Harpy-Civilian-Matriarch: Anyone else LOVE these, too?

K

Kysa

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Gotta admit, as my knife tastes have continued to mature, I'm increasingly attracted to these hawk-billed type models. I bought the Harpy and it's a perfect fit. I've fondled the Civilian (it's the next acquisition), and I'm positively in love with the Matriarch. I assume it's a naturally larger version of the S-bladed Cricket.

Working around boxes a lot, pull-cuts and slicing tape and banding are common. So their use is evident.

Do you love these knives as much as I do?
 
Kysa -- I think their wicked, evil and totally KEWL!

Some say not to love an object, only people, but I'll make an exception with these Spydie hawks!
 
I've got to agree with you too, Kysa. I would love to get a G10 Harpy before they're discontinued, but I've committed all my knife buying money to the BF Native. Probably end up buying a Merlin instead. Makes more sense, actually, as I'll be using it around water and won't need to be as paranoid about dropping it. BTW I don't want to make you jealous but I may have an aluminium handled Civilian coming my way
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.

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Take care,
Clay

"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire :)


 
These are my favorite family of knives - nothing else is even close (well maybe REKAT)! My order of acquisition is:

1. Civilian (have now)
2. Matriarch (must have next)
3. Harpy (how could I not buy this one too?)

I'm really hoping the Matriarch will do good duty as a utility/defense knive (with heavy emphasis on utility).
 
Kysa, personally I'm not a fan of this style of knife. I know they have their fans and use, but for my taste they are too limited in the scope of their utility. They do some things extremely well, but are next to useless in other areas.
I prefer my knives to have a little more 'all-around' nature. They may not do any one thing perfectly, but they will do almost anything adequately.
Again this is a personal preference, not trying to take anything away from the fans of this blade style.

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Bill (Yes, we carry knives in Canada - we need them to fight off the polar bears and militant Eskimos ;) )
 
Everything about them except the tip.
Personally I like a thicker tip. Otherwise wicked design.

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God bless!

Romans 10:9-10

"Military" Fans Unite!!

 
William, you make a good point about the tips. A reverse drop-point tip is great, like the Centofante. The Matriarch promises to be a big hit with me.
 
Don't underestimate that tip! I've slashed my Civilian through many "BGs" of the cardboard and shrub variety and it's never suffered any damage. The only time it was hurt was when I dropped the knife closed on the blade spine and the tip was driven into the metal spacer
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...and even then it was springy enough to be bent back with minimal loss of material (and then reground by Spydie customer service - thanks!)

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
Bill,

I agree that the hawksbill blade is rather specialised in its application. My reason for wanting one is that all my daily carry knives are plain edge, and I want to supplement them with a serrated edge blade. It will mainly be used around water, for cutting rope and other line, so it makes sense to chose a blade shape which will maximise the effectiveness of the serrations when used for this purpose. OTOH I have no excuse for wanting the Civilian, I just want it
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.

Kysa, the Centofante looks sweet doesn't it. As I said elsewhere, I have started wanting one ever since Danelle sent me the pin with my goodies. It will be next, after the Chinese folder. Too many knives to choose from
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Take care,
Clay

"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire :)


 
The Civilian is a WICKED knife, and often frowned upon even by "knowledgeable" people. I carry the Harpy daily, however (together with the serrated Military, serrated Rookie G10 and serrated Cricket on my keychain...). The Matriarch will be added to this "arsenal" as soon as it is available!! I often use the Native, Endura, Delica or Wayne Goddard Lightweight instead of the Military or Rookie , depending on the work I expect to do that day.

I do agree that these knives all have their specialised roles to fulfill, but that gives one a VERY GOOD excuse to carry as many knives as possible (to cater for all situations!)
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SpyderNut

[This message has been edited by Heyns van der Merwe (edited 16 May 1999).]
 
Well, I just couldn't stay out of THIS thread, now could I???

Many valid concerns (pro & con) are raised here, but I should mention that in my view, the VAST majority of tasks we expect of our knives involves cutting stuff, not punching holes in it (stabbing).

There are very few instances where I can imagine my hawkbill knives not meeting the issue at hand/blade...whether they be box or BG related. Not to detract from the logic of the all-around usefulness of a conventional blade, which I can understand, just a personal preference for a blade design which can be defended as specifically NOT designed for stabbing.
 
All this hype about the Matriarch? Does anyone know where a picture of this knife is? I've looked on the Spyderco website, not there.
Thanks
Nick
 
Nick,

Look <a href="http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum20/HTML/000356.html">here</a> and salivate
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Cheers,
Clay
 
Kysa,

I've carried a Harpy in one form or another daily since they first came out in early 80s - outstanding everyday knife with great utility. The Merlin makes, IMHO, the perfect whitewater rescue knife and I keep one attached to my lifevest in addition to the G-10 Harpy I carry in a neck sheath. The tip on the Civilian is stronger than it seems and this knife is an awesome self defense peice! I've seen the Matriarch prototypes and will get one when available. BTW - the new Merlins are here. Delica 98 handle with Harpy blade, ATS-55. Thanks Spyderco!

Mike
 
Kysa,

My first hawksbill cutter was a Spyderco Merlin(integral clip) and loved it and carried it all the time and I'm not a big fan of sub 4" blades.

The Civilian G-10 was next and I found myself too paranoid to carry such a pretty knife, so it stays in its comfy clamshell zipcase, until I get my second one next month
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.

I started working where I'm at now just over a year ago, and they have a 3"blade max. policy
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, so I just *had* to buy a Harpy G-10
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which I carry daily.

My next aquisitions will be that 2nd Civilian G-10, (2) '99 Merlins(one for each side), (at least 3) black-handled Matriarchs.

Short story long, I love them too.

Ken
 
I've had my Tuffram ATS-55 Civilian now for a bit over a week and the thing is simply mind boggling. Pictures don't do it justice.
I agree with the guidance voiced elsewhere that this is THE folder to carry when you can't carry a firearm but would have liked to.

It is plain scary and undoubtedly can inflict damage to help extricate one from an unwanted situation.

-=[Bob]=-
 
You're right about that Bald. It's truly a high-end folder. Who needs a weedeater when you have a Civilian?!!
 
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