Spyderco Forums

I was wondering what the verdict was on this blade after a few years. After a 47 page thread it seemed to be a popular release at the time but not many updates that I could find with a search. I was curious if most put in the collector drawer or put it to real use. I’ve used mine quite a bit for yard work and food prep. It’s definitely a favorite carbon steel. The edge seems to strop back to shaving sharp more easily than my 1095 esee knives. I’m thinking about trying a more coarse edge like it had from the factory.

I love mine, it's my favorite Military. Like most knives these days, I just wish it had a SE variant. I bought two, one for use and one for the future.

Love mine, too, especially for days when sharpening-response matters more than edge-holding. Such days may be just for the Zen of sharpening.

I really love mine as well, a pure joy to sharpen. I have the PM2 as well in the CE and, like David said, sometimes wish my Military had teeth!

It’s my favorite version of the Military, my favorite Spydie, and my go to knife for hard use. 52100 itself is tough, easy to get screaming sharp, and has excellent edge retention. I am obviously a big fan.

One of my favorite Military models, excellent steel with easy to sharpen performance.

Regards,
FK

I have two — both are users. Despite owning a couple other Military’s, this is the model I’ve kept. Wonderful steel and that carbon fiber handle makes it extra special.

Possibly my favorite knife (I have a well-used user and a pristine backup), alongside the 52100 PM2 and Para3 of course
Ultra-sharp and ultra-easy to keep that way, and absolutely flawless fit and finish. Corrosion isn't a big issue for me; I occasionally get a little orange rust that somes right off with a little 3-in-1 oil on a toothbrush, otherwise the patina doesn't bother me. The awesomeness of 52100 in the Military platform makes me think that a 52100/PPCF Chief would be a great addition to the family.

Ive got the 52100 pm2.

I wish spyderco would do another run of 52100.

VooDooChild wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 10, 2021 7:12 pm

Ive got the 52100 pm2.

I wish spyderco would do another run of 52100.

Are you thinking another run of the PM2, or a different model?

JonLeBlanc wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 10, 2021 6:57 pm

Possibly my favorite knife (I have a well-used user and a pristine backup), alongside the 52100 PM2 and Para3 of course
Ultra-sharp and ultra-easy to keep that way, and absolutely flawless fit and finish. Corrosion isn't a big issue for me; I occasionally get a little orange rust that somes right off with a little 3-in-1 oil on a toothbrush, otherwise the patina doesn't bother me. The awesomeness of 52100 in the Military platform makes me think that a 52100/PPCF Chief would be a great addition to the family.

I'd be very into a 52100 Chief, but also a Native 5, Lil Native and Shaman. :cool:

Enactive wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 10, 2021 8:40 pm

I'd be very into a 52100 Chief, but also a Native 5, Lil Native and Shaman. :cool:

Yeah, now that you mention those, it's kinda surprising that no member of the Native family has had the 52100/PPCF treatment!

Evil D wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 10, 2021 7:39 am

I love mine, it's my favorite Military. Like most knives these days, I just wish it had a SE variant. I bought two, one for use and one for the future.

Full serrated 52100 would be a beast on the military. Too bad full serrated isn’t an option for the millie. I’ve entertained the idea of getting the pm2 full se. Using my pm2 pe in s30v doesn’t lead me to believe the serrated version would hold up to my use. H1 and vg10 serrated seem to withstand zip ties pretty well, I would be afraid the s30v would chip or break the peaks of the serrations off. That being said if full se was offered in the military I would probably pick one up.

I will buy any full se 52100 knife Spyderco puts out. The larger the better. The PM2, para 3 and Manix I have in this steel are a joy to use and sharpen.

I’m a lefty so skipped the Millie and pm2 in 52100, then also let the Manix go by hoping a UKPK would happen, but it hasn’t… Have since been looking for a user or reasonably priced 52100 Manix to swap into cf scales from a 154/s90v second I have, but keep whiffing on them. A 52100 Chief would be awesome.

Mine turned into a beater. I was trimming weeds growing out of brick, slipped, and smacked the edge. Merely dulled, no chipping. Shown no mercy to it ever since. Haven't had to properly do full sharpenings because the apex is so stable. It came with a microbevel from the factory, which is funny, doesn't need it at all.

The lock slips forward a bit under pressure before fully engaging.

Tried forcing a patina on it with a grapefruit. Ended up with a pattern of the inside of the fruit printed on the blade. Then I noticed a smell. Made the mistake of directly sniffing it. Worst smell I have ever experienced. Burning tires and rotting fish at the same time. It lingered for a week and a half. Now has some rust spots from sweat in the pocket.

The military design is exemplary. I keep trying things like the Viper Start or Native Chief, but the millie is just more versatile in more grips.

JonLeBlanc wrote:

VooDooChild wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 10, 2021 7:12 pm

Ive got the 52100 pm2.

I wish spyderco would do another run of 52100.

Are you thinking another run of the PM2, or a different model?

Another set of sprints.

I've been hunting for a PM2 in 52100 for a while with no luck. At any at a reasonable price.

I would love to see another run of the PM2s.

Millie 52100 was one of my favorites. Awesome cutter and sharpens up like a dream. I rotate it with the Rex and m4 millies so it doesn’t get constant pocket time but after years of use it’s still as good as ever. I enjoy using it because I love to sharpen it.

I’m also interested in more 52100. It’s a really cool steel from what I’ve seen, especially if you appreciate properties beyond just edge retention. Serrated options are always something I’ll root for too.
I also really like the look of the past 52100 pm2 sprints, so a military couldn’t hurt.