Buck/Strider folder vs Real Strider Folder

J

JamesA

Joined
Jun 2, 2001
Messages
696
Hey folks,

I tried searching the archives, but primarily since the names of the strider folders (and most of the knives) are two letters long, it let make me search for them. If anybody knows any threads that answered this question, I'd appreciate it if you pointed them out.

Now, to the point...

I recently came into a pair of Buck/Strider Tantos. While I fully understand that, while they're good knives, they don't compare to real Strider folders... I'd like to know why. What makes a Strider tanto folder better than a Buck/Strider tanto folder?

I can't handle a Strider folder unless I acquire one... otherwise I'd be able to compare them myself. Instead I'm asking you guys.

So why's it better? What're you paying for? Obviously the warranty, obviously the time and skill of the makers, obviously the privilege of owning a handmade knife... but what else is better? Does it perform better? Stronger lock, stronger blade, etc?

In short... why is it worth it to toss out the extra cash?

Thanks,
James
 
Howdy.

I am pretty new to striders as well, but I do own a GB and have held a Buck version on occasion as well. It may not be like comparing apples to oranges, but there is a big difference. I asked myself that same question when I was waiting for my GB to arrive.
Here are some of the things I have found:

1. about the search, found that you CAN search for the two letter word GB by typing in the search field GB*- the * makes it three characters long, and you can search that way.

2. Look at a picture of them side to side. Notice the abscence of a choil on the Buck. The GB has a deep choil and finger groove on the handle. With a folder this big, it comes in handy, because you can "choke up" on the blade to get more control if cutting small objects.

3. Nothing against Buck, they are a fine knife maker, but out of the 3 Buck/Striders I have played with, 2of them had noticeable blade play. The Real Deal does not. It is rock solid.

4. I am sure Buck has a warrantee of some sort, but the Strider guaratee is the bes in the industry, I amm sure, lifetime long. (I cannot possile see how you could break one unless you were tying VERY hard.

5. The Strider is hand-made, and the makers take pride in what they produce. The fit/finish is awesome.

6. The hardwear they use is WAY stronger than the Buck vesion (pivot pin, blade stop, bushings etc...)

7. The thumb grip 'serrations' on the spine of the blade and handle are deep grooves that really give you gription (is that a word?)

That's all I can really think of, but it is enough for me. It is simply an awesome, buff-assed tool! Plus, I was at the local sporing goods store today, and a guy was asking the clerk which of the Benchmades were the "strongest" folders. I showed the clerk and the guy my GB, and a bunch of other guys came over to have a peek. One guy said to another guy "oh, that's the new Buck" "I replied "No, this is a Strider" about 40 minutes later, I was finally able to get them to give the damn thing back! There is a certain "pride of ownership having the real deal.

Mick and Duane, I hope you don't mind my posting this, you guys obviously kno more than anyone the diferences :)

-Dave
 
Thanks for the reply, Iverson. You've given me something to think about. Hoping to get a couple more opinions/comparisons as well, if anyone else out there feels like responding.

One other question, for those reading: I just noticed that the Buck/Strider, if I'm remembering my numbers correctly, is something like 4 ounces lighter than a GB. Where in the world is all this extra weight coming from?

Thanks again,
JamesA
 
James,

Don't quote me on this, but I think the liner on the Strider is quite a bit thicker. I just measued mine and they are 2.5 mm thick.

And please, don't get m wrong. I think the Buck/Strider is a GREAT knife. I plan on buying one myself, in spearpoint, because I want to buy more fixed blade Striders brefore I buy an AR... who knows, I may change my mind. The Buck has got to b good, as the guys who make the Strider sheaths, SOE, have them listed as their knife of choice.



-Dave
 
Dave,

Okay, that would make sense -- on the B/S (that's an unfortunate acronym) I've got in my hand, they're 2 millimeters. Can't see that being four ounces more, but it's at least part of it. I imagien the blade might be a bit thicker too, and it definitely looks wider...

And oh, yeah, I know it's a great knfie -- I've got one in my hand. I can't see it breaking, ever -- it's the toughest, most rock solid feeling knife I've ever held -- the only two that even came REMOTELY close were the Sebenza and the SERE 2K, and this one feels and looks, to me, tougher by quite a margin.

Which is why I couldn't figure out how you could possibly improve on it, let alone improve on it enough to more than double the cost. Again -- I'm not complaining, not flaming, just trying to figure out if it'd be worth selling off a couple of knives (or desperately trying to trade off the same) to try and work towards a GB...

James
 
James,

I wish I could hand you mine, so you could see it in person. Honesly, without handlin one, I can see where it woul be hard to think about spending double the $$$. But when you open it and feel the smothness, it just feels different.

The blad width on mine is 5 mm, The hrdwear probably has something to do with it, too. I think the brass (or bronze) fittings are more dense than Stainless Steel.
 
