BG-42 vs s90v Military

KarlMaldensNose

KarlMaldensNose

Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Messages
1,342
I'm not talking steel performance here, or ease of sharpening, or how keen an edge it will take.

I am interested in the collectability factor of each, and compared to each other.

How many of each were produced in their sprint runs?
Would either of them fetch more than their standard retail price on the BF exchange if they were NIB (not that I'd sell)?
Apparently the CF s90v Military is a step above the standard G10 s30v version. If that is true, does the CF BG-42 version enjoy the same refined fit and finish?
Some say the new orange edition is a notch above the regs in terms of smoothness of action. If that's true, do these two CF Militaries exhibit similarly smoother action?

I really want my first Military now and I just can't wait for the Ti sprint run later this year. I want something a bit different than the standard s30v version, hence my interest in these rarer steel versions. But if I'm gonna dish out more money for one of these upgraded versions I'd like to make sure its F&F and action are in line with its price increase. Hopefully some of you out there fortunate enough to have scored one or both of these can enlighten me. Thanks for reading.
 
IIRC, there were 1500 pcs of the BG-42 military, and fewer (maybe 1200) of the S90V millie. Don't know about current prices, I've paid 175$ for the BG42 and 200 for the S90V.

As far as I can tell, the handle is absolutely the same: as a matter of fact, the current handle on my S90V was taken from a BG42 (both were perfect so it was a match made in heaven :p). The action on my orange & digi camo black millies is way much better than on older models, including the BG42 and S90V, and also the backspacer seems to be aluminum on newer models, as compared to plastic on both BG42 and S90V.

So, if smooth opening is paramount, i'd say go for one of the new S30V models. If you want to experience the grippier handle ever made, go for either BG42 or S90V. Also, if you have specific questions, just shoot'em :D
 
I have both plus a D2 and since I also have a standard S30V G10 and a couple of Orange's, one of which I carry, I find it hard to use the special ones just yet.

IIRC I paid something like $170 for the S90V when they were fresh on the market and I got my NIB BG-42 (a perfect one too) for $149 from a shop that must not have known any better because I just got it about 6 months ago.

Personally, if you are going for the special factor I'd get either one as soon as you can find one. But don't discount the Orange while they are available for a song too. Only because you might be able to swing two at their street price. Stash one and carry one. That's what I did and both Oranges I have are easily the two smoothest Militarys I own. The D2 and BG-42 are a close second in the smoothess factor.
 
Last edited:
I consider the BG-42 Mili more valuable. Even if S90V is less common right now, there's going to be a lot of stuff like that (S90V editions) coming out in the future. I doubt if BG-42 will ever be used in knives again.
My BG-42 model has better fit and finish than the S90V.

Then again, those Orange Militarys could be in really high demand later on. It's really anyone's guess at this point. Though, I'd bet the Ti Military will be the most collectible version that will ever be produced. People seem to be pretty fanatical about framelocks.
 
Reeek said:
Thus, I am on pre-order for two now :D
Click to expand...

Same here. :D :D :D

I find the F&F on both flawless. The BG-42 I feel has more of a collectors value then the S90V only because BG-42 knives are getting hard to come by.
 
Great question btw, i was close to pulling the trigger on the BG-42 i just saw, but I'm more partial to the S90V.

guess i'll have to keep an eye out for the BG-42.
 
Yea I have one and from what I have read will have more of a collectors value.


RickJ
 
Last edited:
I'd take the BG42 version,because I'm not partial to the powder metals,brittle factor being the case.
 
GRIM 62 said:
I'd take the BG42 version,because I'm not partial to the powder metals,brittle factor being the case.
Click to expand...

Actually, CPM metals have a higher (I'd like to think I'm reading the information right) transverse (side to side) toughness then other steels.
 
I'd take the BG42 version,because I'm not partial to the powder metals,brittle factor being the case.
Click to expand...

I had a CPM440V (S60V) Military since they first came out in 1996. I used it just about every day cutting alot of tough materials. It never chipped an edge and is above average in mainttaining sharpness. The S90V is a great upgrade. I have used a Phil Wilson CPM420V (S90V) fillet knife for many years. It is a great steel.

BG42 is a good steel but can not compare to S90V.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top