CRK or Strider

Swoop03

Swoop03

Joined
Dec 1, 2012
Messages
840
I'd like to step up in the knife world this year or early next year, I plan on saving a little bit of spare cash here and there for a high end knife.
I want a Strider SNG CC (the smaller one, i may have the wrong designation, i'm not entirely sure) and I also want a Large Sebenza 21, and a small one 21 but I want the large first.

I've been pondering about it the last few days, which should I get first? I like the looks of the CRK better, but the Striders have grown on me the past months, I'm not sure which I would like more. The Sebenza is more a traditional simple looking knife which I really like, but the Strider is a different design that you don't see anywhere else which really attracts me.

If I go with price the SNG is cheaper than the large 21 the places I shop at by a good amount, its priced about the same as a small 21 but I'm looking for a PM2 sized knife. Nothing terrible large, but big enough to handle any edc it'd ever encounter. I've carried a good bit of small knives and needed just little more blade to many times lol. Now I carry a large and a small.

Anyways, I'm rambling. I just thought I'd get some opinions because I'm nebby and want to know what yinz would prefer and why you prefer it wouldn't hurt either lol. Would you rather have a Chris Reeve or a Strider?

I think I'm set on the CRK, but only time will tell as to which I purchase first.
 
I had a large 21, traded it for a sng, couldn't be happier. Sound to me like you should get a crk. Sebenzas are so nice that I couldn't bring myself to get it dirty. The strider on the other hand just begs to get dirty...
 
Write them all down on separate pieces of paper and put them in a hat, and then go buy a CRK.
 
Go with the Sebenza. That said, I'm biased by still thinking the Strider folks are lying douches who don't deserve my business (I have to admit to actually liking the mall ninja styling of their products, though).
 
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I might be the only one but i like the strider better. Ive had a sebenza 25 but didnt care for it really. So I havent held a 21 or a sng. I have have an smf and love it. SO thats my two cents witch might be useless cause ive never owned either one of the knives you seek. But i dont think you can go wrong with either one both usa made and have great warranties.
 
I've had 2 large Sebenzas, a small Insingo, an Umnumzaan, an SmF cc, and an SnG dgg. I carried the SnG the most and longest. The large Sebenzas were okay. I really liked the small Insingo but wanted an SmF so I traded for one. The SmF is massive. To beefy of a knife for my edc use. Traded the SmF for an Umnumzaan. Once my thumb toughened up from unlocking it, it was perfect. Traded the Umnumzaan for a Grayman Dua and a Jim Burke production Rockstar. Traded those and the story goes on.
The past few months I've been carrying my old trusty D2 Paramilitary 1 again. There hasn't been a single day during use that I wished I had a CRK or Strider instead but I have to say the SnG was probably my favorite. 2nd, Umnumzaan.
 
I feel pretty unbiased here. I have all three and have had several of each. Since you mentioned wanting a longer blade it is important to know that the Sm Seb and SnG have the same length cutting edge (usable blade) at >3".

The major difference between the Seb n SnG is the Sebenza is an overall much higher quality product and the SnG is more tactile and as such, easier and more fun to manipulate.

Man I reeeeally like both knives... but honestly, for a first high end knife I would recommend a Sebenza. If i was to sell all my knives and keep one high end folder it would be without a doubt be a Lg Seb. The Seb really stands on its own in the knife world...the way it's built, the tolerances, the way it feels and the slim (but not too slim) carry, ect. Any claims that one is tougher than the other are unfounded (I personally believe, all aspects considered, the Sebs are tougher.) but I'm more comfortable banging up my SnG because "abuse" is a word unrecognized but it's warranty. Soooo it's kinda apples and oranges here so buy the one you like! Again, IMO:

Sebenza more gooder.
SnG more funner.
 
I'm sure if you search you'll find more than you care to about CRK vs Strider. I'm even sure you will find some comparing specifically the SnG. Aside from materials and a close price point they are very different.
 
I agree with Rycen, very different knives. I've owned two SnG knives and really liked them, but for my hand they just weren't very comfortable. Newer striders seem to have a little better fit and finish, but CRK reigns supreme in that department. I've also owned a few sebenzas and an umnumzaan and for me, the umnumzaan is the perfect knife. Sure wish I still had mine but that damn trading bug got the best of me.

Some people find the CRK too nice to actually use. That's silly, they are very tough knives and can handle most anything you can through at them. One small complaint about CRK though is that I wish they hardened their steel just a little more, but no big deal really.
 
I'm not being biased at all because I do like Striders.
But the Sebenza to me just seems to be more worth it.
I suggest getting the Large first.
 
For your large knife, I go with the one that came out with frame blocks first. I'd also look for an entirely titanium handle. If I was still tied, I go with the owner that had the most awards. My check list would be something like this

A.) date of first frame handled one

B.) totally titanium handle

C.) most awards

I realize this will take some exhaustive research on your part but I think after a few days of searching the net, using this criterion, you will be able to arrive at an intelligent decision. Please note,I don't want to influence your choice in any way. :)
 
I'll say the same thing here I tell everybody trying to decide between a Sebenza and a Strider: Get an Umnumzaan!

RevDevil knows what's up.
 
RevDevil said:
Buy an Umnumzaan
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I was looking at the sebenza and a strider as well, found the umnumzaan, I'm saving for it now! looks like you get the best of both worlds with it. Also thanks to Rev I know of a certain site that has lay away on knives you put 20% down I believe and then you have a few months to pay your knife off they support BF so I can say their name www.bladehq.com
 
Allen R. said:
I was looking at the sebenza and a strider as well, found the umnumzaan, I'm saving for it now! looks like you get the best of both worlds with it. Also thanks to Rev I know of a certain site that has lay away on knives you put 20% down I believe and then you have a few months to pay your knife off they support BF so I can say their name www.bladehq.com
Click to expand...
Good call Allen. I love the Umnumzaan, it was my first CRK shortly after they were released. I just love everything about the knife, I carry and use mine without hesitation.
 
evilgreg said:
Go with the Sebenza. That said, I'm biased by still thinking the Strider folks are lying douches who don't deserve my business
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I wasn't going to bring it up...but this^

I also like the Sebenza better than any folder made, and by a long shot. I prefer the pivot bushing of the 21 over the 25, or the Zaan. Also like the thinner blade stock(.125 vs .140) on the Regular, Classics, and 21's.
The simple handle design is hard to beat, and its one tough knife. My oldest(a 1999) has been through it, and now looks new again. They will reblast them for free, and have the best warranty in the business. Will last you a like time.
 
I agree with the Umnumzaan choice. I wanted a Lg Sebenza like nobodies business...an Umnumzaan came up for sale cheaper than a Sebenza so I bought it. I've never looked back...I ended up buying 2 Sebenzas...but the Umnumzaan still bests them imo. The SNG doesn't even rate in my book. My SMF is ok...but I still prefer the Umnumzaan. CRK has it all over striders...in overall quality...design and reputation. Bring on the naysayers! (oh yeah...if you take your CRK apart or clean it...your warranty is still valid.)
 
As far as I can tell your warranty's not void if you take a Stider apart.
 
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