Discussion about the Spyderco Military

B

Belly

Gold Member
Joined
May 21, 2000
Messages
212
I would like to get some opinions from all of you.

I recently sold my Military because it was way too easy to unlock it just by a simple grip. I am not talking about white-knuckling either - just a simple tightening of my forefinger in a normal grip.

The problem is that I really miss that knife. I loved the full flat grind, the liner locked at just the right amount across the tang, there was no blade play and the blade was centered when closed, the hole is nice and big, the blade has a great shape, and the G10 was nice and grippy.

I owned it for over 9 years, and in that time, I have read about so many other people that love theirs. I have never read about anyone complaining about being able to unlock the liner lock with a simple tight grip. The G10 scale on the one side has an over sized cutout so that one can easily release the lock while wearing gloves or whatever. If Spyderco would simply make that cutout not so deep, than there would be no problem.

Anyway, I think I will buy another soon, but I wanted to hear from the other members here.

Thanks for your replies!

Belly
 
I can make my Military unlock with just a grip, but I have to use a really abnormal grip. With a normal grip, I cannot get it to unlock, but perhaps your hands/grip are just not suited for the knife.

The Military is my favorite knife, but if you need an alternative with a different lock, you might try the 710.
 
I have three right now, and I carry and use at least one every day. I have never had the problem you describe. But bear in mind I am an old school slipjoint carrier as well. I apply slipjoint safety rules to any knife that folds, so I probably wouldn't notice the knife being unlocked as long as gravity didn't close it on my fingers.
 
Belly said:
Anyway, I think I will buy another soon, but I wanted to hear from the other members here.

Thanks for your replies!

Belly
Click to expand...

What would you like to hear?

It has had numerous subtle and not-so-subtle improvements in nine years.

It is one of Spyderco's better sellers.

It provides a lot of blade in a very light weight package.

Within the next few years it stands to have a major adjustment with a different lock.
 
I've got 5 millies from an old 440V to the BG42 sprint. They keep on getting better and better and to me are a knife that would cost more from other companies with different pricing philosophies. I've got a custom framelock from a fairly well known custom maker that isn't as good quality. His work cost a lot more than the millies did.

To your question. No, I've never had that, or any other trouble with the millie liner lock. They're all working just fine, and I trust them for EDC. Joe
 
I agree with your assesment of the knife. The large cut-out is the only thing aside from the choice of lock that stands out to me and says "change me." I understand its purpose, but I don't think it needs to be quite so large. Then again I've never handled one with more material there, so who can say for sure?

I can't release the lock just by gripping the knife, but if I twist or rock the side sideways during a cut it's very easy to. Especially if I'm using reverse grip and I'm digging the point around in something and I twist my wrist inwards.

Utterly fantastic knife, but give it a compression lock or something.
 
I'm sitting here playing with the S30V Military right now, trying every hold position I can think of ever using, cannot get mine to close accidentally. I understand that this may not be the case with everyone. I really like this knife, so much that I am contemplating the purchase of the sprint D2 version.
 
Hi Belly,

Thanx for the the input.

We have considered an alteration of the shape of the cut out in the next redesign.

For some it is a problem, but for most, it has not been a problem. We'll see if we can find that elusive shape andf size that works for all.

sal
 
Thank you for your time, Sal. I have great respect for you and your company. You have really done an amazing job running your business. Your excellent customer service really means a lot to your fans. Please note that my post is in no way meant to bash Spyderco. I just like to discuss pros and cons in an objective manner.

Over the last 10 years, I have purchased a dozen or so Spyderco's (along with many Benchmades, and a few Microtechs and Kershaws), and I really like your designs. I also love the many variations on a large number of your models. Many years ago, I wrote you a letter about a few problems I saw with a couple knives I purchased from your company. You took the time to write back and explain them. You were also kind enough to give me a Calypso free. One of my biggest regrets was never writing back to you to thank you for the gift. Thank you for the generous gift many years ago.

