I am thinking about getting the Military to carry along with my Native. I would be using this in an urban setting for typical urban tasks, but I kind of like the idea that this knife could be used in an emergency survival situation in a pinch (I drive 100 miles a day round-trip to commute to work, and the commute frequently takes me through somewhat isolated back roads).
However, I have seen other comments in this forum as to the strange looks that Military owners receive when using the knife in a public setting. None of the local dealers carry this knife, and seeing it on a web page doesn't really tell me why it might be "threatening".
So all you Military owners out there - does the knife threaten the average passerby any more than other similarly sized knives?
I used to use a large Sebenza regularly in public settings (3.5" blade), and only rarely got the odd look. I figure that the extra 0.5" on the Military can't be THAT much!
Question about the Military
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sam the man..
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Dude,
The Millie is a wise choice! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> It won't fail on you when you need it the most.
Speaking of reaction, most people would get a jolt from a substantially large folding knife... Its human nature to react in such manner. Smaller folders such as the co-pilot, navigator, toad, mouse... etc, seemed to work the other way round. You'll be outta harm's way if you use your knife with a great sense of responsibility... <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Sam
have spydies will travel
The Millie is a wise choice! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> It won't fail on you when you need it the most.
Speaking of reaction, most people would get a jolt from a substantially large folding knife... Its human nature to react in such manner. Smaller folders such as the co-pilot, navigator, toad, mouse... etc, seemed to work the other way round. You'll be outta harm's way if you use your knife with a great sense of responsibility... <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Sam
have spydies will travel
I get much more response from my Military [4"] than I do even from my FRN Endura [4"]. Surprisingly, my Stainess Endura [3 5/8"] dosn't seem to bother anyone.
IMO, A lot of the perception seems to center around the black .
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/28/2001 5:07:15 AM
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/28/2001 5:08:34 AM
IMO, A lot of the perception seems to center around the black .
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/28/2001 5:07:15 AM
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/28/2001 5:08:34 AM
Tom - I'm in suspense here <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> The black what? I assume you are talking about the handles but I can't know for sure since I have never seen the Military in real life <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
If so, are the G10 handles darker than the Endura's (Zytel I think) or my Native's FRN?
Also, for clarification - how often do you carry your Military, and when you do use it in a public setting, what percentage of the time would you estimate that it draws attention? And is the attention always negative?
Thanks,
Matt
Edited by - mpclb on 5/28/2001 5:28:27 AM
If so, are the G10 handles darker than the Endura's (Zytel I think) or my Native's FRN?
Also, for clarification - how often do you carry your Military, and when you do use it in a public setting, what percentage of the time would you estimate that it draws attention? And is the attention always negative?
Thanks,
Matt
Edited by - mpclb on 5/28/2001 5:28:27 AM
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sam the man..
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mpclb, I am referring to the black handles. Most people don't notice them in your pocket until you pull them out and it seems to be more of a shock than with the more noticable stainess. A lot of people I asked about their reaction, answered that they thought I was trying to conceal it from them. My own experiences have shown that when it is openly displayed, there is less of reaction, negative or positive.
My Endura FRN was EDC until recently, and now I switch between the Calypso II and the Endura II. Most of this is in a small town environment where there is mixed feelings in respect to knives.
My Mil gets limited carry to the Rural areas where people don't mind cutlery.
I have also noticed that the older you get [I'm in my mid 40's]the less people react to your choice of knives <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>, but they seem to react more to younger fellas with the same tools. Mabe they are reacting to perceived experience level. I am sure everyone has different experiences based on the cultural mix in their area.
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/28/2001 7:04:03 AM
My Endura FRN was EDC until recently, and now I switch between the Calypso II and the Endura II. Most of this is in a small town environment where there is mixed feelings in respect to knives.
My Mil gets limited carry to the Rural areas where people don't mind cutlery.
I have also noticed that the older you get [I'm in my mid 40's]the less people react to your choice of knives <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>, but they seem to react more to younger fellas with the same tools. Mabe they are reacting to perceived experience level. I am sure everyone has different experiences based on the cultural mix in their area.
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/28/2001 7:04:03 AM
I have decided to be concerned about public "reaction" not at all. That said; I still try to not shock anyone if I can help it, out of politeness. I am planning to buy a Military model this week too, and I simply won't drag it out unless I'm with people that I think are going to be OK with it.
mpclb - You have stated that you intend to use this knife along with your Native, so I'd imagine that you could use the Native if there were "sheeple" around. If you really NEED the extra size/capability of the Military for some reason all of a sudden, then you probably won't be too concerned about reactions.
Also, I don't think that it matters which big knife you drag out, certain people will always freak out. I say buy the Military and enjoy the **** out of it.
Just my thoughts...Jeff/1911.
mpclb - You have stated that you intend to use this knife along with your Native, so I'd imagine that you could use the Native if there were "sheeple" around. If you really NEED the extra size/capability of the Military for some reason all of a sudden, then you probably won't be too concerned about reactions.
Also, I don't think that it matters which big knife you drag out, certain people will always freak out. I say buy the Military and enjoy the **** out of it.
