Looking for a new higher end folder.

230grains

230grains

Joined
Jul 10, 2009
Messages
3,094
I don't really "need" one, my Gayle Bradley is perfect, but what the hell?

Here are my choices -

Strider SMF - Owned one, sold it fast. Very gritty action, just did not feel like a 400+ dollar knife. I don't know if I got a lemon or what, it just wasn't for me. Maybe give it another shot?

Sebenza - Amazingly nice knife, perfect in every way shape and form except for one thing... It held an edge terribly, especially for the price point. My military was 2x as good in that department.

LionSteel SR-1 - I've seen lots of pictures, but not a lot of real use. Any of you really put it through the paces?

Anything else I should be looking at?
 
230grains said:
I don't really "need" one, my Gayle Bradley is perfect, but what the hell?

Here are my choices -

Strider SMF - Owned one, sold it fast. Very gritty action, just did not feel like a 400+ dollar knife. I don't know if I got a lemon or what, it just wasn't for me. Maybe give it another shot?

Sebenza - Amazingly nice knife, perfect in every way shape and form except for one thing... It held an edge terribly, especially for the price point. My military was 2x as good in that department.

LionSteel SR-1 - I've seen lots of pictures, but not a lot of real use. Any of you really put it through the paces?

Anything else I should be looking at?
Click to expand...

Why would you be looking at the first two again if you've already owned them and didn't like them? :confused: Striders are often known for their less than perfect fit and finish. The Sebenza steel is the same as before so that's still going to be an issue for you. I have no experience with the SR-1. It looks nice though.

As for other options, I will always suggest Tim Galyean's Pro-Series knives. If you aren't into flippers then these aren't for you. You can also look into the AG Russell Acies. The Kershaw Speedform is no slouch and at it's price point is quite a deal. You can also look into some customs. Brad Southard, Pat Nihiser, and Aaron Frederick all make affordable customs.
 
230grains said:
I don't really "need" one, my Gayle Bradley is perfect, but what the hell?

Here are my choices -

Strider SMF - Owned one, sold it fast. Very gritty action, just did not feel like a 400+ dollar knife. I don't know if I got a lemon or what, it just wasn't for me. Maybe give it another shot?

Sebenza - Amazingly nice knife, perfect in every way shape and form except for one thing... It held an edge terribly, especially for the price point. My military was 2x as good in that department.

LionSteel SR-1 - I've seen lots of pictures, but not a lot of real use. Any of you really put it through the paces?

Anything else I should be looking at?
Click to expand...

Mike,

I think you are ready to start looking at customs. :thumbup:
 
1.Striders need a "break in" period. I do'nt know the reason they make them so gritty but if you spend about a week opening & closing a Strider folder, they will smooth out.
2.Sebenza- the folder that sets the standard for tolerences. I do'nt know why your's did'nt hold an edge. They always come out of the shop razor sharp and are fine in holding that edge.
3.LionSteel SR-1. I've never held one. From what I've heard its very well made. Its a very large folder and too heavy for my taste.
Between these 3 I would choose the Sebenza.
 
IN the $400 price range, you should start looking at the Knifemakers For Sale, folders section.

Take a look at the BlackToe Knife currently for sale there.
 
Tony8179 said:
Why would you be looking at the first two again if you've already owned them and didn't like them? :confused: Striders are often known for their less than perfect fit and finish. The Sebenza steel is the same as before so that's still going to be an issue for you. I have no experience with the SR-1. It looks nice though.

As for other options, I will always suggest Tim Galyean's Pro-Series knives. If you aren't into flippers then these aren't for you. You can also look into the AG Russell Acies. The Kershaw Speedform is no slouch and at it's price point is quite a deal. You can also look into some customs. Brad Southard, Pat Nihiser, and Aaron Frederick all make affordable customs.
Click to expand...

I think i've been reconsidering the strider and the CRK because I was hoping it would be a fluke. I loved the strider, but it was just not what I expected for the money. I don't know if the CRK edge holding was a fluke or not as well, because it was an absolutely amazing knife.
 
230grains said:
I think i've been reconsidering the strider and the CRK because I was hoping it would be a fluke. I loved the strider, but it was just not what I expected for the money. I don't know if the CRK edge holding was a fluke or not as well, because it was an absolutely amazing knife.
Click to expand...

I will say that I've never been fully happy with any Strider I've owned and I've heard alot of other grumbles as well. Like anything though, there are people that love them. There has been alot of debate about CRK's S30V and it's edge holding capability over on the Sebenza Overrated? thread. If you like flippers or ever thought about getting one I again would suggest Tim Galyean's Pro Series knives.
 
In the price range you mentioned and considering your short list as well as what you stated as likes and dislikes - The Acies.
Outstanding detail fit and finish. An edge holding steel a cut above the rest (no pun intended) classic design, engineering that passes the similar designs while maintaining timeless look and feel. Smoothness that is second to none. great low ride pocket clip that is moveable for tip up or tip down preference. Really just a great great knife.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I appreciate it and am going to look int all of this.

No one for the lionsteel though? I really like the look of that knife.
 
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