Mick Strider has some explaining to do.

[Bohica2u]

We had a Yeoman write himself up some medals back in the early 90's and thought he could get away with it. Someone noticed during the next dress inspection that he now looked like some war hero, checked the file, and turned him in.

If the DD214 of 1979 was still being used in 1989 (past the 1988 revision), it should not have been. I would not be surprised due to typical government laziness, or neglect.

Now, let's say someone served a couple of boring years in the military and got out. Started a business and let it be known that they did secret, spooky, ninja stuff; all the while hoping no one would check it out.

Enter the internet............

Enter G,B & U................

Here we are...................

 

[Kohai999]

I just checked my DD214 from Nov 89. It has a revision date of 79 also, so I would assume that is legit, since they were still using this rev in 89.

Mine has HONORABLE, but remember, these are typed by the company clerk, If you have a fresh E-1 typing it, could it be possible to have the case changed (in '89 the were still hand typed, not a computer printed form).


--Carl

Well, I was a personellman(PN) in the USN, so I can only speak from experience with that branch of service.

E-1's don't get to type out DD-214's. It is a serious piece of paper, and signed by the XO/CO of the ship. It is as binding a document as exists in the US military, and mistakes are simply not tolerated. A specialist is assigned to intake/outbound service members.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Grayscouts]

Hawksbill, what Spark has posted is truths, double check them yourself if you don't believe them. Spark has posted where you can get the information yourself. If you approve of someone dishonoring the military or its true heroes by lying about their service, then we know where you stand.

Paul

 

[hotrodKelley]

Wolfmann,

Sir I respectfully have to disagree with you about this being old news. This is brand spanking new to me...and it hits home in a painful way.

I am not a combat vet....I am simply a SWAT copper who happens to be one of the gadget guys on the team (you know the type...flashlights, knives, guns, etc.).

Well, my best friend (and godfather to my son) left law enforcement after 9/11 and joined the army with his brother, both with SF contracts (18X). Well, as a gift I gave him a Strider/Surefire combo because we both believed that Mick Strider was a "high speed, low drag" operator who knew what guys going into harms way would need.

Well....I haven't called him to tell him the truth...and I certainly hope he never finds out...since I now feel quite foolish about buying the hype like a little school kid.

So...to me...it is both new...and relevant.

Its new to me as well. Ive owned Strider knives before and thought that they were born from experience in spec. ops. Now I too feel like an idiot. I feel like Ive wasted my money. Now I know why they arent bringing the price that they used to on ebay....

 

[DocArnie]

In a nutshell,,none of this matters beacuse those who want a tough, well made tool, buy Strider. Simple as that. Military experience be damned. If somebody bought one just because they believed Mick was something that he may or may not be doesn't change the quality or functionality of the product they paid for.

I claim that people wouldn't have started buying cord wrapped user knives for these horror-prices (you could easily get a knife with a real grip and better finish for that!) to begin with, if Strider hadn't advertised them the way he did.
Who wants to rewrap such a dirtcatcher in the field if it's avoidable anyway?

Strider folders are great and not as overpriced as the cord wrapped things. But dare to mention in one of Strider's forums, that the rough finish rusts in your pocket or that the blade isn't centered. Suddenly you're a whiny loser... (talking about witch hunts...)
For the fanboys, the off-center blade seems to underline the hardcoreness. The fact that the rusting issue is rarely mentioned can only be explained if you look at Strider picture threads. Most knives are NIB.


When you purchase a Strider, you definitely pay a big part for the name and the image. That's why his lies should concern every customer.

 

[Gollnick]

Mr. Hawksbill,

Welcome for Bladeforums.com. How nice of you to join us.

Let's please keep this thread on-topic. If you want to start a thread about One Stop Knife Shop or its managment, please do so separately so that it can be discussed in its own right.

 

[STR]

Notdos thanks. But I'm not quite that far out of the loop here. I thought before Spark started this that I had read all that was out there. I was wrong.

I frequent other forums and am a member of the one started after everyone left here that you speak of.

I would hope if some of the admin. there sees me and other members there posting in this thread that they don't feel that we are contributing to a 'witch hunt' like someone else does. I have heard stories of people being banned off one forum for what went on or what was said on another forum but quite frankly if that was the case I'd have been banned a long time ago in all likelihood. I guess I'll know if other forums I belong to besides this one subscribe to this same behavior when I can't sign on later after posting here.

