Viele, Police, or Military???

RattlerXX

RattlerXX

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2000
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I want to know what your opinions on which one of these would be the toughest and best all round carry knife. I also would like to know your output on G-10 and stainless handles.

Thanks,

RattlerXX
 
Depends on what you're looking for. I haven't handled any of these knives, but have read a lot of opinions and impressions on the Police and the Military.

The Police is one of Spyderco's first models, and has improved a lot over the years. It is slightly longer than the Military, yet it's intended for many applications, including "general Police work", whatever that means. The Military, however, is a workhorse of a knife...it will keep cutting and cutting and won't give up when you expect it to. Also, it looks much bigger than its weight...people say it is an extremely comfortable carry. No wonder it's considered a flagship Spyderco model by most people. It's a tough choice, but I would go for the Military. I wouldn't even consider the Viele, since it's just not my taste.

As for handles, go for G-10. Steel handles certainly look nice, yet they scratch easily and are very uncomfortable. Plus, G-10 is designed to handle any tough situation, and is not affected by heat or cold, whereas steel handles certainly are affected. Also, G-10 handles provide great traction for the hand while doing heavy cutting chores, with a great "grippy" feeling, whereas the steel handles get slippery with sweat or any other liquid.

As for me, I had to decide once between the Military or Starmate. I chose the Starmate, since I liked its aesthetics, and really think that it possesses a great balance between tactical and utility use. Handle is also shorter...I really dislike handles which I consider too long, since my hands are not too big. That's one of the reasons I have yet to get a Military.

In conclusion, I consider the Military and Starmate to be Spyderco's best offerings in the "almost 4-inch blade" category. If I eventually consider getting the Police, I would probably do it after getting the G-10 Military, and I would choose a stainless steel model just for aesthetic purposes. Also, I really like the looks of its hollow ground blade (only offered in steel handle models...G-10 models feature a flat-ground blade).

Hope this helps!

-Flood

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HERMES: "The Applegate Fairbarn is not bad...but for both offense and defense, the Randall 14 is good."
HERMES: (Admiring the Joe Kious Sub-hilt dagger) "I'll take the Joe Kious for a friend."
KNIFE-SELLER: "Excellent choice."
 
(sorry, double post!)

[This message has been edited by Flood (edited 11-16-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Flood (edited 11-16-2000).]
 
Of those three, I'd definitely go for the Military, having handled the Police and owning a Military. The Military blade shape works better for me, I like the finger choil, and the grip/handle is nice (although thin). Light also.

I don't think the Viele is in the same class as the other two.

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iktomi
 
I think the police is best for urban areas though I do carry my military often in seattle.

I am not a fan of stainless it is heavy and slippery and shiny for me.

I love G10..I have been carrying g-10 for about 5-6 years and never had a failure in any compacity. It is awesome in wet environs.
and light.

the viele is a great model but if you have big hands and do any thrusting type of training I wouldn't reccomend it. I see that as an executive utility blade, it is beautiful.

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you are your own worst enemy-extinction comes to those who violate the true nature.
 
I prefer a G10 handle over stainless.So either a Military or a G10 Police would suit.
I carry the Military.I have several customers who carry the Viele as thier daily task knife and praise it beyond belief.Might have to try one and see what all the fuss is about.
smile.gif



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Ricki
info@outdooredge.com.au
outdooredge.com.au
 
Don't know about the police or military. They're big usin' knives, which I have and/or don't need. But I just got a Viele in VG-10. Truly in a class by itself. It's not a big bruider like th military. It's a classy, sophisticated "gentelmanly" knife which even edgeophobes usually think is cool, if not beautiful.

Of course, like all Spydies, if you have an interest in both, you'll probably need both...
smile.gif


Tom
 
Never had the Viele, though people rave about the handle. I've had a Police, plain G-10, I like the length but it is thin. I've had the Military and it cut anything I wanted. No real bad points in terms of workmanship. I intend to get one again.
 
RattlerXX, what is your idea of an all around knife? For me, the Viele comes closest to a knife I could truly use anywhere because I tend to carry smaller knives on the job and a 3 3/8" blade is plenty to most around the house jobs. Still a serrated Military is a heck of a sack opener and box cutter.
 
It straightly depends from the intended use. A Viele is good for urban daily carry, and quick to draw. A Military is really multipurpose, and strong for any outdoor use. But I think a stainless handle police is a very good tool for in and out of the city: the blade is thin and thick at the same time, and long enough for outdoors use, the stainless handle is strong and heavy, to be even used as a hammer(even on somebody's head...) and the shape fill your hand with or without a glove. I vote for the police.

EX ALTO FULGOR
 
Having both a stainless Police and a Military, I far prefer the Military. The larger opening hole is great (in my opinion), the handle is much more hand-filling and secure, and for cutting any sort of thick material, I prefer the wide, flat grind of the Military. On the other hand, the G-10 police is flat-ground, and probably grippier, so that might be a good choice for a slightly slimmer blade. Oh yeah, and I find 440V easier to sharpen than the old G-2/Gin-1.
 
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