Military 204P or 52100

[Strider]

I am considering trying out the famed Military. Just trying to decide between the the two models listed above. I have a ZT in 204P and enjoy it, but I enjoy CF scales more and like a good patina. thoughts?

[Evil D]

If you can handle/prevent rust I would absolutely go with 52100. It may not have quite as much working edge but the way it sharpens and takes an edge is fantastic.

[TomAiello]

I only own the 204p (which is fantastic), but it sounds like the 52100 might be a better fit for you. I haven't had any corrosion issues on the 52100 blades I own at all, but I live in a desert.

[farnorthdan]

Both are great pieces, of course one is stainless the other not so much. I absolutely love my 52100, probably the easiest steel for me to sharpen and touches up super fast with scalpel like sharpness.

[blueblur]

The 204p Millie gets a lot of praise, and for good reason but I really enjoy using and sharpening 52100. Like evil said above, if you don’t mind some additional attention to prevent any rust, 52100 is hard to turn down. And dare I say it, a joy to sharpen.

[Strider]

Thanks for the input. I have read about 52100, but don't have any personal experience with it. It does sound more exciting.

[Pelagic]

It's all personal preference. 204p is one of the best all around steels ever made (for folding knives) while 52100 is a simple high carbon steel slightly better than 1095 and 5160. 52100 is tougher but with significantly less edge retention and virtually no resistance to corrosion. If you enjoy sharpening, you will like 52100, however you will like 204p as well. 204p is known for developing very little burr which is easy to remove as well as cutting extremely aggressively. If you really like the look of a patina, there is only one option (52100).

[Bodog]

I'd vote for 204p but that's just me.

[MacLaren]

I've got both, and I much prefer the 204p.
Every bit as sharp and very easy to get there.
It's the best Spydie I own.

[jpm2]

I would not trade my 52100 for a 204p.

[Brock O Lee]

52100, since you already have 204P and say you enjoy CF and a patina.

[bearfacedkiller]

I own the 204P and passed on the 52100. I am not a big fan of CF though and green is my favorite color. I already have a few Militaries and I also have a few knives in 52100 including one Spydie so in the end it wasn’t offering much that I didn’t already have. I still want it but apparently not bad enough.

If you like CF and steels that aren’t stainless then go for the 52100. :)

[qwkzotc]

Checking out the Millie is a good move in my opinion. I carried the ZT-804 in 204P for awhile, and while the blade is sharp and the coating is superb, the flipping has become clunky and slow. And it is very heavy. Nowhere near the deployment of a Millie with a flick. And single-handed closing with the Liner lock is much smoother than the frame lock, again IMHO. I EDC the KW Green 204P and it does everything I ask of it. I have a 52100 as well, but it is sitting in the box. The G-10 just feels like it came to go to work. The blade on either is a wash other than cosmetics like patina and oiling maint. They are both very sharp and easy to keep that way. So, Stainless vs. Carbon, the endless discussion.
Either way, choose fast or get both, because they are becoming endangered. KW is said to be down to less than 50 of the green 204P exclusive G-10 models at $179 and the 52100 is discontinued and already seems to be on the secondary market at premium prices as far as I can see.

Another thought, since you like CF. KW also still has the Spyderco C36CFTIP TI Military, 4" CPM-S90V PLAIN BLADE, CARBON FIBER/TITANIUM HANDLE WITH R.I.L LOCK for $200, another limited exclusive. So, has the CF and the RIL, but is another popular Stainless.

I hope you enjoy the Millie as much as I do.

Dan

[Strider]

So...I was going to order the 52100 version, when I stumbled upon a Cru-wear version. Now, I'm hesitating again.

[MacLaren]

So...I was going to order the 52100 version, when I stumbled upon a Cru-wear version. Now, I'm hesitating again.

Personally, I would choose 52100 over Cruwear.
But, that's just my experience.
The Cruwear is the older style Millie.
Plus, I like both 204p and 52100 better than Cruwear.
But, that just my 2 pennies.
But, really, imo, your just splitting hairs with all 3, as any would be an excellent choice imo.
Best advice imo is to get them all.

[Strider]

It's done. Ordered the 52100.
I am currently in the market for a new chef's knife. Have it narrowed down to three. One is in 52100. This should have influence that decision.

[dreadpirate]

I have both and you could not go wrong with either. The CF handles are really a nice touch though.

[Bodog]

It's done. Ordered the 52100.
I am currently in the market for a new chef's knife. Have it narrowed down to three. One is in 52100. This should have influence that decision.

52100 in a kitchen knife is different than 52100 in a daily work knife. Have fun with the 52100!

[qwkzotc]

Excellent! Glad you found what you are looking for. Once you get that patina working come back and give us a look: //forum.spyderco.com/viewto ... lit=patina

Enjoy!!