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Spyderco Civilian vs Matriarch
- Thread starter Nyfeguy
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,379
Which one did you decide on? I got the Civilian two weeks ago along with a Kydex sheath made for it by dericdesmond off eBay (AWESOME construction, BTW) and it is a very cool package.
I am an Emerson knife lover also, and after getting the Civilian the waved Matriarch 2 was too much to pass up.
Mine arrives in the morning.
I also ordered an extra clip from Spyderco, I put them on both sides of the handle of selected ones so I can switch pockets with them at will.
I always carry at least two knives with me, and it makes it not only easier to mix and match from my collection (no "safe queens," for me, including my Sebenzas or my Gold-Class Benchmade 940-121) and it fills the hand better at the same time.
So in this case, the waved Martiarch will be paired with a utility knife, like my Paramilitary 2 for instance.
I am an Emerson knife lover also, and after getting the Civilian the waved Matriarch 2 was too much to pass up.
Mine arrives in the morning.
I also ordered an extra clip from Spyderco, I put them on both sides of the handle of selected ones so I can switch pockets with them at will.
I always carry at least two knives with me, and it makes it not only easier to mix and match from my collection (no "safe queens," for me, including my Sebenzas or my Gold-Class Benchmade 940-121) and it fills the hand better at the same time.
So in this case, the waved Martiarch will be paired with a utility knife, like my Paramilitary 2 for instance.
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The Civilian is longer, but is expressly meant for self-defense, NOT meant for utility usage at all(according to Spyderco themselves). The Matriarch has a similar shape but is made thicker, and according to Spyderco is "useful for self-defense or every day use". So if you want to use your knife, get the Matriarch. If you JUST want one for a self-defense role, get the Civilian.
Recommendation? Spyderco Civilian vs Matriarch
Civilian SpyderEdge Black G-10-SpyderEdge
length overall 9.188" (233 mm) blade length 4.125" (105 mm) blade steel VG-10
length closed 5.188" (132 mm) cutting edge 3.75" (95 mm) weight 4.75 oz (134 g)
blade thickness .125" (3 mm) handle material G-10
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=60
vs
MATRIARCH 2 BLACK FRN-SpyderEdge
length overall 8.39" (213 mm) blade length 3.55" (90 mm) blade steel VG-10
length closed 5" (127 mm) cutting edge 3.31" (84 mm) weight 3.5 oz (100 g)
blade thickness .118" (3 mm) handle material FRN
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=719
Spyderco Matriarch2 Emerson Open ~ C12BK2W
length overall 8.55" (217 mm) blade length 3.57" (91 mm) blade steel VG-10
length closed 4.98" (126 mm) cutting edge 3.27" (83 mm) weight 3.5 oz (99 g)
blade thickness 0.118" (3 mm) handle material FRN
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=809
Matriarch over C-villain anytime.
weight issues, cheaper too.
however the Civilian has more reach for sd, i suppose.
for all practical reasons i'ld choose the latter.
Civilian SpyderEdge Black G-10-SpyderEdge
length overall 9.188" (233 mm) blade length 4.125" (105 mm) blade steel VG-10
length closed 5.188" (132 mm) cutting edge 3.75" (95 mm) weight 4.75 oz (134 g)
blade thickness .125" (3 mm) handle material G-10
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=60
vs
MATRIARCH 2 BLACK FRN-SpyderEdge
length overall 8.39" (213 mm) blade length 3.55" (90 mm) blade steel VG-10
length closed 5" (127 mm) cutting edge 3.31" (84 mm) weight 3.5 oz (100 g)
blade thickness .118" (3 mm) handle material FRN
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=719
Spyderco Matriarch2 Emerson Open ~ C12BK2W
length overall 8.55" (217 mm) blade length 3.57" (91 mm) blade steel VG-10
length closed 4.98" (126 mm) cutting edge 3.27" (83 mm) weight 3.5 oz (99 g)
blade thickness 0.118" (3 mm) handle material FRN
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=809
Matriarch over C-villain anytime.
weight issues, cheaper too.
however the Civilian has more reach for sd, i suppose.
for all practical reasons i'ld choose the latter.
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,379
TOTALLY agree with Girlymann.
I bought the waved Matriarch 2 because I want to use it for utility purposes, which the Civilian I cannot do so with. I utilize it for what it is, the tip is too delicate (IMO) to risk using it for something other than intended. It is literally needle-point sharp at the tip, and probably can take more than I am willing to subject it to, but want it to remain pristine. You should see the look on peoples's faces when they see it!
I bought the Matriarch 2 as a "user," and got the wave since I love my Emerson knives and NOTHING opens faster from a pocket. Not even my Benchmade autos, the Infidel and 2550 Mini-Reflex.
If one is in the budget, I'd definitely say the Matriarch 2, the tip is shorter so sturdier, and get the wave version. You'll see why if you can get past the looks, which some cannot.
But it will grow on you after you hear the "clack" opening it a few times, it's not only cool (!) but very handy as well. Use the Spydie hole to open it when you need to be more discreet.
Mine arrives in the mail today, I'll post some pics tonight.
I bought the waved Matriarch 2 because I want to use it for utility purposes, which the Civilian I cannot do so with. I utilize it for what it is, the tip is too delicate (IMO) to risk using it for something other than intended. It is literally needle-point sharp at the tip, and probably can take more than I am willing to subject it to, but want it to remain pristine. You should see the look on peoples's faces when they see it!
I bought the Matriarch 2 as a "user," and got the wave since I love my Emerson knives and NOTHING opens faster from a pocket. Not even my Benchmade autos, the Infidel and 2550 Mini-Reflex.
If one is in the budget, I'd definitely say the Matriarch 2, the tip is shorter so sturdier, and get the wave version. You'll see why if you can get past the looks, which some cannot.
But it will grow on you after you hear the "clack" opening it a few times, it's not only cool (!) but very handy as well. Use the Spydie hole to open it when you need to be more discreet.
Mine arrives in the mail today, I'll post some pics tonight.
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JulianHayes
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2012
- Messages
- 398
I am jumping in late here, but recently faced the same choice between the matriarch 2 (waved) or the civilian. I went with the matriarch because I live in CA and it is under 4 inches. Also, I love the wave on it. But finally, I love my Endura 4 and am so familiar with the the shape (and have put it through horrible abuse yet it still comes out great after a cleaning and sharpening). The Matriarch 2 uses that same handle and while I can't vouch for the civilian , I love the Matriarch 2. Unfortunately, I want a civilian too... would like to know what you ended up with and how you like it. BTW I have been looking for a horizontal belt sheath that will work with the wave, if possible, if anyone has tips.. happy Christmas everybody!
What part of california? I thought california as a whole doesnt have a blade length rule... LA on the other hand is a different story
JulianHayes
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2012
- Messages
- 398
I live in Santa Clara county, just south of San Francisco. I believe there is a 4 inch blade length, but am not certain. I know there is no length limit in many areas near me, but go with 4 inches to be on the safe side, especially with the intimidating appearance of the civilian. I do carry a Benchmade 741 onslaught on occasion, and that is around 4.3. I do believe that Oakland has a 3 inch limit, but can't find specific info in my area. I have asked local police officers, and have never found a certain response. I will do more research... sorry for the lack of info, I just try to be on the safe side.