Here's the conclusion of the journey that started nearly two months ago when I posted Rolex John's review here.
I was lucky enough to be able to try models from each of the Big Three knife makers -- Strider's SNG, Chris Reeve's Umnumzaan and Hinderer's XM.
Here are my findings:
The Strider SNG is one of the sexiest folders on the market. I can't imagine a knife nut who wouldn't want it or one of its stablemates.
I tried two of the latest SNGs, with the new improved lock. Each had the same defect: while the lock opened reasonably smoothly for a folder of this size, closing it was another story. I lost skin, part of my thumb nail and partial use of my thumb for nearly a week.
I asked Strider for help and never received a response.
I also had lock issues with a Strider SJ-75 Baby Huey I had previously praised on this forum. It, too, had the latest lock.
Out of the box, the Baby Huey opened and closed as smoothly as you could wish for. Within weeks, it was off-center, difficult to disengage and needed constant adjustment. Sadly, this left me without confidence in the Strider locks.
A dealer told me that "Striders are different" and I accept that. Apparently, they aren't for me. YMMV.
I've had excellent luck with all my Chris Reeve folders and looked forward to trying the highly regarded Umnumzaan. I was lucky to find the StarTac version in stock at Wilson Combat.
No sooner had it arrived when CRK came out with a version with a new pivot. Controversy is still raging on the CRK site over whether the old or current version is better. The old version requires a proprietary tool to adjust the pivot; the new doesn't.
I didn't like the idea of having to buy a proprietary tool and exchanged my Zaan for one with the new pivot.
(According to CRK, the new Umnumzaans and the forthcoming Model 25 use a standard 1/8ths Allen wrench for the pivot and a 5/64ths wrench for the rest of the screws.)
To me, the new Zaan has a cleaner look. Like my other Reeve models, it opens and closes smoothly, the detent is perfect and the lock is 100 percent reliable. The Zaan feels like it will not fail you.
Communication with CRK is effortless; the company responds quickly to questions and follow-ups. This is the important second step in building customer confidence, after producing a trouble-free knife. Viewed in this light, the hefty $425 price seems almost reasonable.
As noted throughout this thread, Hinderers are harder to come by and prices for non military or first responder customers approach $1k. By any standard, that's a lot for any production knife.
I went for the 3-inch XM model, which seem plentiful right now -- if you are willing to pay a dealer $885.
With such pricing, it's difficult to put the Hinderer in context with SNG and Zaan. Unlike the Strider, there were no issues of any kind. The flipper and studs work perfectly. And as smooth as my Zaan is, the Hinderer is at least as smooth.
The little Hinderer is the perfect size and weight for my hand or pocket-EDCing.
I earlier remarked that we would have to be on crack to pay such inflated prices for a production model available to other customers for $385. Even so, I bought a second XM from a dealer for $650.
I still can't decide whether I got a bargain or got fleeced a second time.
Finally, here's how I rank the three folders:
Without regard to price, the small Hinderer XM is my favorite. That's based solely upon aesthetics and personal preference.
With price as a consideration, the CRK Umnumzaan is a clear winner. In materials, manufacture, design and customer support, it is second to none and this well-made folder easily ties for first-place.
Based upon reliability, customer service from the manufacturer and my own experience, the Strider SNG doesn't finish the race. Strider fans will have different opinions and I respect their views. Again, YMMV.
Thanks to all who commented and a special thanks to Rolex John for the review that got me to try these three folders.
