Gizler00
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
- Messages
- 3,468
For the last few years I have been wondering what it would be like to own a Strider knife. Whether it be the SNG or SMF, I was always curious, and over the years I was never really able to purchase one. The closest thing I had some to something similar was a ZT0300 and a DPX Hest/F 2.0. Both of those knives were great in their own way and also had their faults.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I had been noticing alot more activity on the Forum regarding the Strider line of knives, whether it be good or bad press. Either way it grabbed my attention and made me more intrigued by the design. I told myself that I really wanted to just try one out. If I end up not liking it, I can make my money back on the Exchange later on.
So I came across some extra funds from a side job and with selling two knives recently, I was able to pick one up off the exchange. It was not my first pick for the strider that I wanted. Or thought I wanted. I really had my heart set out for a nice used SNG, but ended up with a great SMF.
Arrived today while I was at work. Opening it up with the love of my collection.
And here she is!
My Initial Impressions of the knife are very good. I expected it to be very unrefined and not a lot of character. What I found was the complete opposite. This knife it very well made. Everything is solid, tight, and as smooth as can be. Opens like ice sliding across glass. Just the flick of my finger and the blade flies open and locks up with authority.
Lockup. I know there have been some issues in the past and people had some bad luck with initial purchases, but I must say, this knife is truly rock solid. The lockup is early but solid with no play in any direction.
From the research that I have done, this blade has the newer lockup/tang that is supposed to correct the previous issues. (someone correct me please if I am mistaken)
Grip.. I was a little unsure how to gauge what this would be like for me since I am a bigger guy with pretty big hands. XL maybe even XXL hands. I was also concerned that the grip would be very uncomfortable given the design and the abrupt angle at the rear of the handle. Well I found that this knife fits very well in my hand. Kind of like the Spyderco military in a sense that it has a lot of room on the handle to get the right grip that you need for whatever it is you might be doing with the knife.
Very nice feel when getting up into the choil. Feels really solid.
Pocket Clip... I was not really sure how I was going to like this clip as far as the design and it being so short compared to everything else that I have. Also the fact that the clip orientation leaves more knife out than I would like. But I was pleasantly surprised by how well the clip holds the knife tight to my pocket, and i actually have to really pull on it to get it free from the grip it has.
Blade Steel.. I really like CPM154. So I was excited to get my hands on one rather than an s30v. Not that I wouldn't have liked that kind but this is easier to sharpen and holds razor edge.
Here are a couple comparison Pictures with my Alan Davis, and Full size Ritter Grip with Putnam Scales.
Overall experience so far.. I really like the feel of this knife. Its solid and seems like it would take a lot of abuse. Strangely enough, this knife feels a lot like (very similar) to all the DPX Hest/f 2.0 knives that I had, but with better steel and minus all the added ron popeil options that the hest offers that I never used. (dont get me wrong, I really love the hest. But this design is better)
I have yet to get any real time in with the knife other than simply cutting a few things hear and there tonight. I have had it in my pocket for the last few hours and it is really an easy carry. It does take up quite a bit of real estate in the pocket but not nearly as much as my old ZT0300 did.
I will report back with my findings as I carry this knife. Part of me wants to try and do a 90 day challenge of carrying only this knife (still carry my Vic Farmer) and see how it turns out. Then base my decision on whether or not I really love this blade or not.
Hope this might give some of you guys a little insight on what this knife is like. Especially if you are considering buying one.
Thanks for looking guys. I report back as the usage continues.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I had been noticing alot more activity on the Forum regarding the Strider line of knives, whether it be good or bad press. Either way it grabbed my attention and made me more intrigued by the design. I told myself that I really wanted to just try one out. If I end up not liking it, I can make my money back on the Exchange later on.
So I came across some extra funds from a side job and with selling two knives recently, I was able to pick one up off the exchange. It was not my first pick for the strider that I wanted. Or thought I wanted. I really had my heart set out for a nice used SNG, but ended up with a great SMF.
Arrived today while I was at work. Opening it up with the love of my collection.
And here she is!
My Initial Impressions of the knife are very good. I expected it to be very unrefined and not a lot of character. What I found was the complete opposite. This knife it very well made. Everything is solid, tight, and as smooth as can be. Opens like ice sliding across glass. Just the flick of my finger and the blade flies open and locks up with authority.
Lockup. I know there have been some issues in the past and people had some bad luck with initial purchases, but I must say, this knife is truly rock solid. The lockup is early but solid with no play in any direction.
From the research that I have done, this blade has the newer lockup/tang that is supposed to correct the previous issues. (someone correct me please if I am mistaken)
Grip.. I was a little unsure how to gauge what this would be like for me since I am a bigger guy with pretty big hands. XL maybe even XXL hands. I was also concerned that the grip would be very uncomfortable given the design and the abrupt angle at the rear of the handle. Well I found that this knife fits very well in my hand. Kind of like the Spyderco military in a sense that it has a lot of room on the handle to get the right grip that you need for whatever it is you might be doing with the knife.
Very nice feel when getting up into the choil. Feels really solid.
Pocket Clip... I was not really sure how I was going to like this clip as far as the design and it being so short compared to everything else that I have. Also the fact that the clip orientation leaves more knife out than I would like. But I was pleasantly surprised by how well the clip holds the knife tight to my pocket, and i actually have to really pull on it to get it free from the grip it has.
Blade Steel.. I really like CPM154. So I was excited to get my hands on one rather than an s30v. Not that I wouldn't have liked that kind but this is easier to sharpen and holds razor edge.
Here are a couple comparison Pictures with my Alan Davis, and Full size Ritter Grip with Putnam Scales.
Overall experience so far.. I really like the feel of this knife. Its solid and seems like it would take a lot of abuse. Strangely enough, this knife feels a lot like (very similar) to all the DPX Hest/f 2.0 knives that I had, but with better steel and minus all the added ron popeil options that the hest offers that I never used. (dont get me wrong, I really love the hest. But this design is better)
I have yet to get any real time in with the knife other than simply cutting a few things hear and there tonight. I have had it in my pocket for the last few hours and it is really an easy carry. It does take up quite a bit of real estate in the pocket but not nearly as much as my old ZT0300 did.
I will report back with my findings as I carry this knife. Part of me wants to try and do a 90 day challenge of carrying only this knife (still carry my Vic Farmer) and see how it turns out. Then base my decision on whether or not I really love this blade or not.
Hope this might give some of you guys a little insight on what this knife is like. Especially if you are considering buying one.
Thanks for looking guys. I report back as the usage continues.
I like mine a great deal, and it sounds like you do too. 
