Hello !
It seems to me that there is only a small difference (the blade length) between them.The prices tell me that I'm must be wrong. What do the experts say?
Matriarch and Civillian
Sooon, your not wrong, the price on the Civ is so high so that it is kept away from kids on the street and gangs who would rather buy something else, spyderco doesnt want a bad rep for the Civ since it was made only as a tactical blade.
The matriarch is only available to law enforcement/military personal, exept for countries like South africa(which it was designed for)
The diference between the two are as follows:
Matriarch: lighweight FRN (nylon epoxy) handle and a blade a bit shorter.
Civilian:
G10 or Carbon Fibre handle
Blade a tad longer.
I own both the Civ and Mat, and in my opinion both are excellent but the Matriarch takes the lead, it is far lighter, the shorter blade makes getting it out and open easier and quicker and its tip up carry which also helps get it out more quickly.
Also the clip can be changed to either side for those you u that are lefties.
If you are thinking of buying one and dont really have that much spare cash to splash out, go for the Matriarch, in my opinion youll regret forking out that kind of cash for the Civie when the Mat can do the job just as well and better.
Hop this helps
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Edited by - MaNcEr on 4/18/2001 5:31:00 AM
The matriarch is only available to law enforcement/military personal, exept for countries like South africa(which it was designed for)
The diference between the two are as follows:
Matriarch: lighweight FRN (nylon epoxy) handle and a blade a bit shorter.
Civilian:
G10 or Carbon Fibre handle
Blade a tad longer.
I own both the Civ and Mat, and in my opinion both are excellent but the Matriarch takes the lead, it is far lighter, the shorter blade makes getting it out and open easier and quicker and its tip up carry which also helps get it out more quickly.
Also the clip can be changed to either side for those you u that are lefties.
If you are thinking of buying one and dont really have that much spare cash to splash out, go for the Matriarch, in my opinion youll regret forking out that kind of cash for the Civie when the Mat can do the job just as well and better.
Hop this helps
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Edited by - MaNcEr on 4/18/2001 5:31:00 AM
Hey bud its a plesure, btw where are you from?
If you are lucky enough to be able to get to a place like SFO, or if you have a dealer with both models (and if you are able to purchase the Matriarch) Id suggest you ask to checkout and hold both models before you decide, the Cilivian is a wonderful blade, but different people like the various models.
Altho I do still reckon any person who doesnt have tons of spare cash (like myself) would go for the lill Matriarch, Im carring the Civie for a 1st time on me 2day, its gr8 but a tad to cumbersome for my liking.
Never the less, for a backup blade for those who dont like guns, or cant have them due to age or whatever, these blades in my opinion are a must.
Sure youll be happy with your purchase.
Ps when you get em, be careful, they dont really look as sharp as they are, I dont think there are to many owners out there who havent cut themselves already, I rub the blade on my left index fingers knuckle very very lightly to feel the edge, I was very dissapointed since it didnt feel sharp at all, I put it down and went to get sumfin to drink, when I started pouring myself some juice and looked down I had quite abit of blood running down my hand,lol
Good luck
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
If you are lucky enough to be able to get to a place like SFO, or if you have a dealer with both models (and if you are able to purchase the Matriarch) Id suggest you ask to checkout and hold both models before you decide, the Cilivian is a wonderful blade, but different people like the various models.
Altho I do still reckon any person who doesnt have tons of spare cash (like myself) would go for the lill Matriarch, Im carring the Civie for a 1st time on me 2day, its gr8 but a tad to cumbersome for my liking.
Never the less, for a backup blade for those who dont like guns, or cant have them due to age or whatever, these blades in my opinion are a must.
Sure youll be happy with your purchase.
Ps when you get em, be careful, they dont really look as sharp as they are, I dont think there are to many owners out there who havent cut themselves already, I rub the blade on my left index fingers knuckle very very lightly to feel the edge, I was very dissapointed since it didnt feel sharp at all, I put it down and went to get sumfin to drink, when I started pouring myself some juice and looked down I had quite abit of blood running down my hand,lol
Good luck
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Hello ! I'im living in Switzerland. It seems that I can only buy one hand opening knifes if the blade is shorter or equal to 9 centimeters. I allready have a Native lightweight and i think that it's a WONDERFULL knife <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. I'll check if I'll be able to get a Matriarch (the Civillian is too big).
Ooohhh oh dear, Ive just checked out a site online with the size of the Matriarch/Civilian and they got the Matriarch's blade size down to 9.2 cm <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Not sure if this is correct since Ive got the Civie on me at the mo (1st time carring it, just 2 test)
Ill check the size when I get home and ge back to you.
Heres hoping you can get one, otherwise if you cant a Harpy would even be a good substitute.
Good luck
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Oooh ok sorry, just been jumping round the net like mad, 9 of of 10 sites (almost all of em state it has a blade length of 3.5" which converts to 8.89 cm, so hey you prollie can get one.
Heres hoping
Seeya bud
MaNcEr
Edited by - MaNcEr on 4/19/2001 7:10:53 AM
Not sure if this is correct since Ive got the Civie on me at the mo (1st time carring it, just 2 test)
Ill check the size when I get home and ge back to you.
Heres hoping you can get one, otherwise if you cant a Harpy would even be a good substitute.
Good luck
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Oooh ok sorry, just been jumping round the net like mad, 9 of of 10 sites (almost all of em state it has a blade length of 3.5" which converts to 8.89 cm, so hey you prollie can get one.
Heres hoping
Seeya bud
MaNcEr
Edited by - MaNcEr on 4/19/2001 7:10:53 AM
Hey buddy, I went home, measured my Mats blade from the end of the handle to the tip, and it falls just under 9cm, so it looks like the sites are correct.