Just my thoughts...Jeff/1911.
Hehe thanks Jeff - good advice for just about anything - "buy the [insert whatever here] and enjoy the **** out of it"
I arrived at that conclusion this morning also. I was thinking about when I first got the Sebenza, and being surprised at how "big" it was compared to my Native. And I was a bit self-conscious at first when using it in public, to the point where I considered returning it. But I found that after I had used it several times without experiencing a negative reaction, I loosened up a bit and felt more at ease with the larger size. Now, of course, I feel like a 3.5" knife is somewhat small <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
And, as Tom said, it probably depends a lot on how you use it, and how you present it. Flicking a knife open and slicing an object ala Bill Murray as the samurai in the old Saturday Night Live skits is bound to make anybody nervous <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
I arrived at that conclusion this morning also. I was thinking about when I first got the Sebenza, and being surprised at how "big" it was compared to my Native. And I was a bit self-conscious at first when using it in public, to the point where I considered returning it. But I found that after I had used it several times without experiencing a negative reaction, I loosened up a bit and felt more at ease with the larger size. Now, of course, I feel like a 3.5" knife is somewhat small <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
And, as Tom said, it probably depends a lot on how you use it, and how you present it. Flicking a knife open and slicing an object ala Bill Murray as the samurai in the old Saturday Night Live skits is bound to make anybody nervous <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
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vampyrewolf
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Most of the public reaction to knives is dependant upon how you use it.
Using the millie to slice your sandwich: good thing
Using your millie to slice a a peice of tape: bad thing
Carry a small knife for small jobs, the millie for large jobs and it isn't as bad. As was said above, us younger fellas get looked upon almost negatively when we carry large knives, but older(40ish) guys don't. Age IS a factor. I try to stay in the 3.5 range as it gets the least amount of looks.
My cricket gets more looks than my delica, just because of the small amount of flurish I open with(almost a wave type of open).
hope this helps.
Using the millie to slice your sandwich: good thing
Using your millie to slice a a peice of tape: bad thing
Carry a small knife for small jobs, the millie for large jobs and it isn't as bad. As was said above, us younger fellas get looked upon almost negatively when we carry large knives, but older(40ish) guys don't. Age IS a factor. I try to stay in the 3.5 range as it gets the least amount of looks.
My cricket gets more looks than my delica, just because of the small amount of flurish I open with(almost a wave type of open).
hope this helps.
Lets face it, the Military looks just plain mean.
It's not just the length (which is impressive), it's the depth of the blade as well. This is a lot of steel which tapers to a needle point, add in teeth that would make a shark blush and you have something that will worry most sheeples.
Working both on building sites and occasionally in the office I find I have to think about how I use the Military. Having carried folders for quite a few years getting the knife from the pocket, out, opened and cutting in one motion has become second nature. If I do that on site It hardly gets noticed, if someone does comment it is usualy "cool", I would never dream of opening a Military this way in the office.
The good side is that the Military oozes confidence. It feals as though it would be just as at home opening cardboard boxes as it would be skinning whales.
It's not just the length (which is impressive), it's the depth of the blade as well. This is a lot of steel which tapers to a needle point, add in teeth that would make a shark blush and you have something that will worry most sheeples.
Working both on building sites and occasionally in the office I find I have to think about how I use the Military. Having carried folders for quite a few years getting the knife from the pocket, out, opened and cutting in one motion has become second nature. If I do that on site It hardly gets noticed, if someone does comment it is usualy "cool", I would never dream of opening a Military this way in the office.
The good side is that the Military oozes confidence. It feals as though it would be just as at home opening cardboard boxes as it would be skinning whales.
Vampyrewolf, I'm in my 40s and sheeple freak out when I pull any knife out. Sheeple are sheeple and I don't let it bother me. I was once a scout, so I always try to be prepared and to me that means carrying a knife that fits my hand and cuts the mustard. Whether it be a Harpy in my pocket or a Starmate in a neck sheath I'm ready. After seeing what a quality knife will do I've changed some sheeple into practical people who realize a knife is a very useful tool and if need be a defensive weapon.
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vampyrewolf
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True, most of the people that see my knives acknowledge the usefullness of knives(camping, survival, work, etc...). I know a couple of sheeple(my mother included) that won't use anything more than a kitchen knife.
I find though that *discreet* use can turn even the worst of sheeple. Open a couple boxes, cut thread, clean your nails with your knife... they loosen up around you when you have your knife open, and actually turn into knifenuts...
I find though that *discreet* use can turn even the worst of sheeple. Open a couple boxes, cut thread, clean your nails with your knife... they loosen up around you when you have your knife open, and actually turn into knifenuts...
Although I said earlier that I don't care about people's reaction to my knives, while trying to be "polite" about their casual use, the fact is that I realize I do spend a fair bit of time deciding when to use what.
I will carry my Military and I will use it, whether it's during my workday at the hospital (I'll just tell the white faced sheeple that "It's OK, I'm a Doctor..."<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. That will be a joke because I am not a Doctor - I'm a fixit guy. However, I'll use it there, and when I'm helping my kids do projects, and when I'm camping...
