View Full Version : Considering a Spyderco Military C36GPSE
SpEcTeR
26-04-05, 05:17 AM
First I want to say that I'm actually in the US....*ducks*....sorry but I am. I guess I'm a dam yank to some but I share the same passion to fine cutlery as most of you here. 8)
I'm considering a quality folder for daily carry and I really like the Spyderco Military C36GPSE in CPM30V and I also like the design on the SOG X-Ray Vision which is made in ATS-34.
My first question is what does it mean, (if anything) when different companies use different nomenclature for this S30V steel? :| examples I have seen are:
S30V
CPMS30V
CPM-S30V
S30V-CPM
etc. etc.
Does it have any significance?
Second question. What do you think of these two folders? I don't like the fact that the Spyderco Military has a linerlock as I tend to prefer lockbacks but it is a nice folder with good steel. I'm not too sure of the SOG X-Ray's lock mechanism's reliability.
I appreciate any adivce and look forward to discussing my options.
Thank you.
Cheers! :!:
Crucible (http://www.crucibleservice.com/) make CPM S30V. Here's what they say:
"CPM S30V is a martensitic stainless steel designed to offer the best combination of toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Its chemistry has been specially balanced to promote the formation of vanadium carbides which are harder and more effective than chromium carbides in providing wear resistance. CPM S30V offers substantial improvement in toughness over other high hardness steels such as 440C and D2, and its corrosion resistance is equal to or better than 440C in various environments."
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:Yyr8xrPJDwkJ:www.crucibleservice.co m/datasheets/dynamicPull.cfm%3FgradeName%3DCPM%2520S30V+crucibl e+CPM+S30V&hl=en
The Spyderco Military is a well-regarded knife. It is big but slim, weighs little and cuts superbly. Downsides? The tip is a little fragile, and did I say it's big? CPM S30V is widely regarded as the steel to beat in cutlery.
I have no experience of the SOG X-ray Vision.
mirage
Firstly, all those steel names mean the same thing "S30V" - Crucible is the only company tha makes it. I really can't add any more than what mirage has said. I can give you one recommendation thought if you are looking for an alternative esp., if you think the Military is too big and that is the ParaMilitary. There have been a number of reviews recently on BladesForum in their Knife Reviews section and if you go to my website www.rusticforge.com/knives.htm and click on Knife Reviews you will find my review of the knife.
MotorbikeMan
26-04-05, 10:06 AM
I can't help you with the steel question I'm afraid, I'm sure there will be others who can though and I have no experiance of the SOG, but I have used the BIG Military. I never had any worries that this BIG knife was ever going to close up on me in the slightest, the BIG blade took a wickedly sharp edge. It's a very nice knife. BIG though :D
Yup, it's a biggy. :D
Great though, I'd certainly recommend one: versatile blade shape, easy to maintain, lightweight...
on the downside it does have 'military' etched down the blade... :rolleyes:
I did a little review of one on my website a while back... It's still awaiting some pictures of cutting things though, this thread just reminded me... :rolleye11
Hellz
Basemetal
26-04-05, 10:16 AM
FRom recent reviews here and elsewhere...check out the Spyderco Manix as well. It's another big folder of similar quality with a different blade shape and gaining a positive following.
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif
SpEcTeR
26-04-05, 10:23 AM
Thanks guys.
I'll look into the Manix.
I suppose that they use different names but the actual steel is the same. I wonder why they bother using different names for the same thing. Certainly doesn't make them sound "better" or "superior".
I was also considering a Strider fixed blade in the same steel.
Thanks for all your input fellas.
Cheers.
8)
Just to add my two cents, check out the Manix as Basemetal suggests. It is perhaps the best large production folder ever made.
:D
Danzo
MotorbikeMan
26-04-05, 05:58 PM
Just to add my two cents, check out the Manix as Basemetal suggests. It is perhaps the best large production folder ever made.
:D
Danzo
I have to say, having just had a look online as everyone seems to rave about the Manix, it does look nicer than the Military, and as has been mentioned, id doesn't have the word Military etched down the blade. Not convinced by the back lock though, seems it would be awkward to use singlehanded, just like the Para-Military. Just have to wait until I see one in a shop to have a look at I spose :rolleyes:
Basemetal
26-04-05, 06:17 PM
There's a simple knack to closing back-locks single-handed as I think we've said before. It's easy and becomes second nature. Main problem is when you use the technique on a non-Spyderco knife without a sizeable ricasso or choil - then blood flows if you use the same technique...
Don't ask me how I know this.
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif
The lockback on the Manix is very easy to operate one handed, IMO easier than the liner lock on the Millie. Although the Manix is a lovely sturdy knife it is quite a bit bulkier and heavier than the Military - if that matters to you. For extra confidence in the folder you can't knock the dual liners from Para and Manix, almost a shame the millie doesn't have them.
Buy one of each :D
From memory the CPM bit stands for "Crucible Particle Metallurgy". There are other CPM steels apart from the S30V formulation e.g CPM 440. What CPM indicates is that the steel is formed from a powder. This is done to achieve an more uniform formulation and greater control of the size and distribution of the carbides and other additives in the steel than you can achieve by the standard techniques of mixing the ingredients, melting and heat treating alone. The S30V bit is the important part because it defines the formula.
So long as you're comparing good quality knives, I don't think lock strength and reliability is a significant factor between liner and lockbacks. I have no concerns about the quality of the military's linerlock. I have been able to loosen (not release) lockbacks when gripping them hard. I think the locks on big spyderco's like the gunting, chinook and manix are likely to be some of the very strongest out there.
