Is the AR worth THAT much more than the Buck version?

S

SpyderJon

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Jan 27, 2002
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Howdy! I'm not trying to start any flame wars here, but I just gotta know. The BS is a tough knife I know, but is the Strider AR REALLY that much more knife or just a bigger knife?

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Simple answer: Yes

Long answer: It has better ergonomics, there is more hand work done on it, better materials, and if possible, a better warranty.
 
mschwoeb said:
Simple answer: Yes

Long answer: It has better ergonomics, there is more hand work done on it, better materials, and if possible, a better warranty.
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I agree and speak as a former owner of the BS Tanto and Spearpoint and an AR and GB.

That said, the BS knives are superb and worth more than their current market price. Buck service is great. The Buck-Striders came out before the AR and GB and when Strider did their own they decided to add a few extra ounces of "wow factor". If you really like the BS version you should save up for a used AR (seen them as low as $ 250).
 
I agree 100%, the Strider version is worth the extra money. I owned a Buck/Strider tanto and a Strider AR. There was no comparision really, the Strider version is better in many important ways. Tne most important really being ergonomics, the AR is comfortable in the hand, nice rounded smooth where it needs to be. The Buck version is very boxy and rough, not so comfortable to hold, especially under hard use.
 
While the Buck versions are a decent knife for the money, they are not in the same league as the real thing. Things like much better lockup and lock execution, heat hardened lock bar faces to resist lockface wear, oversize hardened pivot screws, are some of the reasons the Striders are more money, and, more knife. Believe it or not, if all you have seen is the Buck, then you see the real AR/GB, the Buck, which you once thought was overbuilt and rugged, will seem like a toy. :)

All hail the mighty AR. :) But, I think the newish Strider SMF framelocks are better, not cooler, but yes, better than the AR/GB, so...
 
Megalobyte said:
While the Buck versions are a decent knife for the money, they are not in the same league as the real thing. Things like much better lockup and lock execution, heat hardened lock bar faces to resist lockface wear, oversize hardened pivot screws, are some of the reasons the Striders are more money, and, more knife. Believe it or not, if all you have seen is the Buck, then you see the real AR/GB, the Buck, which you once thought was overbuilt and rugged, will seem like a toy. :)

All hail the mighty AR. :) But, I think the newish Strider SMF framelocks are better, not cooler, but yes, better than the AR/GB, so...
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The AR is a lot better than the Buck versions. I found the handle ergonomics of the SnG and SMF to be lacking.

To date, the AR is the most comfortable hard-use folder that I have handled.
 
Well, see that's the thing. I haven't seen these knives in person, I just have an opportunity to get either an AR or a Mike O. plus cash. I hadn't seen a lot of threads on the differences between the BS and the Strider knives themselves, so I wanted to ask. What say you, which deal seems better?

Sincerely,
Anthony

PS- Thanks for the input so far. I'm so confused...
 
SpyderJon said:
Well, see that's the thing. I haven't seen these knives in person, I just have an opportunity to get either an AR or a Mike O. plus cash. I hadn't seen a lot of threads on the differences between the BS and the Strider knives themselves, so I wanted to ask. What say you, which deal seems better?

Sincerely,
Anthony

PS- Thanks for the input so far. I'm so confused...
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Now that is a tough question. I guess it would hinge on what you are traing and how much cash, but I'd be hard pressed to pass up a Obenauf... (I think I spelled that right! lol!)
 
Comparing an Obenauf to a Strider AR is like comparing a Hummer to a Range Rover. 2 very different knives, if you are a nut for ultra-smooth actions, and flawless F&F, the Obie will do it for you, but, for sheer toughness, I think the Striders are the way to go.
 
The AR is an awesome knife. It is big and beautiful(in its own way). It is just one of those knives that when you handle it for the first time, you giggle like a school girl because you the pictures you've seen just don't do it justice. It is one heck of a knife. I would recommend it.
 
Save your money and get the one that presents itself first. Then get the other down the line. After the money's spent on the first, you'll get over it and maybe look toward the other. They will both provide enjoyment in ways intrinsic to the execution and usage they both offer. Maybe Obie for special occasions and the Strider for every day. Maybe your work days and style require the other way around.
 
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