Spyderco Military, ATS34 or 440V?

Danbo

Danbo

Joined
Nov 28, 1999
Messages
14,985
Having owned many Spyderco Military folders, all in 440V, I have to say that I am amazed at the latest addition to my collection. I bought a Military a couple weeks ago, and failed to notice the faint etch on the blade that said ATS34. I know, I must have been sleeping. I decided to keep the blade, even though I am not a huge fan of ATS34(being somewhat of a steel snob). This knife is impressing me! Like I said, I have owned many of these folders, but this one seems to be ground thinner and takes and holds a WICKED edge! I dont remember ever being able to get any of my 440V folders as sharp as this one. Maybe it is Spyderco's heat treating? Maybe it is the thin flat grind? Maybe a combo of both? Who cares? All I know is, this is a lot of folder for under $100. No blade play or wobble, and perfect lockup.
 
When I first started lurking here, I became enamored of the Military model and bought one immediately in ATS-34. I also bought a Starmate in 440V a few months later. I still have the Military and have never considered replacing it unless I break it. I kept the Starmate awhile and found it not quite right for my needs. I never figured out what the fuss over 440V was about. After two years the ATS-34 Military is still my daily work/chore knife. It's getting a bit scratched up but it's usually the sharpest knife in my inventory. I use it and touch it up almost daily with the Sharpmaker I keep out in the garage. Easily one of the best $100 knives made.
 
Do you guys prefer serrations or plain edge on your Military? I am a huge fan of plain edge but for some reason prefer the Military serrated. I'm really not sure why.
 
Coincidentally, I also prefer the serrated Military. There is an unserrated inch at the tip which serves well for many jobs better suited to the plainedge.It's got that fine point for delicate work like removing splinters, yet still rips through pretty tough materials. I've heard people around here call it a cross between a scalpel and a chainsaw.

Most of my knives are plain edge, otherwise.
 
I got just ahold of a newer version serrated(with newer style scallops), 440-V with the highlighted Military on the blade from a copshop that is closing up, and got it for $78 nib. I have 2 of the older versions(military is etched on with no black hightlight), and my wife has 2 0f the older versions also(in fact she has one that had the 2 screw clip that I changed to the 3 screw clip), and they were all the chrome clip versions before I updated them with black clips.
Finally the question??(sorry it took so long to get here).

Knowing the older versions had higher RC blades in them, and have had great luck with no chipping, etc., and I now have one of the newer versions with the 55-57 RC, has anyone who has had the older style, and the newer style noticed any difference in edge holding, etc.??? Remember all of mine are the 440-V versions.

Shootist(Dennis) knowing you have had alot of Spydercos, I am sure you have had a chance to use both older, and nwer versions, what is your input on the newer lower RC versions??

Anyone else who has the older, and newer versions I would greatly appreciate their input here also.

Thanks.

Larry
 
I've never had a 440V knife I didn't like. My starmate and native take a great slicing edge, and I think spyderco has figured out 440V. I have a deal going now to get a 440V military, but I would be happy with either, I think. They're both great steels.
 
I just bought a NIB ATS-34 Millie, plain edge for $75. It is a 3 screw clip with no blade wobble and the lock up is very tight and precise. The blade is hair popping sharp. I purposely went after the ATS-34 because I am a Newbie and I did not want to start with the CPM-440.
 
I havent had any bad luck considering chipping with the higher rockwell ones. They did seem a little harder to sharpen though.
 
How thick are the liners for the Military? Which steel holds a longer shaving sharp edge 440V or ATS34?
 
440V should hold an edge longer but should also be hrder to resharpen.
 
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