Survivor: Military, Starmate, Police, or Wegner ???

There can be only one: Wegner

The UPS guy just dropped mine off at 8pm this evening. I couldn't find one locally so I took a leap of faith and ordered it without ever having seen it in person.

My jaw dropped when I took it out of the box.
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It is amazing even by Spyderco's usual high standard. IMO the best of the line. Glad I made the extra effort to find it.

This would be my desert island choice.

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Now that the meek have inherited the Earth, is there someplace else for the rest of us to go?

[This message has been edited by Carlos (edited 08-23-2000).]
 
Wegner. Period. I love mine and never leave the house without it. I ordered my full sized version last year with only having handled the Jr. size. Felt the clean lines and solid lock and had to have the full size. It has done everything I have ever asked of it. It truly is a great knife. I think the Jr. is going to be my next knife
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If we're not supposed to eat animals, why are they made out of meat?

-anonymous-
 
Originally posted by Guyon:
If you were stranded on a desert island (without all the CBS camera crews and catered lunch buffets) and could only have one of these Spydercos, which would it be and why?
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The one you like most, because you like it most. I mean: You must like them, or you wouldn't have limited the options to those four, would you?



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Urban Fredriksson
www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/
Latest update: A Russian hand made hunting knife

"I've always been fascinated by Scandinavian knives [...] they're simple, in an advanced way".
- Bob Loveless
 
Yeah Griffon, I would take the one I like the most (if I were, by some strange series of events, allowed to pick before being stranded). Still, the question was: Of the four, which one do YOU like the most? So which is it?
 
Brian Turner wrote:
"Wegner, without question. Police doesn't have enough belly for skinning, and CPM440V is too prone to chipping."

I have three Spydies with 440V blades, a BF Native, a StarMate, and a Military, two of which I have used extensively. I have never had a chip or dent (Yes, rockspyder, never a chip or dent, even from a staple) and I have not spared them in their use. Now, I have not used them to chop down trees or such, but I have openned a can or three and I have run onto staples in boxes that I was cutting up, heavy ones at that. The heavy staples stopped the blade and I had to pull them out, but they did no visible damage. The cans did no damage, which is more than I can say for other knives which I have had to use for this, on hte whole, I would suggest a can openner, it's easier and doesn't leave sharp edges to cut you.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Originally posted by FullerH:
...440V....I have never had a chip or dent (Yes, rockspyder, never a chip or dent, even from a staple) and I have not spared them in their use....
Click to expand...

Hugh, you knew I'd be watching, didn't you?!
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I wish, I really do, that I could say the same about my 440V knives that you do. But I can't. However, given the fact that of the four choices, I've never tried the Starmate, the Wegner, or the Police, but have the Military.... I'd pick the Military. I wouldn't trust the liner locks on two of the others (I don't the Mil either, but its design alleviates the need of trusting the lock completely), and the Police just doesn't have enough belly IMO. Plus, I'm thinking that in the long run, all would have to be sharpened. Based on my experience with the Military's 440V, and other ATS-34 and ATS-55 knives, I think I could do a better job of improvising sharpening the Military.

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iktomi
 
Of those you listed, I have only owned the Police. Another vote for the Wegner based strictly on the experience of others and my own impressions after handling the knife.
Off the list, but my personal favorite-the Wayne Goddard. This is my "work" knife, and has withstood much (ab)use, still maintains an excellent edge, and the handles are my favorite among the Spydercos (not pretty, but muy comfortable).
 
What I would take with myself on desert island if I would have a choice?
Certainly it wouldn't be the Police, here was already specified why and I can to joint these opinions only.
Next the Starmate, it is one of my favorite daily carry knives in urban environment but I always leave it at home going outdoors.
The hard choice I would have between Military and Wegner. Wegner with full length steel back spacer is heftier and seems to be stronger than Military. It is just guessing, I didn't test one or another for strength breaking them
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Wegner has also a bit better ergonomics what is not the least for extensive cutting.
But I have myself more comfortably working with flat ground blade. This is the main reason why I would choose the Military! And it is really my choice of working knife when going outdoors or around household.
I'm rather poor cook, so my wife asks me to help her in simple kitchen works only, for ex. to shred vegetables or something like this. And here my faithful Military is rising to the occasion!

Jonny, very nice photo, thanks!


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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 08-25-2000).]
 
I do own the Wegner (large & small), a Military, and a Starmate.