If I knew that signing on I woud have saved them the trouble though. Honestly I'm not going to be a member long anywhere where I have to feel like I'm walking on egg shells every time I post something someone else may call BS so if anything bothers someone from another forum and they want to ban me from theirs thats fine I will probably resign my membership anyway if I started to see that happening.

This issue affects all vets. It is something I think is relevant and that needed to be said and even resolved conclusively. If I did just a fraction of one of the things I have read here today none of you, even those that stand with Mick would have a thing to do with me and my career and hobby would be effectively over on these forums.

The fact that Mick still sells and is behind, still has friends that are vets, many quite knowledgeable is by itself what makes me still give the benefit of the doubt to Mick in this issue even though its looking bleak I admit. Maybe there are things we'll never know or can't be allowed to know. Why else would other honorable men, many of which are Rangers, and Vets stick their own reps on the line not only standing with Mick but drawing some of the fire their way? Why? These are intelligent men. They are not what I'd call 'suckers' as someone else mentioned.

STR

 

[hawksbill]

greyscouts,

you took one step too many, now step three back.

its not the items he posted, which have been posted before and beaten till the horse was the festerign smoothie of matter that it is now. i can think a few methods of disseminating the information is a more mature and adult fashion. but he chose not to.



edit to keep it better on track.

 

[SpyderJon]

You know, I really hate these kinds of threads.

Look, I have a Strider. I carry it often (though not as often now that I have my Devastator, but that's another topic). I carry it for many reasons- NONE of which have to do specifically with Mr. Strider. I like the heft, shape, blade style, and Blade treatment (I have the Digi-Camo finish). I also like the color, which is Coyote Brown, and reminds me of my dad who is a former Marine- by the by, I don't have to provide HIS discharge papers to participate in this thread, do I?

I'm also no Strider "fanboy." I've often said that if I lived outside the US I might not buy a Strider unless I had a dealer I trusted or could pick it out myself, mostly due to the expense/risk of sending a knife across international borders for warranty service. That said, if I lived outside the US I'd probably stick to a Domestic product simply because of the utterly OUTRAGEOUS prices for US-made knives. Again, that's another topic.

Essentially, I've always held Spark in basically high esteem because he's been generally silent on BS threads. Look at Prac-Tac! However, I also have to say that my respect took a dip after reading the opening entries to this thread. Not because Spark has an opinion, but just because I thought he'd be above all this.

The fact is, that Mr. Strider does NOT have any explaining to do. Not to Spark, or members of BFC, or anyone other than his family and business partners. As I understand it he's done this. SO, the topic should be closed. But it isn't. It never is. The truth is that all this information is available to anyone who cares to look for it. It's been general knowledge amongst the serious knife community for quite some time.

I think this is a new low, and I'm saddened by it. Again, not because I think Spark doesn't have the right to voice his opinions, or put the info out there; but just because I thought he'd be above this kind of pettiness. And it is, say what you will, petty.

 

[Gollnick]

I also think it's very important to stress here that nobody had indicted Strider knives at all. I think that most everyone would agree that the knives are well-designed and exceptionally-well-built.

Mr. Strider's own background becomes an issue only when he chooses to use it to sell his knives.

 

[Kohai999]

And it is, say what you will, petty.

Not if you are a U.S. Military veteran, it is not.

There are guys who come out of prison acting like it was a badge of honor. It wasn't, but they survived, and are out. That's cool enough with me, can understand it.

Serving Honorably in the U.S. military IS a badge of honor, that no one can take away. Like has been said before, lying about the terms/conditions of your service is a black badge of honor, it is without foundation.

Really, only a veteran can understand this. Sort of a BTDT thing. Civilians need not apply.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Luopo]

The fact is, that Mr. Strider does NOT have any explaining to do. Not to Spark, or members of BFC, or anyone other than his family and business partners. As I understand it he's done this.

When the owner of a business lies about his past accomplishments to further the sales of his product, then yes, I do believe they owe an explanation of their actions to the consumers they lied too, but maybe that's just me.

 

[wabi]

Reading this thread and others like it have saddened me a great deal. I think the term "beating a dead horse" comes to mind, and is most apt in this thread and others of a similar vein.

I think that this thread has reached the point of being a parody of Bladeforums itself.

