What is the difference between a Matriarch and a Civilian?

B

Big D1

Joined
May 6, 1999
Messages
402
I am new to both of these knives, but I have seen pics of the Civilian. I also know that the Matriarch is for LEO only for some sensible reason or another. But what is the main differences in the Civilian and Matriarch? Anybody have a pic of the Matriarch that they would post?
Thanks, Big D1
 
Civvy is bigger with al (disc) or G10 handle, Matriarch has Zytel (or is it FRN?). Both are fearsome.
 
Here is the photo you requested. There were two versions. The Gray was produced for BladeForum members but of the 300 made only about 100 were purchased by forumites.

The black was mass produced and a large portion of then left the country for duty in the hands of military personel.


ffa05f2a.jpg.orig.jpg


Rumor has it there won't be any more produced unless some military organization places a very large order.

Terry Prichard aka: the BladeBroker

Knife picturers http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294359731



[This message has been edited by fourcycle (edited 09-17-2000).]
 
Thanks for the nice pics fourcycle. Ferret: What is a al dis? Is the Spyderco Gunting a hawkbill type knife?
Thanks, Big D1
 
Thanks for the pics everybody. Chad: I have come to that conclusion. I actually like the cheaper Matriarch better than the G10 scaled Civilian. Ok, big question. I know this knife is restricted to LEO types. But is it illegal for me to own one? This is the same scenario as handgun ammuntion. Example: Federal 9BPLEO +p+ is restricted by Federal for sales to LEO only. But of course, and I do not know how, some of this ammo always trickles down to the average civilian--like me. It is a fact that by possessing this ammo, I am in no violation of any law. Legally, I can buy it. So, is this the same deal with the Matriarch or what? Anyway, I want one because it is just so cool.
Thanks, Big D1
 
BigD1 - They're not illegal to own unless there is blade length limit in your area that is smaller.

At this time, they are available to LEOs only because we didn't want them to be "too popular" with the "wrong" groups. LEOs provide some type of screening.

We're still trying to figure out the best method of distribution.

Hope this helps.

sal
 
*Drool* Guys! Those blades ROCK! Nice pictures dudes!
biggrin.gif
I really envy you guys!

Sam

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have spydies
will travel...
 
Tommi,

Very nice collection. I have 5 different Civi's. I'll have to line them up and take some snaps.

Terry
 
Here's a couple other differences: the Matriarch is lighter, thus easier to carry cliped to, say, a pair of shorts; and, of course, it is fully ambidextrous, whereas, at this time, there's no left handed version of the Civilian (as a southpaw, that really makes a difference to me).

I was fortunate enough to buy one of the last grey-handled Matriarchs made available to forum members (had been away for some months, so I almost missed that offer), and I really like it; however, since I regard it as somewhat of a collectible, I seldom carry it on me, which is really a shame. I wish I could buy one or two more (including one for the wife, who carries an early model Endura that used to belong to me).
Sal, since I'm not living in the U.S. (sigh...) is there a way I could order any more of those? I mean, I know they're available to "ordinary" citizens in other countries, such as South Africa and Israel...

Regards,

Leo Daher

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"Though the meek shall inherit the Earth, they won't keep it past Saturday night..."
 
The Civilian is tip down carry and the Matriarch is tip up carry.

My wife likes the tip down carry in her purse; reach in and grab the ring.

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RICK - Left Handers Unite
 
Originally posted by Big D1:
Example: Federal 9BPLEO +p+ is restricted by Federal for sales to LEO only. But of course, <u>and I do not know how,</u> some of this ammo always trickles down to the average civilian--like me. It is a fact that by possessing this ammo, I am in no violation of any law.
Click to expand...

Because it is up to the dealer to read what the box says. Which, by the way, carries about as much legal weight as the warning on a pack of cigarettes regarding health. IMO, if you have a dealer that gives the "LEO Only" on the ammo box the proper importance, then goes ahead and sells to you, then I'd keep buying from that dealer. Because he is an allright kinda guy, IMO.

OK, sorry for ranting. And I do see Spyderco's side of this particular issue, more or less. They've done their part, now I hope the knife dealers do theirs, kinda like the ammo dealer.

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iktomi

[This message has been edited by rockspyder (edited 09-19-2000).]
 
"Restricted" sales is a tricky term. It does not equate to illegality. Sal is correct concerning checking ones local laws. But depending on locale the screening of knife acquisition by LEOs is at best humorous...

L8r,
Nakano
 
Just as a by the bye, I believe the +P+ restriction on certain handgun ammo is because the pressure it generates is out of specification for the cartridge. There is no way to know if the pistol you are going to use it in is New, strong, solid, or if it is a little marginal.

If the ammo is being issued by a PD to be used in pistol issued by PD the chances are less. No Ammo company wants a reputation for blowing up guns, esp. customers guns.

The exceptions that I know of are Black Talon, Which Winchester restricted because of political pressure, and New Jersey, which is an exception to just about everything.


Mike
 
Somebody posted recently (this thread, I think) he had a bunch of matriarchs in stock. Now I can't find the post. Would he or anybody be so kind as to tell me any sources.
Mine is scratched up from use and I'd like another. (BTW, I will be back on law enforcement status again early Nov., if anyone's concerned. So a dealer could then sell me one and be perfectly kosher with Spyderco.)
 
Leo - Check with the Spyderco Factory outlet. I don't think we have restrictions on export (we shouldn't).

sal
 
Thank you so much, Sal! I'll do just that!

Regards,

Leo Daher

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"Though the meek shall inherit the Earth, they won't keep it past Saturday night..."
 
........and I'll tell you this:

They are both sharp as a razor....and WILL scare the hell out of most people you show them to.
 
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