- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
I feel that there's every right to complain here -- expensive knife, bunch of problems. However, setting aside my dislike for the design of these knives, I really feel that any maker or manufacturer can let something slip through the lines. Strider isn't a low-volume custom maker anymore, and at their volumes, it's hard to catch everything. The real test here is if Strider takes the knife back -- if so, then I really don't see a big problem. I might have my Duane and Mick voodoo dolls ready, but I wouldn't stick any pins in until I'd contacted them; a maker always deserves the opportunity to set things right before being loosed before the internet hounds.
Another note here, probably more important, is that ignoring cosmetic defects (I'm addressing the stamping and tool mark issues, not the discolored tip, which may be more than cosmetic) is part of the Strider mystique, even for high-$ knives. If you don't buy into that philosophy, then maybe Striders aren't for you. There are plenty of custom makers who can make incredibly strong folders, that IMO will perform as well or better, and with handles that have better (for me, at least) ergonomics and security ... and for whom fit and finish are a matter of pride, not something to be dismissed. One thing about Duane and Mick, they've always said up front what their philosophy is -- ergonomics doesn't matter, cosmetic flaws don't matter, even on a $350+ knife. If we as consumers think those things do matter, we have to buy the right product, not blame the maker for delivering exactly what he said he would.
Another note here, probably more important, is that ignoring cosmetic defects (I'm addressing the stamping and tool mark issues, not the discolored tip, which may be more than cosmetic) is part of the Strider mystique, even for high-$ knives. If you don't buy into that philosophy, then maybe Striders aren't for you. There are plenty of custom makers who can make incredibly strong folders, that IMO will perform as well or better, and with handles that have better (for me, at least) ergonomics and security ... and for whom fit and finish are a matter of pride, not something to be dismissed. One thing about Duane and Mick, they've always said up front what their philosophy is -- ergonomics doesn't matter, cosmetic flaws don't matter, even on a $350+ knife. If we as consumers think those things do matter, we have to buy the right product, not blame the maker for delivering exactly what he said he would.