I just rec'd a serrated Military last night. It's an older model, I think (ATS 34 steel, I think it said 1997 on the box). I couldn't pass up the deal. What a great knife! I had a question: is it typical with this edition of this model for there to be machined notches on the finger choil of the blade? They match the notches on the other side, on the thumb ramp. (I hope I'm using the right terms). I don't see these notches on current models. It seems like they would add one more way to prevent your fingers from slipping onto the edge.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Military ATS 34
- Thread starter mikep
- Start date
- Joined
- May 31, 2000
- Messages
- 651
Hi MikeP,
The Military with the bottom "traction control " were redesigned without. There were some who felt they were uncomfortable when working for any length of time with the knife. I think most feel (including me) that the handle design offers great protection without the finger choil notches.
John Row
colobbfan
------------------
I've had more paper cuts than cuts from knives, but the knives are QUICKLY gaining!
The Military with the bottom "traction control " were redesigned without. There were some who felt they were uncomfortable when working for any length of time with the knife. I think most feel (including me) that the handle design offers great protection without the finger choil notches.
John Row
colobbfan
------------------
I've had more paper cuts than cuts from knives, but the knives are QUICKLY gaining!
- Joined
- May 26, 1999
- Messages
- 1,964
Howdy MikeP, and welcome to the forum!
All of the first generation of the Military had a notched choil (both serrated and plain edge). The second generation had a smooth choil, so that's one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a first and second generation Military.
Another way to tell the difference between the two generations is that the first generation had a two screw clip, while the second generation had a three screw clip. However, I believe that there was a sort of "transition" generation that had the triangle-head, three screw clip, but still had a notched choil. There probably aren't many of those.
All of the first generation of the Military had a notched choil (both serrated and plain edge). The second generation had a smooth choil, so that's one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a first and second generation Military.
Another way to tell the difference between the two generations is that the first generation had a two screw clip, while the second generation had a three screw clip. However, I believe that there was a sort of "transition" generation that had the triangle-head, three screw clip, but still had a notched choil. There probably aren't many of those.
Welcome to the forum, Mikep. Nice place.
You have a fine knife in that "transition" model Military. With the Sharpmaker, it's ATS 34 is easy to maintain an edge on and in the serrated blade one probably wouldn't notice a difference in edgeholding compared to 440V. But for the steel and finger choil notches, it's essentially the same as the current models complete with eccentric pivot and three screw clip mount.
I've been using a serrated ATS34 transition model almost daily over the past year. I open feed bags, cut cardboard and heavy plastic, small branches up to an inch in diameter and also find it easy to use for fine work like removing a splinter. I think it's my favorite knife...at least in the outdoor utility role.
I hope you like your new knife.
You have a fine knife in that "transition" model Military. With the Sharpmaker, it's ATS 34 is easy to maintain an edge on and in the serrated blade one probably wouldn't notice a difference in edgeholding compared to 440V. But for the steel and finger choil notches, it's essentially the same as the current models complete with eccentric pivot and three screw clip mount.
I've been using a serrated ATS34 transition model almost daily over the past year. I open feed bags, cut cardboard and heavy plastic, small branches up to an inch in diameter and also find it easy to use for fine work like removing a splinter. I think it's my favorite knife...at least in the outdoor utility role.
I hope you like your new knife.
As others have stated, the older versions have the choil notches. I kinda like them, even though they could be uncomforable. If you don't like the edges, then use a dremel to radius them.
I wanted to add a friendly $0.02 to the "generation" discussion. Based on Dexter Ewing's review of the Military on www.knifecenter.com and recent examples at shops, the 1st gen Militaries had a 2-screw clip, satin finish linerlock, and notched choil. The 2nd gen had a 2-screw clip, polished linerlock, and notched choil. The 3rd gen had a 3-screw clip, polished linerlock, and smooth choil. I wasn't aware of the "transition" group, but apparently they exist (and that excites me). I suppose that my definition of the 2nd gen could be another transition group (gen 1.1?). I guess my definition of "generations" isn't the same as others.
We could argue the subject for eternity, but the fact is, any Military is a fantastic knife. Enjoy yours.
gm
I wanted to add a friendly $0.02 to the "generation" discussion. Based on Dexter Ewing's review of the Military on www.knifecenter.com and recent examples at shops, the 1st gen Militaries had a 2-screw clip, satin finish linerlock, and notched choil. The 2nd gen had a 2-screw clip, polished linerlock, and notched choil. The 3rd gen had a 3-screw clip, polished linerlock, and smooth choil. I wasn't aware of the "transition" group, but apparently they exist (and that excites me). I suppose that my definition of the 2nd gen could be another transition group (gen 1.1?). I guess my definition of "generations" isn't the same as others.
We could argue the subject for eternity, but the fact is, any Military is a fantastic knife. Enjoy yours.
gm
- Joined
- May 26, 1999
- Messages
- 1,964
Hmm... Discussion of Military generations always confuses me.
It's hard to pin down what changes happened when and whether or not a series of changes constitues a new "generation".
It seems like the general view has been that there are two generations. However, if you accept that view, there must be several changes within each generation. For instance; the liner lock change in the first generation that Gagetman pointed out or, within the last generation, the Rc being lowered from 56-58 to 55-56 in early to mid '99 I think, and the black clips around late '99.
So, the BIG question: Is the latest version of the Military a new "generation"?
The latest version just has "Military" engraved on the blade. (Plus, in smaller letters, "Spyderco CPM 440V" on the choil and on the reverse side "Golden, Colorado U.S.A.") The engraving is done by a laser and looks almost like it's stamped. The only other obvious difference is that the G-10 is rougher.
It seems like the general view has been that there are two generations. However, if you accept that view, there must be several changes within each generation. For instance; the liner lock change in the first generation that Gagetman pointed out or, within the last generation, the Rc being lowered from 56-58 to 55-56 in early to mid '99 I think, and the black clips around late '99.
So, the BIG question: Is the latest version of the Military a new "generation"?
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,671
Hi Mikep, welcome. interesting group here.
Cerulean. I agree with you. I think of them as refinements or minor evolutions. Probably something like a lock change or a steel change might constitute a generation?
sal
Cerulean. I agree with you. I think of them as refinements or minor evolutions. Probably something like a lock change or a steel change might constitute a generation?
sal