Is the Matriarch 2 (esp. Waved model) OK for regular EDC use or not?

[DansGunBlog]

Guys, this is a recurring theme I'm not clear on...

I know the Civilian in particular and then the Matriarch were labled "not for EDC use".

However, I remember reading the Matriarch 2 specifically mentioned "reinforced tip for EDC use" as an enhanced feature.

And how does the Wave thinned-out model differ - is it still less usable for EDC use?

Or is the Matriarch perfectly fine for regular EDC tasks?

Talking about having the Matriarch 2 as an s-curve serrated companion to a primary plain edge EDC, i.e. the Military.

Would love to hear your thoughts, especially from Spyderco folks familiar with the design and folks who have actually acquired / used the Matriarch 2 (either Waved or not). :)

Thanks!
Dan

[The Deacon]

I suspect that's going to depend considerably on two factors.

The first is your personal definition of "everyday use". For some of us, that might mean opening the mail, cutting a few small zip ties, and things of that ilk. For others it might mean cutting up used carpet, slicing sheetrock, and things of that nature. Mine tend to be closer to the first than the second, so I'm sure I could get away with carrying one as my EDC blade. However, I'm equally certain there are things someone out there might consider "everyday use" that would snap the tip on a Harpy or Cricket, both of which are probably stronger than the "new and improved" tip of the Matriarch.

The second is whether you feel that the weight saving gained by carrying one knife for both "everyday use" and self defense outweighs the potential disadvantage of having a less than maximally sharp blade in a SD situation.

[DansGunBlog]

Hey Deacon.

Good points. and that in a way is how i'm looking at this as well. some folks pry and scrape with a good quality knife and basically render it useless as a knife... through misuse / misunderstanding of tool design, one can surely snap the tip on a Military as well. if it's all you got and you have to pry, then you gotta pry lol. but generally speaking there tend to be better options.

I've been using the Tasman Salt as the companion to the large primary EDC plain edge folder (the Military). When the job involves some quick tearing, the Tasman Salt comes out.

The Tasman Salt also handles zip ties fairly easily, tho I wouldn't want to use the Matriarch 2 for that. also it's great for gardening tasks. it's a fine difference I suppose.

[bearfacedkiller]

The Lil Matriarch has a much less pronounced tip and makes a much better EDC. I have used my BBS Plain Edge Lil Matriarch in the garden and around the yard without issues. It has opened many clamshell packages without damage as well. Sorry but I do not have any experience with either of its parents but I would be reluctant to EDC one myself.

[LC Kid]

Hi Folks!


I have a couple of Matriarch 2, regarding duty related reasons, and I use and have used it many times for it's intended purpose. And I do have a lot of training about MA & SD blades.

That said, I've never considered it an EDC knife.

When you ask me about my EDC knife I'd tell you about my Techno or my Slysz Bowie, but I'd never mention the Matriarch 2, even if I had it with me, because It isn't. :cool:

Once I heard about some guy who claims to carry and use a Civilian as an EDC. He even carry 2 Civilians, one for EDC and another one for what you're supposed to use a Civilian. Go figure... :rolleyes:

[Blerv]

The Matriarch2 is the most robust of the generation.

I only have the Lil version and use it all the time. I know that it's not the same but it's not even close to what I would consider fragile. Even those knives can be used for many tasks with consideration for the tip, lateral torque, cutting effort and what you are processing.

Any hawk, reverse s, or thin wharncliff is going to be more fragil than a traditional blade. The tip is much lower and is usually thinner and/or more narrow. When possible I certainly cut while keeping it out of the way. A tipless knife is a sad sight to behold.

[Razzle]

Been using my black Matriarch 2 Emerson daily for a few months, now, just to see how it would hold up.....it's doing fine. I keep the serrations VERY sharp, with frequent touch ups on the fine rods.

Small tree branches, cardboard, wood and splinters, zip ties, pet food bags, apples. I'd imagine the Lil' would make the better all-rounder, though....primarily blade shape.

[Surfingringo]

The Matriarch will hold up to light/normal edc use with a bit of common sense but its length and more extreme tip make it a bit awkward for most normal tasks. The Lil Matriarch is a far better "all arounder" for everyday use IMO.

[Razzle]

The Matriarch will hold up to light/normal edc use with a bit of common...The Lil Matriarch is a far better "all arounder" for everyday use IMO.

I think I agree.