Civilian or Harpy

L

lc609

Joined
Jan 14, 1999
Messages
222
Co worker of mine wants either a Civilian (he gets kind queezy at the $100 price tag)or a Harpy. He's worried about the tip on the Civilian. He wants a defensive slasher that he can use for cutting seatbelts and clothing (I normally find that the button works best on seatbelts, but all cops gotta have a seatbelt knife).

Thanks in advance.

pat
 
Hi Pat,
I suggest that you have a look at either the Harpy or the long-awaited Matriarch. According to Spyderco, the Matriarch should be available from around the end of August
smile.gif
, but only in South Africa and Israel.

At this stage I carry the G-10 Harpy myself for those "unexpected" moments when a good blade is needed...
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The threads discussing the Matriarch can be found on BladeForums.
 
For mundane cutting chores, such as opening a package, or a controlled cut, such as cutting near an accident victim, the Harpy/Merlin blade is easier to use. I've tried opening a box with a Civilian, and it can be done, but and the distance and direction of the point from my hand slowed me down. Awkward.

In a "social situation" . . . I'm not a martial artist by a long shot, but I suspect I'd rather have the Civilian. However, if a Harpy/Merlin blade was coming toward me, I would certainly want to get out of its way.


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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
 
My suggestion would be for your friend to get the Harpy if he intends to use it for routine utility in addition to emergency-use.

If this blade is kept in reserve for emergencies, it may be the Civilian. As many have recommended before, if the blade is primarilly defensive, it must be kept honed much sharper than a box-opener would be expected to be. I carry the Harpy now.
 
I'm with Brian on going with the Harpy for utility and defense. The Harpy is also more defensible in court should it come to that - it's a utility knife. If your only concern is slashing power, then the Civilian gets the nod. I've had many years experience with both and my daily carry is a Harpy or a Merlin, with the Civilian saved for those 'special' social occasions.

Mike
 
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