Military vs. Moran

S

Smoke

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
2,547
I originally wanted a new Military but got a Benchmade instead, hoping that would take away that notion. I was wrong.

I'm also going for a fixed blade and realistically the Moran is what I can get. I might get both but I want to know which of the two is better.

Does the VG-10 beat out the CPM 440V and flat ground of the Military?

TIA,
Smoke
 
I can't really give you a comparison but I will say that my Moran Featherweight is the sharpest out of the box factory knife I have ever handled. Maybe I just got a extra good one. Seems to hold a good edge but it is a little early for me to tell on that issue. I am wanting a Military more and more though.

------------------
Paul
Keep Em Sharp


 
The Moran is also flat ground, but from experience with both models, I would have to say the Military's 440V takes the cake here, though VG-10 has very good edge holding qualities. Honestly, get both. You will not be disappointed with either!

------------------
Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"

 
Looking forward to getting the Moran, once I can pry the cash out of my wife's hands(just kidding).
In all seriousness though, it is on my list of "gotta have it now(gimme, gimme, gimme)
Thanks for the reviews Dexter.

------------------
God bless!

Romans 10:9-10

"Military" Fans Unite!!
 
I'm a Military gal, but just purchased the Moran today and will receive it next week. I'll let you know. Dexter's right: when in doubt, BUY BOTH!

The Moran is the *one* knife I 'really' wanted from Spyderco, and hope that Sal provides us with an additional fixed blade in 2000 to supplement the un-discontinued Moran.

Mind you, I didn't have the money, but IronStone will sell you a Moran for $64.00. Means I get to eat angel-food cake and baloney for a couple of weeks, but hey, it's a freakin' Spyderco Moran, baby! Nobody loses; everybody wins.
 
Well, if you have to choose between the two, I mean REALLY HAVE to, then get the Moran. It is "vorpal" sharp, as mentioned in previous threads, has a great handle, is a great overall size and is available at a very reasonable price from several dealers. Plus, it's a fixed blade, without the obvious limitations of a folding knife. There are also excellant aftermarket kydex sheaths available which will expand your carry options. AND, it's pretty.
Having said all that, I'd agree with the others and urge you to buy both eventually and have the best of both worlds. I've got both and if it came down to "gotta choose only two for forever", these two would be at the top of my short list.
 
Paul,
When I give you your Moran sheath I'll let you play with my Military and bet that hurries your decision to get one. 'Course I'd probably say the same thing if it was the other way around. Get both!

Mike
 
Smoke - The 440V is superior to VG10 in edge retention. VG10 is superior to 440V in corrosion resistance. I know this doesn't help much but those are the facts?
sal
 
Having played with my new Moran, the Moran is a nice fixed blade. The Military is a great folder. I think you NEED both. My wife (not a knife person, but carries a Spydie/Tak folder) is now bugging me about the Moran. One downside though, the sheath is well crafted but not very useful. Kydex is calling... Any good kydex sheaths out there for the Moran?
 
Copfish,

Check out Edge-Works at tacticalholster.com. Go to customs and see the father and son Moran package. that be me and they are great sheaths.... ask anyone who owns one
smile.gif
!!!

-=[Bob]=-
 
Hmm, corrosion resistance is good but not a major factor.

Most likely I would be using the blade against thread,paper, and cardboard but for some reason I can never dictate what needs to be cut!
wink.gif
I've never thought I'd need to cut thru telephone cord or rope but I did.

Back to topic, I would like edge retention a bit more than corrosion resistance particularly since I want a knife that can 'chop' thru carpet.

So many options, I'm even tempted to get one of Kysa's knives. Alas, cash I must save.

Smoke
 
Smoke - Didn't mean to give the wrong impression. VG10 edge retention is at least as good if not better than the ATS steels and tool steels like M2. I have known someone that cut the battery cable in half with a moran while his wires were frying. Saved the harness. 440V is just particularly exta ordinary in the edge retention area.
sal
 
This is second hand information but from a source that I trust. The source is a fellow forumite in MN that used to work in a retail knife store (before the store closed). He sold a Moran Featherweight to a guy that took it hunting. After using it for deer hunting (don't know how many animals he used it on) he came in wanting to resharpen it but was afraid of messing up the Moran edge. My buddy (come on JJ fill in the details) took the knife and stropped it on the back of a legal pad and it was back to hair popping sharp! Just thought I would share.

------------------
Paul
Keep Em Sharp


 
Paul, that is interesting.

Perhaps a cutting test would be fun.
Dexter, Sal,Kysa,Fish? Anyone want to do an actual Moran vs. Military test?

I'm pretty much convinced about cutting but stabbing I don't know. Comments?
 
Mike Sastre did stop by my place today to give me my Concealex sheath that I ordered for my Moran (I'll post more about that little beauty elsewhere). He also let me play with his 440V Military(s) plain and serrated. He also let me try out one of the neck sheaths. Now I want a Military and a neck sheath. Both are great designs. I plan on ordering a plain edge Military tomorrow morning and hopefully get a neck sheath in a week or two when Mike has caught up on his orders. The newer Military design is a vast improvement over the first generation. I had told myself no more linerlocks (esp production) but now I have to eat my words. I definitely have Military fever.

------------------
Paul
Keep Em Sharp


 
Received my Moran early today and have been torking around with it since. A friend who lives in Texarkana, Arkansas (Bill Moran country) showed me how to achieve that unique edge that is on this knife. The way he explained it is that you want the most "gradual" edge you can get from edge to blade, thereby increasing its sharpness.

Quite a great addition to my collection, I must say. Let's hope it stays around and evolves into spearpoint and/or drop-point variants!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top