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Spyderco Military Camo

Spyderco Military Camo

Though I own and use a lot of Spyderco knives, one of my definite favourites is the old Military Model. Designed by Sal Glesser the owner and founder of the company the idea behind it was simple – if my son was in the army what would be the best knife for him to carry? So as opposed to some massive combat dagger Sal envisaged a workhorse folder. Big and tough enough to open boxes etc, yet sharp and fine enough to do the many tasks asked of a utility blade.

Long Time Now

I have carried a Military for many years on all my hunting trips. Some criticise it for being just a bit too big, which is a valid comment, but given its intended, utility role I think it’s just about right. To address this Spyderco made a more compact version called the Para Military, which is smaller but although similar is no blood relation…

There are now three versions of the Military that differ only by finish and edge options, as the basic design remains unchanged. Up front is a CPM-S30V stainless, modified, 4” clip point blade. The trademark opening hole located in the rear hump is 14mm to allow easy operation even with gloves on. To the rear of this is gimping to offer added thumb purchase and directly below a choil that fares into the front of the handle to allow a choke-up hold if that’s what you like. 

Nested Liner Lock

Locking is by a nested liner in the lower/front section of the right hand scale. The handle is well shaped with the front and rear flaring, and a rounded belly to secure the knife in the hand. Again the long build allows gloved use.

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The build is open with a stainless lanyard ferrule at the rear and a synthetic spacer on the top. This reduces the build up of debris and makes cleaning easier. A clothing clip is located front right on the handle and offers no alternative carry position. This gives a tip-down carry, which is not as good as tip-up, which pre-positions the knife as you need it.

The blade is sharply pointed and shows a flat grind. Options include stainless or blacked finish with plain or combination (60/30 plain/serrated) edge. Weighing in at 4.25oz with an open length of 9.5” the Military is in my opinion quite some field tool.

Mine is the all-black C36GBK with combination edge and though I originally carried it as a utility/back-up I know use it for gutting and skinning as it’s well up to the job. This means I don’t need a fixed blade hunter too. The sharply pointed tip is great for getting into tight areas and the SpyderEdge is tough enough for ripping up through the sternum on smaller deer. It is also easy to clean out even when full of tissue, blood etc.

Cool In Camo

Though no different to the other versions, Spyderco now offer the Military with a digital camo finish on the handle. Called the C36GCMO I have to say it does look good, with the actual pattern appearing to be under the material where it will not get worn off. The only real difference is that this model currently only comes in a plain edge, personally I feel the combo edge is the better blade option; certainly for a working knife.

There’s little doubting the ability of the Spyderco Military with the new camo handled version just adding to the choice and very handsomely too. But if you are looking for a serious utility folder that is equally at home opening up a parcel or a deer then look no further than the Military Model…

Spyderco Military Camo C36GPCMO £154.99
Spyderco Military (black) C36GBK £168.99

We Reckon:
• A ‘no duff’ working folder
• Too big for some hands
• Combo edge best

  • Spyderco Military Camo - image {image:count}

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  • Spyderco Military Camo - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Spyderco Military Camo - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

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