Spyderco Military - which one?

Barrabas

Barrabas

Joined
Feb 8, 2005
Messages
1,135
Hi,

Have been wanting a PE Manix - but since they are no more, think the closest that will meet my needs is the Military but not sure which one to get..

Is there a certain model in the Military that is more robust than another?
I ask because I thought there had been a newer version that had come out that had a change done to the handle perhaps?

Which is preferred more the S30V or the D2?
I have always liked Spydercos S30v due to the ease of sharpening (compared to other manufacturers S30v), edgeholding and stain resistance - but have no experience with their D2.

Thanks for your help,

sp
 
The Military is a classic , cant go wrong . Al the steels are good , mine is S30V , no complaints , no reason to upgrade .

Check out online dealers , there are probably Mani kicking around . New Graham Knives would be a good place to start .

D2 is a nice steel , a bit less corrosion resistance than S30V , I have yet to hear of a Millie being issued in a bad steel . Its a flagship line for Spyderco .

Chris
 
The new handles have a second partial liner inlet into the front scale. It might make the knife a bit stronger, but it doesn't turn it into a crowbar. The second liner is standard on new production models as well as the sprint runs since the BG-42 and Carbon Fiber run.

Personally, I find the BG-42 has the best combination of ease of sharpening and edge-holding ability. I do almost all my sharpening freehand on diamond hones, so YMMV.

The CPM D2 used in the Military seems to be more corrosion resistant than regular D2, at least for me. This was an experimental batch of steel, and from what I have read, there won't be any more of it made, so if you think you would be interested, get one now while you still can.

My personal favorite is the new S90V model, but I won't pretend it would be easy to sharpen on anything short of diamond hones. For my use, all that vanadium gives it edge holding beyond everything else I have tried.

attachment.php
 
The newer Military models such as the S30V and D2 both have dual skeletonized nested liners. They are the strongest iteration thus far. D2 is a great steel but I do not have the Military D2. But from my experience with Dozier's D2 it has far better edgeholding than S30V although it doesn't take the kind of fine edge that S30V does, and readily gets surface rust spots if you put it away wet. This has not been the case with my S30V Military which is a dream in its own right. I have not had a problem sharpening D2 but I believe it is much harder to put a new edge on it than to upkeep a good one. I love D2 but you need to make sure to dry it off or wipe it down before putting it away.
 
from what i have seen, the d2 and s30v are the least expensive, if that is a factor. they are generally in the 110.00 range.

the cheapest i have seen the bg42 is about 165, the s90v about 185. the carbon fiber scales may have something to do with pricing, but i imagine it is mostly the cost of the steel and the bg42 is a discontinued model.

mine is a d2, and i am going to pick up the bg42 as well. the s90v's sharpening difficulties are a turn off for me.

but, the s30v comes in all configurations, blk plain, blk serrated, satin, satin serrated, so that may also factor in your decision.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
from what i have seen, the d2 and s30v are the least expensive, if that is a factor. they are generally in the 110.00 range.

the cheapest i have seen the bg42 is about 165, the s90v about 185. the carbon fiber scales may have something to do with pricing, but i imagine it is mostly the cost of the steel and the bg42 is a discontinued model.

mine is a d2, and i am going to pick up the bg42 as well. the s90v's sharpening difficulties are a turn off for me.

but, the s90v comes in all configurations, blk plain, blk serrated, satin, satin serrated, so that may also factor in your decision.
Click to expand...

Oops! :o I think you meant S30V here ;)
 
I went from the Military to Para Military. The Millie is Big. Post what you get. Both, are outstanding knives.
 
You'll love whichever Military you get, I bought mine a week ago on a wednesday (9 days ago) and it's awsome. I even bought a brand new benchmade for my spring break trip and I'm still carrying the Military. It's a great knife, and the simplicity is great for outdoor use. Not much to clean, just keep up with the blade and blow out any dirt that gets in it.

I have the CPM S30V Military, and it's going to be just as good as any of the Military models (that's what I tell myself so that I won't buy one in D2:D). If I were you, I would get either the S30V model or the D2. That would save you a lot of money and you still get a great knife. If money isn't an option, then try to find one with the carbon fiber handle. I don't know why they are THAT much better, but I do know that they cost $100.00 more on the retail :eek:.

