Lion Steel sr-1 pvd or Strider SMF

Aias

Aias

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Aug 1, 2012
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OK, I tried not to do this, but here I go... another comparison post:

Which do you prefer of the above mentioned folders. I am in the market for a robust folder and have narrowed it down to these two (though a Medford Praetorian is tempting... it is just more than I wanted to spend). If the sr-1 pvd came with the clip point that is exclusive to certain youtube reviewer's limited run, I'd have my mind made up (can't deal with the purple ti). BUT, my mind is not made up... can you guys help me out? There is no specific use in mind other than any and all cutting tasks, though I am hoping that the damn thing will slice well... which, based on reviews, the Strider may be questionable. I also like that Lion Steels provides the tool for tightening the pivot... and am a little peeved that Strider does not. Yet, the SMF haunts me... they both do. What do you think?
 
If you d like a robust folder get a Dalibor Sirius! It ll chop a Lion Steel and Strider in half and keep on tickin! But I would recommend the SMF over the SR1 if those were my only choices! I would also look to Grayman first as well as Hoback! I own all of the above so I am speaking from experience!
 
thanks... I have seen many of your posts and have been impressed with your collection! I have to check out the others you mentioned.
 
I dont have an SmF but I have been EDCing my Strider for a while now and would fully endorse it. Great knife, awesome warranty, and actually slices pretty well IMO. Try to get one in CPM-154.
 
Thanks guys; Zookie, why do you prefer the 3/4 grind over the FFG? Jstn, I was leaning toward s30v, why do you prefer the cpm-154? Thanks again.
 
I'll wake this thread up one last time to see if anyone else will chime in...
 
CPM 154 has better edge retention than s30v. Overall my experience with CPM 154 has been that its on par with s30v in ease of sharpening if not a little easier to sharpen and has much better edge retention.
 
For collecting and light use I'd get the Lionsteel. I'm sure it's a sturdy knife, but it looks too nice to pound on it.
For hard use, I'd get the Strider. Hard to beat their warranty if you break it.
 
Re: edge retention between s30v and cpm154--really, I thought that s30v was superior? And regarding grind, does 3/4 grind make it a better slicer? If I was willing to use both in basic everyday ways (not necessarily camping chores, but hell, why not...) does the sr-1 really lag that far behind?
 
You can look up other reviews on S30V and CPM 154, 154 definitely holds a razor edge longer than S30V in my uses. Working edge maybe a toss up between the 2. Its easier to sharpen and IMO beats out S30V.

I hate 3/4 grinds, tantos etc. I just never liked the look or using them, or sharpening them. BUT this is just my opinion, you could love it. the tanto blade shape is said to be stronger than other grinds, especially in the tip. On an SMF I don't find it to be stronger, really just about aesthetics and cutting performance.

Also consider whether or not you like the ergos, and how the blade rides in your pocket between the two. They are both big knives but the SMF will stick out more than the SR1 in the pocket and the SR1 is more sleek.
 
Ive had the strider in the past and if your looking at a hard use blade Id defiantely say go with Jake Hoback. His folders are extremely robust and mine has been used every day in all kinds of terrain, cutting all kinds of things and I trust/use mine like a fixed blade. For the value Hoback knives are head and shoulders above the striders in my opinion and you get the option of different steels besides s30 and s35. Hope this helps.

HobackB2Jungle.jpg

Hobackperseverancejungle.jpg
 
jstn said:
I dont have an SmF but I have been EDCing my Strider for a while now and would fully endorse it. Great knife, awesome warranty, and actually slices pretty well IMO. Try to get one in CPM-154.
Click to expand...

I like the CPM-154 because it seems to take and hold an edge a little better. I believe with Strider's excellent heat treat there isn't really a big difference between the two, but since CPM-154 is a limited run, it may hold more value for you in the future.
 
mikethemayt said:
You can look up other reviews on S30V and CPM 154, 154 definitely holds a razor edge longer than S30V in my uses. Working edge maybe a toss up between the 2. Its easier to sharpen and IMO beats out S30V.

I hate 3/4 grinds, tantos etc. I just never liked the look or using them, or sharpening them. BUT this is just my opinion, you could love it. the tanto blade shape is said to be stronger than other grinds, especially in the tip. On an SMF I don't find it to be stronger, really just about aesthetics and cutting performance.

Also consider whether or not you like the ergos, and how the blade rides in your pocket between the two. They are both big knives but the SMF will stick out more than the SR1 in the pocket and the SR1 is more sleek.
Click to expand...

Strong, how is Mr. Hobacks warranty service? I was considering getting one of his knives but was a little reticent after reading through his warranty policy. Would like to hear from some personal experience. Thanks
 
I have not had any issues that would require me to use the warranty and I use them hard. All my contact with Mr. Hoback has been great. He has been extremely willing to help and stands behind his work. It think so long as your not purposefully trying to do things with a knife that they arent made for or trying to make them fail, ie spine whacking it to test its lockup, trying to pound it into cinder blocks you should be fine. I feel confident that Jake would take care of any issue with the knife caused by any kind of defect. That being said, if i was put in the position I had to rely on one of his knives to pry my way out of a door or something similar Id be damn glad I had one of his knives over the strider. Cpm-3v is a hell of a good steel. The perseverance has made traps, cleaned, quartered and skinned 4 deer, 2 hogs and various other cutting day to days and i can still shave with it. The folder performs the same. Id have no reservations buying another from Jake.
 
^^Thanks, you may have pushed me over the edge. I've been eyeing Hoback's knives for a while and now I may just have to buy one.
 
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Thanks for the last few post guys; I've looked at Hoback and Crusader, very impressive. I think that my decision would be made much more simple if I could handle some of theses... especially the two I was originally debating. I went to the local shops and while they have a pretty good selections, Striders and Lion Steels were not available.
 
Definitely an SMF over Lion Steel
I do not care for the Ergonomics of the SR style, Where as the Strider is like Glue in your hand
 
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