If I were to say "who cares" about all, I would be pummeled here by page after page of responses by those who obviously do care. In fact, I think that this forum, its members, and its management have taken it as mission from God to denigrate Mick Strider, and Strider knives.....even Dwayne Dwyer has been dragged into this.

This is sad, and whether expressly stated or not, this has become personal and vindictive. Sadly, this diatribe has only served to soil the reputation of this forum in my eyes.

I support Mick Strider, and Strider knives. I think that they make one of the best hard use knives out there. I dont endowe them with magical properties..they are just some of the best tools made. I laud the Strider Knife company for doing that. I dont think anyone else can deny what Mick Strider and Strider knives have done to support members of the US Armed Forces. He and they have shown time and time again their willingness to contribute.

I dont care what Mick Strider did in the past, but I do know what he does now, and I respect him for that. I also respect him for not entering into this fray and denigrating himself with personal attacks of the like that he has been subject to here.

A wise man once said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". I would ask all of you to look into your hearts here before you wind up and pitch.

No one deserves the treatment that Mick Strider has recieved here.

Shame on you sirs, shame on you.

 

[Gollnick]

reminds me of my dad who is a former Marine- by the by, I don't have to provide HIS discharge papers to participate in this thread, do I?

No.

But, if he was asserting that his status as a former Marine gave him some special qualification to design or make a product, then maybe his customers would reasonably ask for documentation. Mr. Strider's background became an issue only when he chose to use it to claim special status as a knife designer and maker. He should simply have let his products speak for themselves because they speak volumes.

Consider, for example, Mr. Strider's friend and colleague, the late Rob Simonich of best memory. I don't recall anyone ever saying a thing about him being a veteran at all. If he was, he didn't promote it at all. And yet I don't think that anyone would say that his knives weren't well-designed and well-made and entirely combat-, even special forces-worthy. His knives spoke for themselves; they had to because Rob wasn't very good at speaking for them. And his knives spoke volumes.

In doing a little googling to see if I could find any reference to Rob being a veteran, I came across this thread
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-282405.html

I think it would be good for all of us to review it before posting any more in this thread.

It got me thinking: there's an old saying about death and taxes. If someone as full of life and energy as Rob Simonich could be snuffed out in a moment, who will be next?

And when your turn comes, when all that's left is your hat, what will people say about you?

Will you be described as, "one of the nicest guys," or will people remember you for your bitter arguements, callous comments, and put-downs?

Will they remember your, "genuine humility," or your ego?

Will people speak of you as, "always generous," or will they remember you as selfish and intollerant?

Will you be described as, "A gentleman [who] conducted his affairs with the highest integrity," or as a scoundrel and cheat... or even just one of dubious character?

Will you be considered "Innovative" or "talented," maybe not as a knifemaker, but in any capacity, a contributer, or will you be remembered one who just sort of hung around?

Will people remember you as "humorous," and "Fun to be with," or as viscous and hurtful?


Rob left us his hat... he left us a heapload of memories, memories of a great man, a friend, of good times, and great knives. To Rob, I believe these traits came naturally. Rob also left us a great example of what we should all stive to be.

It's something to think about anyway.

 

[Wunderbar]

Little known fact that SOCOM started after the Grenada cluster f#%k. Just because a unit is included in SOCOM doesn't make it "High Speed". Lots of support units fall under the SOCOM catagory. I don't consider the Rangers (75 Infantry Battalions) to be operators. They're Infantry just like all of the other infantry units. Same fundemental training. Yes they do deploy (DRF) first but that's because they are allotted the $ and they take only the most motivated recruits. It doesn't take much to get into a Ranger Battalion short of being a good runner. You can enlist in the Army and make your way directly into a Ranger Battalion (11Xray). Same goes with Ranger School Graduates. Ranger School is a leadership training coarse. You don't even need to be Airborne qualified to go through Ranger School. You can apply for Ranger school as an E-4 Promotable. And there are plenty of "average" soldiers that come back from Ranger School.

I think that Strider was just very proud of his Army experience and ended up opening his mouth to start impressing people. I hear it all of the time. I've ran into plenty of these BS people at college, work, etc. After they're done fabricating their stories to me, I let them know that I was prior service and then they usually shut up and quickly walk away. Anyone that lies about their military experience is doing no one a favor but themselves. They discust me and they dishonor those who have earned and served.