VampyreWolf, You make a good point. The people I am concerned with the opinion of are those I care about, or at least have to interact with routinely. I have found the same as you; that they can be "brought around" most of the time. Once most folks see us with our knives out a few times, and take notice that we haven't once come at their throats with them in our teeth...then the hollywood images tend to fade away in the light of reason and familiarity. At least, I hope they do.
Jeff/1911.
I will carry my Military and I will use it, whether it's during my workday at the hospital (I'll just tell the white faced sheeple that "It's OK, I'm a Doctor..."<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. That will be a joke because I am not a Doctor - I'm a fixit guy. However, I'll use it there, and when I'm helping my kids do projects, and when I'm camping...
VampyreWolf, You make a good point. The people I am concerned with the opinion of are those I care about, or at least have to interact with routinely. I have found the same as you; that they can be "brought around" most of the time. Once most folks see us with our knives out a few times, and take notice that we haven't once come at their throats with them in our teeth...then the hollywood images tend to fade away in the light of reason and familiarity. At least, I hope they do.
Jeff/1911.
I just want to take a minute to thank everybody who has responded to this thread as well as the other recent questions I've posted. As you might be able to tell, I am facing a dilemma common to us all - so many Spydies to choose from, so little money - which to buy first <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Yog talked about the depth of the blade - would anyone here be willing to post a picture of the Military and the Native side by side? This would be the best way for me to actually see the size of the Military since I currently have the Native. I've seen a picture (at Chai Cutlery) of the Military and the Wegner, but I have not been able to handle a Wegner either so it is only of limited value.
I think the Military is what I am going to end up with. Just going to wait a week or two to make sure I don't change my mind....again! I'm hoping that the flat ground blade and length is going to complement my Native...
Matthew
Yog talked about the depth of the blade - would anyone here be willing to post a picture of the Military and the Native side by side? This would be the best way for me to actually see the size of the Military since I currently have the Native. I've seen a picture (at Chai Cutlery) of the Military and the Wegner, but I have not been able to handle a Wegner either so it is only of limited value.
I think the Military is what I am going to end up with. Just going to wait a week or two to make sure I don't change my mind....again! I'm hoping that the flat ground blade and length is going to complement my Native...
Matthew
mpclb - I know that it's not exactly what you were asking for, but have a look at these very nice pictures and see if together they give you some perspective:
http://www.outdooredge.com.au/catalogue ... ctures.htm
There is one with a plain edged Military (oddly with NO blade markings at all) and a few with the Native model. Even if they don't answer your question, at least they're still nice pictures.
As I said, I will be buying the Military soon. I have a diamond engraved palin edge model on hold for me locally, awaiting some money I'm owed to be paid - this week hopefully.
Also, I really want to get a Native and have for some time. Is yours a plain edge or a serrated model? How do you like it? I thought that I had decided upon a plain edge...I think I still have.
Cheers, Jeff/1911.
http://www.outdooredge.com.au/catalogue ... ctures.htm
There is one with a plain edged Military (oddly with NO blade markings at all) and a few with the Native model. Even if they don't answer your question, at least they're still nice pictures.
As I said, I will be buying the Military soon. I have a diamond engraved palin edge model on hold for me locally, awaiting some money I'm owed to be paid - this week hopefully.
Also, I really want to get a Native and have for some time. Is yours a plain edge or a serrated model? How do you like it? I thought that I had decided upon a plain edge...I think I still have.
Cheers, Jeff/1911.
mpclb - Have a look at this beautiful picture of the Military - plain edge. I was referred to it a couple months ago. It's one of my favorites. A must-have for any self respecting Military fan...
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1 ... 0&res=high
Jeff/1911.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1 ... 0&res=high
Jeff/1911.
Thanks Jeff - that did help somewhat as I was able to handle a Starmate. I didn't think that the Starmate was really all that "scary", and from those pics, the Military looks to be about the same. Your opinion?
I have a plain edge Native. It is my first knife, and still the only knife I own. I have to admit that I bought it for the looks - I love that spear point. It cuts well, and the handle ergonomics are great. To answer your other question, it is a plain-edge. I got it that way since I felt like the blade was too small to have a mixed configuration. Plus also I am not really all that keen on serrated edges anyway....
Matthew
I have a plain edge Native. It is my first knife, and still the only knife I own. I have to admit that I bought it for the looks - I love that spear point. It cuts well, and the handle ergonomics are great. To answer your other question, it is a plain-edge. I got it that way since I felt like the blade was too small to have a mixed configuration. Plus also I am not really all that keen on serrated edges anyway....
Matthew
I cannot comment on the Starmate as I haven't seen one of those myself. I'm simply not going to worry about the size issue. I will own a Military and enjoy it.
I like plain edges too, although I intend to make sure that I end up with a couple of serrated knives for the stuff that requires that type of edge.
Jeff/1911.
I like plain edges too, although I intend to make sure that I end up with a couple of serrated knives for the stuff that requires that type of edge.
Jeff/1911.