Spyderco stolen: now I need the best

L

LtUSMC0302

Joined
Aug 22, 2000
Messages
2
After years of carrying my beloved stainless steel ATS-55 Spyderco Police knife, it has been stolen. Now I feel naked without it.

I want to upgrade to a better knife, if one exists. Naturally I looked at the Spyderco military and police models. But it's hard to tell from pictures if the military model is really an upgrade or not. Can somebody please comment on it?

Also, what's the best steel for it? ATS-34 or 440V? What are the differences? Can I assume that it's the best knife Spyderco makes?

Suggestions on simliar knives from other brands but better than the police/military lineup would also be greatly appreciated.

I need a knife for daily use that is rugged, weather resistant, around 4" blade, and can also maintain its edge decently well.

Thank you in advance.
 
Just curious about people's buying habits:

Would you consider purchasing any knives from other manufacturers, or are you a devout Spyderco-nian? Why?


P.S. If I know this forum, you'll be getting an avalanche of people telling you to go to the military model.

P.P.S. The discontinued "Q" model I was hunting after just came in and I have to go pick it up today!
 
440V takes an exceptionally sharp edge and holds it a very long time. It is an indication of Spydercos industry leadership that they us 440V in a production knife.

 
If I had my choice between the two I would go with the Military.

Ive carried a spyderco knife of one form or another for years through heaven and hell.

BUT(that but pains me) the offerings from CRKT and Microtech are top notch.I recently recieved a three year old Microtech SOCOM MA on a trade .The knife is still functionaly perfect and the lockup is rock solid.So there are other out there but Spyderco has my heart..Hell ive even got a Spyderco logo tattoo.

P.S. The Spyderco "Hole" is still the easiest to use compared to disks and studs.

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My blades,Family and sale items.

More knives than you can shake a stick at...Well you could shake a stick at all of em,but yer hand would be hella tired.

[This message has been edited by Endura Duck (edited 08-22-2000).]
 
LT, sir, I'd go with the the large Sebenza. It cost quite a bit more, but it is grunt tough(but probably not grunt proof). Made of all stainless and titanium,you can a detail strip it with one size allen wrench.
I carry the small version (2 7/8" blade)and think it is the best folding blade I've used in my time with uncle's finest. The company has good customer service, so you can always get it reworked after you have beaten it up too much. On the other hand, two of my Sergeants swear by their Gerber Gators. So whatever works for you,hope you find the blade you need. Semper Fi, GB MGySgt, MCAS Miramar.
 
I too carried a police model exclusively for years, until losing it in a move. I then picked up an Endura and Delica Lightweight, and was more partial to the Delica.

Between the police model, which I have sonce found, and the military, which I have snce purchase, I would def go with the Military in either '-34 or '440. Both are great, and with proper care will offer trmendous use for years to come...

However I still love the G2 of my org. Police and Delica; take a mean toothed edge, and stay sharp FOR YEARS!!! Here's the truth...I have yet to have to sharpen ANY of my Spydies; I have either sent them to spyderco for a "check-up" or the knife was used so much that basic wear/tear forced the knife out of service.

Go with the Wenger or the Military-both will do you just fine.

Steve in NYC

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What we do today in life...echoes in eternity...
 
Hey, I finally picked up the "Q" after two years!

Believe it or not, I've handled Spydercos, and have even given a Spyderco Endura away as a birthday present but have never owned one.

As of this writing, I've had it in my hands for less than half an hour.

Yeah I know, it's purely a gimmicky knife. But I like "gimmicky" which explains why I'm probably the only person at this forum who admits to using a CRKT KISS as a daily carry while the BM 710 doesn't even come out of the box.

The build quality of the Q is nowhere close to comparably priced CRKT products. However, is that blade ever sharp! It's the cheapest knife I own, yet is probably the sharpest out of the box...and it's the fully serrated Q as well! I'm impressed by a knife whose ABS handle and anorexic fastening pins look like your paintstore utility knife.

I can only guess at the build quality of their more serious knives.
 
Thanks for the input. After looking more into Spyderco, I now see both the Wegner and the Starmate which also look very appealing. Any personal experience on how these compare to the Military??

A Sebenza is just too expensive right now, considering I can buy a couple of Spydercos for the same price.

Full Tang: Yes, I do have Spyderco loyalty, but mostly because I know I can depend on them for high quality products. I would switch if I found something substantialy better or if they started to go down hill.
 