So if your law states you can have a one hand opener of 9cm or less I dont see any problem with you getting the matriarch.
Just remember its not a good idea using it as a util knife, its got a very thin razor sharp tip thats very delicate (seems far stronger than the Civies tho since its shorter and more robust)
Good luck, glad I could help
Seeya
MaNcEr
Oh btw if you need any info you can mail me at: necro1234@yahoo.com
Cheers
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
So if your law states you can have a one hand opener of 9cm or less I dont see any problem with you getting the matriarch.
Just remember its not a good idea using it as a util knife, its got a very thin razor sharp tip thats very delicate (seems far stronger than the Civies tho since its shorter and more robust)
Good luck, glad I could help
Seeya
MaNcEr
Oh btw if you need any info you can mail me at: necro1234@yahoo.com
Cheers
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Sorry to wake up this thread from 2001 <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Just wanted to tell MaNcEr that I've finaly chose the Civilian G10 vg10 !
The blade lenght was an issue regarding the law, but now it's not any more cause both of the knives aren't more allowed for everyday carry<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>(. Then it's gonna be a knive dedicated for carry when doing military service (each year for Swiss citizens). Of course the law is pretty different in that situation as you may imagine.. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I read again on both knives but since it's possible to set that Civilian for tipup-carry and I had the $ at that time..why not !
The extra size is not a big deal when carrying tonnes of other stuff, helmet and green clothes with hundreds of pockets <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I may receive it in a week or two (eBay..), just wanted you to know that since you were a great help at that time !
Best regards
Soooon (aka Sooon(account password forgotten <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>)
Just wanted to tell MaNcEr that I've finaly chose the Civilian G10 vg10 !
The blade lenght was an issue regarding the law, but now it's not any more cause both of the knives aren't more allowed for everyday carry<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>(. Then it's gonna be a knive dedicated for carry when doing military service (each year for Swiss citizens). Of course the law is pretty different in that situation as you may imagine.. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I read again on both knives but since it's possible to set that Civilian for tipup-carry and I had the $ at that time..why not !
The extra size is not a big deal when carrying tonnes of other stuff, helmet and green clothes with hundreds of pockets <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I may receive it in a week or two (eBay..), just wanted you to know that since you were a great help at that time !
Best regards
Soooon (aka Sooon(account password forgotten <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>)
Hey bud
Gr8 news, glad to hear you finally got your hands on a Civie, I now generally carry my ol G-10/aTS-55 Civie since I gave away my "carry" Grey Martiarch to a good friend of mine, so Im to scared that something may happen to the only grey matriarch I have left <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Nice to hear from you
Cheers
MaNcEr (PS was a plesure to help you out)
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Gr8 news, glad to hear you finally got your hands on a Civie, I now generally carry my ol G-10/aTS-55 Civie since I gave away my "carry" Grey Martiarch to a good friend of mine, so Im to scared that something may happen to the only grey matriarch I have left <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Nice to hear from you
Cheers
MaNcEr (PS was a plesure to help you out)
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
hey ronin
I thought that very thing about the tip, its suprising on just how strong it is though, unless you use it for trying to cut down a tree (something its not meant for!!) it should last a life time.
Both loverly blades, think Sal took the market on this self defense blade, not much else can come close.
Cheers
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
I thought that very thing about the tip, its suprising on just how strong it is though, unless you use it for trying to cut down a tree (something its not meant for!!) it should last a life time.
Both loverly blades, think Sal took the market on this self defense blade, not much else can come close.
Cheers
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Aloha diananike!
PURELY for SD right? I'd have to go with the spyders first and the CS third. Why?
I have had some training w/ my CS Large GUNSITE and smaller Voyagers(4in. blade)Under "Hitting the fan stress", I and my training partners found the Spyderco Round Hole to be easier to "get to", OR "get back to"...in case ya miss the first time.
Now, if the Vaquero had a "hole", I'd go w/ that first as I have trained with it. (Actually, a friend of mine had the El Lobo in PE) It is a vicious knife and the handle is shaped well for added reach in slashing. with all the sweat and sudden "attack scenarios" going on, we found that we at times had to call "red" in presentation while on the ground because we kept missing the stud. Even during Draw and open drills, the stud was hard to hit consistently...
Whichever one you choose, practice...safely, and for reality. Spyders first. BTW, the Spyder SE is more "forgiving" while live training on dowels and other solid core devices. The fine CS teeth on my Voyager have bent and broke off from training...
God will put you over...if you let Him! John 14: 13,14...try it, it WORKS!
Edited by - DAYWALKER on 5/28/2004 3:51:27 AM
PURELY for SD right? I'd have to go with the spyders first and the CS third. Why?
I have had some training w/ my CS Large GUNSITE and smaller Voyagers(4in. blade)Under "Hitting the fan stress", I and my training partners found the Spyderco Round Hole to be easier to "get to", OR "get back to"...in case ya miss the first time.
Now, if the Vaquero had a "hole", I'd go w/ that first as I have trained with it. (Actually, a friend of mine had the El Lobo in PE) It is a vicious knife and the handle is shaped well for added reach in slashing. with all the sweat and sudden "attack scenarios" going on, we found that we at times had to call "red" in presentation while on the ground because we kept missing the stud. Even during Draw and open drills, the stud was hard to hit consistently...
Whichever one you choose, practice...safely, and for reality. Spyders first. BTW, the Spyder SE is more "forgiving" while live training on dowels and other solid core devices. The fine CS teeth on my Voyager have bent and broke off from training...
God will put you over...if you let Him! John 14: 13,14...try it, it WORKS!
Edited by - DAYWALKER on 5/28/2004 3:51:27 AM