M4 Military....Sadly disappointed Part 2

My post didn't help with the dogpiling, but that doesn't change my point that some of the complaints were incredibly strange. I don't like dogpiling myself, but I'm not going to avoid posting what's on my mind just because others may be posting for some other reason that I or others don't agree with. To the posts saying that it was only fanboys making these posts, I don't qualify. I like Spydercos, but I only own a Jester and an Endura Wave currently. I was on the list for the M4 Millie, but let a friend get it for the Knife Works price because he wanted it more than I did.

So to the OP, I apologize if my post is giving you a negative first impression of this forum. I thought the original post was a bit on the retarded side, but that doesn't say anything about what I think about you personally. I don't know you and will always suspend judgment until I get to know someone more. I don't agree with dogpiling. We all make mistakes and we don't need dozens of people screaming it in our ears about it for weeks on end.
 
Well, not everyone likes everything.

This one was my idea and Roger pushed it through.
I am very happy with the way it came out.
The lock face & stop was a huge SUPRISE bonus!
Pushed for Peel Ply CF & Tip up option but it would have driven the price to where many would have passed.

Its now one of my favorites.

Was waiting to see a post with someone complaining about rust on the uncoated M4 blade.
Never considered any of these...... LOL LOL

Am sure these will be easy to sell on the 2ndary market.

Then maybe try a (better not post here) removed......
 
Last edited:
I'm going to make a few last comments then I'll be done with this thread. I believe I've said I am very satisfied with my M4 Military and have said that from the beginning. I did make some, what I consider objective points on my knife but I was able to correct the major one to me. None of them were flaws though. Just production variances. Being able to center my blade was the most important fix for me because that happens to be a pet peeve of mine that I've experienced with virtually every MFG I have ever purchased from.

My M4 Millie is very nice and there is nothing wrong with how it will perform.

And finally to all my friends here and to Sal and Roger, I hope my comments have not offended anyone. By nature, I analyze and perhaps over analyze everything I buy or am involved in. That's me. However, I truly do not try to offend or choose verbiage that comes off as disrespectful or bashing and if I have I offer my most heart felt apology to anyone and everyone who sees my posts in a negative light. If I have a fault, especially in this forum, the only forum I participate in on a regular basis, is that I tend to be a Devil's Advocate. Sometimes that doesn't fly well in the forum world but I am who I am. I try to be fair, honest and hopefully a respected contributor to this forum and it means a lot to me if others feel that way about me. If not. I'm sorry.
 
Last edited:
Ayieeee. If it were my knife, it'd be back to Spyderco ASAP. I do all kinds of things in my spare time, ranging from building radios to rebuilding differentials in my vehicles. YMMV :D but I would never dream of trying to fix a lock that was acting defective. I have enough trouble keeping all the parts of all my fingers attached as it is. :(

KeithAM said:
I have both knives. The GB has a higher quality of fit and finish. I admire that, but don't require it. The Military has a courser finish, but that doesn't affect performance. I believe Military was designed and executed to be a tool for military personnel, not an object of beauty. The Military is the superior design, IMO, so I prefer it. Specifically, the Military's lock is easier to operate, and the Military's handle is more comfortable--I find the proud liners of the GB less comfortable.

But I'm guessing the point of you posting the photos is to ask, how can the Taiwanese factory produce such a fit and finish at such a low price? It seems pretty staightforward to me. The manufacturing costs are lower there, which means that for the same or even lower price, Taiwan can afford to take the time it takes to put a better polish and finish on every aspect of the knife. I could be wrong, but I doubt its a difference in the talent of the cutlers in the two countries. For example, your GB looks like it was ground with a finer grit (or at least finished with a finer grit.) A finer grit takes longer to cut steel. Bottom line: if you want GB fit of finish from the United States, you have to pay Chris Reeve prices. That rubs some people the wrong way, but it's reality.

The fit and finish on my GB is amazing. But it came with a hidden problem. There was not enough "spring" in the lockbar. Now, after use and wear, the lockbar no longer contacts the tang, and the result is up and down play. I will have to disassemble the knife, and use Kentucky windage to bend it so that it will travel farther and eliminate the play. I mention this not to complain, but to illustrate that perhaps the Taiwan knives aren't all perfect.
Click to expand...
 
Thoughtful discussion is always good. :thumbup: No production company (of any sort of product) gets it right all the time - neither design nor production. Sal would be the first to admit they goof in both areas from time to time - it's sort of inevitable. It's life...


