Spyderco Forums

That is the question. I really love my Millies and have been eyeing the BG-42 version for awhile now. But then again, the Stretch II has been slowly growing on me too. So I challenge you all to try and persuade me one way or another because I only have the money for one right now. I guess alot of it is coming down to steel choice. I understand both are very hard to sharpen (ZDP-189 is harder to sharpen??) but holds an edge forever. Would I definitely need to get a set of diamond rods for my Sharpmaker or can I get away with M, F and UF rods? I have also heard that the ZDP stains pretty easily (NOT a deal breaker in my book). To be honest, I know practically nothing about BG-42. How do the two steels compare?

Military, and you can sharpen it with your regular stones.



Jason

Depends how big a knife you're looking for. The Millie is substantially larger. Personally I like the size of the Stretch just fine. I have big hands and its handle is still plenty big enough for me. It's also less terrifying if you have to open it in public.

ZDP isn't, in my experience, "harder" to sharpen. It can just take a little longer. I just use the medium sharpmaker stones for everything.

Don't be scared by ZDP. I use DMT diamond stones to freehand sharpen my Krein'd ZDP Endura, with very good results from the diamonds. BG-42 is much less common, so you may want to go for that. So, I'm gonna say BG-42 Millie by a hair.

By the way, welcome to the forum, jjacques!

Thanks! I've been posting over on BF for a while and lurking here for a bit so I thought I'd finally register.

:spyder: I can't stop playing with my bg-42 millie, it's awesome! I don't care for the hassles associated with zdp-189. If I was gonna quarter a chicken and didn't have my street beat around I'd reach for my vg-10 stretch, it's a great EDC so I'm sure the zdp stretch is as well if not quite as stain resistant. :spyder:

BG-42 Military

I have both and I love both but I am definately going to tell you to go with the BG-42 Military. It jsu feels incredible. I have carried it every single day since I got it and I can't stop fondling it! I hate to say it but my Stretch II has probably been carried twice. It always seems to be replaced by my Caly3 CF ZDP. I would get the BG-42 Millie, then the Caly3 ZDP, then the Stretch II, but that's just my preference. The Military is definately a must-have.

Tom

I believe the supply of the BG42 Millies will run out before the Stretch II disappears so I would go for the Millie and hope to be able to get the Stretch later. BG42 is wonderfull steel and the Millitary really does it justice.

I will vote for the stretch2 as you already have a millie, why not try something different while you are at it?

One more vote for the BG-42 Military, as it is the best knife that I own and is my favorite EDC.

Well the general consensus so far (BG-42 Millie) is confirming what my gut is telling me. I just love the whole Military line but the Stretch...eh. They don't move me.

So the Millie it shall be!

Billy wrote:Well the general consensus so far (BG-42 Millie) is confirming what my gut is telling me. I just love the whole Military line but the Stretch...eh. They don't move me.

So the Millie it shall be!

Billy I think when you're going to spend that much you have to get what moves you :D Go For It!!

hi Billy, just to play devil's advocate.... the Stretch2 which I scored the other day has more "refined" ergos (if such a thing exists :rolleyes: ), full ambidextrous 4 way clip mounting, midlock....truth is it feels very differently in the hand than a Military.... the downside is that in Florida, the solid ZDP189 blade will tarnish/stain more easily than BG42..... both great knives, both great choices

Hey Shawn, that's pretty much my thinking on this purchase. I'm usually pretty cheap when it comes to knives and this will be, by far, the most I've ever spent on a single knife. But I really do like the Military's alot (this will be my third :) ) and the CF and BG-42 combo seems to get nothing but rave reviews.

Brian, the clip options were one of the main things that attracted me to the Stretch II in comparison to the Millie. But to be honest, I just think the Military is a better looking knife. Like I said, it just "moves" me. Plus, this particular combo IS a limited edtion, even though it will be a user, just like all my knives. :D

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: Well; I do not have the BG-42 Milli, but know how rare, and hard to find they are. But, I do have, and carry all the time, the Stretch11; I LOVE THIS SPYDER :eek: :eek: But, I would sugjest getting the Millie, before they're gone, and then you gotta getta Stretch11....You will love it :D I have only sharpend my Stretch11 once....uh...ya...I am not kidding :cool: Oh, and WELCOME to forums dude; You will have alot of fun, and like myself, you will learn alot as well...This place is full of Spydersmart Spyderholics :D Enjoy your stay, and let us know what you chose.

I don't have a stretch, but I'd definitely give a thumbs up to the BG42 Millie. Very attractive variation, and everyone's right about supplies drying up.

Anyone know how many BG42 's were produced & the msrp for it?
thanks,regards SSB :spyder:

I have two BG-42 Military models and love them. I can't wait to get to hold a Stretch 2 soon. They look very nice but can't imagine one nicer than a Military. Kinda big in my pocket but slim so it still rides there often. I'd like a pic of the Military and Stretch 2 together.

Hey Guillermo. Welcome and congrats on the BG-42 Millies. I ordered one and should hopefully have it by this weekend. It will definitely see alot of pocket time, just like my other two Militarys.