 

[rvin1911]

Well Stated wabi,
I'm so tired of listening to this shit no matter who it's about
Could you please terminate my membership here
Thank You

Reading this thread and others like it have saddened me a great deal. I think the term "beating a dead horse" comes to mind, and is most apt in this thread and others of a similar vein.

I think that this thread has reached the point of being a parody of Bladeforums itself.

If I were to say "who cares" about all, I would be pummeled here by page after page of responses by those who obviously do care. In fact, I think that this forum, its members, and its management have taken it as mission from God to denigrate Mick Strider, and Strider knives.....even Dwayne Dwyer has been dragged into this.

This is sad, and whether expressly stated or not, this has become personal and vindictive. Sadly, this diatribe has only served to soil the reputation of this forum in my eyes.

I support Mick Strider, and Strider knives. I think that they make one of the best hard use knives out there. I dont endowe them with magical properties..they are just some of the best tools made. I laud the Strider Knife company for doing that. I dont think anyone else can deny what Mick Strider and Strider knives have done to support members of the US Armed Forces. He and they have shown time and time again their willingness to contribute.

I dont care what Mick Strider did in the past, but I do know what he does now, and I respect him for that. I also respect him for not entering into this fray and denigrating himself with personal attacks of the like that he has been subject to here.

A wise man once said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". I would ask all of you to look into your hearts here before you wind up and pitch.

No one deserves the treatment that Mick Strider has recieved here.

Shame on you sirs, shame on you.

 

[hawksbill]

chuck,
I think you could of edited in the latter part withought bringing in rob to the fray. i fear some may now attempt to malign Rob, for being Micks friend. and that would be in even less taste than these threads.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

and since you can make speculative comments, i guess i will as well:

and i know some folks that may consider purchasing form 1sks, that wont now. and then there are folks that just seeing the muck-raking will avoid 1sks and spend thier money elsewhere.

The was no speculation when I stated that I know people that were thinking of purchasing Strider knives that now wouldn't take one if was offered for free, that was a fact. The only speculation was that there might be people that after reading all this stuff would now purchase a Strider knife when they wouldn't have before.

As far as there now being people that won't purchase from 1SKS that were considering do so before reading this thread, could be.

When it is stated that this has all been hashed out many times in the past, it really hasn't. Some of the things being brought to light here are from comments made by Mick in just the last couple of weeks. I have been following this sordid affair since the beginning and there is quite a bit that I have discovered recently that I did not know previously.

 

[DaveH]

so, maybe I'm just not getting it. But if so many of you think this is just so unfair, and so shameful, and so distasteful, why are you even participating in the thread?

There's even people that said in so many words they're quiting the forum still reading the thread. :jerkit:

 

[SpyderJon]

To be succinct:

Mr. Gollnick: I didn't post to become involved in this thread, any more than to just say that I was saddened by it- especially given the originator. I have no opinion whatever on the facts of the case. They are what they are. I just expected more from the person who started this thread. That is the point. Oh, and for those who are challenged by such things, the part Mr. Gollnick highlighted was sarcasm.

Luopo: Would you make a significant investment in something without becoming fully aware of the facts involved? Probably not. As I said, this information has been out there for some time- available to anyone who cared to look into it. I'm sorry, but until Every Cold Steel knife comes with a letter of apology for the president of the company being a douche bag, I don't expect a letter of apology with every Strider. I don't even expect for Mr. Strider to have to explain to every customer "Oh, this is how you sharpen your new knife, and here's your letter explaining every controversy I've been a part of- and my well thought-out response." If you're too lazy to do your homework on makers and companies you're interested in, then its not the fault of the makers or companies. All anyone with a troubled past has to do is acknowledge that its there. NOT apologize for all time.

Mr. Garsson: I saved your reply for last because I think you have a point. Now, I'm just a civilian, so I guess I could never understand the vast mysteries of the military, but I can understand your point. Once again, though, my statement was not so much about the CONTENT of the thread opening, so much as my dismay and sadness over who it was that started this thread. It all comes down to this:

I expected better. With all of the insignificant crap that gets talked about on this (or any) forum, given the amazing restraint displayed by the owner I am only left to wonder why now? I don't know why, and to be honest I don't care. I just expected more.

It can't be put any more clearly than that. I just expected more.