Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.

Which is the better defensive knife?

Poll ended at Sat Sep 21, 2019 12:36 am

Civilian (with zip tie “wave” mod)
1
13%
Matriarch 2 Wave
7
88%
 
Total votes: 8

Roscoec1911
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Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#1

Post by Roscoec1911 »

Guys, due to the nature of my job, I find myself flying here and there around the country every so often on business, and bringing along a gun is simply not possible. I also go to areas where firearms are absolutely prohibited. Much of my traveling is in Texas and areas with lax knife laws, so a large folder is a legal and convenient defensive option for me.

Looking to get either a Civilian or Matriarch 2 Wave. If I got the Civilian, I would do the zip tie “wave” mod (I have it on my Delicate and like it) as well as swapping the clip to the proper side for “wave” carry.

I owned a Civilian for a short while and was impressed by it. But is the Matriarch 2 just as effective an emergency last ditch defensive weapon? It is considerably cheaper, lighter, a bit more compact, and is already set up for wave pocket usage of course. But if the Civilian is the superior weapon, then I will buy it. Money is no object here.

So, between the two, bottom line up front, which would YOU rather have in your pocket if being attacked and you didn’t have access to a firearm?

Thanks gang,

-Rosco
vivi
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#2

Post by vivi »

fixed blade.
:unicorn
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ladybug93
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#3

Post by ladybug93 »

https://youtu.be/1ddOdONCCqU

definitely the yojimbo. and even more definitely don’t get in a knife fight ever.
keep your knife sharp and your focus sharper.
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Bill1170
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#4

Post by Bill1170 »

A factory waved Matriarch seems better and more elegant than a Civilian with a zip tie wave mod.
zhyla
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#5

Post by zhyla »

I’m that not into knives as weapons but in my opinion if it isn’t and efficient stabber I don’t think it’s a great choice.
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youmakemehole
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#6

Post by youmakemehole »

These are available for purchase on ebay:
Image
Once you have a set of these, the wave feature no longer needs to be a deciding factor on a knife meant for protection. There are also even nicer looking versions from other companies, made with aluminum and ti, they are model specific typically though.
"Sometimes I think that we're all little kids trying to act like grown ups, in our parents clothes. ;) "

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youmakemehole
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#7

Post by youmakemehole »

heres one of my knives which has a pretty nice aftermarket wave. a big advantage to this one is being able to keep the spydiehole usable

Image
"Sometimes I think that we're all little kids trying to act like grown ups, in our parents clothes. ;) "

-sal
Bill1170
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#8

Post by Bill1170 »

The best thing about those clamp-on wave hooks is that they can be installed and removed without damaging the underlying knife. And they look better than a zip tie. I still prefer a hook cut right into the blade.
kerrcobra
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#9

Post by kerrcobra »

Vivi wrote:
Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:47 am
fixed blade.
QFT. I second this.
--Jeremy
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Wartstein
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#10

Post by Wartstein »

kerrcobra wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:41 pm
Vivi wrote:
Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:47 am
fixed blade.
QFT. I second this.
Off topic, but may I ask: What means "QFT"?
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
kirill.sergueev
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#11

Post by kirill.sergueev »

There is nothing more stupid and unrealistic then knife "non lethal" self defense. But in terms to show someone a Matriarch or Civilian just to scare crap of them both should do.
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sal
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#12

Post by sal »

Hi Rosco,

Welcome.

A waved Matriarch is very effective. I would suggest some training. fist line of defense is avoidance, then running, then spray like a gel, then only if absolutely necessary, blade. If you cut someone with a knife, you will probably go to jail. Whether or not you stay there is the question?

sal
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Doc Dan
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#13

Post by Doc Dan »

A good lightweight 16" ASP with pocket clip and a pepper spray, along with good running shoes would be my first choice. A fixed blade (if legal .... not everywhere legal, BTW) would be a tertiary choice.
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The Meat man
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#14

Post by The Meat man »

Wartstein wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:51 pm
kerrcobra wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:41 pm
Vivi wrote:
Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:47 am
fixed blade.
QFT. I second this.
Off topic, but may I ask: What means "QFT"?

"Quoted For Truth"
- Connor

"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Frozenspyder
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#15

Post by Frozenspyder »

This is an interesting thread. Since the OP didn't ask for legal advice or opinions on using a knife for self defense, I'll steer clear of that. Plus I think you all have that covered.

IMHO, both knives have their merits for this purpose. The Civilian is, I believe, slightly better in a self defense role. However, adding an aftermarket wave to a knife introduces one more part that could potentially fail. It may be very unlikely, but not something I'd want to take a risk with in that situation. The Matriarch doesn't have that problem, as it comes with a wave cut into the blade. So I guess it would depend on whether you're more comfortable with all out performance with a tiny chance of a potential reliability issue or slightly reduced performance and more reliability.
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Wartstein
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#16

Post by Wartstein »

The Meat man wrote:
Sat Jun 15, 2019 7:36 am
Wartstein wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:51 pm
kerrcobra wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:41 pm
Vivi wrote:
Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:47 am
fixed blade.
QFT. I second this.
Off topic, but may I ask: What means "QFT"?

"Quoted For Truth"
Thanx!
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Surielxv
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#17

Post by Surielxv »

youmakemehole wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 9:12 am
heres one of my knives which has a pretty nice aftermarket wave. a big advantage to this one is being able to keep the spydiehole usable

Image
What is the name of that mod attachment?
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elena86
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#18

Post by elena86 »

The best Spyderco folder for self-defense is the Pikal IMHO but a Civilian has the benefit of the menacing scary look that might deter a potential assault.
Marius

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jdw
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#19

Post by jdw »

I travel in Texas a lot. Run. Run fast. There are weird dynamics and laws from county to county in Texas. I would trust my life to a Civilian. But really, just carry a gun. I haven't met an officer in Texas who cares and you can check it in with your luggage.

EDIT: Never surprise any LEO that you have a gun. Declare it.
Do right always. It will give you satisfaction in life.
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JesseWaldo
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Re: Civilian vs Matriarch 2 Wave

#20

Post by JesseWaldo »

Surielxv wrote:
Sun Feb 02, 2020 8:46 pm
youmakemehole wrote:
Fri Jun 14, 2019 9:12 am
heres one of my knives which has a pretty nice aftermarket wave. a big advantage to this one is being able to keep the spydiehole usable

Image
What is the name of that mod attachment?
Google "5x5 PICKPOCKET EXO-CCESSORY™"
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