Hi,
First up, congratulations on a fantastic discussion forum -I've learned a lot just browsing through!
I have a few Civilians and was wondering if anyone could tell me a little more about the model history.
I have
1) A serrated G10 ATS-55 without the Boyes dent in the lock lever, and without screw heads on all the scale connectors.
2) A serrated G10 ATS-55 with the Boyes Dent and with crosshead screw heads on the handle connectors and a tipup/down half moon clip; and
3) A serrated G-2 (Gin 1)Tufram Alu with Kraton inserts.
4) An FRN Matriarch
Can I ask how long has the Civilian model been on the go, and what were the major versions? Did a plain or p/s blade ever exist?
Regards,
Danny
Which Civilian is which?
Danny:
First off, welcome to the forum!
You have three of maybe 12 variations on the Civilian. The C12 has been around for approx 10 years.
There was initially an uncoated aluminum handled model (brushed aluminum finish w/Kraton inserts), then the Tuffram coated alum scales in both PE & SE. No combo edge was ever made, to my knowledge. Blade steel marks were: G-2, GIN-1, ATS-55 & VG-10 (current). Scales were the aforementioned aluminum, followed by G-10, then the Boye dent, and the tip up/down positioning options. Some were made in varying combinations of these features. (Not to ignore a special run in carbon fiber).
I am awaiting my VG-10 example currently.
Hope this helps,
Brian
"I am what I am, and that's all that I am"....Popeye
First off, welcome to the forum!
You have three of maybe 12 variations on the Civilian. The C12 has been around for approx 10 years.
There was initially an uncoated aluminum handled model (brushed aluminum finish w/Kraton inserts), then the Tuffram coated alum scales in both PE & SE. No combo edge was ever made, to my knowledge. Blade steel marks were: G-2, GIN-1, ATS-55 & VG-10 (current). Scales were the aforementioned aluminum, followed by G-10, then the Boye dent, and the tip up/down positioning options. Some were made in varying combinations of these features. (Not to ignore a special run in carbon fiber).
I am awaiting my VG-10 example currently.
Hope this helps,
Brian
"I am what I am, and that's all that I am"....Popeye
Thanks Guys,
Wow Hawkbill- is that your collection of..er...hawkbills? I think I see harpies, merlins, spyderhawks, matriarchs and Civvies there. Great Picture -(Great cabinet, great collection...)
I'm curious about the variation in steel types though. Wouldn't there be one optimum steel for application in a Civilian blade? I'm guessing sharpness and hardness would outweigh edge retention, ease of sharpening and toughness in this knife's design remit-(hopefully) occasional use and one-off fierce penetration.
Come to think of it, this is a question for more than just the Civilian blade choice. Is there already a thread r discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of the various steels to allow choice for particular applications? I realise cost is an issue, but an informed choice could be even more fun.
And finally, which "Law Enforcement Agency" was the Civilian designed for? (Bearing in mind that our Scottish policemen are fully equipped to shout "Stop...or I'll shout Stop again!!"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Best Regards,
Danny
"Why is this thus? What is the reason for all this thusness?"
Wow Hawkbill- is that your collection of..er...hawkbills? I think I see harpies, merlins, spyderhawks, matriarchs and Civvies there. Great Picture -(Great cabinet, great collection...)
I'm curious about the variation in steel types though. Wouldn't there be one optimum steel for application in a Civilian blade? I'm guessing sharpness and hardness would outweigh edge retention, ease of sharpening and toughness in this knife's design remit-(hopefully) occasional use and one-off fierce penetration.
Come to think of it, this is a question for more than just the Civilian blade choice. Is there already a thread r discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of the various steels to allow choice for particular applications? I realise cost is an issue, but an informed choice could be even more fun.
And finally, which "Law Enforcement Agency" was the Civilian designed for? (Bearing in mind that our Scottish policemen are fully equipped to shout "Stop...or I'll shout Stop again!!"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Best Regards,
Danny
"Why is this thus? What is the reason for all this thusness?"
Danny, welcome to the forum! You should have mail from Havecoltwilltrvl@aol.com.
Danny,
Welcome to the Forum
I have the G-10 and the Carbon Fiber Civilians. I saw a Civie, in action, and once was enough.
The Civilian was designed as a backup weapon. It is a serious piece of hardware meant to "slice and dice". The blade design does a great job in controling an attacker.
The local cops and probable jurors will view the knife with alarm.
Please exercise extreme caution while carrying this blade, as you will be in for a hassle and a half if you're observed with the civilian during an altercation.
I display my Civilians. I have no intention of carrying either of them, except in the most dire circumstances.
One way or the other, you pay for your tools!
Welcome to the Forum
I have the G-10 and the Carbon Fiber Civilians. I saw a Civie, in action, and once was enough.
The Civilian was designed as a backup weapon. It is a serious piece of hardware meant to "slice and dice". The blade design does a great job in controling an attacker.
The local cops and probable jurors will view the knife with alarm.
Please exercise extreme caution while carrying this blade, as you will be in for a hassle and a half if you're observed with the civilian during an altercation.
I display my Civilians. I have no intention of carrying either of them, except in the most dire circumstances.
One way or the other, you pay for your tools!
Thanks all, for the kind words.
Danny: I believe that Spyderco did use the G-2 for the positive qualities you mention, but shifted to ATS-55 (then VG-10) as they standardized their production to a particular steel. For it's design, any of them should be just fine. While I cannot remember which LE agency specifically, I seem to recall it was American governmental branch with a fair amount of plainclothes operatives.
Colinz: If you refer to a Civilian having a coated blade, then I'll admit ignorance. The Tuffram coatings on aluminum are the only coated surfaces on my Civies.
Brian
"I am what I am, and that's all that I am"....Popeye
Danny: I believe that Spyderco did use the G-2 for the positive qualities you mention, but shifted to ATS-55 (then VG-10) as they standardized their production to a particular steel. For it's design, any of them should be just fine. While I cannot remember which LE agency specifically, I seem to recall it was American governmental branch with a fair amount of plainclothes operatives.
Colinz: If you refer to a Civilian having a coated blade, then I'll admit ignorance. The Tuffram coatings on aluminum are the only coated surfaces on my Civies.
Brian
"I am what I am, and that's all that I am"....Popeye