I'd choose the Wegner for a "desert island" scenario, mostly because the blade shape is great for skinning and other general chores.

Given the blade length is nearly the same as the other two (i.e. it isn't a 9" bowie), it'll do about everything the Military & Starmate will do, and more.

 
Wegner. Hands Down. Did a number on a nice-sized Bass last week & then a quick rinse & a through the dishwasher (I know..., I know...) good as new. Lots of miles on it & still going strong. Best all-round blade (IMHO).

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Runs With Scissors
AKTI# A000107
 
I have been carrying and using a C55GPE Starmate since they were first introduced in July 1999. I use it everyday for a variety of chores from opening boxes to cleaning ocean fish to gardening. It has never chipped! I do keep it shaving sharp and find it is prone to dulling off of shaving sharp faster than others but continues to be sharp longer than others.

I have to admit I rounded the handle edges and relieved/opended the clip scale at the blade hole area. Personal preference, not a necessary modification.

Since I am a Spyderco distributor I have and can carry any knife they make. Because I like a larger knife I have chose the Starmate for its feel, fit, size and blade design. I often pull out a Wegner and compare but continue to stay with the Starmate. If I was into considerable animal skinning I might try the Wegner.

My suggestion is try them and buy what feels good to you, looks good to you and best fits your needs. There is no bad, poor or mediocre Spyderco!

John

PS:
I should add that a major part of my decision is the Starmate is a "tip down" carry allowing the "drop opening" method which I prefer. The Wegner's "tip up" carry does not allow the "drop open" method.

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John F Jensen
"Your Quality Distributor"
619-475-3633

[This message has been edited by JOHN F JENSEN (edited 08-25-2000).]
 
I have handled all four knifes. The only one of the four I own is the Wegner. I will probably end up with a Military and a Starmate at some point, but my initial impression was that that neither would touch the Wegner for comfort or durability.

AS far as I am concerned, the Wegner is the Flagship of the Spyderco lineup.


Mike
 
Well, best I can tell, the Wegner seems to be the favorite here. I count 16 votes for the Wegner, 7 for the Military, 3 for the Starmate, and 0 for the Police.

I NEED a Wegner, apparently--especially if I get cast for Survivor-Australia.

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Guyon
AKTI Member #A001044

"The hardest knife ill used doth lose his edge."
-William Shakespeare, Sonnet 95
 
I'm surprised that there are no votes for the Endura or maybe the Flat Iron Folder or maybe the Goddard lightweight. The zytel Spydercos are sturdy and ATS-55 takes a sharp edge very easily. They are also cheap. If you knew that you were going to be in survival situation, you could take three Enduras for the price of a Military. That my seem odd but remember that you could lose or break a knife and a back up or two might save your bacon.
 
Hello,

to survive, you need knowledge and experience and to be smart...
I wonder what an SAS instructor could do with a Police Model compared to Kermit The Frog with one of Spyderco Flagships.
I think he will have a lunch and a shelter when the toad will still wonder why he puts all his survival chances in only one tool....

Also everybody is different and has different affinities with a knife.

The main thing is to know what to do with a knife not to choose a knife because of what it could have been design for...

Hypothesis is not survival.

Perharps with the Police Model (obviously the loser of that poll) you could be much more effective/creative/reliable survivalist.
Because you will feel better with it or instinctively you will better know how to improve your condition with it.

Self confidence is a very important factor in survival but knowing how to use your brain and your tools is much more important.

Starmate, Military, Wegner and even Police are rough knives made for high performances in any situation. After it's really a matter to have the time to choose between them...
In survival situation, you don't have really time...
Again I think a SAS Instructor (or any serious/experienced/alive guy) with a serrated Cricket could be much more effective than many of us with a plain edge military.
Mind over body and knowledge over tools.

There is a quote I like:
"Before you play two notes learn how to play one note - and don't play one note unless you've got a reason to play it." - Mark Hollis (1998)

Easy to transpose, isn't it ?

The winner is Chris Reeve who said
"Think twice and cut once ."

cheers,

JM
"Dont ask any more stupid questions."
wink.gif


[This message has been edited by Nemo (edited 08-27-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Nemo (edited 08-27-2000).]
 
Wegner's a hunting knife. The others aren't.

I carry a serrated military, too, just cause I like its looks. But from Nov - Jan in the field a Wegner. So far it's taken care of everything from a rockfish to a quail.

Cheers,

Steve
 
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