Considering The Strider SMF....

M

marauder220

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Nov 19, 2003
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The past week I've had this horrible urge to try out the Strider SMF model folder. I've owned the AR\GB and the SNG models, but the overall quality\finish was sketchy on all but one (an AR). Now, a friend of mine has an older SMF (pre-hinderer stabilizer) that is properly fit\finished, etc and is near perfect overall. The blade is centered, locks solid and is very smooth in
operation. Examining his makes me want one in the EDC rotation. I've checked the usual online dealers and found several in stock with the lock stabilizer. My question is to the current-generation SMF owners. Is the current production finished nicely, centered blades, good lockup, etc? Or were the older-generation pieces better off? Any and all opinions would be appreciated.
 
From the million and a half Strider discussions that you can find if you use the search function, the bottom line about Strider's folders seems to be that fit and finish will be variable. Some are perfect, some are really rough. Some have outright lockup and major quality issues, but if you get one like that you send it in and they'll make it what it should be at no cost to you. I think what most people do is they call a dealer, talk to someone who knows what they're doing when it comes to Strider's knives, and they specify "I'm ready to give you my CC number for a $400 SMF. I want a good one. Smooth, no play, solid lock, I want the stripes to look good and I want the nicest one you have in stock..."
 
One thing you have to understand about Strider is that they are not particular about certain fit & finish issues, such as blade centering and minor scuffs on the Ti. You can save some money and get what you want if you buy a first generation SMF on the secondary market and tune it up yourself. Polish the pivot area of the blade, washers, and detent race. Lube well and adjust the pivot tension to your liking. That's what I did and the result was a remarkable improvement in smoothness, less bladeplay, and better lock tension (I bent the bar inwards a bit more). The blade was less than 1mm off center, but that didn't matter to me.

If you can't get the results you want, send it back to the shop for some work.

Every SMF is capable of solid lockup, though not all are adjusted to maximize this. On some folders, the pivot tension that perfectly centers the blade makes it too stiff to open. With others you can get perfect centering, lockup, pivot tension, etc. at the same time. I haven't seen a real quality difference between Gen I and II. I've heard instances where a burr wasn't removed around the Hinderer and caused some issues, but this is rare and easily fixed.
 
Unfortunately this is the main issue people take with Strider's knives. "Gee, I just bought a $400 folder and the thing has problems, the blade isn't centered, etc etc..." In that price range there is heavy competition in the stout folder market. Really the only two types of complaints I hear about Strider are:
1) From people who don't own one and say "Gee, those things are overpriced..." and
2) From people who do own them and say "Gee, this knife is killer, but it's not perfect..."

A lot of these issues are minor things. Rather than letting stuff slip through the cracks on quality control, I think the Strider guys would be geniuses to clear up some of the inconsistencies and get past the quality issues. Why not make a sweet knife that is also mechanically more sound? Other companies do it, at the same price point, and it doesn't seem to be an issue, so Strider could probably save some hassles and garner a better rep with the new-to-their-knives market by improving on those issues. I personally have Strider SnG or PT toward the top of my must-have list, but I would be a lot more comfortable about it if I knew they were listening to people's grumblings and making changes in the QC realm.
 
I have personally owned 3 different SMF's. One Gen.2 and 2 Gen. 1. The Gen. 2 model seems to be a little better fitted and smoother action. I think you might be surprised by how good/consistent the Strider Crew's knives are these days! Call a reputable dealer like Blue Line Gear or TAD and they can hook you up. You won't be sorry! :)
 
One thing you have to understand about internet discussion forums is that any 12 year old can log on with a mall-nina name and bash anyones product. I have never known anyone that had "lock-up" or "operating" issues with Strider knives. I own four of them and they are worth every penny. Just my .02:)
 
Just to add my $AUS0.02 worth as well ...

I just recently got a new SnG. The only quality "issue" I had with it is that the blade is 1 mm or less off centre when closed. This is such a small issue to me that it's hardly even worth mentioning it. In all other respects I'm perfectly happy with it. It opened smoothly enough out of the box but even better after a small drop of lube. Locks solidly with no blade play at all and the clip is tight. My only complaint is that I couldn't get a left handed one.

Perhaps the Strider boys have been paying a bit of attention to QC issues lately.
 
I had an SNG and have an AR. The SNG was great just too small for what I had expected...my problem not theirs. I had to sell it for certain reasons, but I replaced it about six months later with an AR. It had some bladeplay but due to living in the customs hungry Canada I choose to fix it myself. Mr. Strider said to send it in and he would fix it but I asked for some help instead and worked out the kinks. That was my choice not to risk having Customs nab it on the way back to me. I have no qualms with the strider guys and their service is just as good as any others.
I honestly can't believe the back and forth that goes on regarding Strider. All I know is I am happy with mine. I would have more if I could afford them and was not horribly addicted to Spyderco!!!! Take Care!!!
 
I bought an SnG that I received last Friday from Texas Tactical Supply. I was expecting some minor problems after all I had read. Well, when I got the knife the blade was centered, action smooth, and lockup tight! No blemishes, scratches, or other marks. I posted in another forum and from what I've read it seems the knives rolling out of Strider lately are pretty much perfect. :D I couldn't be happier.
 
I've called around a few places today and found several that sound to be what I want. I generally like larger folders and the SMF is one I haven't tried out yet. I liked the size of the AR, but it was too "blocky" in the handle for me. The SNG just didn't feel quite right to me, but in handling my friend's SMF, it feels just right.

Chiro,
I did a variety of searching and came up with an overwhelming amount of information. I've been paging through it and have yet to cover even half. Since what I'll probably end up getting is a 2nd gen SMF, I'm more so concerned with the quality of the current ones leaving the shop. I would buy my friend's in a second, but he's not interested. This time around I just want to

Yester,
I had some personal fit issues with the AR's, but the SNG I purchased didn't lock up properly all the time. Plus the blade was way off-centered, to the point of rubbing the handle at times. The lockup seemed to get better with use, but it had to be opened hard. I sold it off locally and last I heard Strider fixed it right up. I do appreciate that their warranty and service takes quick care of things. I have a few of their fixed blades and have no complaints there overall anymore.

Thanks for the input all, some of what I've found today does point out that a good deal of the 2nd gen SMF's are nicely done and should be exactly what I want. I appreciate everyone's input.
 
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