Buck/Strider folder- a question on choosing...

[Crayola]

Hello all!

I have a question that for now is of academic nature, but it may help in a purchasing decision later on.

I wonder what criteria one should use when deciding between the tanto and the spear point version? I see the B/S as a hard use folder. I have heard stories of people using them to puncture all kinds of materials, pry frames, etc. My ASK is a great cutter, but not so hot at harder use (uncluding self defense.)

So I ask, where do you see the tanto shine over the spear, and vice versa? I think this is a great question to ask of this knife, since the tanto point is like no other.

Thanks all!

 

[AlphalphaPB]

I have the spearpoint but I wish I had bought the tanto point. The angular lines of the Buck-Strider really go well with the tanto, less so with the curve of the spearpoint. The grind also "looks better" on the tanto. Just my opinion of the looks.

In addition to the looks, I don't do much slicing with this knife, so the fact that the spearpoint has a belly doesn't really help. This is the sort of knife that you pound into things like a chisel, so I think that the tanto flats would help.

I just use a thinner-bladed AFCK for slicing and precision. On the rare occasions that I get to use the Buck-Strider, I smile like a madman. I'm looking forward to getting an SA, though I will also probably eventually get a DB/GB.

 

[christiaan]

I myself prefer the tanto version, use it as my EDC and extremely content with it. However, should my primary concern be cutting, and none of the hard-ass labours you describe, I would prefer the spearpoint. I feel I can get just a bit of a better edge on it, and the spear shape is preferable for mere cutting, in my opinion. Still, the tanto cuts well enough, it will shave my arm hair (test I commonly use to establish sharpness, looks silly for a week or so though), and it has the benefits of better resisting any unforseen challenges, such as prying etc.

Good luck.

Christiaan.