908 Stryker and importance of holding before you buy

blades&wrenches · Jan 7, 2015

A couple of days ago, I had a couple extra bucks in my pocket and like all of us, there was only one thing I wanted to spend it on...NEW KNIFE! So I decided to visit a couple local gun stores to see what they had. The first was sadly a big bust. Knife selection was completely lackluster, even for a gun store. The next, however, was a different story. Since I had been last, they started selling Benchmades, and had three I've been eying...940, 746, and 908. The 940 was the best material and F&F wise but just didn't feel right, I couldn't get used to how thin it is. The 746 is just wicked looking and has a cool factor the others don't IMO, but lacks some practicality, and again just felt off. The 908 just felt right. I like everything about it. Great size, great shape, smooth, solid lockup, and the finish on the blade is awesome.
Very happy I got to compare side by side before I bought. I've been very close to buying all 3 online blindly, and I'm glad I didn't. There would've been some level of disappointment with the 746 and 940...and disappointment SUCKS!

choombak · Jan 8, 2015

Interestingly, this shape triggers some pleasure cells in my brain -- so I have both, large and mini. And yes, they are the best Benchmades I've owned (though I realize I am the minority here for opting a Stryker over 940).

jpm2 · Jan 10, 2015

choombak said:
Interestingly, this shape triggers some pleasure cells in my brain -- so I have both, large and mini. And yes, they are the best Benchmades I've owned (though I realize I am the minority here for opting a Stryker over 940).

Since all my knives are for work, I would choose a stryker [especially the 903] over a 940 any day. The only thing that keeps me from owning one (or 3) is blade material.

blades&wrenches · Jan 10, 2015

jpm2 said:
Since all my knives are for work, I would choose a stryker [especially the 903] over a 940 any day. The only thing that keeps me from owning one (or 3) is blade material.

While 154CM is typically the lowest grade steel I'll buy, I'm consistently impressed by it. BM does 154CM well. If I like a knife, 154 won't turn me away, but it would be nice if it were S30V or even M390!

TheGearGuy · Jan 10, 2015

Although I do have a 940 that I love and regard as one of my best pocket knives, I carry a 903 Mini Stryker Drop Point as a money clip every day regardless of whatever EDC I am also carrying. I think the Stryker series are great working knives, built to be used regularly for years. The mini is thin enough to sit down inside my front pocket with money folded in the clip without feeling or looking bulky. I too would like one in S30V or M390.

jpm2 · Jan 10, 2015

blades&wrenches said:
If I like a knife, 154 won't turn me away, but it would be nice if it were S30V or even M390!

TheGearGuy said:
I too would like one in S30V or M390.

I've always thought s30v should be the minimum for black class, since it's become mainsteam
I doubt we'll ever see a regular production black class with m390 unless it's a limited edition dealer exclusive, same for s90v, s110v, or any other brittle stainless...
Non stainless tool steel 3" blades are my preference for work 95% of the time... it seems I'm forever sol.

bdmicarta · Jan 10, 2015

choombak said:
Interestingly, this shape triggers some pleasure cells in my brain -- so I have both, large and mini. And yes, they are the best Benchmades I've owned (though I realize I am the minority here for opting a Stryker over 940).

I like the new Strykers, but I like my original model better:

scubahoundnc · Jan 13, 2015

I have the 913 too. Love it! I also have a 940 and 940-1. I can't stand carrying the 940(green). The green finish is like a chalkboard... It gives me chills just thinking about touching it plus it shreds my jeans. The 940-1 is different story I love it too. Sadly I have neglected my Stryker since i got the 940-1. Today she will make it out of the safe!

jkarp_53 · Jan 13, 2015

Between moving and finally finding a new job $$ are tight. 908 is on my list, but I also love the 913 and will carry it today as well!

choombak · Feb 4, 2015

bdmicarta said:
I like the new Strykers, but I like my original model better:

Wish I could lay my hands on the originals... Always missed them when they popped up on the exchange, so settled on the new models. I hear that Nitrous Assist fires real hard even after a few years of use... Thanks for sharing the pic.

jkarp_53 · Feb 4, 2015

We have a couple of dealers here in town. I always prefer to pay a visit to them when there are new models in the offering. There was the 950-1 that I didn't like in photos that really surprised me in person, and that was the one I walked out of the store with. Reading my thoughts, it's cheaper in the long run to go to them and pick one that doesn't have any issues. Between time and shipping/return shipping, I wonder how much money I save in the end. I think Knife Works will check them for us as requested, but it's been awhile and I don't know if this is true.

And yes, on the Nitrous Stryker models, mine are years old and fire just as hard as ever. Really good knives and an excellent design!

Redmasta · Feb 4, 2015

It is definitely best to hold before you buy, just because someone likes or doesn't like a knife doesn't mean you will feel the same way. I made this mistake when I ordered the Rift online, while I really liked the design to me it was the most uncomfortable knife I've ever held and eventually sold it. Same happened with the new Stryker, I couldn't stand the hump and sent it back the next day.

jkarp_53 · Feb 4, 2015

Hmm...the hump on the 908 Is pronounced. This is my old school 735BT and it doesn't have that issue. I love my Strykers!

jazub · Feb 4, 2015

jkarp_53 said:
Hmm...the hump on the 908 Is pronounced. This is my old school 735BT and it doesn't have that issue. I love my Strykers!

Cool Ares. It would be sweet to see another release soon -after the AFCK!!

Captain Howdy · Feb 4, 2015

Redmasta said:
It is definitely best to hold before you buy, just because someone likes or doesn't like a knife doesn't mean you will feel the same way. I made this mistake when I ordered the Rift online, while I really liked the design to me it was the most uncomfortable knife I've ever held and eventually sold it. Same happened with the new Stryker, I couldn't stand the hump and sent it back the next day.

I've been contemplating a mini striker. Is the "hump" similar to the one on the 707? Seems like a lot of members are not fond of the Stryker hump, or is it because the older versions didn't sport the hump and people generally don't like change?

blades&wrenches · Feb 4, 2015

Captain Howdy said:
I've been contemplating a mini striker. Is the "hump" similar to the one on the 707? Seems like a lot of members are not fond of the Stryker hump, or is it because the older versions didn't sport the hump and people generally don't like change?

It's definitely more pronounced. The 707 has more of a ramp and the new strykers definitely have a hump. Some like it, some don't. I can see why some find it ergonomically intrusive, but it has not interfered with function or comfort for me.

Redmasta · Feb 4, 2015

Captain Howdy said:
I've been contemplating a mini striker. Is the "hump" similar to the one on the 707? Seems like a lot of members are not fond of the Stryker hump, or is it because the older versions didn't sport the hump and people generally don't like change?

The 707 has more of a ramp and is actually quite comfortable as the thumb sits naturally when holding it. I just couldn't get comfortable with my thumb placement on the new Stryker though, the hump felt like it got in the way, sort of like a speed bump on the way to the spine of the blade.

They had it right on the old Strykers, smooth transition from the top of the handle to the ramp on the spine. Similar to what works well on other knives like the Griptilian, Para 2, Manix 2, etc...

Again just my opinion, it may be comfortable for others which is why you should hold before you buy like the thread said