Hey all, I recently got the itch to buy another knife again. So now I'm doomed. I'm considering the Strider SnG, the XM-18, or the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum II T. What do you all think between those knives (or if you have any other suggestions of knives in that genre, I'm all ears). Thanks everyone!
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Everyone's opinion please...
- Thread starter MrPres
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Esav Benyamin
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They are all very good knives and none of them are inexpensive. What do you want them for, use or display? What kind of knives do you have now and what characteristics do you like?
The way your questions are worded, all you're going to get are what works for us, not necessarily for you.
The way your questions are worded, all you're going to get are what works for us, not necessarily for you.
Sorry if I was vague. Basically I just want a knife that is extremely strong and can stand up to abuse if it needs to. Not too bulky (like the AR), but not too small (like the paramilly), and like I said, something that can take whatever I throw at it. Right now, I have a Swamp Rat Rat Trap, and I like it alot, but I just want something beefier. More "tank like". Thanks for the replies everyone.
spyken
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Allen, have you handled an XM-18 before? just wondering why you would say the XM-18 isn't worth the asking price?
I personally would not hesitate to buy the XM-18 - Rick makes a damn good folder, is a damn nice guy and I wish he would work on mine quickly. I have one of his firetacs and it's worth every cent I paid.
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If you don't want bulky, take that Extrema Ratio Fulcrum out of your list. It's very strong and rugged, but the handle is a huge block of aluminum (grip feels slick, but it's secure) and the blade is 0.23" thick at its spine. With a saber flat ground blade, that means cutting isn't its strong point. If bulky doesn't matter, well, it still won't be the world's best cutter, but it's beefy like a Belgian double-muscled steer.
Yep, Rick makes a fine folder to be sure...no argument about that.
But IIRC the MSRP for the XM-18 is about $400.00 dollars, and that's too much IMO.
You can get a Spyderco Manix for about 1/2 that price.
And I can't see any advantage in performance or toughness that the XM-18 offers over the Manix.
When you get right down to it, I don't think ANY folder is worth $400.00 dollars...but hey, different strokes for different folks I guess.
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XM-18, hands down. I have a few Striders, handled the Extrema, and have a XM-18. I EDC the XM. Worth every penny and more. (to me) People will always disagree about price to performance, so go with what you like.
And indeed, a Manix is less than half the price of a XM (and a great knife also. I had one but traded it because it was too big/wide for carry), but I wouldn't compare the two. Different blade shapes, thickness', locks... The Manix is good slicer, where the XM blade is more heavy duty. (IMO) :thumbup:
And indeed, a Manix is less than half the price of a XM (and a great knife also. I had one but traded it because it was too big/wide for carry), but I wouldn't compare the two. Different blade shapes, thickness', locks... The Manix is good slicer, where the XM blade is more heavy duty. (IMO) :thumbup:
It depends upon your defintion of "CUSTOM".
I consider a custom folder to be a one-of-a-kind folder made specifically for me.
So, no, the XM-18 is not a true custom folder.
Maybe, but really, how "heavy duty" do you need or want in a folder with a 3.5" blade?
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Since Rick makes all parts for his knives including the screws, pivots, spacers, etc, I consider it a custom. As you said, depends on your definition of "custom"
I feel much better using my XM for the stuff I do around work, than I would with a Manix. I'm hesitant using thin pointed knives.
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Who said anything about blunt? 
The thicker spanto blade tip on the XM is better suited to what I may use it for at work, as is the tip on my SnG/SMF, whereas the thinner tip on the Manix (and most Spyderco knives) would be more more likely to get damaged/chipped/bent/snapped. Has nothing to do with sharpness or bluntness. The tip on my XM is razor sharp, but thicker than a Manix. That was the only point I was making.
Same goes for my Sebenza (small classic). It's one of my favorite carries outside of work, but the extremely fine/thin point is what keeps me from carrying during work. (most of the time, I edc it at work once in a while because it's a great knife.)
