Help me decide: Military or Stretch

cgmblade

cgmblade

Joined
Jun 4, 2009
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Well, I've scraped together a few dollars and am looking to feed my addiction. Eventually I want both but can only afford one now. Looking at either the Spyderco Military or the Spyderco Stretch w/ FRN handle.

First I have to decide between the Stretch w/ VG-10 or the one with ZDP-189 & Blue FRN handle. The ZDP 189 model is about $20 more expensive. I don't have a knife with a blue handle so that might be nice but is ZDP 189 worth $20 more than VG 10?

After deciding between the two Stretch models I have to make the choice between the Stretch and the Military. I'm looking at the PE Camo model which is about $30 more than the ZDP Stretch and about $50 more than the VG 10 Stretch.

Money is an issue but I don't want to buy a knife just because it is cheaper and then not be satisfied with it. This knife will be more of an occasional carry rather than edc. Probably carry it when I go on day hikes and such. Various Enduras and my Pacific Salt now fill that role. Knives in my edc rotation now include the Delica, Salt 1, Native, Caly 3, centofante 3, & mini-grip.

Please share your opinions of these knives and help me make a decision.

Thanks:confused:
 
Ignore everything and buy the Military. :D

The ZDP model is very much worth an additional $20. Just remember to keep it touched up and not let it go totally dull. A couple swipes once or twice a week on the fine sharpmaker rods keeps it very sharp.
 
If you like swords buy a Military. Also if you are able to carry a sword around town then buy a Military.

It is a freaking awesome knife, it's just far to huge for my tastes. ;)
 
I edc a millie and one thing that surprised me the most was the weight. i expected a knife of those proportions to be much heavier. it was a pleasant surprise though. i previously carried a full sized griptilian and the mille doesnt feel any different in my pocket. at first i felt alittle strange having such a big knife in my pocket but like most people had told me, it does seem to shrink after a few days of carry. id get the millie (mines the PE digi camo also) and not look back!
 
I'd say Military. The Stretch is very similar to the Enduras, Pac Salt, and some of the other knives you have. Go for orange.
 
For an occasional carry I would go with the Military, especially when you are going hiking and things like that(thats what I do, I EDC a Stretch). I have both of the FRN Stretch models and I can tell you that the ZDP is well worth the extra $20. The ZDP version is my main EDC.
 
they are so different, i dont know how i could recommend one over the other without further info from you.

the stretch line is easier to carry, and has a better blade-handle ratio. four way clip positioning is a plus, and i really like zdp189.

the military is large, but extremely light considering its overall dimensions. only tip down carry is a deterrent for me. i had mine tapped and clips made for tip up by str.

liner lock vs. mid lock. i like both, but prefer the liner lock.
 
For me, the Stretch wins, hands down, but Morimotom did an excellent job of comparing them. though you might want to see how they compare in regard to size.

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Paul
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Military hands down.

Everyone should own a large hard use folder.

blkmillie.jpg
 
Are you a big guy or little to medium size, big guys tend to like the Military, smaller guys may go the other way, I am a Military guy myself but I do plan on getting a stretch FRN VG-10 down the road. The Millie is just a great freakin knife.

Hope this helps,

RickJ
 
They're both fantastic knives, so I guess it'll just come down to personal preference - you can't go wrong with either. Personally, I'd wait and scrape up some more cash to buy both ;)
 
I have not handled the FRN Stretch yet, so take my opinion knowing that info. I would get the Military. I do hope to land an FRN Stretch when possible.
 
Thanks everyone for your comments. You've helped me make a decision. The Military will be my purchase.

chipped said:
I'd say Military. The Stretch is very similar to the Enduras, Pac Salt, and some of the other knives you have. Go for orange.
Click to expand...

The Stretch is still on my want list, but will have to wait a while. I do have other knives that are somewhat similar to the Stretch and can fulfill the same roles, but I don't have anything like the Military.

5.56 said:
Military hands down.

Everyone should own a large hard use folder.

blkmillie.jpg
Click to expand...

I agree.

Thanks again for helping me decide. I'll post pictures when I get it.
 
You can't go wrong with a Millie.....

However, I will say that the CF Stretch is a great choice and might be a better option if you are looking for a mid-size knife.
 
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