Is this a Real Millie???

[Flatlander1963]

Note the lack of any stamp on the Ricasso:

 

[type00rev]

Overall, the knife looks authentic, with the exception that there are no etchings on the blade. The old ATS-34 Millies were jimped like that, but the blades were laser etched or engraved stating the Model, steel, and manufacturing location. Here are a few pics I found through google search:

Can you get better pics? Or did the pics come from someone trying to sell you the knife?

 

[Josh K]

No, lack of markings is a severe problem in my mind.

Here's the real deal

Notice the smooth lower choil and the markings.

 

[Flatlander1963]

There is something odd about the coatings finish. Could it be an aftermarket coating job? I'd say this one is a risk too and will sell for low price or should. I think I'll pass on it.

 

[Josh K]

Overall, the knife looks authentic, with the exception of no markings on the blade.

Can you get better pics? Or did the pics come from someone trying to sell you the knife?

That lower millie with the tank tread choil is in ATS-34. Did they offer a blacked out version at that time? I don't seem to recall quite that far.

 

[type00rev]

Josh,

I had on old school ATS-34 Millie a while back......mine was satin, and I have only seen satin ATS-34 Millies. I don't think Spyderco was coating the Military model that far back.

Also.....the black pivot conjurs up question marks!! I've NEVER seen a Millie with a black pivot.

Flatlander....I would probably stay clear of the knife in question, unless an expert chimes in. When I say "expert", I'm speaking of Sal, or someone else from Spyderco with in depth historical knowledge of the Military model.

 

[recoil]

I have had very early versions of the ATS34 as well as the 440V millies in black.
They had blade markings.
The lack of blade markings could mean the folder was removed from the factory in an unauthorized manner and possibly may not have a proper heat treat.

If the knife is being offered by a certain Pawn shop in the Colorado area then I would worry about authenticity since they seem to put together "parts" knives.

If I recall there were a number of "sterile" black millies by a special order years ago.
What does the label on the box say?

dave

 

[Josh K]

Josh,

I had on old school ATS-34 Millie a while back......mine was satin, and I have only seen satin ATS-34 Millies. I don't think Spyderco was coating the Military model that far back.

Also.....the black pivot conjurs up question marks!! I've NEVER seen a Millie with a black pivot.

Flatlander....I would probably stay clear of the knife in question, unless an expert chimes in. When I say "expert", I'm speaking of Sal, or someone else from Spyderco with in depth historical knowledge of the Military model.

I think Paul would also qualify as an "expert."

I thought the blackened millies had black pivots? I could be wrong, I don't own any full black ones.

 

[yablanowitz]

It looks like an old ATS-34 Military that has been spray-painted with flat black paint, handle and all. My old 440V Milli's etch could easily be covered that way, you have to let the light hit it just right to read it. Notice that even the edge bevel is flat black. I'd say someone was trying to make an old beater look "tacticool".

 

[Flatlander1963]

It is a Pawn Shop in Denver CO.
They seem to be big eBay sellers...
I'd still love to hear some more expert opinions.

I'd say someone was trying to make an old beater look "tacticool".

There is no obvious gouges or nicks on the blade and it does look full, so does Spyderco offer a spa treatment to buff out and clean up a blade that's seen a lot of use but not damaged?

 

[rycen]

Well I don't know if I'm an "expert" or not. First I can definitely say the box is not from the correct time period. The blade style is from the time period of the blackened ATS-34 and/or 440v Militaries.I don't seem to recall anything about a run of the Militaries without the diamond engraving. Dave has been around longer than I have. So that could be very well true. Here you can see a catalog of mine that actually shows one without any blade engraving but there is a marking of the steel on the tang though I think the picture is of a prototype. http://www.spydie.nl/catalogs/ironstoneflyer.pdf

The pictures aren't very good but the G-10 looks similar to one I have of the same vintage.Here is a picture of mine.

All that being said, I wouldn't be surprised if it is totally legit or it was a beater that somebody gave it a quick spray job.