The Buck Strider is a big folder, not doubt about it and if you get your hands on one with good lock up, it's a great knife. Very heavy duty. The AR and GB are even bigger knives. The blades are wider, the handles are a bit thicker, and so is the hardware. If you like a big knife, the Buck Strider is a great choice. The AR and GB, I think you will like even better for the reasons already mentioned and the fact that they are the hardest use folders out there. I can't think of any other folder that is as tough, by virture of it's size and construction that can compare. There are a few tough folders out there, but the AR and GB are at the top.
 
While I cant address the differences, as I dont own either, I can tell ya for a fact that there is just something about owning the real deal instead of a factory collaboration. If you ever sell it the real one will more than hold its original value as well. I just dont go for factory collaborations that much, when you can actually get the real thing. Good luck.:)
 
When I knew I was days away from getting my AR, I tried hard to anticipate it's robustness from reading what all AR/GB owners had to say. Put it this way, even my largest assumption seemed small when I finally had it in my hand. It's almost hard to believe it is a folder. I looks and feels more like a fixed blade that had suddenly become foldable. Trust me, it's like no folder you've handled before.

Shelby
 
I've been thinking about getting one myself, then when I have the funds set aside it usually goes toward a Strider fixed blade instead. I think one of the reasons I haven't gotten one yet is because I own a Buck Strider. That knife is tough enough for me. I'm sure the real deal is a MUCH better knife, but the Buck is tough enough for me now. What I'm saying is, that until I break or need to replace the Buck, I'll probably hold off on the Strider.

Quick analogy:

Strider folder= HUMVEE

Buck/Strider folder= Jeep Cherokee
 
Strider AR smells better:D :eek: :D . It's got that scent that you just can't resist.

Honestly, both are great knives. The real difference is that one is a produciton folder and the other is not. One is biger and better constructed. One has a kick a$$ warantee. To me that justifies the price difference.

If you are trying to decide to get the AR and you want the toughest folder there is, get it. If you don't like it (doubtful) you can easily sell it.

S.
 
I just got my first Buck Strider, and I am very impressed. It is bomb-proof: no blade play, tight lock up, tight liner lock, positive thumb release, a blade that can be sharpened easily, and the pocket clip is very tight.

My main criticism is that the edge of the G2 handles are sharp. When clipped into my jeans they abrade and are starting to cut my jeans. I am thinking of sanding off the edge just a little bit, to round it somewhat.

In addition, it is a wide knife. I am used to carrying a slimmer knife, and so this is noticable when loose in the bottom of my pocket - it feels bulky. The most convenient way to carry it is in the pouch. Also, Buck Strider made a great knife, but the pouch should be as well thought-out. It not that it is flimsy, it just could be better.

TerryL
 
Originally posted by TerryL
My main criticism is that the edge of the G2 handles are sharp. When clipped into my jeans they abrade and are starting to cut my jeans. I am thinking of sanding off the edge just a little bit, to round it somewhat.
Click to expand...

Yeah, apparently that's a regular criticism -- I'm not seeing it on mine. At all. For that matter, just considering the shape of the handle, I really don't understand how it could cut my jeans -- it's pretty much completely a flat surface touching them.

Have no idea why I don't have those troubles, but I'm glad I don't.

In addition, it is a wide knife. I am used to carrying a slimmer knife, and so this is noticable when loose in the bottom of my pocket - it feels bulky. The most convenient way to carry it is in the pouch. Also, Buck Strider made a great knife, but the pouch should be as well thought-out. It not that it is flimsy, it just could be better.

TerryL
Click to expand...

Pouch? Not that it matters to me, since (A) I'm probably not keeping the knife, and (b) even if I was, I wouldn't use it -- but what is this "pouch" to which you refer?

Thanks,
James
 
Just a side note.., and not a comment to criticize either knife. I have handled both knives. Both seem extremely strong and seem to work just fine for large folders.

For me.., the Buck Strider is about as big a folding knife as I'd ever consider carrying, but still a little bulky for my taste in a pocket-carry folder.

What I wanted to ask.., was the opinion of some guys that carry either of these daily, but particulary the custom version by Strider.
For me personally.., if I felt like I needed a knife of that size, weight, and strength on a daily basis, I'd only be thinking about a fixed blade..., but I'd love to hear the reasons people have for opting for a folder with so much bulk.., and some of the applications this knife would excel in.

Thanks :)


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Exam...


Speaking only for myself, of course... I do a lot of fishing/hiking etc. near my home. Not that I consider myself PC at all, but I try not to offend/scare the sheeple in my area. If I were out on the trails around here with a large fixed blade military-looking knife, the morons here would notify the local authorities. (I have had it happen) Not that I am doing anything illegal by carrying, but it is still a pain... I now have a MT, and will carry it hunting, but the GB is cool because I have a serious user knife/defensive tool at my disposal at any time, and it goes un-noticed by others. In don't wear clothing that would work well for concealing even a modestly sized fixed blade. That's my reason.

-Dave
 
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