higher end knife as I usually just bought was looked nice in the PX and used it until I broke it.
 
blades&wrenches said:
Many different variations of the Military. Broaden your search. BladeHQ, GP Knives, National Knives are some of the "Usual Suspects" ;) Or browse the exchange here.
Welcome, and happy hunting!
Click to expand...

Thanks...just started looking in the exchange per your suggestion. The first 4-5 pages seem to be populated with ~50% Spyderco knives...should I be looking at a different manufacturer for my initial foray into a more expensive knife? Is there any reason there seems to be so many people selling their Spyderco knives off?
 
There is a production version of the Military in S110V, the scales are blurple, a blueish-purplish slightly translucent color.
There is also a dealer exclusive Military in S90V with smurf blue scales, available new only from one dealer.
Of the 2 the S110V is more widely available and a better price.

I have the S90V with custom scales on it 'cos I didn't like the smurf blue. Awesome folder.

Neither S110V or S90V would be extremely tough, what they do offer is excellent edge retention. And that more so because of the high carbide levels, particularly vanadium carbides.

But there are people on BF far more knowledgeable about such things and a good search and read here will certainly help.

Welcome to BF :)
 
Learning already...didn't know you could change the scales out. Is that an option from Spyderco?


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Lot of Spyderco's for sale simply because there are such large quantities of them out there. They are a beloved brand by many - just a result of mass ownership.:)
 
KeyserSöze;16683805 said:
Learning already...didn't know you could change the scales out. Is that an option from Spyderco?
Click to expand...

Not from Spyderco. A few popular models have aftermarket scales available or there are very good custom scale makers here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/870-The-Custom-Shop-Services-Offered

It adds to the cost of course, but to some of us it adds another dimension to the hobby, adding something uniquely specific to personalize a favorite folder. Be aware of what voids the manufacturers warranty though. Then buy a good set of Wiha torx keys and do it anyway.
Just so you know, this place can be dangerous to your wallet. ;)

DSC00342_zpslaupsfbx.jpg

DSC00343_zpsnfjxxmgf.jpg
 
I would recommend starting with the regular S30V model with black or digicam scales. S30V is no slouch. It's a good baseline that helps you appreciate the higher end steels down the road.
 
With all of these super steels out there it can become easy to overlook the simple stuff. I honestly find that S30V holds a great edge and can take a very sharp edge. One question to ask yourself is how confident you feel in your sharpening abilities? The harder that steel gets, the more time and patience it's going to take to get it super sharp again. Most people don't recommend loosing a sharp edge on S110V, but just continue to maintain that edge. If you're looking for a super steel, but you don't want to go S110V, I would think about the Knife Works exclusive Military in 204P. Also, the Knife Works exclusive has the new Military CQI (constant quality improvements), which includes larger size torx head, larger lanyard hole, stepped stop pin (no screw) and torx on both sides of the pivot.

C36GGRP.2.jpg
 
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To the OP :
Did you know that the Military is also available with titanium handles ?

They're my favorite militaries. Especially the Fluted Ti. Check them out.
 
Agreed. Fluted Titanium is the best feeling Military ever made. I have two Franken-Mili's S90V & Cruwear.
 
It's definitely my favorite Military to date. Hoping they sell out soon so we can get the R.I.L., S90V on the chopping block.
 
I've learned more in the past 2 days about knives and steel than the rest of my life. TONS of good info even just in this thread. Should I be concerned with the steel that is in the blade or just go with what I like the look of? I already know that I like the feel of the military from fondling with my friend's, but all this information on steel is overwhelmingly confusing.
 
Don't worry overly about the steel.
The regular S30V is just fine.
The other steels are fine as well.
Some people complain about S30V having chipping issues, but I haven't experienced it.
And I'm the idiot who cross-grain batonned a folder through a thick branch to assist in making a shelter...and that folder had S30V steel. :D
 
Cursum Perficio said:
Not from Spyderco. A few popular models have aftermarket scales available or there are very good custom scale makers here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/870-The-Custom-Shop-Services-Offered

It adds to the cost of course, but to some of us it adds another dimension to the hobby, adding something uniquely specific to personalize a favorite folder. Be aware of what voids the manufacturers warranty though. Then buy a good set of Wiha torx keys and do it anyway.
Just so you know, this place can be dangerous to your wallet. ;)

DSC00342_zpslaupsfbx.jpg

DSC00343_zpsnfjxxmgf.jpg
Click to expand...

Absolutely gorgeous scales.
 
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