Help Deciding: Chris Reeve, Andre DeVilliers, Strider?

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xenogears

Joined
Apr 20, 2006
Messages
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I have been seriously considering purchasing a good folding knife that is around the $300 - $500 range. I had been really determined to get a CRK Sebenza with Micarta inlays in the beginning. There was plenty of information regarding the Sebenza here on the forums.

I recently came across DeVilliers' designs and saw that his Pathfinder was fairly popular here on the forums and the "Combat Consultant I" looks awesome too.
Strider knives are in the same price range as well.
The problem is that I know nothing about DeVilliers and Striders.

So, I am turning to forum members to maybe help me make the correct decision on which knife to purchase.
Anyone actually own or hear anything positive/negative about DeVilliers' knives? There are 4 models of the Pathfinder on Knifeart.com and I don't even know if there are any significant flaws or problems with any of the models.
Any stand out knives among DeVilliers and Striders?
Thank you!
 
It probably depends on what you want to use the knife for and what sort of appearance you prefer. Striders are pretty military in appearance, but the SnG is the toughest folder I've ever owned or handled. However, it is too 'scary' looking for the academic environment in which I work, so my EDC is a Strider PT. It is smaller and more normal looking, but still very sturdy. That said, if I could only have one folder it would be the SnG.
 
Thanks for the input XMP.
Yeah it always boils down to what it will be used for. I want it for EDC (I would say fairly moderate use: opening/cutting boxes, cutting wire, etc.) but I also want it to last if I need to put it through a beating.
To me, this is a big decision ($500 is a lot of money) so I want to try to get the best for the price range.

*Edit: I think I'm looking at purchasing either the CRK Large Classic Sebenza Micarta, DeVillier Pathfinder, or Strider SnG. Any other Pros or Cons?
 
I'm not familiar with DeVillier's work, so I can't say. A custom knife from a known maker is likely to be good.

Either the Sebenza or Strider will do fine. Consider watching our Exchange forums for a trade or sale on one of these, where you can save a bit on the cost. Since you will be carrying it anyway, you don't have to get one factory-fresh.
 
also might want to take a look at yuna knives-i see he has a "hard" in stock on his web page that looks awsome-

my hard2 will be done in a few weeks-i put a few pics in the gallery yesterday

devillers look real sweet,i have a strider pt -not the best fit&finish,hinderer 3''xm18 is just wonderful
 
I just happen to have a large Classic Sebenza, as well as a Strider SNG. Both are excellent knives.

1. Fit and finish is far better on the Sebenza.

2. Strider's heat treatment of S30V is better, IMHO.

3. Both locks, and both pivots are very strong.

4. Cutting efficiency of both are about the same.

5. You get more blade length out of the Sebenza, yet the finger choil on the SNG is very handy.

6. Grip is more secure on the SNG.

7. The only thing I positively hate about either knife is the sharpening choil on the SNG. It snags on everything.

8. Handle comfort is very relative to the user, but I personally find the Sebenza to be more comfortable.

9. The Sebenza, IMHO, is more comfortable in the pocket.

10. The SNG has the more secure pocket clip.


I hope this helps. Both knives are very good, but have different strengths and weaknesses. I don't have a DeVillier.
 
Buzzbait does a good job here. I had a problem with the sharpening choil on my SnG and altered my use: I quit slashing at stuff like shrink wrap and took a few seconds to purposefully guide the blade. It works, and looks responsible, too.

Of the three, take time to analyze what you want in a folder, as each is different - in fact, the Seb/SnG matchup is much more different than the same, detail for detail. About the only features similar are the ti framelock, and pocket clip, which are executed in different ways.

The SnG actually represents a utility - hunter pattern for close work, the Seb a general use - camp knife. The devil is in the details.
 
I think Buzzbait took the time to pretty much cover it.

Since I have had a few DeVillier's, I will chime in.

Andre makes a very fine knife. Hi liner locks are quite excellent and I would put him in the upper tier as far as fit and smoothness on the lock-up. Overall fit and finish are also very, very good. It is a much bigger piece of steel than the blade of either the SnG or the Sebenza, so that could be either a plus or minus for you.

If you want a nice looking knife that is rugged, I would go with the Pathfinder or the Sebenza. If you want a smaller knife, the SnG is the one here, although I have never liked the grip on the SnG (fat rear handle doesn't work for me).
 
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to lay out the details and facts.

If the blade on the Pathfinder is larger than the SnG and the Sebenza, then that may not be the knife for me. I want to be able to have something that fits well in the pocket also.
I'm probably going to end up getting the Sebenza because it seems to be a great all-around knife compared to the other two. The Sebenza must be an awesome knife since everyone is always talking about it.
 
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