Cheers, Alick
SpEcTeR
27-04-05, 06:06 AM
Anyone have any experience with the SOG X-Ray Vision "Arc-Lock"?
I opened and closed a Buck 110 one-handed for years. Opening one-handed is a breeze with the Spydie hole. Closing? Depress lock and close knife by pressing back of blade carefully against something. Outside of thigh works well. Have to watch what you are about, expecially where your fingers are located? Yes, but that is also true with liner/frame/arc/compression locks.
In return, you get a very secure and strong lock-up.
(I love the Manix.)
Anyone have any experience with the SOG X-Ray Vision "Arc-Lock"?
SOGs 'Arc-Lock' is a version of the Benchmade AXIS lock. There are only a couple of SOGs with the ARC but Benchmade is moving most of their line to AXIS locks as the BM lawyers were the ones leaning on their blades as dawn broke on the legal battlefield.......
;)
The AXIS/Arc lock is perhaps the most addictive locking system out there. Once you have an AXIS lock knife you will play with it as worlds implode and collide around you. It may not be as totally secure as a well made framelock (as in a Sebenza or Skirmish) and the Manix has a lockback stronger than Hellboy, but an AXIS lock is still about as much fun as you can have with a knife unless you are in bed with Angelina Jolie.
:D
Danzo
Basemetal
27-04-05, 08:11 PM
I opened and closed a Buck 110 one-handed for years.
What was your technique for opening the 110? Pinch the blade and swing the handle out - like a "Spydie -drop"?
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif
What was your technique for opening the 110? Pinch the blade and swing the handle out - like a "Spydie -drop"?
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif
The old 'New York' drop!
:D
Cut yer fingers off!
:rolleyes:
Danzo
Basemetal
27-04-05, 08:27 PM
Yep...ugly ungainly thing... :yuck:
...and so is the manoeuvre...;)
What was your technique for opening the 110? Pinch the blade and swing the handle out - like a "Spydie -drop"?
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif
The 110 had such a heavy handle that it opened easily by simply pinching the blade and giving your wrist a whip-cracking flick down and then up.
I don't know what the "Spydie drop" would be. I open my Spydercos with a thumb in the hole (Boring! :) ).
The General
16-05-05, 04:53 PM
The Axis lock is widely regarded as a better lock than a framelock. Even by me! ;)
The Military in S30V is one of the finest large folders made. Period.
I will be getting my Manix shortly... The lock on the Manix is incredibly strong, far stronger than is required to be safe, its overkill and thats why I want one!
Its the nearest Spyderco to a Strider... only is well built has good fit and finish and is affordable. The wait is killing me! :lol:
Jerseyman
16-05-05, 07:09 PM
Talking of the Axis lock, how about a Benchmade RSK MkI, commonly known as a Ritter Griptilian?
S30V and Axis lock, it is a great knife.
The knife at the top:
http://img191.echo.cx/img191/6110/resize65zw.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)
Stuart Ackerman
16-05-05, 09:53 PM
Uhhh Danzo,
Largest production folder in recent history was the Cold Steel Vaquero Grande 6" blade, if we ignore the 11" switchblades from Italy, in the 1960's. Or the Philipino balisongs in the 1970's with 18" blades...looked like broomsticks flaying about...
zackerty What about the Opinel?
Stuart Ackerman
16-05-05, 10:30 PM
...Methinks I have opened up Pandora's Box :D ....
Anarcus
16-05-05, 10:49 PM
You Cuda warned us :biggthump
Ok I'l get my coat..........
stonehard
17-05-05, 12:53 AM
but an AXIS lock is still about as much fun as you can have with a knife unless you are in bed with Angelina Jolie. even better if she brings her knife collection also
Stuart Ackerman
17-05-05, 02:12 AM
....cutting to the chase, are we? :D
HI Danzo,
If I may, the ARC lock rotates, like the Rolling lock but does not "slide" forwards or backwards. The axis lock "slides" forwards and backwards. While both require dual liners, and both put the tang in "shear" between the liners, it is different principles that the locks operate on.
The ARC lock would be considered a "variant" of the Rolling lock, not the Axis lock.
Some might even say the ARC lock could be an infringement of the Rolling Lock, but there is always "LLD" (Lawyers, Loopholes & Dollars) which can get around most intellectual property.
sal
Now we know! I was half right........
:D
Thanks Sal, I should say I only make lawyers........
;)
Danzo
Don't go *on* about the Manix.
I haven't had it long enough to consider sending it round on passround. Mind you, Danzo, you sent yours out for a look-see recently didn't you? (Even though the clip screws stripped)
Has anyone mentioned it is one of the finest large folders ever made?
I think it better than the BM710 and SERE2K.
[But I *have* got a Sebenza. This morning :). It's a lefty :(.
But it's still wonderful :D]
Don't go *on* about the Manix.
I haven't had it long enough to consider sending it round on passround. Mind you, Danzo, you sent yours out for a look-see recently didn't you? (Even though the clip screws stripped)
Has anyone mentioned it is one of the finest large folders ever made?
I think it better than the BM710 and SERE2K.
[But I *have* got a Sebenza. This morning :). It's a lefty :(.
But it's still wonderful :D]
I did send mine to Basemetal to do his (superb) comparative review as I truly believe that the Manix is the best large folder ever made. I sold my Benchmade 520 Presidio as it didn't have a role after the Manix.
:D
Danzo
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