since I've got one of the older Millies in a trade, here is a quick side-by-side comparison with regular production
Blade
This is my first 'toothed' Spyderco and I'm not thrilled about it, in fact I think I'll stick to plain edges
. The plan was to test 440V against some of the other different steels the Millie was offered in, but I fear that SE versus PE won't be quite relevant. Anyway, I'll keep you updated.
The thumb ramp has the old pattern which generally provides superior traction, but seems a bit too aggresive for push-cuts. The smooth choil has no ill effects on the grip.
Handle
G10 with a single steel liner on the locking side (the support liner on newer models is visible in the pic above)
The handle on the older model is a bit slick, but usable nonetheless
I've removed the backspacer on both models, the 1997 model weights now around 107 gr., the 2007 around 118 gr. There is no detectable flex in the handle and maintenance is a lot easier.
Locking
The liner engages the tang at around 1/2 on the 440V, with neither lateral, nor vertical bladeplay, and a hair short of 1/2 on the 2007 model.
My only gripe with the 1997 model so far is the poor retention in the closed position, if I push the end of the blade (kinda like a flipper) the tip of the blade sticks out a whole inch or so, making carriage potentially unsafe.
I have now D2, S90V, BG-42, 440V and a bunch of S30V's, as soon as I hunt an ATS-34 down and get my hands on the Knifeworks M4 version I'll do a little testing. If you guys have any suggestions for testing, let's hear them.
Blade
This is my first 'toothed' Spyderco and I'm not thrilled about it, in fact I think I'll stick to plain edges
. The plan was to test 440V against some of the other different steels the Millie was offered in, but I fear that SE versus PE won't be quite relevant. Anyway, I'll keep you updated.
The thumb ramp has the old pattern which generally provides superior traction, but seems a bit too aggresive for push-cuts. The smooth choil has no ill effects on the grip.
Handle
G10 with a single steel liner on the locking side (the support liner on newer models is visible in the pic above)
The handle on the older model is a bit slick, but usable nonetheless
I've removed the backspacer on both models, the 1997 model weights now around 107 gr., the 2007 around 118 gr. There is no detectable flex in the handle and maintenance is a lot easier.
Locking
The liner engages the tang at around 1/2 on the 440V, with neither lateral, nor vertical bladeplay, and a hair short of 1/2 on the 2007 model.
My only gripe with the 1997 model so far is the poor retention in the closed position, if I push the end of the blade (kinda like a flipper) the tip of the blade sticks out a whole inch or so, making carriage potentially unsafe.
I have now D2, S90V, BG-42, 440V and a bunch of S30V's, as soon as I hunt an ATS-34 down and get my hands on the Knifeworks M4 version I'll do a little testing. If you guys have any suggestions for testing, let's hear them.
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