I have spent large amounts of time studying knives and their design over the past 12 years, and I have come to realize that there is no one perfect knife. No single knife has everything that everyone could want. The Military is pretty darn close.

Thank you again for your reply,

Belly
 
The Military is an excellent knife. I simply didn't have any problem with mine (but again, I didn't have any problems with ANY Spyderco - and I do have a few :D ).
If Sal puts a compression lock on this one (as some rumours claimed) it will be the perfect knife (at least for me) :)
 
I have a few to choose from including:

Al Mar SERE 2000 - heavy & big
Spyderco police SS - 2 of 'em
Spyderco Endura old G-2
Spyderco Delica new ZDP - 189
Benchmade AFTC old one ATS-34
Benchmade Griptilian
Benchmade Pikas - mini & reg.
Executive Edge 6-inch custom one-piece SS

My favorite is the SPYDERCO - MILITARY CPM S30V SS G-10 :thumbup:

Light enough for everyday carry - big enough for almost any job - and the clip
(should go for tip UP by-the-way :p) - works for me on any pockets - slacks or shorts. I like LIGHT things including all weapons. I want the most bang for the weight size payback. ;)

Same with gun(s) Glock 23 - 5 of 'em :D
 
I just ordered a Military in CPM D2. I tested one for about a month and never had it unlock on me, even under white knuckling and light, fast spine whacks. Twisting would probably be where you would get it to unlock most commonly, but I never had the problem in my limited testing. The large handle cutout was really nice for most of the testing I did, in which I was wearing gloves. Personally I'd like to see the compression lock on any future Military generation, that would add to the strength and reliability of the design.

Mike
 
I own 2 and have 2 more in transit. I can't say enough good things about the millie. I have carried one off and on since I was 16 and they are amazing knives. I will always own at least one but Im thinking more like 10 especially if they put a compression lock in one.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Belly,

Thanx for the the input.

We have considered an alteration of the shape of the cut out in the next redesign.

For some it is a problem, but for most, it has not been a problem. We'll see if we can find that elusive shape andf size that works for all.

sal
Click to expand...


As usual, Spyderco and Sal step up to the plate once again. Customer statisfaction is a feature you get with every Spydie.

I had a Manix that failed the infamous "spine whack test". It became a long discussion on this forum. The one I got back from Spyderco will not fail, no matter what I do to it. Sal got personally envolved in the problem. Typical for Spyderco service.

Not saying that other companies are not as responsive. The topic here just happens to be a Spyderco.

Discussing a knife problem on the forum can be informative but the manufacturer should always be given the chance to make it right.

And by the way, I love my 2 Military's: fully serrated S30V and plain edge BG42 with carbon fiber handle. Magnificant knives.

Regards
 
jlfletcher83 said:
I will always own at least one but Im thinking more like 10 especially if they put a compression lock in one.
Click to expand...

Well, whenever I order a CPMD2 version that'll make it 2 for me, then who knows how many I'll have when they release the new version. :)
 
I only skimmed the posted but maybe if you like the Spyderco (me too) but don't like liner locks, you could go with a Manix or a Mini Manix. Equally good knives, different locking mechanism. The Manix is pretty big but the mini is err.. smaller.
 
i love my bg42 military,its one of the sharpest out of the box knives ive ever got.perfect in every way.never had any issues with the lock or anything.with this & my bm 710,theres not a better duo i can think of............
 
I just received the Green CPM D2 Military, which looks GREAT.VERY sharp. Excellent workmanship. The liner lock is very strong, and I find it difficult to believe that it would allow accidental closing, except under very unusual circumstances/use. But, I don't expect that it will be used to build a dugout canoe or anything...:rolleyes:
 
The Military model has been around for some time. It has stood the biggest test.....time! I hate to project, but if the military was made with a compression lock, that would be one hot ticket!:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top