Military changes

Harry Callahan

Harry Callahan

Fresh outta warranty
Joined
Mar 17, 2002
Messages
1,755
I'm looking to replace my lost C36 and have a couple of questions about the new run in S30V before I submit my order.

Rumor has it the eccentric pivot is a goner. This is strange. The eccentric pivot pin was an engineering marvel and a true manufacturing feat. What change made it obsolete? It must have been replaced with something?

Secondly, the grind was fairly steep on my 440V model and the serrations were a little different from other Spydie teeth. It was explained on this forum that it was necessary to prevent possible chipping, which is supposedly inherent with that blade steel. Anyhow, has the edge angle been thinned on the S30V model?

The 440v model is still easy to come by. So this all boils down to a choice between the two. Thanks.
 
The S30V Military is being built to tighter tolerances than previous versions, which according to Spyderco makes the eccentric pivot unnecessary.
 
Here are some observations of my new model Military. The G10 is thicker while the locking liner remains the same, the blade still has the radiused arc ramp to allow for wear of the liner. Lockup is to the left of the arc ramp and has not moved at all even after MANY forceful openings. The blade steel is superb S30V is the best I have ever used. I cannot comment on the serrated versions as I prefer plain edge blades. Since the pivot was replaced with a straight pin I was also concerned with the lockup but this redesign has really got the liner lock nailed solid and stable! This is by far the best knife per dollar investment I have made. I still love my Sebenzas but when I want to get really nasty cutting done the Millie is the knife I grab.
 
The blade angle is thin,looks to be a 30 degree enclusive edge but my 440V PE is that way too.My Ce seems to have a fairly thin edge on the serations.Hope that helps.
 
I sold the 440v version recently and uopgraded to the s30v model.

The g-10 scales is thicker, making it less prone to lateral stresses if it is twisted inside an object being cut. This should reduce the potential to unlock the liner during those times.

The s30v came with a better edge than I could ever put on the 440v model. I have sharpened the s30v and it takes a very keen edge for me with little or no effort and only minutes on the sharpmaker.

My recommendation:

Get the s30v model.

Keep in mind that comes with the caveat that I have never really liked the 440v in any model.

Brownie
 
The s30V model is better IMHO, I have both s30V and 440V, the s30Vs handle is thicker, sturdier, seems to get sharper, easier to hold onto ( because of thicker g-10 ), lockup is great, g-10 is better on my s30V model, overall the s30V model just FEELS much more SOLID ! IMO, get the s30V and you'll love it !!!! ;)
 
Guys,

I appreciate hearing the detailed description of changes to the S30V model from earlier ones. I also have been thinking it would be neat to get one, but have been working on the self-justification angle.:)

I assume that all of the new models received by you folks still have the black (painted style) pocket clip, as another forumite explained that his did...is this the case? I wondered, as the early Chinook's had this clip finish, but my more recently purchased "original style" Chinook had the preferred (by me) anodized-looking pocket clip. I was thinking that maybe, hopefully they had made this change on the Millie too.

Jeff/1911.
 
Thanks for the details. Looks like I'll go for the new one. I really miss my C36. :grumpy:
 
I talked to Eric Glesser at Blade. He said that the eccentric pivot was used to make up for inability of a supplier to machine sufficiently tight tolerances (I assume on the pivot axle). New pivot pins on the Military, Gunting, etc. are supposed to be machnied more accurately, so everything fits perfectly. Makes assembly easier, too, so less individual fiddling is needed on each knife.

So what Carlos said. :)
 
Just picked up a new C36 and have a couple of observations. The G10 scales are, in fact, a touch thicker it seems. Accidental unlocking under "white knuckle" conditions wasn't a factor with the thinner scales (IMO) but it CERTAINLY won't be a factor now.

I still don't understand how Spyderco plans to adjust this knife for eventual linerlock wear, but for now this thing locks up all the way over - so there's a lot of "meat" left to go before such an adjustment would ever be thought of. Without the eccentric pivot however, there's just won't be any way to do it. :(

Edge angle appears to be a little thinner than my older model (may it rest in peace), yet the teeth are shaped somewhat the same. I wonder why the C36 didn't get Endura style teeth. Is there a brittleness concern with S30V?

All in all, its good to have a C36 in my pocket again. I'll be sure to hang onto this one! :mad:
 
No eccentric pivot? What will the user do when the liner starts to move over too far? Send it back?

It seems like no matter how tight tolerances are, a linerlock will eventually wear out and need adjustment. The eccentric pivot made this process easy. I have yet to handle the new Military (I carry my 440V version daily) so, I can't comment on the fit and finish of the new run.
 
Originally posted by ElectricZombie
No eccentric pivot? What will the user do when the liner starts to move over too far? Send it back?
Click to expand...

Though some users learned to adjust it themselves, keep in mind that the eccentric pivot was not intended to be user adjusted - you were supposed to send it back.
 
True. However, the eccentric pivot was a great feature. I would rather be able to adjust for wear myself rather than send the knife back to Spyderco.
 
I just got a chance to handle one yesterday - WOW! Hey, I already said that, didn't I?

I mean it, it is perfect in every conceivable way. Smooth, strong, ultra sharp, nicer feeling G-10 finish - I can't get one into my clutches soon enough!

By the way, I am delighted to see that the pocket clip finish has returned to the "blued" finish, from the painted looking ones of a while back. Super-duper! Thanks, Sal.

Jeff/1911.:)
 
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