Edit: Just found the Carbon fiber S90V Military, get it. Do it, do it, buy it and never feel guilty when your wallet is crying out for help!!!
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=326
 
carrot said:
The newer Military models such as the S30V and D2 both have dual skeletonized nested liners. They are the strongest iteration thus far. D2 is a great steel but I do not have the Military D2. But from my experience with Dozier's D2 it has far better edgeholding than S30V although it doesn't take the kind of fine edge that S30V does, and readily gets surface rust spots if you put it away wet. This has not been the case with my S30V Military which is a dream in its own right. I have not had a problem sharpening D2 but I believe it is much harder to put a new edge on it than to upkeep a good one. I love D2 but you need to make sure to dry it off or wipe it down before putting it away.
Click to expand...


The D2 used in the Military model is sourced from Crucible- the manufacturers of CPM steels. According to Crucible, CPM D2 is twice as tough as conventional D2. And as a result of their powder metallurgy technology, the final product is a steel with much finer grain structure. Therefore, it can in fact take on a finer (non toothy) edge than most realize. If you finish its edge on a diamond stone of 1200 grit or greater, you will notice the difference. If you prefer D2 steel, then the CPM variety is a very good choice for the Millie. I know mine was. ;)

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
yablanowitz said:
The new handles have a second partial liner inlet into the front scale. It might make the knife a bit stronger, but it doesn't turn it into a crowbar. The second liner is standard on new production models as well as the sprint runs since the BG-42 and Carbon Fiber run.

Personally, I find the BG-42 has the best combination of ease of sharpening and edge-holding ability. I do almost all my sharpening freehand on diamond hones, so YMMV.

The CPM D2 used in the Military seems to be more corrosion resistant than regular D2, at least for me. This was an experimental batch of steel, and from what I have read, there won't be any more of it made, so if you think you would be interested, get one now while you still can.

My personal favorite is the new S90V model, but I won't pretend it would be easy to sharpen on anything short of diamond hones. For my use, all that vanadium gives it edge holding beyond everything else I have tried.

attachment.php
Click to expand...

Also of note, the first run was popular enough to get Crucible to work out the kinks in the system. Kershaw is now using CPM D-2 in full production models, and the steel is widely available.
 
Joshua J. said:
Also of note, the first run was popular enough to get Crucible to work out the kinks in the system. Kershaw is now using CPM D-2 in full production models, and the steel is widely available.
Click to expand...


To date Kershaw isn't making entire blades out of CPM D2, just the edges on their two composite blade models - the Tyrade and the Leek. The Tyrade is limited to 2000 pieces and the composite Leek is, to my knowledge, a limited run variation.

To yablanowitz: great picture. I love setting up knives in patterns like that.
 
The BG42 and S90V to me are one of a kind models that stand a bit above the rest. I have all models except the ATS 34 early models. Between the S30 and CPM D2 it would be a tough choice. I'd have to go with the CPM D2. It's a matter of choice and what you want in a knife though.

I don't envy you in having to chose. they are all good. It took me years to collect them so the hit on the wallet wasn't as bad and the thought of trying all the steels was a future hope, not a budget busting burden. Joe
 
I'll get excited about the S125V Military! Actually, my S30V P-Mil. does the trick.
 
Joshua J. said:
Also of note, the first run was popular enough to get Crucible to work out the kinks in the system. Kershaw is now using CPM D-2 in full production models, and the steel is widely available.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. The initial reports I read were that the gains were too small to make the expense worthwhile, but I admit I haven't kept up. Besides, the S90V blows it out of the water for my use ;):D
 
I woulld avoid the earlier Military models with ATS-34 steel. Models with blades of S30V or D-2 are superior.
 
just got a S90V millie 2 weeks ago its bigger than expected but a great knife. Its not that bad to sharpen like everyone says as long as you have diamond hones.
 
Hi,What store would you recomend for buying the military.Morimotom had mentioned some price ranges for the various military's.Would you recomend a good place to get them for the prices range you had mentioned.Thank you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top