Large Sebenza OR Strider SMF...

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Stelth

Joined
Jul 15, 2007
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If you could choose one, which would you pick and why? If you could keep your opinion solely based on the merits of the knives and not their makers that would be appreciated. If you have both I'd be really interested in what you have to say.
 
I've owned both. Sebenza is hands done a more usable knife in many ways. It may not be as tough blade stock wise, BUT actually I think if used like a knife, it will do everything better.

SMF is a cool factor knife to me

Sebenza is a cool factor and very usable

Ergos to me are overrated. I don't use a knife for extended periods unless it is bushcraft, food prep, or box cutting, and for those I use knives other than my ddc carry.

If I had to choose one knife to do everything, it would not be the Seb or SMF
 
Sebenza, very pocket friendly, titanium slabs, unique graphic designs, or carbon fiber scales. Tolerances are among the best. Customer services is a A+
 
I do have both, as a work knife only, I'd choose the Strider.
As a work/use in public knife, I opt for the Sebenza. Even the Umnumzaan and 25 aren't as threatening as the Strider in front of non knife people.
I've gotten more comments at work about the Strider than I have the CRK.
 
Also I know you want to keep this out of the thread but your chances of getting an SMF with a quirk is higher than your chances of getting a Seb with a quirk.

It is something to consider. It is no fun opening a new in box knife, especially at that price, and it not being perfect.

Not a Strider bash, but it is a consideration
 
First off, no need for the large font.

Secondly, this will undoubtedly devolve into a "which is better" debate whether you intended it to or not. The fact is that between these two is mostly just personal preference. They are COMPLETELY different styles of knives, and different people will like different knives.

My personal choice would always be the sebenza, albeit I would go for the small 21 rather than the large. But I also have an SNG that I like very much. The only objective difference in quality that is worth mentioning is the tolerences on the sebenza being higher, but some may say they are unnecessarily so, and therefore we are right back to personal preferences. Likewise, the most appreciable physical difference is that the strider is chunkier all around, and no one can agree on whether or not this is necessary either. Bottom line is buy whichever you like. No need for anyone to lose their sanity over finding find the "better one" of the two.
 
Thanks for the input. I should have added I currently own a Strider PT and I really like the ergos. I've never had the chance to handle any CRK product but I understand they are very refined especially compared to a Strider. As far as public perception I'm not concerned about that aspect at all so the "scary factor" is not an issue.
 
the sebenza 25 is a pretty good mix of the sebenza 21 and an SMF, by that I mean larger pivot, stop pin and thicker blade stock that are closer to an SMF. You get refinement of the sebenza with some of the overbuilt characteristics that the SMF has.
 
bobnery said:
Also I know you want to keep this out of the thread but your chances of getting an SMF with a quirk is higher than your chances of getting a Seb with a quirk.

It is something to consider. It is no fun opening a new in box knife, especially at that price, and it not being perfect.

Not a Strider bash, but it is a consideration
Click to expand...

That was a big reason why I made this thread. My PT is perfect but I've read too many threads about ones that weren't. I was curious how many respondants actually had a problem
 
Hauling said:
the sebenza 25 is a pretty good mix of the sebenza 21 and an SMF, by that I mean larger pivot, stop pin and thicker blade stock that are closer to an SMF. You get refinement of the sebenza with some of the overbuilt characteristics that the SMF has.
Click to expand...

That is news to me. I had no idea the 21 & 25 were significantly different other than the grip profile. Thanks.
 
Stelth said:
That was a big reason why I made this thread. My PT is perfect but I've read too many threads about ones that weren't. I was curious how many respondants actually had a problem
Click to expand...

I've had a few Striders and CRKs, EVERY CRK has been perfect, EVERY Strider has had some fit and finish issue, but functionally fine except one PT that had lock rock from start.

Not turning this into a Strider bash thread, but if I can help prevent buyers remorse from mine and/or other's experiences, then I think they are worth noting. I hate the feeling of anticipating a new knife arrival and it coming with a problem.

I amy even buy another Strider at some point, but I try and prepare myself that there might be a problem.
 
I would personally get the sebenza.
I've held both at a cutlery shop by the beach, both are high end knives. But in hand, sebenza seems a better user, while strider seems bulky and thick blade, which wouldn't cut as well as the thinner sebenza blade. Strider seems to have noticeable blade play. I got my first sebenza there.
 
If I do go with the Strider I think it would be through Plaza Cutlery and ask if they can make sure it is in good shape. I bought my Strider DBGG through plaza and they were very helpful over the phone and assured me it would be perfect. I know there is a big difference between a fixed blade and folder, yet I think they'd be honest about any condition issue.
 
Having owned both over the years I would pick the Sebenza. (For me the 25 currently)

To me the Sebenza carries better and cuts better. :)
 
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I have or have had over 20 Striders and nothing really to report, one was ever so slightly off center and another came pretty dull but that is it.
 
BOTH are fantastic knives and you need to experience both.
I prefer the Strider because of the unique, strong design.
rolf
 
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