Hi folks,
Well, I picked up my new Military model today. It's a plain edge with the diamond engraving on it. I have seen the newer laser-cut ones around town, but prefer the older models for appearance. It has CPM440V blade steel. Wow!
Does anyone know what angle this knife would have been ground to and sharpened at from the factory? I would like to "touch up" the edge a little on my sharpmaker and I want to be sure to use the correct angle.
On the box my knife is labelled Oct. 98' Military C36. Could this be? I thought that there had been several revisions since this date almost three years ago, but perhaps not so many.
Does anyone know if it's OK to "thumb flick" these knives open, or will this accelerate wear? Or should I use the drop-handle method?would this be better for the knife? What method does Sal use to accomplish his lightning quick draw?
Finally, my knife is still a bit stiff to open, even after lubricating the hinge area and opening it many times. Is it adviseable to adjust the pivot tension? I am inclined to not do this.
Thanks, Jeff/1911.
My new Military model!
I believe the factory edge is set at 30 deg.
The manufacturing date is correct.
The flicking may accelerate the wearing, however it depends on your technique.
If you flick it very hard, then yes, the knife will take some damage in the long run.
OTOH if you learn to do this motion in two parts, it will probably not damage the knife. This is how to do it:
<b><i>1. </i> </b> Give the blade a yank downwards, the palm of your hand facing the floor. This makes the blade to partially open
<b><i>2. </i> </b> Make another, balanced flick to finish the opening.
Flicking this way is more controlled and secure than going all the way in a single motion.
I believe that Sal is using the drop method.
It takes some time to breake it in. However some knives are stiffer than other. I have 3 Militaries and the one I tend to use is the one which is easiest to flick open.
I wouldn´t touch the pivot screw if I were you. It´s not that easy to get it right.
Regards!
The manufacturing date is correct.
The flicking may accelerate the wearing, however it depends on your technique.
If you flick it very hard, then yes, the knife will take some damage in the long run.
OTOH if you learn to do this motion in two parts, it will probably not damage the knife. This is how to do it:
<b><i>1. </i> </b> Give the blade a yank downwards, the palm of your hand facing the floor. This makes the blade to partially open
<b><i>2. </i> </b> Make another, balanced flick to finish the opening.
Flicking this way is more controlled and secure than going all the way in a single motion.
I believe that Sal is using the drop method.
It takes some time to breake it in. However some knives are stiffer than other. I have 3 Militaries and the one I tend to use is the one which is easiest to flick open.
I wouldn´t touch the pivot screw if I were you. It´s not that easy to get it right.
Regards!
DePaul,
Thank you very much for your helpful advice. I intend to NOT touch my pivot adjustment, practice my "flick" and experiment with sharpening methods...
I decided to try sharpening my new military last night, as it seemed to not be as sharp as it could be. It would cut very well, but was not capable of shaving my arm hairs, etc. and just didn’t feel super sharp.
After one “cycle” through the SM 204 (20 strokes x 4 stone edges) it is now shaving sharp and feels really quite sharp. I used the 40 degree angle slots, as I want it to be a durable edge. I am very excited to read some of the Generals (and others) posts about his perception of a “micro serration” appearance to the feel of a polished edge with CPM440V. The reason I’m excited about this particularly is because I really had trouble deciding on the plain edge over a serrated Military model, as I already own other super sharp plain edged knives already (Calypso, Calypso Jr.)
Anyway, if this knife with it’s plain edge can achieve a durable, micro serrated effect it may well be the very best of both worlds, at least for me and my use. I’ll write back with some of my findings.
Jeff/1911.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice. I intend to NOT touch my pivot adjustment, practice my "flick" and experiment with sharpening methods...
I decided to try sharpening my new military last night, as it seemed to not be as sharp as it could be. It would cut very well, but was not capable of shaving my arm hairs, etc. and just didn’t feel super sharp.
After one “cycle” through the SM 204 (20 strokes x 4 stone edges) it is now shaving sharp and feels really quite sharp. I used the 40 degree angle slots, as I want it to be a durable edge. I am very excited to read some of the Generals (and others) posts about his perception of a “micro serration” appearance to the feel of a polished edge with CPM440V. The reason I’m excited about this particularly is because I really had trouble deciding on the plain edge over a serrated Military model, as I already own other super sharp plain edged knives already (Calypso, Calypso Jr.)
Anyway, if this knife with it’s plain edge can achieve a durable, micro serrated effect it may well be the very best of both worlds, at least for me and my use. I’ll write back with some of my findings.
Jeff/1911.
Jeff -- strongly suggest you continue on the course you outlined. If you're using TufGlide or something similar, I'd give it 4-5 consecutive days of application and several dozen rapid partial openings. I was about to give up on a non-Spyderco knife until the 5th day. Suddenly, it smoothed out beautifully. Haven't used the lock very many times at all -- good lockup -- and now smooooth. SPydercos are built to tighter tolerances than many other knives, I'm sure. Just may take a bit more use.
Stare
Stare
Stare,
Thank you for the advice to repeat application of lubricant, and continue to work the action. It opens alright, but just not as briskly as I would like. If it never gets any looser I'll be quite content, however it could improve some.
I certainly will try your suggestion as I would like to loosen it up a little bit. Come to think of it, my G-10 Rookie took awhile then, all of a sudden it was much smoother much like the description of your experience.
BTW, I just cannot believe the way this big knife (Military) just hides away in the waistband of my jeans, or walking shorts. It's amazing. I simply can't tell it's there at all until I require it and pull it up and out and "drop open" the blade. Very slick. Wonderful knife! Fantastic blade. Great company.
Jeff/1911.
Thank you for the advice to repeat application of lubricant, and continue to work the action. It opens alright, but just not as briskly as I would like. If it never gets any looser I'll be quite content, however it could improve some.
