I want a Framelock! -- Strider vs. XM-18 vs. Sebenza???

they are all good knives, just depends on what ya want it for, the seb is gonna carry the easiest of the 3, the hinderer is probably the strongest, the SnG is a good compromise between the 2,
 
I've handled all 3.

If you can afford or find an XM-18 (altho' it's under $400 from Rick, the aftermarket is $475-$500), you should try it. It is built like a tank. Of course the down side is that the blade is just as thick as a Strider (SMF) for toughness...that sacrifices slicing ability a little. The edge is 30 included like a Spyderco, but is thicker than a Spyderco. On the other hand, Rick offers a lot of options...scales, blade / handle finish (blasted, satin, stonewashed)...flipper/non-flipper, spanto, tanto, droppoint. However, note that Rick no longer takes orders (IIRC) and you have to buy from dealers, shows or aftermarket....but you should check...

The Sebenza....at some point of time in your life, you'd want to try this. It's now $385, used to be priced more competitively at $325, which would make it a winner. The blade is thinner, but the convex edge isn't as sharp as v-grinds on Spydercos. However, the miracle that is the Sebenza is the tight tolerances and the bushing pivot system. It just works like a charm, you can't overtighten or undertighten...the blade is always centered, opening and closing is always a charm. The downside with the Sebenza is that the plain version is extremely plain (you may find that attractive)....I don't...after awhile.

The Strider (I would put both the SMF ($475) and the SNG ($400) in there for comparison) - well, forget about the fit and finish you can find on both the knives above. it isn't in the same league. It is also in beadblast finish only...so if you live in a high humidity area...you need to watch those rust spots very very carefully. However, it is built like a tank and is totally badass tough. YOu'd want to take this folder and abuse it (also prompted by the 'rough' fit and finish). It also has a damn good warranty (which is NOT matched by CRK, altho I believe Rick offers the same warranty even though it's not publicised as it is a custom knife).

Lastly, both Sebenza and Strider are what I deem as high end production knives, albeit involving a lot of hand-fitting etc whereas the XM-18 is pure custom. Even the screws, pivot etc is made in-house.
 
I've had striders and sebenza's and have admired the hinderer (but never owned one). I would suggest the sebenza for camp chores and office commando duties, over the strider for sure as it is thinner, and carries much nicer in the pocket.

That said, I wish I had a strider back when I was in the Army, that is one tough knife and would fit the bill nicely. I have since traded my striders off and only have sebs for the current civilian chores that I encounter.

I plan on getting an xm-18, but they are hard to find and draw prime $$$ when you do find one.
 
i think you will eventually end up getting all three of them like most of us. but try to get the xm-18 first, it is the hardest one to get. i think it's worth the extra price from dealers.
 
For office go Sebenza.
You could also order the smaller XM-18 (3" blade) with a nice handle color like red, grey, green, blue.
 
You CAN buy extra scales for the framelock XM-18. ( There is now a thinner, liner lock XM-18.)
 
I like the Seb, and the Strider.
Today I'm carrying the SNG.
Camped with both, and they both would meet your needs.
Seb is definitely less noticable in the office, & rides lower in the pocket, also easier to get out of your pocket.
Tiger stripes seem to catch attention :D

If your gonna pry with it - might like the flat grind on the Strider better.
But the tip is thicker on the Seb..

I constantly flip flop between them.

Between the 2, if you want a perfect one (Meaning F&F) upon delivery - get the Seb.

With the choil on the SNG, the blade is about a half inch shorter than the Seb - so just wanted you to be aware of that.

I have never had a Hinderer, but it seems to be the perfect compromise between them, and I have never heard of anyone saying they were dis-satisified.
From my Dealings with Rick - I can say only good about him - seems like a great guy.

Is the Hinderer or the Strider "Tougher" than the seb?
I don't see how that anything could be tougher than 2 slabs of Titanium - but that's just me.

It all comes down to preference & what your gonna do with it.

Be Well,

sp
 
Just got to say this, and I know you didn't include it in the post, but my RJ Martin framelock Devastator is absolutely an awesome knife. If the size is an issue (4.0" blade), then one of the framelock Havocs would line right up with the choices you have picked!

Just thought I would throw that in!!:D :D :D
 
i have handled all three and am currently saving my pennies. I would love to get a hinderer firetac but i dont think he is making them anymore or if he is they are scarce.

If i was buying one of the three you mentioned id probably get a sebenza and in the long run thats what ill probably get anyway. Id go with the xm-18 next (although again id take a firetac over any of the listed knives) and finally the strider last. I have no complaints against any of them but thats just my order of preference.

As far as advice for you the sebenza seems like the logical choice for and office/camp knife but the best thing is handle them all and go from there.
 
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