Well, I hesitated about posting. The poster wants pics, but my camera is broken.
I own a CF BG42 Military. I am very impressed with this knife, specifically the fit and finish. I've paid double what I paid for the military on other high-end folders and keep coming back to the milie.
Here's why:
1. Silky smooth - this knife rivals any BMade AXIS lock folder in it's smooth opening and closing. I own other spydies (manix, delica) and have handled others in passarounds but the milie is smoothest to open and close, with regards to spydies. That's quite impressive considering it's size.
2. Size - big, but small. Let me explain this apparent paradox. The military is one of the longest folders I have carried, yet it carries 'light' in the front or rear pocket. The carbon fiber really helps in this matter, because it makes the knife very lightweight. My milie weighs in at just under 114 grams (~4 oz) with clip. Remove the clip and I'm sure you'll get it sub 4 ounces.
3. Pivot screw - I really appreciate it when a manufacturer provides a pivot screw for adjustment, etc. I have not made any adjustments to my milie, but I like the fact that I
can if I the need arises.
4. Liner lock - I am amazed at the well-designed milie liner lock. I've handled other liner locking folders (which I paid more for than the milie), and there is no comparison. I can see why folks are 'gun shy' on liner locks after I've handled some of the sub par liner lock folders that are currently in production. My liner locks in place at ~40% across the blade -- consistently. It doesn't matter how hard I flick the knife open. Bam, liner hits at 40% across blade.
5. Grip - I purchased the milie with intent purpose to use it as a work knife. I wanted a good grip, but not something that would eat through my jeans. The carbon fiber on the milie meets that compromise.
6. Slicing - Folks, the milie is just about one of the best slicers I own. I use my milie at work then occasionally bring it in for kitchen duty. It easily makes the transition.
7. BG42 - :thumbup: Here's where the milie really shines for me. I can take this knife to work and beat the heck out of it, give it a few passes on the sharpmaker and it's hair-shaving sharp. I really like the BG42 on my milie. I have only one other BG42 knife and it's my beloved Buck 112. My milie takes an edge quicker than my 112.
Drawbacks: (of course there are a few, still haven't found that perfect knife
)
1. Tip - my tip is fine, and I have even used it to lightly pry metal. No problems, but I do try to be careful because the tip does appear to be the 'weakest link' with the spyderco military.
2. Ineffiecient handle length - I feel that the handle is at least a 1/4" longer than it really needs to be to suit my needs. Don't get me wrong, I like the blade length. But I think the handle overpowers the blade by wasting a 1/4" of length (on the tip end when folded).
YMMV.
Andy
