Spyderco Wegner or Military?

[Soloman]

I like to carry a knife on my person for a self-defense situation. I've heard praise for both the full size Tim Wegner and the Military for their self-defense capabilities. Which should I buy?

 

[tulsamal]

You ask that question on this board?!? I'll tell you this: I'm psychic (or psycho, I forget).... I predict lots of people saying, "Military, military" etc.

That said, my favorite knife is still the full size Wegner. I carry it everywhere and use it for everything. At age 37 my experience has been that I quite often need a knife to "do something" but so far I haven't needed one for self defense. So I believe in carrying a knife which excells at general utility tasks. And it seems to me like one of my favorite gun quotes is also applicable to general knife carry. That quote was usually given to somebody who was over emphasizing their equipment purchase instead of learning to use it. "The best gun for carry/self defense is the gun you always have with you." If it is too big/heavy/or generally not useful then you won't have it or won't have used it enough to be good with it.

We now return to the general flood of people praising the Military.

 

[CJL101]

Actually, Tulsamal, I support your recomendation of the Wegner. Both are excellent knives both in balance and construction. The Military has a slight advantage(in my opinion)as a dedicated weapon because of it's narower tip, longer blade and generally more intimidating appearance. But, as you pointed out, those same traits tend to make most people wince when you bring it out. Don't get me wrong, the Wegner is a big blade too, but how many of us have used their carry knife for defence even once, let alone on a daily basis?
Pick the knife you see yourself using casually, you know: the one that scares the sheep less and draws less attention from Law Enforcement. Thats the one to train with and for me, thats a Wegner.

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If you try, you may fail. If you don't try, you certainly will.

 

[copfish]

Having both, I like the handle of the Wegner better, but the blade of the Military because of the thinness (or lack of thickness) and the grind makes a better utility slicer. Works great in the kitchen! I have not pried with eiather, but looking at the blades, the Wegner would be a better prybar...

 

[Marion David Poff]

I have owned both, twice.

I have a Military still.

I like the sharper point, higher carbon steel, flat grind, lightweight, larger opening hole, and nested liners of the Military over the Wegner.

All that being said, the Wegner is a fine knife.

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Marion David Poff aka Eye, one can msg me at mdpoff@hotmail.com

"I'm just an advertisement for a version of myself." David Byrne

 

[Brian Lavin]

I also have owned both, found that the Wegner was sitting in the drawer all the time, so now I only have the Military. But these are personal things, both are great knives.

 

[Double Edge Dave]

Both are good knives but I am habituated to tip up carry and for that reason I use the Wegner most often . I have big hands and it feels most comfortable too.Either one will work as a defensive knife,if you do your part.
Be Sharp
David
AKTI member#A100150

 

[Nakano 2]

I' ve not owned a Military, yet. Rolling lock, where are you??

First let me say that for protective purposes, obtain and carry a fixed blade if and whenever possible.

I do however own and use my Wegners quite a bit. For general work it can' t be beat. It has a nice belly, thick spine all the way, and will work better on game if taking to the field. The Military does appear to have an intimidating factor and seems to be a more efficient thrusting implement.

The Wegners fit my medium size hands much better and the tip up carry is a bit more friendly to me. Be sure to factor in the ergonomics and carry convenience before deciding. Remember: " That zillion shot plastic parabellum is just to heavy and blocky to tote with me all day, so I left it at home in the safe". You get the picture.

Also, no other liner lock gives you that unmistakable "KER- CHUNK!" when the blade flys open!

L8r,
Nakano

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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."