Here's some comparison photos and what I feel are the pros and cons of each design:
Native Chief
+ Excellent blade geometry, best out of all the mentioned knives
+ Better edge to handle ratio than most large Spydercos
+ Excellent ergonomics
+ Lack of thumb ramp makes using the index choil more comfortable for me
+ Very nice lockback action
+ Carries very well for the size, less bulky in the pocket than the others
+ Multiple sprints
+ Four way clip
- The partially obscured hole makes this the most difficult knife to open on the list, especially with gloves. Still easy to open, but I've had my thumb slip off the hole maybe 1/100 times I use it, while its 0 with the other knives mentioned.
Manix XL
+ Incredibly secure grip
+ Minimal thumb ramp makes using the index choil very comfortable
+ Lock is much smoother feeling than a lockback and easier to unlock, while still providing a self close
+ 3mm thick full flat ground blade with a tall profile provides an excellent balance of strength and cutting ability. I'd rank geometry third, behind Police and Chief.
- Second heaviest knife in the list
- Tip up only
- Not as much cutting edge as the others
- Wide in the pocket
- Excessive handle jimping. I've ground it off other XL's in my collection.
- Very rare to get sprints of this model. Two new steels per decade is the current rate.
Police 4
+ Very slim, it carries smaller than you'd expect
+ Narrow 3mm blade with full flat grind and full distal taper give it excellent cutting geometry. Second best geometry on the list, behind Chief.
+ 4 way clip
+ Some very interesting steel options (K390, K390 SE, HAP40, and of course VG10)
+ Three factory scales options (G10 [discontinued],FRN, Pakkawood)
+ One of the smoothest lockbacks, easiest to operate one handed out of all of mine
+ Very nice neutral handle shape. Doesn't provide the raw grip security of the Manix XL, but its more versatile in a variety of grips
- Being the second longest on the list some may find it too long for front pocket carry and might have to resort to a cargo pocket or IWB for comfortable carry
- The liners in my G10/K390 run seemed more prone to corrosion than the blade. No experience with the factory run of FRN/K390 P4's so I can't comment on their corrosion resistance.
Military (My current EDC & favorite)
+ Thicker handle than the Police and Chief while remaining lighter and thinner in the pocket than the Manix / Szabo make this a good balance between in hand comfort and carry comfort.
+ More negative angle than the others make this an aggressive cutting tool.
+ Neutral handle shape allows for a variety of comfortable grips while still giving a secure, locked in feeling utilizing the main grip positions.
+ The easiest knife to open and close on the list.
+ The clip positioning makes this knife carry quite well IWB or clipped to a side pocket like this.
- Only right hand tip down.
- The large cut-out to expose the hole and lock release slightly reduces overall ergonomics.
- Sprint drought as of late, but historically received many.
- Liner lock has no self close bias, which reduces the chance of the knife staying closed while clipped to a pocket or waist band. Mine has a good detent and has stayed shut flawlessy since I started carrying it though.
Szabo Folder
+ IMO one of the coolest looking knives Spyderco has made
+ Huge handle provides a ton of grip options.
+ The only compression lock knife to feature a self close, which works on the same level as a stout lockback. Never opening unintended.
+ Gorgeous CF scales regardless of which run you get
+ Really nice ergonomics
+ Fat, beefy handle will fill even the largest hands with room to spare.
- Discontinued, not the easiest model to find on the secondary market
- Complex internals mean multiple small parts, tougher to take down, requires more frequent oiling of the pivot in my experience
- Quite heavy, the heaviest on the list
- Poor blade geometry
Group photo:
...
