Spyderco Military or Emerson Commander...?

batosai117

batosai117

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Jun 5, 2007
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Hello everybody, I picked up my first spyderco military yesterday (wednesday), and I love it. It is the CPM S30V model military, and my new favorite knife.

The only problem that I have now is that I have owned an Emerson Commander for over 2 years now and that is my all time favorite knife. I placed the two side by side and they are almost identical (probably why I bought the military), except of course the obvious thumb hole on the spyderco military.

I'm obviously going to carry the military right now since it is my new "baby," but which knife would you guys prefer? Comparing the two side by side, the Emerson Commander and the Spyderco Military, which one would you guys prefer and why?
 
Overall design-wise I think they're a good combo to have. The milli will cut better and has a more useable, yet fragile point. The commander has a point that can take some abuse, and as you know doesn't cut too bad. I'd use the spyderco for more detailed things, and the emerson for more abusive tasks. The military should carry easier, but lacks the heft of the commander. If I had to choose one, I'd probably go with the commander. I like tip up carry, and the wave.
 
i've had both and of the 2 i probably would go with the commander, the commander isnt any where near my fav EKI though, but the millie is a classic and a great knife, commander too i suppose.

whats my fav EKI? probably the '12, followed by the '13, followed by the SOCFK.

my fav spyderco is easy the Ti ATR.
 
So, there is no difference in cutting powe between both?

I would take, what cuts best.
 
I also have experience with these two, and I think the Military performs better (its full flat grind makes for a better cutting tool, IMO). The Military is also thinner, so it rides better in the pocket. I'm not too concerned with the Wave feature, or lack thereof, so the Commander's one advantage doesn't make a whole lot of difference to me. As for strength, the Military is plenty strong even though it doesn't have full liners like the Commander.
I'd say it's an easy choice. ;)
 
If I could afford any of those choices it would prob be the Sypdie military. Based on using one of my friends for a while.
 
Both are outstanding knives. Both will cut extremely well but the Millie will pierce easier. Military!
 
The millie carries very well , and is a hell of a cutter . The liner lock on it is very well designed and thought out .

The chisel edge on the Emerson is great for some stuff , but not my choice for accurate EDC cutting .

For EDC I would go with the Millie , for playing ruff , and abuse -the Commander .

Chris
 
Siggyhk said:
Overall design-wise I think they're a good combo to have. The milli will cut better and has a more useable, yet fragile point. The commander has a point that can take some abuse, and as you know doesn't cut too bad. I'd use the spyderco for more detailed things, and the emerson for more abusive tasks. The military should carry easier, but lacks the heft of the commander. If I had to choose one, I'd probably go with the commander. I like tip up carry, and the wave.
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Emerson knives are ok but I think they are way over priced. The Commamder I had came with a chisel ground blade. Cutting manila rope on the bench was quite a chore. The wave feature worked very well however, do to the knifes design it can be difficult to get out of your pocket without deploying it.

The Military is a much better value and carries vary well. If you have to have a wave then get a waved Endura, again a great value and it can easily be removed from the pocket without deploying it. Actually I feel the Wave design works better with Spyderco's design.
 
Thanks for the replies guys :). Of course I've been carrying the Military since it's brand spanking new, but the Commander will always hold a "special place in my heart":yawn:(<<instead of a yawn imagine that's me crying).

The Military has easily outclassed ALL of my other knives in blade sharpness. Compared to the military, the rest of my knives feel dull :o. The Commander does seem to be a bit of a brute, and the military is just a tad thinner and lighter. The only drawback now is that I won't dare try to baton or hack through any branches with this puppy. I wouldn't want to ruin the thin edge or break off the tip.

I'll be going camping for at least a day over spring break, so I'll let you guys know how it does after that. Keep the responses coming, it's always fun to hear about your favorite knives :D.
 
Just to add on to this for those of you who don't know what they look like or what the stats are, here is some useful info.

This will lead to the commander that I have (the satin finish plain edge)
http://www.emersonknives.com/Tact_index.html

Materials: Specifications:
Handles Black or Green G-10 epoxy / glass laminate
Lock Aerospace grade Titanium
Blade 154 CM
Finish Black or Satin Finish
Grind Conventional V Grind
Overall Length 8.75 in.
Blade Length 3.75 in.
Handle Length 5.0 in.
Blade Thickness .125 in.
Hardness 57-59 RC
Weight 4.9 oz.

This should lead to the spyderco military
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=19

length overall 9 1/2" (241 mm) blade length 4" (102 mm) blade steel CPM-S30V
length closed 5 1/2" (139 mm) cutting edge 3 11/16" (94 mm) weight 4.2 oz (120 g)
hole diameter 9/16" (14 mm) blade thickness 5/32" (4 mm) handle material G-10
 
imho the commander is a better self defense knife while the millie is a better utility knife, both will do ok in either role though, the millie would be closer to dual purpose though, mostly due to the EKI's blade grind which isnt the best at utility cutting, it will work though.

just depends on what ya want it for imho, like i said both are good knives.

ya wont find many commanders with green G10 i dont think, not made afetr '01 or so anyway.
 
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