I would really like a compression lock Military and Civilian, would anyone else?

[kobold]

I feel it is more accurate to say that people are calling for an XL PM2, not a Military with a compression lock.

I would like a PM2 with a liner lock.

 

[Hashishiin]

I would like a PM2 with a liner lock.

Now THERE is the first original reply in the thread! Didn't think of that one

The military is supposed to be appealing for people wearing work gloves. You won’t be able to access a compression lock with work gloves on.

No, mane, you can open a comp lock with gloved hands, too. I heard all this gloves jazz during my research of the PM2, it's all advertised along with that one, as well. And, I tried it myself with my heavy duty gloves, opened like a dream! I can access it well enough, but I can see why somebody would want a liner lock for work purposes.

I feel it is more accurate to say that people are calling for an XL PM2, not a Military with a compression lock.

You think it changes the identity of the knife that much?

 

[Hashishiin]

Sal has mentioned it several times. I believe the last time he did so, Eric had it.

As for why I don't like the comp lock, I've had them pinch my hand when I opened them (the first thing that happens is the lockbar moving outward against the scale to clear the detent). Then when it locks, the release tab snaps over and whacks my skin again, which stings. Then the lock release well chews on the same spot while I'm cutting. After that torment, I have to use both hands to close the knife or risk dropping it while going through the gyrations of the index finger pinch release.



You've been worrying for no reason. There are very few Spyderco backlocks that can hit the backspacer. Try squeezing the blade of your closed Endura into the handle. It won't move. The kick on the blade hits the lockbar on the release end of the lockbar pivot pin, so any force applied is transferred straight back to the blade. On something like a Buck 110, the kick hits the lockbar on the locking side of the lockbar pivot pin. Force applied there simply lifts the lockbar, allowing the blade to overtravel.

I do applaud you for closing them slowly and carefully as a part of safe knife handling practices, though. People seem to think knives are toys these days.

Thank you for telling me that, and that
I do not have to worry! I am still new to understanding the exact anatomy of these knives. Sometimes I used to flick out a backlock and before I had the motion down all the way, it would slam back into (what I felt was the) backspacer and I would cringeeeee. You say "very few", though, and I am worried one of the few that might is the Matriarch 2, due to a tiny little dimple in the backspacer where it looks like the tip perhaps could have landed. I really hope that is just a coincidence.
I'll probably still be closing them slowly with two hands, I do that with all knives when people are looking at me as I want to send out the message that I know that I am handling something sharp and potentially dangerous and am giving that item the respect and gravity it deserves. But now if it doesn't open fully, I don't have to cringe, haha.

My big hit on a comp lock Millie wad the weight bump. Being as light as it is for the size is one of the biggest draws of the model.

However, now that a version of the PM2 has come out with the partial liners (aluminum version), I'm hopeful the comp lock version of the Military will go that way to keep the weight down.

I have three PM2s and three types of liners. Nested liners on the reg G-10, full liners on CruCarta, and milled liners, to "keep the weight down" on my near 8oz copper PM2. These represent great ideas, though, and I'd also love to see them implement them on the Military!

 

[yablanowitz]

You think it changes the identity of the knife that much?

Yes. Yes I do. That hasn't stopped them from making the boat anchor TiRIL versions, though.

I'd have to go through all my Spyderco backlocks to see which ones could overtravel. The only one I know of offhand is the serrated blade of the C44 Dyad, but there could be others. I seriously doubt the Matriarch is among them since it uses the same handle and lockwork as the Endura.

 

[kobold]

That's what I'm getting from a lot of takes on it - you're saying the Military is still worth it, perfect how it is? The tip was the one thing that worried me, but I hear it's strong.

I still have the tip on my most used Millie in S110V. The others, S90V and S30V, are there too.

 

[Riz!]

As far as the tip is concerned, if you have used a PM2 and had no issues you wouldn't worry about the Millie. I have carried a Millie everyday for years and never had the liner lock fail, stick, or have any other issue.

My view of the Military is this…

The military is a pure cutting tool. It is function in the purest form. If you want a true cutting tool, that places one handed instinctive use over fidget/cool factor then the millie is the knife to choose. It large, but slim and light. Pockets easily and even though its long It feels small for its actual size when in the pocket.

It cuts fantastically. I use mine for EDC and frequently in the kitchen. Its ergonomics are fantastic in every possible grip. People wish it had 4way clip and I understand that, but think about who the knife was designed for and its intended use. Military personnel that are wearing armor and protective gear and usually gloves. Immediate access to firearms is more important than a pocket knife.

