Is it worth it?

eventer289 · Dec 12, 2009

I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Spyderco Military. I know, there are threads and threads about this particular knife, but I suppose I'm just looking for a nudge in the right direction. I want a large, or rather long, handled knife with a 4" blade (largest legal carry in my state) that is semi-light weight, and the Military seems to be the ticket. For the $100+ it costs, is there anything else that might be more worth it than the Military? I'm not interested in the BM 710 and already own an Endura and ZT 0200, so what's y'all's opinion on what I should do? Is this the right decision?

James0723 · Dec 12, 2009

Short answer: No, it's not the right decision.

But as typically these kinds of posts are made by people who've already made up their minds, I won't waste my time getting into details. Also Spyderco has a huge brand following and I don't feel like getting mobbed by all those people. So just do what you've already decided to do and buy a military just like everyone else.

misterjuiceman · Dec 12, 2009

James0723 said:
Short answer: No, it's not the right decision.

But as typically these kinds of posts are made by people who've already made up their minds, I won't waste my time getting into details. Also Spyderco has a huge brand following and I don't feel like getting mobbed by all those people. So just do what you've already decided to do and buy a military just like everyone else.

what would you suggest?

bh49 · Dec 12, 2009

tf8s said:
what would you suggest?

I am curious myself.

2brothers · Dec 12, 2009

tf8s said:
what would you suggest?

He could possibley make his post even more sarcastic?

Eventer289, if you've been eyeballing the Military then go for it.
If you're happy with your Endura and ZT0200 you'll be happy with the Military.

eventer289 · Dec 12, 2009

eventer289 said:
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Spyderco Military. I know, there are threads and threads about this particular knife, but I suppose I'm just looking for a nudge in the right direction. I want a large, or rather long, handled knife with a 4" blade (largest legal carry in my state) that is semi-light weight, and the Military seems to be the ticket. For the $100+ it costs, is there anything else that might be more worth it than the Military? I'm not interested in the BM 710 and already own an Endura and ZT 0200, so what's y'all's opinion on what I should do? Is this the right decision?

James0723 said:
Short answer: No, it's not the right decision.

But as typically these kinds of posts are made by people who've already made up their minds, I won't waste my time getting into details. Also Spyderco has a huge brand following and I don't feel like getting mobbed by all those people. So just do what you've already decided to do and buy a military just like everyone else.

Please support your statement, as I am curious as to why you hold such an aversion to the Military. I wouldn't be asking for opinions now would I if I'd already made up my mind?

cgmblade · Dec 12, 2009

I put off buying a Military for a long time because it cost more than I was accustomed to paying for a knife and because I thought it might be too big for comfortable carry.

I have a BM Griptilian 551 and the full size Ritter Grip. They're nice enough knives and when I go backpacking or hiking I'll throw the Ritter in my pack, but I don't like carrying them in my pocket. The handles are kinda fat and I don't find them to be comfortable carrying.

Everyone said the Military carried much smaller than it was, but it wasn't until I got one that I became a true believer. The first day I got it I slipped it into my RF jeans pocket as I was heading out to run errands and buy groceries. I totally forgot it was there. This big knife w/ a 4" blade carried about the same as an Endura or even a Delica.

I've had mine for a couple months now and I think it is a great knife. I plan on getting some more in different variations.

It's not my intention to knock anybody else's products but I don't know of any knife that I would consider a direct competitor to the Military. It's in a class by itself.

kgd · Dec 12, 2009

I had one for a little while and promptly got rid of it. Then again, I'm just not a folder guy. I like small fixed blades for pocket carry. I had a few spydercos in the past and thought, well I'll just try a Military to see how I like it for EDC. Well, I still don't like folders and I don't like how they just lack the robustness of a small fixed blade. So I'm sticking with my Izula and other necker knives.

While I had it, I thought the miltary was incredibly sharp. The point is very sharp, but also very delicate. In fact one of things I didn't like about it was the very delicate tip. The action on the blade was really smooth. Opening it via the hole wonderful. I never got good with flipping studded blades, but the spyderhole is just very smooth. Lockup was solid (as solid as a folder can get IMO).

