Am I wrong to give Strider another chance?

Barrabas

Barrabas

Joined
Feb 8, 2005
Messages
1,135
Hi All,

I've had a few issues in the past with Strider that I won't get into, and because of that, have told myself, and made comments that I would not give them another opportunity anytime in the near future,..but it's been a few years since then..are my apprehensions still warranted, or should I give them another shot?
It could've been that I just had a bad few situations, and considering all the do-overs I've been given in life..maybe it's time I did the same with Strider.

Right now, currently considering a trade for one, I just love the ergos on them, but is it worth it to try again?
Please don't throw your .02 on this unless you own or have owned their knives..I need perspectives on how they are doing now on warranty work and quality on their newer designed folders in the past few years.

I really want to take the plunge again, just wondering if I should give them a little more time, first.
I'm willing to let the past die, but want to make sure I'm not just being overly zealous just because I love their ergos.
I do plan on using it hard.

Would really appreciate a refresher on their warranty coverage as well..used to be it covered the knife, regardless of whether someone was original owner or not, is that still the case?

Thanks for your informed perspectives.
 
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Strider has recently greatly improved their F&F and also lock geometry. I sold all 3 of my old SMFs, but like you I am about to venture into Striders again.


As far as their warranty is concerned, it's the best in the business. If you break it, they will fix it no questions asked as long as you haven't fundamentally altered the knife.
 
My ghost stripe SnG is probably the nicest knife that I own. Yes I own/have owned plenty of other $400+ knives. I've never personally had to use their warranty but from what I understand it can't be beat.
 
I had trouble with my first Strider. It was a standard SNG, and I sent it to the spa to fix the lock-rock. Had a fairly long turn-around time (like a month, maybe?), but they responded to all of my inquiries about it while there. It had the old lock geometry, and I ended up trading it after it returned from the shop.

Soon after trading it, I had an itch for another. These are my current Strider folders, and they're about perfect. The one in the back is an SMF. Both have the new lock geometry, and both lock up perfectly. The SNG is PVD coated, and is badass. My only real complaint is the edge geometry. It just pisses me off that they have to do weird shit with the cutting edge. Razor sharp out of the bag, but it takes some time to learn to sharpen them correctly.

In short, I'd say go for it. There will always be Strider fanboys who you can trade with if you're dissapointed.


 
Barrabas said:
It could've been that I just had a bad few situations, and considering all the do-overs I've been given in life..maybe it's time I did the same...
Click to expand...
Please. That kind of feel good, forgiving attitude in this thread will not /can not be tolerated. Second chances are for the weak and pathetic.

Note to self...always be perfect.

Please carry on...
 
when buying a strider...how would you know if it was new or old?
they don't come with a born on date
 
I own two Striders, a PT and an SNG. About 2010 or so vintage. They're nice knives, not great slicers but nicely balanced and tough. Workmanship on both is good. About as good as a ZT. I've never had a warranty issue with Strider, so I can't speak to that.

I'm sure someone will chime in shortly with "get a CRK instead", so I won't bother with that. :)
 
I think strider makes a hell of a folder, their fixed blades could use some revamping in the jimping, I personally am a huge fan of snodys jimping
 
I seeing nothing wrong with giving a business some of my cash if they have improved their F&F, processes, and customer service. Some actions though are way past the chance of a "new beginning".
 
Hey, in the end, how zealous or forgiving one wants to be is up to each individual.

What do you think is right? Do that.
 
I have four with the old geometry, three SMF's and one SNG. Three have been back for the larger stop stud (one before I bought it) and have been really perfect since then. One will probably never need it since it's at 10% lock up now and won't be into the radius for a LONG time. I hate it when I have to send them in but the bottom line is it is almost 100% only one time that they need the lock rock fix as far as typical knife lives go. I have never purchased a new one at any time. The other F&F elements are all spot on! Dead centered blades, fantastic opening action, no funny fitting problems, no gaps and I really like those big, thick blades while the weight and balance are so nice, even on the SMF.

They are just a really well built knife that costs a good bit more than your typical high end production knife from the big boys. That part, to me, is the only thing to consider when trying to decide to buy one or not. Especially with the new lock geo. I'm sure SKI would LOVE to stop fixing lock rock all the time or at least reduce that by a good amount and perhaps they may have found that answer. I actually see a lot of makers and MFG's using a similar lock geometry now so it seems this has become a new industry standard to work from and tweak.


Each time I used their repair service, it was about 2 weeks from Reno to fixed and back to Reno. I'd prefer not to to spend $15 on return shipping each time but the knives I have are so nice after the lock fix that I'll do it without hesitation because as I stated, it only takes one repair from Strider from my personal experience. They come back really well done and it's almost impossible to know they had the repair unless you know what to look for, closely.

I bought mine all LNIB or lightly carried from the exhange. I chose to do that in my early Strider days because I had more info about each knife than you get on a dealer web page. Because of that I have never had a Strider that had any issue except the well documented lock rock with the old lockup geomtery. I even bought one with the lock rock diclosed, sent it in and it came back perfect but I paid a VERY low price for her and she was all but new :D Had her back in 2 weeks good as new!

As far as I'm concerned, they are all some of the best knives I have ever owned. Not THE best (Thomas, some of your knives are right up there at the top of the heap, my friend :D) but some of them for sure and I don't ever plan on being without a Strider or more.

Also, I'm on record here of stating I am a Navy veteran and was a Cracker Jack the entire time I served but in the case of the "other issue", I choose to buy the knives, not the owner or the controversy.

As long as their repair service is as good as it is today, I'm good. It's like choosing paper at the supermarket. The tree that helped make that paper sack is already dead. In this case, these knives are really good and they were already manufactured and ready for market before I got them.

But you'll have to decide. I can't do it for you :)
 
The tang grind will have a slight radius while the new ones have a nearly straight angle where the lock bar makes contact

jmsodpc said:
when buying a strider...how would you know if it was new or old?
they don't come with a born on date
Click to expand...
 
They're not the only knife maker in the world. Why not give another maker a try? Plus, forgiveness is for people, not inanimate companies.
 
Well, it's never a bad thing to give someone a second chance or you could grab one of the ZT 0560/61's or a 0550 for a whole lot less and see if they do they fit the bill for you...if not give Strider another try.
Best of luck!
 
Thanks all for the feedback & suggestions.
KLJ..I may take your advice at some point on the ZT..had not closely considered that as an alternative.
For now though, I'll re-acquaint myself with the Manix..maybe I'll get my G10 fix from it, and stick with the sebbie for EDC..
Reeek, again, Sir..you are the man.

Love this forum :thumbup:
 
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