Having the pivot area and triangular section of the clip exposed leaves a nice area to grab with gloves without needing to push fat fingers into pockets. The knife then pivots into the hand placing the spyderhole right where it needs to be to open without repositioning the knife. The liner lock disengages easily with gloves. Again, I've never had it unintentionally disengage or even slip. The S30V steel has been great for me. I would love a 3V model, just cuz I am a steel snob

I think the military is the PERFECT folder. The only change I would like to see is that they are always in stock

 

[DA170]

My favorite Military is the Frame lock Knifeworks exclusive S90V CF/Ti ...with close second the Fluted Titanium. I'd buy any version that actually appears, Including a Comp lock variant! Hopefully with Spyderco producing the production version again, We'll see some Exclusives coming down the road!!

 

[Riz!]

I was thinking about this thread today and had a crazy idea. I want an auto-millie. Protech style button lock millie. It would be awesome. Probably a low demand but it would be high on the cool factor

 

[Hashishiin]

I was thinking about this thread today and had a crazy idea. I want an auto-millie. Protech style button lock millie. It would be awesome. Probably a low demand but it would be high on the cool factor

I love it, too, that is an awesome idea! I'd spring for that! Ha, spring. I'll maintain hope, especially as (it seems) autos become more prevalent and accepted.

 

[oldmanwilly]

I too would like to see a Military with a compression lock. I have always wanted to try the Military but hesitated because I don't like liner locks (and because it's hard to track one down in K390 or REX45). I've found that I really enjoy the compression lock on my Para3's, without experiencing the pinching or accessibility issues mentioned above, and want to try it on a larger knife that isn't the Shaman.

Perhaps everyone else is right: the Military is perfect as is and I should make an exception on my "no liner lock" policy. However, even if that is true I think we would all benefit from a greater variety of options.

 

[Hashishiin]

I too would like to see a Military with a compression lock. I have always wanted to try the Military but hesitated because I don't like liner locks (and because it's hard to track one down in K390 or REX45). I've found that I really enjoy the compression lock on my Para3's, without experiencing the pinching or accessibility issues mentioned above, and want to try it on a larger knife that isn't the Shaman.

Perhaps everyone else is right: the Military is perfect as is and I should make an exception on my "no liner lock" policy. However, even if that is true I think we would all benefit from a greater variety of options.

Same here, I've never had an issue with pinching, even the Yojumbo with it's protrusion that requires taking your finger away at the last second, I can close and open by depressing lock/centrifugal force. I like the comp lock more and more with each one I receive. Gloved opening is advertised and works even with big hands. Speaking of, the Yojumbo is 4", it is a good example of that "larger comp lock that isn't a shaman" and unlike things like the Civilian, the Yojumbo/Yojimbo has great utility!

Liner-locks, I own and like them enough, mainly with budget blades, like, I love Ontario RATs, but except for my tried/true, do not trust them enough and feel like they are more temporary than other locks, and the only lock to ever fail on me, but that was due to terrible BudK quality. I have to assume Spyderco executes this lock in a much better fashion, especially if touted for heavier use. I'd make an exception for the Millie, but I wanna wait for an interesting steel, at the least. I am excited to try out REX45 in the PM2!

 

[yablanowitz]

The liner lock on the Military is similar to the one on your BudK. About as similar as a Rolls Royce is to a Yugo. They are both cars, and that's about it. The liner lock on the Millie is more complex than it appears and is built to exacting standards. But if you just don't like it, that's fine. Leaves more for me.

 

[Hashishiin]

The liner lock on the Military is similar to the one on your BudK. About as similar as a Rolls Royce is to a Yugo. They are both cars, and that's about it. The liner lock on the Millie is more complex than it appears and is built to exacting standards. But if you just don't like it, that's fine. Leaves more for me.

I am sorry, I think you have misunderstood me. I was not saying that I "just don't like" the liner lock. I was expressing my personal, and admittedly slight, trepidation towards them, as they are the only type to have ever failed on ME. So, I have an association. You can have an association, know it isn't right or logical, but still have that association, and even work against it. Every time I use my RAT1 it works against that sentiment. Gots to fight your own internal prejudice.

That, and it seems you missed my last sentence altogether, "I have to assume Spyderco executes this lock in a much better fashion, especially if touted for heavier use. I'd make an exception for the Millie, but I wanna wait for an interesting steel, at the least", I'm gonna trust Spyderco to excecute the liner-lock without failing, otherwise I wouldn't want a Military, would not own and have complimented the RAT series. Mane, I even still hazard to keep a 6" stiletto with a liner lock. I am not throwing any personal distrust at Spyderco or their locks, in fact I am throwing my full vote of confidence at 'em.

