C36 Military

The C36 Military was introduced in 1996 and was the first production knife with a particle-metallurgy blade (CPM-440V).

Appearance in catalogs

The C36 Military appeared in the following catalogs (older, newer):

• all Spyderco catalogs since 1997: C36G
• all Spyderco catalogs since 2005: C36GBK
• 2009 Spyderco catalog: C36 Digital Camo
• 2006 Spyderco Sprint Runs flyer: C36CFBGP
• 2008 Spyderco Sprint Runs: C36CF90VP

Designer

Sal Glesser

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

A comment from Sal made on the Spyderco forums regarding Steels: We were the first to use CPM steels in production (Military)

• "Forum Military Review" thread on the Spyderco forum. Discussion about the C36 2000 Spyderco Forum knife.
• "Black Blade Military" thread on the Spyderco forum. Discussion about the early black coated C36.
• "MILITARY KNIFE IMPROVEMENTS" thread on the Spyderco forum. Discussion about the improvements done to the Military model before 2001.
• Historic notes on "UK-Ken's knife-collecting page.
• An interesting note on Glow-in-the-dark and Tritium vials on the original military prototype is found here

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

C36G:

"A cornerstone in Spyderco's Save and Serve line up, the Military Model came about after someone asked Spyderco's owner Sal Glesser, "If your son were going into the military what folding knife would you send him with?" For certain, it had to meet the requirements of a high-performance, light-weight folder designed for hard use.

Since the steel is the spirit of the knife, CPM-S30V with almost 2% carbon seemed the logical choice for the blade given its reputation for long-term edge retention and rust resistance. The 'Millie' has a modified clip-point blade laser cut with a 14 mm Spyderco Round Hole for quick deployment and for use with gloves. Texturing above the hole hold the thumb in contact with the blade's spine during cutting for confident control over the sharpened edge. The handle scales are G-10 with the lock's liner nested (inlayed) directly into the scale, pumping up lock strength without the addition of bulky liners. Spacers between the scales create a gap running the handle's full length exposing the inside workings for inspection and cleaning. The handle flares slightly at the front end creating a finger choil and at the butt end, which keeps the knife from slipping forward or backward in the hand while sawing or making tough or aggressive cuts. A contoured black metal clip is set for right-hand tip-down carry."

See also: C36GBK , C36GCMO , C36CF90 , C36GOR .

Variations

The C36 Military is made in Golden, U.S.A, and has

• Walker Liner Lock
• Modified Clip Point Blade
• metal clip, right hand carry, tip-down

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C36G	Black G-10	PE SE	ATS-34	1996-1999	174.95$ (1996)		N/A	Full Flat	Metal	RH, TD
C36GBK	Black G-10	PE SE	ATS-34 black coated	1996-1997?	199.95$ (1996?)		N/A	Full Flat	Metal	RH, TD
C36G	Black G-10	PE SE	CPM-440V	1996-2001	(1996), 199.95$ (1998)	1996-2001; "MILITARY" & place of production on blade; 1998: many improvements done, incl. a slightly curved, strengthened clip with 3 mounting screws	N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36GBK	Black G-10	PE? SE?	CPM-440V black coated	late 90s?	?		N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36G	Black G-10	PE PS SE	CPM-440V	2001-2003	?	"MILITARY" on blade, place of production on Ricasso	N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36G	Black G-10	PE PS SE	CPM-S30V	2004-	157.95$ (2004), 219.95$ (2009)	2004-only: "MILITARY" on blade	N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36GBK	Black G-10	PE PS	CPM-S30V black coated	2005-	239.95$ (2009)		N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36GPCMO	Digital Camo G-10	PE	CPM-S30V	2009-	219.95$ (2009)		N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36GPCMOBK	Digital Camo G-10	PE	CPM-S30V black coated	2009-	239,95 (2009)		N/A	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36G (Forum 2000)	Black G-10, bug on handle	PE	CPM-440V	2000	?	"MILITARY" & "Spyderco Forum 2000" on blade and a MOP Bug inlay in the handle	500	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36CFP	Black CF	PE	CPM-S30V	2005	259.95$	Limited	400	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36CFBGP	Black CF	PE	BG-42	2006	279.95$	Sprint	1500	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36FGD2P	Foliage Green G-10	PE	CPM-D2	2007	189.95$	Sprint	?	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36CF90VP	Black CF	PE	CPM-S90V	2008	319.95$	Sprint	ca. 1000	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD
C36GPOR	Orange G-10	PE	CPM-S30V	2009	219.95$	Limited	?	Full Flat	Triangle military clip	RH, TD

Most collectible variation

Questions regarding collecting the C36

Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:

Questions with an answer:

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C36 Military:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C36 (G-10)	241mm	140mm	102mm	94mm	14mm	4mm	120g
C36CFBGP	241mm	140mm	102mm	94mm	14mm	4mm	120g
C36CF90VP	241mm	140mm	102mm	94mm	14mm	4mm	115g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C36 Military:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C36 (G-10)	9 1/2"	5 1/2"	4"	3 11/16"	9/16"	5/32"	4.2oz
C36CFBGP	9 1/2"	5 1/2"	4"	3 11/16"	9/16"	5/32"	4.25oz
C36CF90VP	9 1/2"	5 1/2"	4"	3 11/16"	9/16"	5/32"	4oz

Pictures

See e.g. the "Miltary, Military, Military!" thread on the Spyderco forum.