Almost seemed oxymoronic to me to name a knife that can so easily be broken at the tip the military. If you don't pry with it and just use that tip to puncture and slice you will be fine. Personally, I found the blade to just be too thin overall and not robust enough for my likes. But I base my comparisons with fixed blades. I won't be going back to a folder again apart from SAKs which I still love.

stormyone · Dec 12, 2009

I think you are making the right decision. Yes get the Military.

james0723 is just being a Mr. Grumpy Pants

udtjim · Dec 12, 2009

I have been putting off buying one for several years. Don't wait, if you want the thing, just get it and be done with it. Thats what I am going to do. One of these days.

orthogonal1 · Dec 12, 2009

If you want a Military, buy one.

You'll either like it or not.

Not being "big on" liner-locks anymore, I'd suggest something else for EDC.

The Military model is a knife everyone should own at one time or another IMO. It is a good design that allows one to compare other knives to as far as handle and blade shape, as well as knife design in general, to.

A.P.F. · Dec 12, 2009

The Military is a great knife, in fact I like it so much that I have (2) CF BG-42s', (2) CF S90Vs', a CPM D2 and an S30V Black Milli. The knife carries beautifully and the full flat, distal taper of the blade, makes it an excellent slicer. I'll often use a Millie in the kitchen for meal prep. and the straight spine serves well to sweep things off the cutting board.

In the woods, the Millie is more than capable for tool making and fire starting. In fact, the edges of the spine are sharper than most knives, which allows you to scrape a 'fire steel' with good results. I could go on and on, but remember, the design of the Millie has been improved many times by Spyderco over the years. When all hell goes out for noon, I will have a Millie in my pocket.

338375 · Dec 12, 2009

James0723 said:
Short answer: No, it's not the right decision.

But as typically these kinds of posts are made by people who've already made up their minds, I won't waste my time getting into details. Also Spyderco has a huge brand following and I don't feel like getting mobbed by all those people. So just do what you've already decided to do and buy a military just like everyone else.

Why did you even feel the need to respond to the op's question?

You certainly didn't offer any insight or other suggestions, so I guess you just felt like being an ass

winbag338 · Dec 12, 2009

In my state 3.5" is our legal limit, but ive done everything ive needed to with a 3" blade. I would take a look at the al-mar eagle for the money.

3Guardsmen · Dec 12, 2009

338375 said:
Why did you even feel the need to respond to the op's question?

You certainly didn't offer any insight or other suggestions, so I guess you just felt like being an ass

From the looks of it, he's used to making statements he can't back up. He thinks Walmart only carried Chinese Spydercos and he thinks Spyderco has S30V knives made in China.

TheBishop · Dec 12, 2009

Just get it.
It is a keeper by most folks standards.
It stays in my rotation all the time.
When I pick a serious knife, I pocket the Military.
Won't be your last knife. Like folks said, "The Military model is a knife everyone should own at one time or another".
Get it, you'll most likely like it.

eventer289 · Dec 12, 2009

Well, I went ahead and did it. At first I didn't understand why people loved it so much. But, after watching lots of reviews and reading about it, I became more and more intrigued by it.

I ordered the digital camo version with the satin blade. YCS finally got them back in stock, so I just had to jump on it at the price!

We'll see in a few days if it meets my expectations.

338375 · Dec 13, 2009

Congrats.... :thumbup:

Jason B. · Dec 13, 2009

The millie is always in my pocket and with the release of the LH millie it has become even more permanent. I believe folders are for cutting and should be thinner, the millie is thin but at the same time thick. The precision grind leaves strength in all the places needed for poking and cutting but as with most knives its not a prybar. I also like knive
that perform well and the millie is one hell of a performer.

misterjuiceman · Dec 13, 2009

knifenut1013 said:
The millie is always in my pocket and with the release of the LH millie it has become even more permanent. I believe folders are for cutting and should be thinner, the millie is thin but at the same time thick. The precision grind leaves strength in all the places needed for poking and cutting but as with most knives its not a prybar. I also like knive
that perform well and the millie is one hell of a performer.

yeah I would have bought one instead of my Endura if it had been out in the LH version. I don't think you'll be disappointed with it if you're looking for a knife of that size.