First Strider (SnG DGG in PD-1)

Joined
Oct 23, 2011
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200
STRIDER

I can now see why people love them and why they hate them. The fit and finish on the knife is not up to par with any Chris Reeve, yet the Strider screams utilitarian. I consider my Rockstead, CKs, Shirogorov, etc. fine cutting tools that require attention to detail when performing a task. Akin to my Hinderer, the Strider SnG Dgg in PD-1 is a no-nonsense tool (although less refined) that I'd feel comfortable using under harsh conditions with questionable task. It's a beater that I will loose no sleep over despite its price.

The SnG's size (8.25") when juxtaposed to its weight (4.1oz) feels light in the hand. The DGG is extremely grippy and definitely won't be slipping out of anyone's pockets or hands. In fact, it probably won't ever come out of your pocket or rig once you put it in due to the strong pocket clip. :eek: This could be considered an attribute for those who engage in extremely active vocations and endeavors. Hence no accidental loss.

On the other hand, the lock is quite sticky out of the box. A little Pb (lead) on the tang and lock face tentatively addresses the issue, but I surmise that it will require a few more weeks before it completely smooths out; a la Emersons. Your fingertips will be in for a workout.

The PD-1 blade sharpness is mediocre from the factory. In contrast, a duller, more rounded-off edge on the thumb hole is needed in my opinion.

The finish on the G10 is superb. Some websites depict a tinge of glossiness to the finish when in actuality the G10 is definitely matte to the naked eye.

Initially the blade action is stiff. I've seen a myriad of videos displaying a smooth action that is flickable by the index finger. It gets smoother with usage therefore more break-in will likely alleviate this issue.

With light-medium force, you can make the blade touch the liners in the closed position. The blade is centered. To be fair, many other knives do this including a host of Spydercos (excluding the Southard), Hinderers, Emersons, etc. I don’t take off any points for this, but it’s just good to know for those who expect the solidity of a Sebenza or Shirogorov Mod95.

What makes the Strider knives unique is the double finger groove on the handle and choil. For my small hands, the thinner DGG handle works well.

The knife is rock-solid once the blade is fully engaged in the locked position. No blade play whatsoever. This was my chief concern and why I've held off for years before buying a Strider. If the lock remains uncompromised then I can recommend this knife to any collector or user.

I am happy to add the SnG to my collection of users.




 
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Those are nice knives you have there, but from my experience, I suspect that your Strider will DEMAND its own case.
As it should...
 
You used actual Lead? Does that actually work? I didn't think people used lead as a lube these days.

I believe he's referring to pencil "lead".It's actually graphite.You get a pencil & rub the tip on the lock face for sticky locks.It works quite well.
 
Nice- Congratz.
Strider has it's own niche. I love SnG.
The GG is darn slim.
 
I have owned both an SnG CC and DGG. DGG is slimmer. I LOVE my DGG SnG. Nice review and blades! Glad to see some Strider love. Now you need a fixed blade like an SA or DB!

My Striders:
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I wanted one of those PD-1 SNG's in a bad way but it just couldn't work out. I did get a Z wear SNG and it should perform fairly similarly due to the composition ( both powder steel versions of Vascowear/Cruwear). Good luck with yours. It should be one of the best hard use, pretty high wear steel/knife combos made IMO. Almost as tough as 3V ( also evolved from Vascowear/cruwear but the composition was changed to make it primarily vanadium carbides with no tungsten carbides like the original recipe). Tougher and more wear resistant than D2.

All around good stuff. Congratulations and nice choice.

Joe
 
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1378038998.049918.jpg
DGG and CC. The G10 looks noticably thicker at the edge, but is also lighter in weight due to less overall material. The orange is PD1. I carry it everyday.
 
Nice overview of the Strider. I had an SnG DGG for a while then traded it for a Ranger green CC model. Wish I could have both but I tend to fund the hobby with the hobby so it's usually one in-one out for expensive knives. I've kept my thoughts somewhat subdued about my experiences with Strider for several reasons but I will say that no other knives have grabbed me like the SnG. The CC I have is darn close to any Sebenza I've owned for smoothness, finish, lockup, etc.. Maybe I got a good one, but man is it good. The FFG CPM154 blade is a good slicer and of course robust. The lock is not sticky and yes the dual choils are extremely handy. The knife is light for its size and that's a nice plus. The knife looks like something that I could have been issued in the Corps with its subdued colors, matte hardware and overall utilitarian presence.
 
Most of the problems you are describing will be alleviated by breaking the knife in more, the break in period on Strider's is a real pain. The stickyness and stiffness for sure will go away after a while.
 
What does the LEGO grip stand for, or is it in reference to similar styling like Lego toys?
 
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