Alternatives to the Spyderco Civilian?

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Folderguy

Joined
Jun 26, 2010
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The Spyderco Civilian intrigues me. However, it's a bit pricey for a knife I'll probably never use. Not that that's a bad thing. But as I haven't held one and only have pictures to go by, I have a few questions. First, how strong is it? It seems to have a pretty delicate tip. Also, what is the lock like? Do you consider its price tag to be reasonable?

Are there any alternative knives to the Civilian that you'd recommend?

Thanks,

Folderguy
 
For SD exclusively? Cold steel Ti-Lite 6". pretty massive old boy. as far as serrated goes, I do not know.
 
I have a Civilian, with the original aluminum handle and it's pretty much a specialized design, for self-defense. Yes the tip it sharp and thin, strong enough to use on flesh, but certainly it gives up strength for it's intended purpose. (designed as a last ditch defensive blade for undercover police)
I do like the SuperHawk better for it's stronger tip and it's compression back-lock. It would be my choice hands down for EDC over the Civilian. Even though it's discontinued you can still get them reasonably, although I have a feeling that will be changing in the near future.

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If you have your heart set on the Civilian, you can see there really isn't much comparison between it and anything else available. So, I'd say buy it if you like it that much. It's a unique blade, even with it's limited design. Around 150 is a great price for the new G-10 handled models.
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Another vote to go for the Civilian. Like Jill said, there really is no substitute for it. The point is thin, but it is still strong enough for its intended use. I wouldn't worry about it in a confrontation. I view the serrations as a big plus for a knife like this, since it will have a shredding effect. It's certainly is a large knife, but I've got to say, when I'm in a bad part of town and have this baby in my pocket, it gives me a sense of security that no other knife can give me. My two cents...

- Mark
 
The only thing I can think of is the Cold Steel Black Talon, it looks to have a stronger tip, same blade shape, but it'll be more expensive.
 
(( spam )) this is a spyderco police style knife all serrated g10 handle scaled and 440c blade its also 17 bucks.
 
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michaelm466 said:
The only thing I can think of is the Cold Steel Black Talon, it looks to have a stronger tip, same blade shape, but it'll be more expensive.
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I agree. It's also drilled for tip up carry and wave modding it is a 5 minute job.
 
Byrd Crossbill?

The blade and tip on this one is strong. I've used mine for some pretty aggressive slashing cuts and it didn't bend or break.

(top knife)
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CS Black Talon if you can find one, this is mine, never used, bought it to be a safe queen...

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jill jackson said:
I do like the SuperHawk better for it's stronger tip and it's compression back-lock. It would be my choice hands down for EDC over the Civilian. Even though it's discontinued you can still get them reasonably, although I have a feeling that will be changing in the near future.
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I have a Civilian, Matriarch, and SuperHawk.

I picked up the Civilian a year or so ago mainly because I thought I had heard it was being discontinued (obviously not the case). It's an interesting design, but I doubt I'll every carry it, but I'm not sorry I got it.
The Matriarch is a nice little knife, of similar concept, and a bit more appropriate for EDC...and much less expensive.

The SuperHawk would also be my choice of those for EDC or other uses. Very strong and capable, plus CF.

Never understood why the SuperHawk didn't sell better. I guess many don't care for hawk blades, or maybe the original MSRP was too high. Though discontinued, some dealers still have them at a reasonable price.
 
The other alternative to the Superhawk is the Spyderhawk. It can be had in both PE and SE blades. And if you don't like the yellow handle, give it a dye job.

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Joben said:
Byrd Crossbill?

The blade and tip on this one is strong. I've used mine for some pretty aggressive slashing cuts and it didn't bend or break.

(top knife)
hawkbills.jpg
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest that one myself! :thumbup:
 
Vertebrae said:
Not the closest match, but...

http://www.boker.de/us/pocket-knife/boker-plus/tactical-knife/01BO430.html
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Hadn't thought of that one, and I even have one. :D
The Batman (cute name huh?;)) is very close in many respects. Not quite the same quality, but decent. Mine came a tad off-center and didn't include the adjustment tool (Boker seems to love coming up with different pivot adjustment designs:mad:).
Includes a lanyard too!
Plus it is quite a bit cheaper.

Edit: Apparently its just the Boker Bat now, I'm nearly positive it was Batman when it first came out. Copyright thing maybe.

Mark J said:
Interesting. Does it have a liner lock? (link didn't say)

- Mark
Click to expand...

It does. Unfortunately on my example its kinda hard to release...not much area for thumb contact.
 
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