I certainly will try your suggestion as I would like to loosen it up a little bit. Come to think of it, my G-10 Rookie took awhile then, all of a sudden it was much smoother much like the description of your experience.
BTW, I just cannot believe the way this big knife (Military) just hides away in the waistband of my jeans, or walking shorts. It's amazing. I simply can't tell it's there at all until I require it and pull it up and out and "drop open" the blade. Very slick. Wonderful knife! Fantastic blade. Great company.
Jeff/1911.
mpclb,
People shreik and hit the floor, quivering. Just like I had hoped. Perhaps it's the maniacal laugh that issues from my lips every time I draw the beast.
Seriously, I haven't had much opportunity to observe the reaction of the general public, but my kids (age 3 & 6) sure think it's cool! And that's the main thing.
Jeff/1911.
People shreik and hit the floor, quivering. Just like I had hoped. Perhaps it's the maniacal laugh that issues from my lips every time I draw the beast.
Seriously, I haven't had much opportunity to observe the reaction of the general public, but my kids (age 3 & 6) sure think it's cool! And that's the main thing.
Jeff/1911.
mpclb,
I think I may end up carrying the Military with a Native, as you have suggested you may do.
You see, I'd like to have a serrated Military...but I already own a plain edged one, and I'm not independantly wealthy. It took awhile to save up for this PE version as it is. It seems to me that a serrated blade in CPM440V might be extremely useful due to it's advertised durability and edge retention so maybe the "poor man's" way is as follows. I would like to have a serrated and a plain edged solution to every potential situation so maybe I buy a serrated Native to go with my Military. The benefits of this "system" would be as follows:
- As mentioned; to have both serrated and plain edge knives on hand at all times.
- Both knives would have blades of CPM440V steel, with long lasting edges.
- The Native could be my more "sheeple friendly" choice, if I found myself in a "hostile environment" and still needed to draw and cut.
- Both carry knives would be Spyderco products made in the Golden, Co plant.
- Good excuse to buy a Native.
Seems to me this would make a very nice match. Hmmmmmmmmmm?
BTW mpclb, what is the general reaction that you have noted to deployment of your Native?
Jeff/1911.
I think I may end up carrying the Military with a Native, as you have suggested you may do.
You see, I'd like to have a serrated Military...but I already own a plain edged one, and I'm not independantly wealthy. It took awhile to save up for this PE version as it is. It seems to me that a serrated blade in CPM440V might be extremely useful due to it's advertised durability and edge retention so maybe the "poor man's" way is as follows. I would like to have a serrated and a plain edged solution to every potential situation so maybe I buy a serrated Native to go with my Military. The benefits of this "system" would be as follows:
- As mentioned; to have both serrated and plain edge knives on hand at all times.
- Both knives would have blades of CPM440V steel, with long lasting edges.
- The Native could be my more "sheeple friendly" choice, if I found myself in a "hostile environment" and still needed to draw and cut.
- Both carry knives would be Spyderco products made in the Golden, Co plant.
- Good excuse to buy a Native.
Seems to me this would make a very nice match. Hmmmmmmmmmm?
BTW mpclb, what is the general reaction that you have noted to deployment of your Native?
Jeff/1911.
ROTFLMAO <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
"Sheeple" reactions to the Native - I can't recall any negative reactions to this knife (plain-edged). It is a smaller knife, but it looks a bit bigger due to the blade shape in my opinion. Plus I think that people generally dig the, well, native-ish appearance of the blade. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
As far as using it for a backup, I'm not sure. I plan on putting it into that role simply because it is the only knife I own, and, like you, I am not independently wealthy. It is a good knife for the money, though. The blade feels very solid, and the whole package is lightweight. Comfortable to carry, cuts well, etc.
Think I confused the h-e-double hockey sticks out of you <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
"Sheeple" reactions to the Native - I can't recall any negative reactions to this knife (plain-edged). It is a smaller knife, but it looks a bit bigger due to the blade shape in my opinion. Plus I think that people generally dig the, well, native-ish appearance of the blade. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
As far as using it for a backup, I'm not sure. I plan on putting it into that role simply because it is the only knife I own, and, like you, I am not independently wealthy. It is a good knife for the money, though. The blade feels very solid, and the whole package is lightweight. Comfortable to carry, cuts well, etc.
Think I confused the h-e-double hockey sticks out of you <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
mpclb,
ROTFLMAO...? I can't remember what this means...a hint?
Regarding the Native, no confusion at all. I have handled the Native and it feels FABULOUS in the hand. I've been wanting to get one for a long time, just couldn't decide upon serrated vs plain edge; hence my previous ramblings.
I think that the Native represents incredible value, considering it's blade is made with CPM440V.
Jeff/1911.
ROTFLMAO...? I can't remember what this means...a hint?
Regarding the Native, no confusion at all. I have handled the Native and it feels FABULOUS in the hand. I've been wanting to get one for a long time, just couldn't decide upon serrated vs plain edge; hence my previous ramblings.
I think that the Native represents incredible value, considering it's blade is made with CPM440V.
Jeff/1911.
ROTFLMAO - rolling on the floor, laughing my a** off (about your post where you draw the beast!)
It is a great little knife. Unfortunately, I haven't got much to compare it to, since I've only used one other knife (Sebenza - hollow grind with BG-42). Hence, I can't compare the Native's cutting ability to a flat-ground, nor can I compare it to other steels like ATS-34, ATS-55, VG-10, etc.
Matthew
It is a great little knife. Unfortunately, I haven't got much to compare it to, since I've only used one other knife (Sebenza - hollow grind with BG-42). Hence, I can't compare the Native's cutting ability to a flat-ground, nor can I compare it to other steels like ATS-34, ATS-55, VG-10, etc.
Matthew