Next Spyderco knife puchase...opinions???

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ptn

Joined
Sep 6, 1999
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Contemplating my next Spyderco purchase. Does anyone want to help?

I am considering the following models for general purpose outdoor carry and use:
Military
Starmate
Calypso
Police

My concerns are mainly steel choices. I am hearing such good things about 440V. Is VG10 similar? I suspect both of the aforementioned are tougher than ATS55... correct?
A combination plain/spyderedge would be ideal but if not an option then plain edge would be my choice.
I'm still learning about locking mechanisms. Any strong arguments for one or the other...linerlock versus back/front lock?
Which model will hold up to the toughest use?
Opinions????
Advice??

ptn
 
The Calypso is a great knife, but I don't think it would "hold up to the toughest use." I have all of those you mentioned; I'd pick the Military. It's big, has great steel, smooth action, durable G10 handle... did I mention it's big?
wink.gif


[This message has been edited by Ewok (edited 03 October 1999).]
 
Starmate or Military. Not neccessarily in that order.


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Patience is for people who HAVE the time to wait!

 
If youy are interested in outdoor use, the Military is probably best. But it is largely a matter of tastte. I like the Starmate because it is more compact.
 
Definately Military for outdoor use.

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-Dennis


 
I hate it when somebody lists out what knives they are considering and then some non-literate type tells them to pick some other knife entirely. Now I'm going to do just that (and I really can read, I'm just a contrary type).

What knife was designed with the outdoors as its _primary_ use? Skinning, camp chores, etc. Sure sounds like exactly what the full size Wegner was designed for. This particular knife I recommend in the combo edge (although I would still like to see one serrated like the fully serrated Military). It is a great hard use, all around knife. Obviously they are all great knives although I wouldn't want to try to clean a deer with the Police. It would be like using a dagger (no belly).

Edited line: I went back and re-read your post where you say you are primarily interested in the steel. Yes, the Wegner is ATS-34 but Spyderco's use of that steel seemed to be much more successful than some other companies. Maybe they will produce it in VG 10 some day. But mine has served well and I have no actual complaints.

Gregg

[This message has been edited by tulsamal (edited 04 October 1999).]
 
I'd go with the Starmate. Has the 440V steel, a great liner lock, and I love the total design. Second choice would be the tried and true Military.

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Johnny
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Appreciate the input I've seen so far. The Starmate and the Military are the models I am leaning toward.
To clarify "outdoor use" I would exclude dressing or skinning large game. I am more likely to trim off a low hanging branch while mowing or cut a length of rope while putting up another tree stand...that kind of use.
Hearing the word BIG to describe the Military tends to move me toward the Starmate. It comes with a combination edge doesn't it?
Thanks all,
ptn
 
There's only one way to decide. Go to a store and handle both knives. For trimming branches, cutting rope etc. I've not found a better knife than the serrated Military. I think "big" is overstated. Mine is clipped in my backpocket and I often forget that it is there. When I finally got my hands on a Starmate I was unimpressed. Nothing against the knife, I just like the Military better. But my personal preference isn't yours. Pick up both knives, handle them for a while and then choose the one that you like best.

 
First choice: Military. Second choice: Military! Third choice: MILITARY!!!
biggrin.gif


Fourth choice: Big Wegner.
smile.gif


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Cutting through all the muck,
we get to what's really important.

John 3:3-7

God Bless You!
 
The SpyderEdge Military has a significant portion of plain edge at the tip (don't have one to measure, mine's plain edge). The Starmate is available in ComboEdge. Sounds like the Starmate is what you're after.

For yard work, you need the 5in. Carbon Fiber Rolling Lock Civilian.
wink.gif
Of course, I use a Busse Basic 9 for those errant twigs.
biggrin.gif
 
I, for one, do not understand the cant about the "big" Military. Yes, it is a bit bigger than the StarMate, but not noticeably so unless you put them side-by-side, and my hands are not huge bearpaws. I prefer the StarMate for mostly esthetic reasons, but it does have rather less belly than the Military. which does limit its slicing ability a bit. I would concur that the Police is a better dagger than a utility knife, although I have used mine in that manner many times. I can say that it scared the Hell out of two pontential muggers once!*

* Note: I do not recommend trying this in anything other than the most strenuous circumstances. I was cornered in a Metro elevator and had NO other options. As I have said before, when you pull a knife, you have escalated the confrontation to deadly force. You must be prepared to use it.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh




[This message has been edited by FullerH (edited 04 October 1999).]
 
The Military has excellent ergonomics, better than the Starmate for extended use. The "big" factor is only a consideration when it's riding in your pocket. Personally, I don't see how anyone can live without owning both.
wink.gif
 
After reading some of your replies this morning, I took the food for thought into the day with me. Starmate or Military?...Military or Starmate?
As the day progressed I began leaning toward the Military, still with resevations about having to choose between a serrated and plain edge. For simple visual appeal I like the Starmate, but then utility has its own appeal. I have been using a BM Panther with a combo edge for outdoor carry and really appreciate the fact that both a plain edge and serrations are available. It's too bad the Military doesn't come in a combination blade. I have never owned a wholly serrated blade so that is unknown territory, therefore I hesitate to buy a completey serrated blade. I don't currently have the means to sharpen serrations. It looks like another required purchase is the Sharpmaker or an additional stone for my Lansky. As for the question of which to knife to buy......maybe the question is better stated this way: Which one do I buy first? Thanks again for your input. It has given me things to think about and been really helpful.
ptn

 
Since this thread is getting long and because I have some new information to consider, I'll start a new thread.
 
I'd say to go with the Starmate. It utilizes CPM-440-V, as does the Military.

Another concern in the cutout which facilitates access to the locking liner. IMO, the cutout on the Military is a bit to large, and the cutout on the Starmate is just perfect.

Between the two knives, it just comes down to a matter of aisthetic preference and comfort. Go to your local retail store, hold both the knives, and choose whichever one is most comfortable!

BTW: I don't believe price would be much of an issue, as they are both very close in cost.

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I need a bigger bucket.
 
For outdoor use, let me steer you away from the ATS55. It rusts really easily. I think it's more of a box-cutting steel and can't compare to the 440V.
 
ptn, I've got plain and serrated Militaries, Starmate and large Wegner. I love 'em all! You need to handle all three and decide which you like best. I think you are right---it is not a question of which to buy but which to buy first.

phantom4

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who dares, wins


 
For general outdoor use, the Military pulls it weight better then most folders I've used. The size isn't the problem you think it might be. I've got an A/F combat folder with a pocket clip attached and find it's not as bad to carry as you think it would be. Just go for what you feel most comfortable with.
 
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