 

[tinfoil hat timmy]

I like the Military just the way it is.

 

[Hashishiin]

I like the Military just the way it is.

I have accepted that the overwhelming majority of the Spyder-verse does not share my vision of a comp-locked Millie, and that is okay. I am just a fan of large EDCs, that blade shape, and that lock. I am sure I will love the Military for the knife it is, and am certainly not holding my breath that this is going to happen due to me and the, like, two others who agreed, but I can hope.

I do think that I have committed near-sacrilege to some by suggesting that one change a classic knife like this, ha

 

[ferider]

I have accepted that the overwhelming majority of the Spyder-verse does not share my vision of a comp-locked Millie, and that is okay. I am just a fan of large EDCs, that blade shape, and that lock. I am sure I will love the Military for the knife it is, and am certainly not holding my breath that this is going to happen due to me and the, like, two others who agreed, but I can hope.

I do think that I have committed near-sacrilege to some by suggesting that one change a classic knife like this, ha

Just call it differently, how about the "Ninja Military", will fit well with the Para Military.

Now, what about the Civilian. What do you do with it, and why a compression lock ?

 

[Hashishiin]

Just call it differently, how about the "Ninja Military", will fit well with the Para Military.

Now, what about the Civilian. What do you do with it, and why a compression lock ?

You are right on there, I do not like giving that name to non-knife people!
"Oh, that seems a handy tool you've got there, that sure looks unique..."
"Gee, thanks, it's called the ParaMilitary Two!"

Honestly, I am saying what I am saying because of when I first discovered Spyderco, those were the first two knives I was going to get, but the Civilian was "too expensive" (Ha! In a month from that point I would spend my first $300 on a knife. But then it sold out!) and the Military wasn't around. I thought they were both comp-lock. What do I do with a Civilian, and why do I need a comp lock? Well, I could tell you, but then I'd haveta...

No, I do with a Civilian what most of us do with a Civilian, or rather, a Matriarch 2. Nothing. I practice William Fairbarin's "left-right, left-right" disabling slashes. Mushroom-cutting, man.

The reason I want a comp lock... I think anyone reading this can tell, I just enjoy the lock and admire it and also trust it. There is no defined tactical reason, why, for the use of the Civ, a comp lock would be better. Maybe I open them a bit better, but I doubt it. Not afraid to admit I just love them

 

[ferider]

You are right on there, I do not like giving that name to non-knife people!
"Oh, that seems a handy tool you've got there, that sure looks unique..."
"Gee, thanks, it's called the ParaMilitary Two!"

Honestly, I am saying what I am saying because of when I first discovered Spyderco, those were the first two knives I was going to get, but the Civilian was "too expensive" (Ha! In a month from that point I would spend my first $300 on a knife. But then it sold out!) and the Military wasn't around. I thought they were both comp-lock. What do I do with a Civilian, and why do I need a comp lock? Well, I could tell you, but then I'd haveta...

No, I do with a Civilian what most of us do with a Civilian, or rather, a Matriarch 2. Nothing. I practice William Fairbarin's "left-right, left-right" disabling slashes. Mushroom-cutting, man.

The reason I want a comp lock... I think anyone reading this can tell, I just enjoy the lock and admire it and also trust it. There is no defined tactical reason, why, for the use of the Civ, a comp lock would be better. Maybe I open them a bit better, but I doubt it. Not afraid to admit I just love them

Makes sense

The way I look at the Civilian is: it's a single use knife. If you ever need it - you won't mind replacing it afterwards. A couple of hundred bucks will be well invested. Lock doesn't really matter at all

 

[3D Anvil]

I would like a PM2 with a liner lock.

Bingo! I have the Sage 1 liner lock and it's fantastic. Easily my favorite Spyderco-made lock.

 

[Hashishiin]

Makes sense

The way I look at the Civilian is: it's a single use knife. If you ever need it - you won't mind replacing it afterwards. A couple of hundred bucks will be well invested. Lock doesn't really matter at all

Oh yeah, that is definitely the best and most utilitarian view! I am not doing myself any favors by wanting to pay for more knives because I think they're satisfying, lol! Nah, I'll be quite fine with the backlock, just my love letter to the compression lock here, I suppose! Kind of a bad first Spydie thread for me here, I'll do better next time, fellows.