I understand the Civilian is a purely a niche knife, but can it be used occasionally without worrying about... what? the tip breaking, because it tapers so thin?
I'll level with you- not really a knife fan. Have a few (walmart specials), but don't even carry them now. The most I would ever use a knife for if I did have one on me is occasionally opening cardboard boxes, plastic packaging etc. Quite frankly, the only reason I am even considering a knife now is because the civilian looks so incredibly wicked. It's just that if I did buy that thing I would want it to at least hold up to what little I'd use it for.
Also, I notice some sites say it has an ats-55 blade, and some say (as the spyderco website does) vg-10 in the description. Just from reading around here, I gather there's not a whole lot of difference in the two materials, but I want the newest version. Anyone know how to tell the difference? Different model numbers or something?
Read a few threads on the whole plain edge vs serrated arguemnt. Still don't feel strongly either way, but if a pe makes the civilian any less useless, I'd consider trying to find one n the auction sites. Otherwise, I guess I'd stick with the more common serrated. Seems to be spydercos "thing" anyways.
Open to suggestions if anyone has an idea for a more useful knife that still looks... well, you know. Not like a useful knife.
Civilian- do you use it at all?
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mikewww
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If you work in one of the grey occupations, one of these could help you get out of the brown stuff. That was exactly what it was designed for. Like a motorcycle crash helmet, once you have used it successfully, it has paid for itself a thousand-fold. Then, who cares if the tip broke off. it is probably in some dirtbag's arm, where it should be !
Mike
Mike
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Jim Malone
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Aloha and welcome!
I used my Matriarch as an EDC piece for awhile, just to see if it would handle "stuff" on a daily. FWIW, it worked fine. However...
Using the Matri or Civi for utility use might void it's warranty, if that concerns you at all. :o
The Civi is a wicked knife...how about an SE Tasman as an alternative?
God bless :cool:
I used my Matriarch as an EDC piece for awhile, just to see if it would handle "stuff" on a daily. FWIW, it worked fine. However...
Using the Matri or Civi for utility use might void it's warranty, if that concerns you at all. :o
The Civi is a wicked knife...how about an SE Tasman as an alternative?
God bless :cool:
Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!
"Where's the best little big knife not designed by Sal or Eric?" ~ thombrogan, WSM
Avatar by my KnifeBrother, DiAlex...C102 Adventura designer, 2005 Spyderco Forum Knife!
"Where's the best little big knife not designed by Sal or Eric?" ~ thombrogan, WSM
Avatar by my KnifeBrother, DiAlex...C102 Adventura designer, 2005 Spyderco Forum Knife!
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silverback
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Hi, and welcome to the Forums. :)jlh2600 wrote:(...)
Open to suggestions if anyone has an idea for a more useful knife that still looks... well, you know. Not like a useful knife.
My suggestion would be a serrated Police model.
It's one of the great classics in the lineup, it's a workhorse, but doesn't look ...
well, it gets the message across that you want. :eek:
Or, as Daywalker suggested, try a serrated hawkbill, though I'm not partial to them. Their usefulness stops when you try spreading butter on bread. :D
Others would be the CE Chinook or a SE Military, the Police is just one of my favourites. :)
Some forumites have reported that the Yojimbo, while belonging in the MBC (Martial BladeCraft) lineup, works as a utility blade.
But be warned: once you go through the whole process of getting accustomed to Spyderco and buying your first knife, you are addicted to them. :p
Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week. -George Bernard Shaw
Go is a pursuit of such value that one can devote a lifetime to it and have nothing to regret. Why not, then, challenge the limit of your powers. -Toshiro Kageyama 7-Dan
Go is a pursuit of such value that one can devote a lifetime to it and have nothing to regret. Why not, then, challenge the limit of your powers. -Toshiro Kageyama 7-Dan
Well, seeing as it is, the new civillian has a reinforced tip compared to the older ones, so i think it would stand up better to a little more everyday use. (been meaning to do a pic for a while, just hasn't goten around to. see what i can do tonight) Still has the disclaimer, though.
I have to agree with Daywalker that the Tasman salts could be a nice alternative!
Edited to add: I don't use, and don't intend to use any of mine. At all, that is.
I have to agree with Daywalker that the Tasman salts could be a nice alternative!
Edited to add: I don't use, and don't intend to use any of mine. At all, that is.
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knightrider
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spydutch
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Pics might not do it much justice, but here are a couple anywayknightrider wrote:I'm really interested in the civilian. I bet it will knock my socks off when I get to actually hold one and see it in person. Seeing photos probably doesn't do it much justice.
