Matriarch or Civilian? (or Spyderhawk in H1!)

[xavierdoc]

I have been hankering after a Civilian for ages (I like "screw-togther" Spydercos with G10 or CF handles.)

One of the things putting me off is the thin-tip warning. The Matriarch is described as having a thicker tip (although both blades are 3mm at their thickest.)

In the recent Matriarch threads people have mentioned tip breakage; is this a known issue for this style of knife- Civilian and Matriarch?

I have been using a Byrd Crossbill with no problems, but fancy something Spydery instead :spyder: :)

My main use is clearing the occasional brambles other light foliage that grows across footpaths and cutting the odd fungi. Ultimately, of course, I'm just rationalising the desire for a new Knife :D .

My desire for quality says Civilian. Common sense says get neither and stick with Crossbill (SE). The alternative is Spyderhawk in H1 (but I don't like non-adjustable pivots.)

Thanks in advance for advice.

Xav

[niimo]

Shoot man, I wouldn't think of using a Civ or Matriarch for clearing brush, even light brush. Though it might be fun, that is asking for a spyder bite! :o

I love my H1 Tasman Salt and was about to buy a Spyderhawk when the Matriarch came out and I bought a pair of those instead! I know what you mean about having the adjustable pivot, that is always desirable. However, I have to say, I have been pleasantly surprised with how perfectly spyderco's pin design knives are set. Tasman Salt, Pacific Salt, the Rescue, the Ladybugs, all are pretty much perfect for me.

[ChrisR]

Yeah, I think you have to buy a knife designed for the job you're planning to use it for. As far as I know the Civilian/Matriarch with their S-shaped cutting edge are specifically SD knifes ... you could use them for slashing brush but it'd be like using a wrench to hammer in a nail :D

For the mushrooms go for something in the Salt series and you won't go wrong - for brambles just take a big whacking stick or a proper slasher :)

EDIT: just noticed your location ... being in the UK adds an additional problem of having a suitable 'good reason'. I think something big, scary and designed for SD would really attract attention every time you took it out so I'd stick with a Salt. Remember that 'good reason' also has to be backed by having the appropriate kind of blade for your good reason - it doesn't give you a carte-blanche freedom to carry any kind of knife

[The Deacon]

Of the three, for your purposes, I'd go with the H-1 Spyderhawk.

FWIW, this was posted by Sal ten years ago, about the Civilian and Matriarch...

The Matriarch was originally produced for So Africa as an exclusive. We are concerned about selling them in the USA so we restrict them (at this time) to Law enforcement professionals (or their friends).

Spyderco doesn't promote either to the general public (only in our dealer catalog).

Neither model is good for general use, (regardless of the opinions of others). The tips are too fine. We are also of the opinon that these models are only effective when sharp (which means no general use).

I've already had one ELU send me an email complaining about the quality of our products because he purchased a Matriarch somewhere, has been using is for general construction use and damaged the tip.

sal

When the man who designed them says, point blank, that "Neither model is good for general use, (regardless of the opinions of others)." I tend to respect his opinion.

[xavierdoc]

Hmm... Looks like I need to think of another way to justify buying a Civilian!

To clarify, I use a Rajah 1, axe, golok, billhook for clearing heavily overgrown paths and styles. Th Byrd crossbill is used to prune brambles and hawthorn stems that can quickly grow across narrow trails (which have previously been cleared of heavy growth.)

In this role, the smallish, serrated hawkbill blade works brilliantly using a wrist action from right up against the stem, one handed. There is no "slashing" (or my dog would be dead by now!)

The Spyderhawk SE in H1 is that bit more hooked than the Crossbill, which I think will be even more effective.

I suppose I just have to accept that I don't have a sensible reason to buy a Civilian.

Solution: buy one for a non-sensible reason!

Thanks,

Xav

[ChrisR]

Yup - it can be justified just because they are a unique design and one of a kind ... no other excuse needed :D

[The Deacon]

Didn't realize till now that you're in the UK. Would the fact that the Civilian was designed specifically a weapon, has never been marketed as anything but a weapon, and is shipped with a tag attached to it disclaiming any suitability for general use, be a problem? Vaguely recall reading something about there being "issues" importing/selling things like that over there.

[markg]

Yes the Matriarch has a slightly thicker tip, but it is sort of like saying some one who is 7'2" is smaller than a guy who is 7'3"... Both are still tall!!!

The Civilian is just a cool looking knife, how they can make a production knife with these curves is just beyond me. That is reason enough to have one in my book.

[v8r]

I agree with everybody here a Spyderhawk or Harpy would be your best bet.I own a Civilian and have a Matiarch coming, but neither would be a good choice for the applications you described.All are great knives, just have different purposes.

[TD22057]

Since at some level every thread is worthless w/o pics, here's a comparison shot for you:



ps: I agree - buy a super hawk for actual work, but a civilian and a matriarch because they're cool.