I personally choose to use a thicker tipped knife at work. Others may choose differently.
edit:spelling
The thicker spanto blade tip on the XM is better suited to what I may use it for at work, as is the tip on my SnG/SMF, whereas the thinner tip on the Manix (and most Spyderco knives) would be more more likely to get damaged/chipped/bent/snapped. Has nothing to do with sharpness or bluntness. The tip on my XM is razor sharp, but thicker than a Manix. That was the only point I was making.Same goes for my Sebenza (small classic). It's one of my favorite carries outside of work, but the extremely fine/thin point is what keeps me from carrying during work. (most of the time, I edc it at work once in a while because it's a great knife.)
I personally choose to use a thicker tipped knife at work. Others may choose differently.
edit:spelling
Of those you listed, I'd probably go for the XM-18. The SnG is too thin for me, personally, and the ER is a nice knife but has to be sent to Italy for any repairs.
As to thick vs. thin knives, I like my Devastator tanto. Thick tip for strength, and thin belly for slicing. Of course, its more than $400. While I can see (and have made) the argument for the Spyderco vs. Custom, in the end it comes down to how you want to spend your money. The Manix is a fine knife, but you probably don't need anything more than an Opinel for most cutting chores. Does that mean you overpaid for the Manix? No. Its just a matter of perspective.
I mean, I like to go hiking with a Mastersmith Hunter on my hip. I could use a Mora for all the stuff I do, and the Mora would pass with flying colors. I just PREFER to have the MS Hunter on me. I like knowing the person who made my knife, and I won't EVER try to nickel-and-dime someone down on thier handmade crafts.
As to thick vs. thin knives, I like my Devastator tanto. Thick tip for strength, and thin belly for slicing. Of course, its more than $400. While I can see (and have made) the argument for the Spyderco vs. Custom, in the end it comes down to how you want to spend your money. The Manix is a fine knife, but you probably don't need anything more than an Opinel for most cutting chores. Does that mean you overpaid for the Manix? No. Its just a matter of perspective.
I mean, I like to go hiking with a Mastersmith Hunter on my hip. I could use a Mora for all the stuff I do, and the Mora would pass with flying colors. I just PREFER to have the MS Hunter on me. I like knowing the person who made my knife, and I won't EVER try to nickel-and-dime someone down on thier handmade crafts.
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Of your choices the XM-18 hands down. I have one, and I have had Striders as well as a Manix (I have only handled Extrema Ratio). I still do not understand people comparing The Manix to an XM-18 but the XM-18 is the first folder that I have been totally happy with, and it cuts as well as any folder I have ever owned. I like the fact that the knife will outlast me. In the end it comes down to what makes you happy. I am happy with a super tough, flawless and quite sexy knife. Others prefer a more rugged tactical look with camo striping and go for the Strider knives either way you get a real performer. What ever you decide just don't fall in to the hype about who made the knife. I would not buy a piece of junk knife that will fall apart if I look at it cross eyed just because the maker is a great guy. Nor will I pass on a great knife just because the maker is a POS. Bill Gates never won any popularity contests with his employees but he sure makes money (Could you imagine anyone not investing with him because he is a jerk)
Esav Benyamin
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The XM-19 is probably the best buy of the three. It really is a custom, since Rick does all the work on it, and can modify the basic model for you. You do get a choice of handle slabs and he will provide extras if you need, say, a blaze orange for the woods and a black for the factory workfloor. It is definitely the most elegant, with the best fit & finish.
Depending on where you want to take the knife, the Strider and the Extrema Ratio will also hold up under the harshest conditions, and for a thick blade, the ER will take a very sharp edge.. It is also the only one of the three that I would use as a hammer.
Depending on where you want to take the knife, the Strider and the Extrema Ratio will also hold up under the harshest conditions, and for a thick blade, the ER will take a very sharp edge.. It is also the only one of the three that I would use as a hammer.
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For a contrary opinion, since you asked about the SnG, not the co-owner of the company, I have to say it is an awesome knife. It is virtually indestructable, but can be EDC.
It is the only folder I've ever found that I'd carry into the woods as my only knife and not feel naked.
It is the only folder I've ever found that I'd carry into the woods as my only knife and not feel naked.