I really would like to EDC the knife, but I'm very afraid to lose the point, so it remains nicely in it's poach
I only take it out to fondle once in a while :o
Together with the serrated Cricket, this is the best looking Spyder so far IMO :)
Arend(old school Spydie lover)
MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE SPYDEREDGE!!!
VERY PROUD OWNER OF A CALY III/SE #043 :D
....AND A FG(PARA) MILITARY/SE IN CPMD2(thanx Sal)
...I would love to have one in full SpyderEdge:p
MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE SPYDEREDGE!!!
VERY PROUD OWNER OF A CALY III/SE #043 :D
....AND A FG(PARA) MILITARY/SE IN CPMD2(thanx Sal)
...I would love to have one in full SpyderEdge:p
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Michael Cook
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:spyder: I train and drill with my civilian regularly and it in regular rotation with my other self-protection knives. I haven't used mine in its' intended purpose as I avoid bars and violent situations. On the other hand it's almost morel season up here in Wisconsin!
More of what does not work will not work. Robin Cooper, Rokudan; Aikikai.
There is great power in the profound observation of the obvious. John Stone, Rokudan; Aikikai
There is great power in the profound observation of the obvious. John Stone, Rokudan; Aikikai
I dont think I can either afford one, or convince myself to buy one "for its' purpose"... even if it would be a knife with a great scare-factor.
I go with deeker for the Tasman-SE idea. Actually, Ill be getting one soon. Good for outdoor-uses and for SD... But I'd rather NOT use it for that last option though. It would probably scare the **** out of me.
I go with deeker for the Tasman-SE idea. Actually, Ill be getting one soon. Good for outdoor-uses and for SD... But I'd rather NOT use it for that last option though. It would probably scare the **** out of me.
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Stevie Ray
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Tasman
Do you actually have a creme colored tasman? Or is that yellow, and you are just a master of lighting? Either way, very nice.
The advantage of H-1 steel is obvious, but what about FRN handle vs G10? Quality difference there, or just a different feel?
Do both tasman and civilian expose a hint of the blade's edge when closed (it appears as if this closed tasman has a gap between the edge's apex and the handle)?
The Tasman would also force me to make a conscious decision between serrated and plain- as the availability of the civilian almost makes it serrated by default.
Well, either way- I think the most logical choice is obvious. The more useful, more rugged knife of the two is half the price, and still has a menacing look to it. Just not sure I want to go the logical route!
The advantage of H-1 steel is obvious, but what about FRN handle vs G10? Quality difference there, or just a different feel?
Do both tasman and civilian expose a hint of the blade's edge when closed (it appears as if this closed tasman has a gap between the edge's apex and the handle)?
The Tasman would also force me to make a conscious decision between serrated and plain- as the availability of the civilian almost makes it serrated by default.
Well, either way- I think the most logical choice is obvious. The more useful, more rugged knife of the two is half the price, and still has a menacing look to it. Just not sure I want to go the logical route!
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zenheretic
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Anyone who hopes to use a knife to fight for their life is some sort of psychopath...much like anyone who hopes they can get into a fight or hopes they get to shoot someone. I'm pretty sure I can speak for everyone who carries a Civvie, that none look forward to ever using it for its intended purpose, but when I am forced to choose between feeling my life force ebb betwixt my fingers or explaining my actions to a judge, I'll reach for my Civvie everytime.JaM wrote:I dont think I can either afford one, or convince myself to buy one "for its' purpose"... even if it would be a knife with a great scare-factor.
I go with deeker for the Tasman-SE idea. Actually, Ill be getting one soon. Good for outdoor-uses and for SD... But I'd rather NOT use it for that last option though. It would probably scare the **** out of me.
Follow the mushin, but pay it no heed.
civilian, an excellent knife
:spyder: The civilian actually has a single steel liner with the G10, which adds stregth and rigidity to the handle over FRN matriarchs or tasmans. Crossbills are SS, so weight (maybe grip also) is the only factor there IMO.jlh2600 wrote: ...what about FRN handle vs G10? Quality difference there, or just a different feel?
...The more useful, more rugged knife of the two is half the price, and still has a menacing look to it. Just not sure I want to go the logical route!
:spyder: "Logic" as it is known elsewhere does not always apply in the spyderworld][VG-10 is the latest model btw; older models were ATS-55---be sure to read item descriptions on e bay if that is your choice of vendors][/size] And, the civilian truly is the king of hawk bills; for a drawing cut, I know no equal. Furthermore, you're correct in that it does look very awesome.
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