Hey SkagSig,
I just got a GB yesterday, and had never held a Strider before, either. I have mine in my hand right now and am torking on the blade as hard as I can, and it sure ain't moving! This thing is tighter than a nun's ****! They actually cut or grind the base of the knife ( where the blade meets the liner lock ) at an angle so it locks up real tight with NO play.
I have carried mine in the pocket of my jeans all day, and it was real comfy, plus the clip holds it tight, so it is really secure.
There is a good reason that The Strider is more expensive than the Buck version. It is totally worth it. Definitely don't worry about any blade play. Even if it were to move a little, from what everyone has told me, the Strider guys will make everything right for free. But it sure looks to me like they do everything right the first time around, This thing is built like a brick s**thouse. I love it.
-Dave