Reeek said:
I'm going to make a few last comments then I'll be done with this thread. I believe I've said I am very satisfied with my M4 Military and have said that from the beginning. I did make some, what I consider objective points on my knife but I was able to correct the major one to me. None of them were flaws though. Just production variances. Being able to center my blade was the most important fix for me because that happens to be a pet peeve of mine that I've experienced with virtually every MFG I have ever purchased from.

My M4 Millie is very nice and there is nothing wrong with how it will perform.

And finally to all my friends here and to Sal and Roger, I hope my comments have not offended anyone. By nature, I analyze and perhaps over analyze everything I buy or am involved in. That's me. However, I truly do not try to offend or choose verbiage that comes off as disrespectful or bashing and if I have I offer my most heart felt apology to anyone and everyone who sees my posts in a negative light. If I have a fault, especically in this forum, the only forum I participate in on a regular basis, is that I tend to be a Devil's Advocate. Sometimes that doesn't fly well in the forum world but I am who I am. I try to be fair honest and hopefully a respected contributor to this forum and it means a lot to me if others feel that way about me. If not. I'm sorry.
Click to expand...
 
"how can the Taiwanese factory produce such a fit and finish at such a low price? "

You Really don't know? Really?

Will someone explain this for me..........
Not in the mood to discuss labor issues/laws, dollar valuations, etc.
 
1) G10 much gripper yes? Isn't that a good thing?
2) heavy its has a ti framelock side compared to full g-10 with steel liners, what did you expect?
3) SUPER stiff "flicking open" I know it's new but.........New lock? Really confused by this, the lock will smooth out over time + use graphite trick, not sure why a stiff lock when new is a suprise? Ironic since you have a strider which are notorious for this "problem".
4) Why couldn't the lanyard hole be larger AKA Para2 Because its a Military and not a Para2?! This. is. not. a. new. model. ;)
5) The blade appears to be at least 1/4" longer than my other Millies??? Cant comment on that since I cant see it.
6) I love Ti but
7) Would love to see more jimping Get a knife other than the military?
8) I know it's the cpm m4 steel but personally I'm OK with s30v Then why buy the m4? Just get the regular timil.
9) Slowly opening the blade feels gritty Disassemble + lube, thats a problem if it really bothers you then send back!
10) I'm sorry but such a exclusive long awaited knife should be better. Its a sprint run of an existing knife model, not sure what you have been smoking but comparing it to an SMF is pretty insane since its not even remotely in the same league, either in terms of price or exclusivity (perception wise).

I know this is a production knife but I really was expecting more from Spyderco to really raise the bar. My SMF is better...Sorry Darn it. :( and it doesn't even clean your apartment for you. Whats with that Sal?

I'll probably keep it but I'm wondering for my lusting desires if a Carbon Fiber Millie may have made me happier. Sounds like you bought a 200$ knife without doing any research on it and then complained because it didn't meet your dreamed up expectations..I would imagine that yes you would be happier with another knife. ;)

But it's OK.........Just not drooling anymore Alright?
 
JNewell said:
Ayieeee. If it were my knife, it'd be back to Spyderco ASAP. I do all kinds of things in my spare time, ranging from building radios to rebuilding differentials in my vehicles. YMMV :D but I would never dream of trying to fix a lock that was acting defective. I have enough trouble keeping all the parts of all my fingers attached as it is. :(
Click to expand...

That's good advice. My fingers thank you.
 
dsmegst said:
We haven't heard all the gripes out there and I suspect we won't, due to the reactions so far to the few that did so.
Click to expand...
That is right. I, for one, voted disappointed/dissatisfied. However, I feel that all those that are dissatisfied have already been dismissed as being unreasonable, too picky, impossible to please, or some other excuse. At first I read these rationalizations with amusement, but then realized that what I might say wouldn't matter anyway and decided not to participate in the discussion. Why would I jump into a pool full of piranhas, right?

But I'm posting here for two reasons. The first is because there are too many that seem to know the reasons why we may be disappointed, in this thread and others abouth the M4 Millie. They don't, at least not my reasons, they're just being very presumptuous.

The second is because I always though this Forum to be relatively fair and balanced, and always enjoyed the many diverse views (sorry, I lurk much more than I post). I would like to see it staying that way...

By the way, I'm a Spyderco fan and will continue to be. This is not the first time I've became disappointed/dissatisfied with one of Spyderco's products and probably it won't be the last. But it doesn't matter because things always get resolved well, and in the end I always end up, and have remained, a happy customer. I'll take a short vacation from this Forum, now. See you all again in a few weeks.
 
Thanks for not sharing. That was extremely enlightening.

No really, I loved the part about your amusement, and I might be sorry about being presumptuous if you actually gave us a clue.

It's a two way street.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top