Lt.
I have carried the Benchmade 750 as my primary work knife for about 8 months. I really like this knife. It has taken every thing that I have thrown at it and just asks for more. The only negative thing I have to say about it is Benchmade grinds the edge way to thick to suit me. I also have a Benchmade 710. I love it. Check out the Axis line for a very reliable knife. I also have a Spyder Co Wegner. Its a great knife. Is very easy to sharpen and the edge lasts and lasts.

Ripper,
Who are you stationed with? I am with Mals-16. Its nice to see another knife knut on Miramar.
Semper Fi

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Shawn R Sullivan
ICQ # 82562931

[This message has been edited by MrCas (edited 08-22-2000).]
 
Okay its time to put a Zoomie opinion on this. I've carried the Spyderco Military and the Police models and I like them both. However if you are going for an all out grunt,squid,jarhead proof (they havent found anything a cop cant break yet) knife then go for the Emerson CQC-7B. This knife is rock solid and is a great value for the money. 1Stop Knife shop carries them and is where I got mine from. I carry this blade where ever I go. Is this blade for utility purposes or is it a back up weapon also. If its for defense then I carry a RIKAT SIFU in my cargo pocket. It will handle anything you throw at it and is very well balaced for its size.

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SSgt Christopher Wardlow
USAF Security Forces
425th ABS Izmir Turkey
 
I really like the ergonomic shape of the Starmate.

However, isn't the Military a bit longer?

For some purposes, I would prefer a longer knife -- even if it's a factor of half an inch -- for it's reach advantage. Oops! I mean for it's ease in, er,...slicing a bagel.

Yeah, that's it. Slicing a bagel.
 
From my experiences in Nam I'd suggest a BM 975 CQC7. I have one NIB with a chisel grind, if your interested, give me a shout, I don't mind helping someone in the military out.....even if ya are a jarhead..
smile.gif
 
Lt.- it's time someone stepped in and let you know that bar none Microtech makes the finest production knife on the planet. I got my new LCC M/A from Chief today. IMHO, for the money, this one can't be beat. And you won't find a better guy than Chief to deal with.
 
Alright! We've got devil dogs coming out of the woodwork around here. We've even got a Forerunner from MALS-16 onboard.

Master Guns Ripper, please don't tell me you're still making that ugly commute from Tustin to Miramar.

Anyway, back to the question at hand. Lt, Mr. Rosvall is giving you some good advice pointing you in the direction of MicroTech. Take a look at the LCC M/A and the SOCOM Elite as well. Both are as tough as that dehydrated hamburger patty from the last MRE you ate. I think you'll be very pleased with either (and eventually both
wink.gif
). Richard's tip about Chief was right on the money as well. Here's his link: http://www.members.home.com/jferguson4/cutlery.htm

Give him a call. You won't regret it. Good luck.

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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
LT - The CPM440V Military ROCKS! As a spydernut, I personally recommend you to Git ONE!

Sam

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have spydies
will travel...
 
Go ahead and take a look at the Microtechs if you feel the Sebbie is out of reach. First the LCC and then maybe the SOCOM Elite if you desire a longer blade. Quality in spades and both are also available in either automatic (SOCOM) or double action (LCC) versions. The older SOCOMS are also worth checking out and appear here for sale quite regularly at very good prices.
 
The Military's handle is longer than the Starmate's, but the blades are very comparable in length. However, the Military is flat ground and tapers to a small point which might break if put to a lot of hard use. The Starmate is hollow ground with a swedge and has a more reinforced point. Both will provide you with excellent service. I personally like the look and feel of the Starmate better, but that's highly subjective. The 440V steel is an improvement on ATS-34. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either choice of knives.

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Chris Turner
Arkansas

"We Don't Rent Pigs" --Augustus McCrae

"I won't abide rude behavior in a man." -- Woodrow Call

 
If you want something almost Destruction prood, look at the Buck STRIDER. It runs about as much as the higher priced spydercos. I also recommend looking at the SOG Night Vision. these are both excellent, excellent knives. And SOG has some of the best customer service in the business if you have a problem.
 
If you want a good looking SHARP tactical blade look at the Kershaw BOA. BOY does it open FAST... Almost as quick as the Commander...

440V steel as well!

But not quite
 
In order,


1. Chris Reeve Sebenza, large plain.
2. Benchmade Pinnacle 750 .*
3. Benchmade AFCK (M2 steel!), ATS-34 is OK.
4. Spyderco Wegner.
5. Spyderco Military.

*Some choose not to purchase this knife as there is a feeling that you are supporting a rip-off of Chris Reeve's wonderful Sebenza. I bought one and had to return it due to poor grind, blade wobble (brand new, out of the box) and overall disappointing QC.

[This message has been edited by Nimrod (edited 08-24-2000).]
 
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