The Military - Is it "all that?"

B

BobHWD

Joined
Apr 26, 1999
Messages
170
Hi Knifepeople,

I'm decloaking here for the first time in the Spyderco forum, but I must admit I have lurked for quite a while. I am not what you would call a collector, but rather a "user." I work for the Los Angeles Police Department and for several years I have carried my GIN-1 serrated all stainless "Police" model faithfully in my rear sap pocket. I especially like the thinness of this particular model and how well it has kept an edge all these years. I'd venture to say that 9 out of 10 of my knife carrying brothers and sisters have the same knife. On the LAPD, "thin is in!"

Anyways, I've heard a lot of talk of the Military and was wondering if I should abandon my trusty Police model. Any thoughts on this?

Any input would be beneficial.

Thanks,

Sgt. Bob
 
Sgt. Bob, I like both the thinness of the Military and the large easy to open blade. The steel has better edge-holding than the Police and I like the weight. I too have sap pockets on my pants and find the Military sits perfect. Besides, we carry enough weight around our waist, we don't need an extra ounce tugging our drawers. Be safe! Fish
BTW, my partner (Div of Gaming) was an old LAPD J-car guy, Billy Ray Garrett.
 
Yes, it is all that...especially when compared to a Police model. I would highly recommend one- it is thin, light weight (for its size) has a superior handle design and blade geometry, larger hole for easier openning, and just feels great in the hand.
 
I have had a stainless steel Police for 10 years and I just recently bought a Military. The Police is nice, I have carried it a lot and it once saved my bacon, but the new Military so so much better in every way. G-10 scales, 440V steel, wedge grind, big hole, all combine to make a truly superior knife.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh
 
Bob, the military is more knife than the police, but the police is an excellent knife all it's own. If it is still working for you, there is no real reason to switch unless you really want to. The military opens faster because of it's liner lock and larger hole. But most liner locks will open faster than the lockbacks anyway, at least in my experience.

Go check out plaza cutlery in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, they have everything and I mean everything.

Shoot(figure of speech), carry them both. The police in the little pants leg pocket and the military in your shirt pockets somewere. Can never be too armed in the streets of LA.
 
sgt.bob
i've carried a police model for ten years,
and i love it.
but to be fair go for the military it is
like replacing your relaible old toyota
truck with a new y2k viper.
well maybe i went too far here but you get the picture.
watch for the bad guys.
 
Sgt Bob,

The Military is all that and a bag of chips(or would that be a box of doughnuts)
wink.gif
just kidding.

Seriously, get one and you will never look back.

------------------
God bless!

Romans 10:9-10

"Military" Fans Unite!!
 
All things being equal between the two, the Military's lighter weight might tip you in its favor. It rides like a Delica in the pocket.
 
Let me put it this way, my military is my first Spyderco, and since getting it I have to think twice about carrying my Sebenza. That says a lot about a knife that cost me about 1/3 of the Sebenza.

I never thought I'd get a Spyderco, because I'm really into Mad Dogs and Microtechs, but since getting the Military I ordered the BF Native, now I'm thinking about the Catcherman.


------------------
LD
"Every Dog Has His Day"



[This message has been edited by Lucky Dog (edited 27 April 1999).]
 
Welcome Bob.....

I like to say the Military is 2% 440v, and 98% testosterone...

Danelle
 
I am a full time police officer and I carry a military everyday, on or off duty. While I still think Microtechs are the best production folder, the military is close. And at half the price I would rather carry the military. When I first got it I thought I would carry it instead of my microtechs strictly because it is cheaper and I wouldnt feel guilty if I hurt it. I now think it would be awfully hard to damage the military. It is one tough knife. And extremely light weight. I got mine in 440V for $111 from Top of Texas knives. I think they may still have some of the new style in ATS-34 for $89. You cant go wrong in choosing the military for a duty knife.
 
Sarge -

I carried the same Police model for 7 years on patrol and recently (last XMas) switched to a serrated Military. The Military has a better utility style blade (belly), better edge holding steel, much easier to open and close with kevlar search gloves on and rides so light in the pocket you forget it's there.

Be careful,

Waldo
 
Danelle,

Seems to me less than a week ago you stated that the Military was 10% knife and 90% testosterone. Now it is 2% blade steel and 98% testosterone! Did we have a bad experience with a Military in the past week or so? ;-)
 
Hi Knifepeople!

Wow! Thanks for all your wonderful replies. After all the glowing remarks about the Military model, I guess I better go buy one. I'll swing by the Police academy in the morning and see if they have them in stock. If they don't I guess I'll be asking where I can find one at a decent price.

It's good to see all the fellow law enforcement types here. I suppose it means I'll have to stick around awhile even after I get the new knife.

P.S. Officer Copfish, what division did your partner work? Even though we have over 10,000 officers, there's a good chance we may have crossed paths at some point in our careers.

Regards,

Bob

 
Yes, Bob, its "all that". Before my Military days, I thought that the Seki City, Japan - made Endura II was among the best of the Spydie folders; now with my new US-made 440V Military I believe this is "bester" in terms of design, material and craftsmanship.

Do post your own review after you buy your Military.

------------------
"It is better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot." -- Anonymous


 
Sgt. Bob, Billy Garrett worked Devonshire and Central. Back when they issued black powder cap and ball to the officers.
smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top