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Drilling two holes in a Strider...
- Thread starter stevekolt
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I feel that same way, I'd probably buy a strider on the secondary market if it was a steal price (read around the $350 mark) but I'd be hard pressed paying new price on one...especially when there are a few custom makers who can send a one off to me around that price.
ssblood
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+1 700 dollars for a production knife with some hand fitting thrown in is ridiculous. The only way you will get one for 350 is from him directly. Cheapest dealer I'm aware of gets 400. One I know of charges 750.
As far as Strider, they are a very small operation. A lot of their production will never hit stores for the public. As far as minimum wage, like CRK said about his employees getting a fair wage, look at where Strider is located. A fair wage there would probably be well into the 30kish range. Add benefits and such that phone person ends up costing 100 SMFs a year. Figuring in mark up and such.
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Luckily I am able to separate my thoughts on the maker and my thoughts on the knife. While I may not agree totally with strider and hinderers business practices, I still love strider knives.
I think the SMF is one of the best looking knives I've ever seen, and as for the cost - that is purely subjective. If you want it bad enough, then price is barely a factor.
Like I said, luckily I can keep my thoughts on the maker/knife separate, something that many here cannot do it seems. Neither way is right or wrong, takes all kinds.
I think the SMF is one of the best looking knives I've ever seen, and as for the cost - that is purely subjective. If you want it bad enough, then price is barely a factor.
Like I said, luckily I can keep my thoughts on the maker/knife separate, something that many here cannot do it seems. Neither way is right or wrong, takes all kinds.
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good video!
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Apparently you aren't separating your thoughts on the maker and your thoughts on the knife.
That's like writing that you understand and may not agree with the two knifemakers but you only like your favorite. Sounds silly to me. If you had a long chat with Rick Hinderer about his knife sales you could understand what I posted above and why they're not for everyone. So I suppose we agree to disagree.
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I wasn't picking favorites. I didn't mention that I love XM-18s because I don't own one. Can't really say I love it if I don't own it. I'd love to own one, just can't find one that isn't marked up into the sky. I love SMFs and XM-18s the same, just don't own the latter.
It seems like you're being defensive to the comment I made. It wasn't directed at you, just FYI.
Also, I can't tell if you're questioning the truthfulness of the statement I made about talking to Rick for a while.
It seems like you're being defensive to the comment I made. It wasn't directed at you, just FYI.
Also, I can't tell if you're questioning the truthfulness of the statement I made about talking to Rick for a while.
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Well, unless Rick was at a show and dead tired or aggravated about something, it's hard to believe he would make anyone feel like a peon. He's a really down to earth knife maker and quick to discuss knives and to joke or have fun with. It doesn't sound like the same guy. Musta been a bad day.
There are dealers (you have to look for them and make some calls) who will sell you an XM-18 for $100 above cost - which is darn cheap for his folders - under $500. I saw 2 on the exchange in the past couple of weeks in the $500 - $600 range. I think one was only $520 and sold in seconds and the other was a bit higher and of course it sold quickly.
There are dealers (you have to look for them and make some calls) who will sell you an XM-18 for $100 above cost - which is darn cheap for his folders - under $500. I saw 2 on the exchange in the past couple of weeks in the $500 - $600 range. I think one was only $520 and sold in seconds and the other was a bit higher and of course it sold quickly.
ssblood
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If I couldn't seperate my thoughts and my personal experience with some companys customer service I'd throw my umnum in the creek. It still sits in my pocket everyday though, not letting anything else in there. I do miss the SMF at times, just easier to clean engine grease and such off titanium.I have spent a lot on Snap On tools, I know all about over paying. I also understand that sometimes you have to pay whatever they charge because their simply is no alternative. Fortunately when it comes to knives we always have alternatives.
I just bought a Nexiq Pocket IQ. Nexiq was bought by SnapOn. They make the only stand alone HD truck diagnostic tools that aren't OEM. No shopping around, pay the cost or get bent.
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Well, unless Rick was at a show and dead tired or aggravated about something, it's hard to believe he would make anyone feel like a peon. He's a really down to earth knife maker and quick to discuss knives and to joke or have fun with. It doesn't sound like the same guy. Musta been a bad day.
There are dealers (you have to look for them and make some calls) who will sell you an XM-18 for $100 above cost - which is darn cheap for his folders - under $500. I saw 2 on the exchange in the past couple of weeks in the $500 - $600 range. I think one was only $520 and sold in seconds and the other was a bit higher and of course it sold quickly.
It wasn't his demeanor that made me say that about peon civilians, it was his response when I asked him why I couldn't just buy a knife from him outright that bugged me. We talked and shot the shit for around 30 minutes before I ever even mentioned buying one of his knives. We laughed and joked, and he showed me the custom they were raffling off, talked about the steel flame guys that did the horse on the clip..... Then, I asked him about buying one of his knives.
He asked me if I was mil/leo, I said no of course, then he completely brushed me off and told me I would need to win the lottery. (his lottery)
It was the way he said it that bugged me, as if winning his lottery was the only way a lowly civvy would get one of his knives at his price. You can choose to not like what I am saying all you want, but it doesn't change the fact that he acted like that.
Then, the thing that bugged me the most was when he blatantly talked about taking an order from another USN member (that I know very well) that was there in front of me, that I know for a fact isn't mil/leo. It seems you have to know him from "way back" to be exclusive enough to buy his knives. My opinions aren't influenced by hearsay, this is my own personal experience.
ETA: This all happened within the first hour of blade show opening to VIPs. I was one of the first people to arrive at his booth.
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I'm sorry that happened man. It's that way though, you're right. Maybe you'll score one someday, out of the blue in a trade or an exchange ad.
It's no biggy, just wanted you to know that I don't take what I say lightly. Mr. Hinderer is still a great guy, I just didn't like the way he handled that situation. Maybe someday I'll get my often dreamed of XM-18 flipper, until then I gotta beat on my striders.
