980 Striker II or 484 Nakamura

H

High_Noon

Joined
Nov 14, 2014
Messages
183
I just purchased a ZT 0562 and I'm already contemplating my next purchase.

Between the 980 Striker II and the 484 Nakamura (both with plain edge, un-coated blades and G-10 scales), which do you like better and why?

I sure do like both, and although the 980 has a slightly longer blade, I sure do like the M390 on the 484 (though, in reality, it would be tough to tell the difference in blade steel). This will be for a standard, EDC/utility knife, that can be called upon for defense, if necessary.

Pros/Cons of each, ergonomics, carry comfort, durability, etc. are a few of the categories I'm interested in hearing about.

Thanks and I look forward to reading your replies.

- High_Noon
 
Last edited:
Naka hands down unless you have large hands, it melt into your hand, it has M390 steel, it's not intimidating when you take it out in public, it's cool with Asian writing on the blade-the nakamura logo, you already have one of the best mid size folder the ZT 0562


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
wiredbeans said:
Naka hands down unless you have large hands, it melt into your hand, it has M390 steel, it's not intimidating when you take it out in public, it's cool with Asian writing on the blade-the nakamura logo, you already have one of the best mid size folder the ZT 0562


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

That is pretty much what I was thinking. I guess I needed confirmation from someone who has a Nakamura + it would be my 1st M390 & I've been itchin' to try M390. Thanks.
 
In my opinion....The thinner shape of the 908 makes for a better carry. The 484 is short and fat. If you have the bucks, track down the M4 908. Great steel, great knife.
 
I have a coated Stryker and love it. My hands are tiny, but the ergo's are still awesome. I'm a total office jockey though, so all I do is open mail and breakdown boxes. I find that I'm too gentle on it because I don't want to mar the coating...haha. My next user isn't going to coated because of that.
 
Unfortunately the M4 Stryker II has a coated blade and I don't like coated baldes, which leaves me with the the plain edge 908 Stryker II, which has 154CM blade steel. The 484 G-10 has M390 and the 484-1 has CPM-S90V, any of which I'd be happy with, but the 484-1 is a bit more than I wanted to spend.
 
Last edited:
Benchmade hasn't perfect their grind ability on the S90V steel, i have a 940-1 with a incurve in the middle of the blade and the primary bevel angle is different from one side to the other resulting in different shoulder height and the swedges were off too, sent back to BM and got back with a new blade that's just as bad. The 484-1 same story, I checked my local shop that has 6 in stock, checked all of them and they were all off... The regular 484 however are well made and I can pick a good one out of three. If you are buying Benchmade, buy it at local shop where you can see it and examine it, you may pay a little more but it offset the cost of shipping it back and forth to BM to have it right.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
wiredbeans said:
Benchmade hasn't perfect their grind ability on the S90V steel, i have a 940-1 with a incurve in the middle of the blade and the primary bevel angle is different from one side to the other resulting in different shoulder height and the swedges were off too, sent back to BM and got back with a new blade that's just as bad. The 484-1 same story, I checked my local shop that has 6 in stock, checked all of them and they were all off... The regular 484 however are well made and I can pick a good one out of three. If you are buying Benchmade, buy it at local shop where you can see it and examine it, you may pay a little more but it offset the cost of shipping it back and forth to BM to have it right.
Click to expand...

Wow. That's good to know. Unfortunately, I do not have a local store that has the Stryker II 908 or the Nakamura 484. There is a local indoor gun range that does have Griptilians and the Barrage 580-2 and although I like the 580-2, I don't really want an assisted opener (automatic) or a knife w/out steel/titanium liners. I like the 484 & the 908 better and although Spyderco has some fairly cool offerings (like the Gayle Bradley) w/ M4, or the Sage 1 w/ CPM-S30V, I like Benchmade better.
 
Last edited:
I'm not a fan of coated blades either but I broke down for the sake of m4. The KSF M4 Stryker is my most carried knife these days!
 
spyderg said:
I'm not a fan of coated blades either but I broke down for the sake of m4. The KSF M4 Stryker is my most carried knife these days!
Click to expand...

I was thinking along those lines, but I don't think I can bring myself to do it, but it is a cool knife.
 
Last edited:
Consider the new Foray as well. I just got mine and first impressions are excellent. It has CPM-20CV which is equivalent to M390 and CTS-204P. The blade length is in between Stryker II and Nakamura. Nakamura is nice but it has that big hump on the blade. Foray is slim but tough.
 
RamZar said:
Consider the new Foray as well. I just got mine and first impressions are excellent. It has CPM-20CV which is equivalent to M390 and CTS-204P. The blade length is in between Stryker II and Nakamura. Nakamura is nice but it has that big hump on the blade. Foray is slim but tough.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Foray is nice, but that recurve in the blade is a deal breaker for me. I also agree that the 484 blade hump is a concern.
 
High_Noon said:
Yes, the Foray is nice, but that recurve in the blade is a deal breaker for me. I also agree that the 484 blade hump is a concern.
Click to expand...

It's a very subtle recurve and shouldn't hinder sharpening.

If you're looking at the Stryker II consider 940-1501 (KW exclusive) with slightly smaller blade, G-10 and 20CV.
 
I'm now thinking about getting a Doug Ritter Mk 1 M390 and customizing it w/ Wilkins titanium scales. Not sure which size to get, though.
 
I've had both and would definitely go with the mini. The mini is very capable of handling almost any edc need while the regular size Ti was just too heavy in pocket for me.
 
Nbrackett said:
I've had both and would definitely go with the mini. The mini is very capable of handling almost any edc need while the regular size Ti was just too heavy in pocket for me.
Click to expand...

Duly noted, but I guess I could get the full size w/ G-10 scales to save weight. You said you 'had' both - what made you get rid of them?
 
High_Noon said:
Duly noted, but I guess I could get the full size w/ G-10 scales to save weight. You said you 'had' both - what made you get rid of them?
Click to expand...

The weight mostly. I've had Wilkins in Ti, aluminum and G10/G11 in mini and regular sizes. I now only have 4 sets, all in the mini G10. I have a medium size hand and found the regular Wilkins to be a little to big and blocky for my edc needs. The aluminum are very nice and make a good office carry but I found myself just not carrying it. The mini G10s are great and to me the Ritter blade makes it even better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top