Darrel Ralph ~ Gun Hammer Or Strider ~ Rc(fng)

M

Mindsink

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Mar 19, 2006
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I really like Darrel Ralph’s and Striders work very much. I have been looking for a solid EDC folder for a while now. I have narrowed my personal likes to these two knives and would like to hear your opinions. Which knife would you rather own and choosing both is not an option. Gun Hammer or RC(FNG)? Both of these knives in my opinion are serious knives geared towards tactical (fighter) application. Which is designed better, will do a better job for this type of use?
 
If heavy duty is what you're looking for I'd say Strider.
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I am not sure a thicker blade grind equates to "heavy duty".
The GunHammer is a VERY strong frame lock. I would imagine it would meet or exceed the lock strength of any Strider folder I ever handled or owned.

I really like the look of the FNG, but on a really heard use knife I would prefer a knife with a flipper like the GunHammer. If the lock does ever fail, the flipper will offer a bit of finger protection.
 
DDR Gunhammer, hands down.
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Can you really say hands down? I see these two knives as neck and neck and this is why it is so hard for me to choose. I am not a specialist so I guess im looking for a highly experienced technical answer.
 
I second Anthony Lombardo. The GunHammer is superior just for having a flipper. And the IKBS pivot puts it an another class, entirely: the high-performance folder custom-made folder.
 
Striders are excellent knives. I have a SMF nightmare ground drop point and it is an amazing cutter. I wouid personally choose an SMF droppoint blade. Out of the options you gave I would say the DDR since I am not a fan of recurve blades. Please ignore people that say stuff like the above post "striders are pry bars, strong don't have to be overbuilt" as this is just ignorance. I wouldn't say hands down DDR either, both are very capable knives I guess it just depends on which knife will better suit what your intended use. I am not a huge flipper fanatic either. I would say get a SMF.
 
I would go for the RC-J. These folders are tough and will hold up to anything.

The Gun Hammer is a great folder though...it is hard to beat IKBS.
 
My preference would be the Gunhammer. I like flippers so that's part of it, but even if it didn't have a flipper it would still open like a dream if you got the IKBS model. You can also go for the option of assisted opening if that's your thing. When I got a chance to handle a Gunhammer I was extremely impressed. I like it's look and design better than the Strider. I don't detract from the Strider at all, but I like the Gunhammer as a better combination of toughness and style.
 
I have both. I find the Gun Hammer quite a bit more suitable for everyday carry. Also, you would be able to get the Gun Hammer in the config you want. I have the MT. I will probably get a spear point for EDC; that blade style will be more versatile for my every day needs. Also, the blade finish Darrel puts on his knives will not get scratched up and marred by EDC. The RC is striped, of course; so, depending on the uses you push it through, you may scratch up your tiger striping. I never care much about that with my Striders, but you may.

BTW... I do like my RC ALOT!! It is as slim as the GH, but has a wider closed profile in the pocket, so it takes up more room. Also, you have no options with the RC. You get what Strider puts out; although that is part of the excitement of my Strider collecting, it may not be for you... I will point out, a fellow wallow wants to trade me his number for my number.... so I am not carrying mine to keep it mint for him.

Can't go wrong with either IMO, but I think the GH has a slight edge in the EDC dept due to it's smaller handle profile and the blade and inlay options and finish.

Mindsink said:
I really like Darrel Ralph’s and Striders work very much. I have been looking for a solid EDC folder for a while now. I have narrowed my personal likes to these two knives and would like to hear your opinions. Which knife would you rather own and choosing both is not an option. Gun Hammer or RC(FNG)? Both of these knives in my opinion are serious knives geared towards tactical (fighter) application. Which is designed better, will do a better job for this type of use?
Click to expand...
 
I'd probably take the Strider over the DDR. Its not because of anything the DDR lacks, to be sure. Its merely because, while they'll BOTH do what you want- and do it well- the Strider is more unique. I've handled the DDR and it was a VERY slick knife; had all the little things you'd expect- even Tritium in the handle! Its just not different enough from the RRF for me. I looked at it, and while I KNEW this was the tricked out custom, it was a bit underwhelming. The Strider has its own unique look and feel. That's just me though, and if I were to choose a high-end folder that I didn't own right now it'd be an RJ Martin Devastator.

Please let us know what you get! Oh, and as others have said, the straight Strider bashing tends to come from people who've no clue what they're saying, so don't let that get you down.
 
I've got a Gunhammer on order, so in about 6 months I can let you know how it is :D But I've owned many Striders and liked them all. The SMF is a heavy duty knife for sure. It's also a little cheaper and you could get one a lot quicker.
 
First off, there is no doubt about the capabilities of either knife. Both makers have a solid reputation for there quality and performance.

Having handled several Gunhammers and owning one myself and also handling an SMF I would go for the Gunhammer. The main reson for me, the grip is far more versatile. Withe the Gunhammer, I can take any grip, saber, hammer, reverse edge out, reverse edge up, reverse edge in tip down (pakal) and it fits the hand solidly and comfortably. The SMF doesn't offer that same versatility with the level of solid and confortable grip.
 
Have any of you tried the assisted opening knives he offers. I like the idea but my experience has been bad so far (of course, from knives no where near this caliber). I've had a Kershaw and Smith & Wesson folder. The Kershaw has lots of blade play. When you took the play out the assisted opening did not assist. I've had two Smith & Wessons break on me.

Again, like the idea, just wondering how well these things are working out for others.
 
not a fan of the assisted opener myself. I wish Onion would stop making the assisted openers and just go back to manual folders.
 
Daryl Ralph is the maker of the Gun Hammer not Ken Onion.Daryl makes the folder in AO and manuel.I'm not a fan of AO's also.
 
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