- Joined
- Oct 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,437
Recently had the change to take part in a passaround with the two knives in the Title of this thread. I had a great time with both knives and was sad to see them go on to the next passaround member.
Military Reveiw:
The Spyderco Military in CPMD2 steel with a plain edge was the real treat for me. I have carried this model in ATS-34, CPM 440V, CPM S30V, BG42, and now CPMD2. To be fair, this was my first seized oportunity to use any sort of D2 tooling steel.
When I opened the package that contained the two knives, I was surprised to see what looked like a factory edge still on the Military. I am more than a little particular about the edges on my knives so I am under the impression that the knife must not have been used much. I can not speak for the folks who passed this one before me, but I used it like any of my EDC knives and at the end of the week it still looked brand spankin' new. I cut food, plant matter, tape, paper, cardboard, wood, plastic in no small quantity and it just didn't seem to notice. So I still do not have any feel for sharpening this steel, but I really like the edge retention.
I had been cautioned about the blade staining more easily than the other steels I was familiar with so I took extra care to clean, dry and oil the blade far more often than any other steel I have used. So either the steel doesn't really have an issue with staining, or my efforts were very successful.
The detent was more pronounced than any of my other militarys, and the lock felt a little different and more stiff in action. These observations were not negatively received, but pleasing. The lock passed a common spine wack that I do to all of my knives. Not hard, but firm enough to defeat an inferior lockup.
Surprisingly the clip stood up to a week with me with no noticable wear or chipping. The clip and green G10 handle material made for a snug pocket carry.
All in all, after having this knife for a week I have ordered one and will be very pleased to use it often.
Captain Reveiw:
The Captain was a different experience all together. This knife is made of VG-10 blade steel and has two different grinds. The hawkbill style belly of the knife is a hollow grind, while the tip/noze/front end (this one is harder to describe by far) is a flat grind. When the package was opened, I instantly noticed that there was edge damage on the tip/nose/front end in a few places. I guess this particular model has been featured in more than one passaround and had not been really touched up before it started the current pass.
I took the oportunity, after confirming with the member running the pass, and repaired the edge damage with the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I am very familier with VG-10 so I knew what I was getting myself into before starting. I used the diamond rods that are an integral (add on) part of the sharpening kit that are designed for agressive rebeveling. Within between 15-20 minutes, I had reset the bevel and polished it down to the fine rods in their system. At the end of my effort, there was no more damage and the entire edge shaved my arm hair with ease. I was very happy with how it came out.
This knife was designed for hunting chores, which I was not able to try out due to the fact that I did not bring home any game while I had the knife, so I used it for anything and everything else that I didn't use the Military for during my day.
The clip was scratched up before I ever got it so I'm sure I added to the wear. The G-10 handle scales were not as grippy as the green G-10 on the Military, but again this knife was passed around before, so it was not factory fresh. The pocket carry was still very good, though it was much easier to move on and off of the pocket.
I plan on buying a Captain if I can find one on a killer deal, but it will not be until that day. Unique design with nice ergonomics.
Military Reveiw:
The Spyderco Military in CPMD2 steel with a plain edge was the real treat for me. I have carried this model in ATS-34, CPM 440V, CPM S30V, BG42, and now CPMD2. To be fair, this was my first seized oportunity to use any sort of D2 tooling steel.
When I opened the package that contained the two knives, I was surprised to see what looked like a factory edge still on the Military. I am more than a little particular about the edges on my knives so I am under the impression that the knife must not have been used much. I can not speak for the folks who passed this one before me, but I used it like any of my EDC knives and at the end of the week it still looked brand spankin' new. I cut food, plant matter, tape, paper, cardboard, wood, plastic in no small quantity and it just didn't seem to notice. So I still do not have any feel for sharpening this steel, but I really like the edge retention.
I had been cautioned about the blade staining more easily than the other steels I was familiar with so I took extra care to clean, dry and oil the blade far more often than any other steel I have used. So either the steel doesn't really have an issue with staining, or my efforts were very successful.
The detent was more pronounced than any of my other militarys, and the lock felt a little different and more stiff in action. These observations were not negatively received, but pleasing. The lock passed a common spine wack that I do to all of my knives. Not hard, but firm enough to defeat an inferior lockup.
Surprisingly the clip stood up to a week with me with no noticable wear or chipping. The clip and green G10 handle material made for a snug pocket carry.
All in all, after having this knife for a week I have ordered one and will be very pleased to use it often.
Captain Reveiw:
The Captain was a different experience all together. This knife is made of VG-10 blade steel and has two different grinds. The hawkbill style belly of the knife is a hollow grind, while the tip/noze/front end (this one is harder to describe by far) is a flat grind. When the package was opened, I instantly noticed that there was edge damage on the tip/nose/front end in a few places. I guess this particular model has been featured in more than one passaround and had not been really touched up before it started the current pass.
I took the oportunity, after confirming with the member running the pass, and repaired the edge damage with the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I am very familier with VG-10 so I knew what I was getting myself into before starting. I used the diamond rods that are an integral (add on) part of the sharpening kit that are designed for agressive rebeveling. Within between 15-20 minutes, I had reset the bevel and polished it down to the fine rods in their system. At the end of my effort, there was no more damage and the entire edge shaved my arm hair with ease. I was very happy with how it came out.
This knife was designed for hunting chores, which I was not able to try out due to the fact that I did not bring home any game while I had the knife, so I used it for anything and everything else that I didn't use the Military for during my day.
The clip was scratched up before I ever got it so I'm sure I added to the wear. The G-10 handle scales were not as grippy as the green G-10 on the Military, but again this knife was passed around before, so it was not factory fresh. The pocket carry was still very good, though it was much easier to move on and off of the pocket.
I plan on buying a Captain if I can find one on a killer deal, but it will not be until that day. Unique design with nice ergonomics.