Buck/Strider Spearpoint or Tops Thunderhawk?

AKADave

AKADave

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Joined
Jun 21, 2002
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152
I want a basher folder for cutting everything I can think of. Cardboard, aluminum, fiberglass etc. I have a CQC7 (original) that needs repair and I would like a replacement that is even tougher. I like the idea of the Tanto bladed Buck/Strider but I want more cutting than stabbing, can the spearpoint take tip abuse well?

Dave
 
Spear points are very strong. I owned the Buck Strider tanto and if I had waited until the spear point came along, I might still own it. I can recommend the Buck on build quality. It was built like the proverbial tank. Mine had a very small amount of blade play that I was not able to get rid of.

I have no experience with TOPS knives so I can't help you there.
 
I've been real happy with a Buck/Strider spearpoint so far (two months). The tip is very sturdy and should be able to take substantial abuse:( . I find the spearpoint/drop point a lot more useful than the tanto blade, for all-round chores.
 
I have the first production run Buck Strider Tanto, it's a great knife. The tanto tip is built very wide so it is pretty much only a tip with very little edge. The spear point would be much more "user friendly".

I do not have a TOPS Thunderhawk, however, I did have a TOPS 711. The full size folder with the tanto blade. I was OVER built. But it weight about twice as much as the Buck Strider and it had no pocket clip, and was fairly stiff to open so I traded it off. Tops makes another version the 747 which is a spear point, again a very BIG stout knife.

Both knives you've mentioned are built really well. I think it would come down to appearance and handle design. I like the aggressive g-10 on the Buck Stider. However, I find the handle to be kinda square which I don't like. I like the size of the full size TOPS, and I like the appearance of the Thunder Hawk and the Thunder Hawk has a pocket clip :)
 
I did get a chance to look closely at the Buck/Strider Tanto. I was very impressed actually. The chisel edge on the point of the Tanto makes good sense really. I would think you could drive that blade through a steel door without ruining the blade! I love G10 also, it has taken everything I can throw at it on other knives I have and still look and feel good. While agressive and boxy the frame is...well easy to get a grip on regardless of the potential for pain..lol! I have read the reviews of the Buck/Strider and they do comment on the liner lock being a weak link and the play in the blade was mentioned too.

Im not sure I would like the aluminum frame of the Thunderhawk. I have had bad luck with aluminum framed knives (ie. Boker TopLock). I think I may give the Buck/Strider a go, any ideas where the best price can be had?

Thanks

Dave
 
I have a Commander and the liner lock on it is much more thinner than either the Buck Strider or the TOPS. It is my understanding that you are replacing your CQC7, so I think either knife will serve you well. The aggressive g-10 on the Buck is great for a strong grip. I don't have any blade play with my B/S and I trust the liner lock. It is one of the "smoothest" opening knives I own.

Not to change your mind or anything, but I just got a Benchmade AFCK Axis lock and it is owsome. The Axis lock is a much more solid lock in my opinion and the handle is very comfortable. Plus it's D-2 steel:) If you don't like the thumb oval, check out the Bechmade McHenry Williams it has a thumb stud. The Axis lock offers a solid lock up and great reliabilty.

If you like big, check out the Camillus Maxx. It also is D2 steel and has a wide frame lock for a very solid lock up :eek:
Forgot: EBay has a Buck Strider for by it now $118.00
Check out knifecenter.com or knifeoutlet.com
 
I highly recommend the Buck/Strider. I have the large Buck/Strider tanto. It's too bulky to carry for a EDC. You might want to get the mini Buck/Strider for EDC. The lock up on my Buck/Strider is rock solid and it will survive almost all the abuse you can throw at it. For an EDC I am considering an Emerson CQC7B wave which is not as tough but can be carried more discretly.
 
Get the Buck/Strider spearpoint, either size. I have a large, and I doubt that anything that I do will ever mess it up. The blade runs full width almost to the tip. very strong, and for myself no problems on the lockup of the three that I have/ have had.
 
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