Skirmish and Military size question

kamagong

kamagong

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Does anyone have comparison pics of the Spyderco Military with the full-sized Benchmade Skirmish? I'm thinking of picking up a Skirmish, but I'm afraid it might be too big. I've found that a closed folder the size of the Millie is the maximum I can comfortably carry, so I'm curious to see how big the two knives are compared to one another.
 
It just so happens that those two are the knives I rotate as my EDC. If you like the Millie, do not buy a 635 without handling it first. I never considered it, as I found the 630 to be perfect for me, but I bought one for a co-worker and I was surprised by just how small the 635 is. It feels toy-like, and doesn't seem as well built as its bigger brother. The 630 is slightly thinner than the Military, but slightly longer and wider across so it's a toss up on which would be easier to carry. I find that I carry the Military when I'm wearing more fitted pants, like jeans (I grew up in the 70's, when jeans didn't hang on your hips when worn properly) and I carry the 630 the rest of the time, when I'm wearing slacks or walk shorts or cargos.

Military01.jpg

Military02.jpg
 
Nothin' beats the solid "THWACK" that a Skirmish frame lock makes when you swing that blade open.
 
I have a "skull-and- crossbones" USN Skirmish with green dots and handle. However I like my Millie too even though it is the old one with the name of the blade.

Which is best? That's a tough call.
 
The Skirmish is a behemoth. I handled both the 630 and 635 at Chesapeake Knife & Tool, and almost bought the 635 (decided to wait, and then got an Emerson :D). I just don't need a folder as big as the fullsize, even though I'm 6'4" with snowplows for hands. Although, it is a really nice, titanium-handled frame-lock.....

(and it looks classy)

Skirmish over the Military any day.

Peace.
 
the Skirmish is a very impressive blade.

Worth noting are the differences in opening holes. If you look closely at the picture, you may notice that the holes on the skirmish are machined around the edges. This made it very difficult for me to open efficiently and was a deal breaker for me. The Military was not what I was looking for, but the hole is much easier to use for me.

Otherwise, I really liked the Skirmish.
 
Not much you can't do with either knife. Mili is lighter and lighter on the pocket. Ti scales on the Skirmish will still be around when your grandchildren are grandparents but G10 is a remarkable material too. Go with the one you like best.
 
I have medium sized hands and the 630 skirmish fits them better than the 635 mini. I would go with the 630 skirmish.
 
I've had both. (Still have the Skirmish, even though I rarely use it)

Spydie is much lighter, easier to live with, and a helluva slicer.

Skirmish is a solid,tight, well built tank of a folder, that does a fair job cutting.

My solution? compromise and buy a Manix....:D Sorry....couldn't resist that suggestion, as much as I try to avoid mentioning knife "C" when someones only trying to choose between knives "A" or "B".
 
The Skirmish is one of those knives that I just haaaad ta' have when they first came out, couldn't live without the darn thing. Then Bless my wifes sweet heart she picked me up one for Christmas last year.

Now it sits unused most of the time cause I've come to prefer knives that slice better. But....I can't get rid of it cause it was a gift from the wife. I kinda like sleeping in the people house with her.
 
I really like them both. The Military's lock is a little flimsy for me, but the finger choil compensates a little bit in the safety area (if you use it, which with a handle of the size of the military's, is totally optional). The skirmish/miniskirmish on the other hand also has a good handle (I don't like it quite as much as the military's) but has a great frame lock....locks up really well on the few I've played with (mostly mini skirmishes, to be fair). I really prefer the miniskirmish to the big one though for both size and looks. But they do have a special black one out with blue anodizing that I really like.

As for G10 versus titanium, I have both, and I'd take G10 any day. Honestly, I think G10 holds up much better than titanium also. My titanium knife gets scratched very easily. I'm sure it's crazy strong and it is, in fact, very light (it's a rather large knife, Buck 560C). But I have to watch it or it'll get all scratched up. My G10 Para has been through hell in its brief time, and I can't BELIEVE what G10 shrugs off. It's been dropped, even accidentally bashed into one of my walls once, and I worry about how it's going to be damaged, and I just scrub off all the paint or concrete and it's fine underneath. This stuff is ridiculous. Better yet, it gets GRIPPIER when wet.

Is it worth twice the price that every company seems to want for it? No. But if you got it, you'll appreciate it.

The make or break place between these two great knives would be how you like their handles...they're quite different (both great)...I suppose I'd choose the military for heavy slicing duty also, but the extended length of the skirmish might grant some extra longevity or maybe even chopping power.
 
Thanks for the help. It looks like I'm going to have to pick up a Skirmish. I already have the Millie. :D
 
I was able to pick up an NIB 630 on eBay for $102, which effectively puts it in Military range. Good luck.
 
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