My views of the Strider SMF

[tleger]

I just received my new SMF from Matt D. I had never seen or handled a Strider before so I didn't have an understanding of the size of the SMF, but the pics that are posted all over the net were great at showing what the knife really looked like. I would like to state for the record that I am not a knife collector, not that I think there is something wrong with that hobby, but I am a knife USER. The knives I own, I use. The SMF is designed for USE. I like that it's design is utilitarian because form does follow function. The blade is wide and thick but still has a nice usable point. A drop point IMO is the most useful blade style it works great for controlled, precise cuts and still has enough belly for slicing. The notches on the handle and the blade are there for the purpose of retention and not just for looks, and these notches really bite. The feel of the handle is better than I thought it would be with the G10 having a lot of texture for a very firm grasp. I didn't know that the handle was "purpose oriented" and that the small front and the large "rear end" was made to lock in your hand. Speaking of locks, the one on this knife is huge and looks like it can really be trusted. My knife has a really nice, smooth feel when opening not rough at all like I read about in some posts. This one sharpend up great but I haven't had it long enough to tell about edge retention but I really don't look for a problem in that department. The majority of posts and reviews on this knife were positive but I don't understand why there were so many negative ones. This looks like a great designed knife and although I thought it was expensive I am very pleased with the great design of the SMF. Thanks to all who post pics and reviews becaus it is a real help to all of us who love knives but don't get a chance to see them in person.

Now I think I will go post this on the other sites.

Thanks
Anthony

 

[SpyderJon]

Congrats on the knife! I recently got my first Strider as well (a GB), and I like it a lot. About the negative reviews, I believe they likely stem from two sources:

1) The marketing used by Strider

and

2) People often feel that the price for a Strider is "not in line with what you get as per fit and finish." Meaning people who pay the price for a Strider that they bring want a knife that is PERFECT out of the bag/box. For me, they're really quality users; and if I have a problem with them then I can send it in and they'll make it right.

Again, congrats on the knife, and I'm sure it'll make a WONDERFUL user.

 

[Hercules]

Thanks for the excellent review. I'm torn between the SMF and SNG so I'm glad to read your enthusiastic analysis. Did you also consider the SNG before deciding on the larger SMF?

 

[tleger]

I did consider buying the SNG but decided on the SNF because I like large folders, and the SMF is a lot of knife. It does fit my hand and I don't have big hands but the design is such that it would work with all size hands. If your not used to carrying a large knife I think the SNG might be more to your liking. I carry a Spyderco Military and the SMF is a little shorter but thicker and wider. I don't think would want one any bigger for an EDC because it is a pocketful. Well maybe I would

I didn't mention in my post that I think the clip is great for holding your knife but I find it's a little harder to pull than my other knives, but you wont have to worry about losing it. Which ever you choose i really think you will like it.

Anthony

 

[ghost squire]

I guess its just confusing to me that a knife costing 4 times as much as a Spyderco Manix is not as good a cutter or slicer.

I'm looking forward to being "vigorously" enlightened as to how this knife is worth its cost in terms of real world use.

Then again... an Opinel is probably nearly on par with a Manix cutting/slicing wise and is 20 times cheaper. Although the extra wear and corrosion resistance, ease of opening and secure locking is worth it to most. Maybe its just an individual question if a Strider is worth it over a Manix? In that case in what way is the Strider better?

 

[tleger]

I'm sure the Manix is a really good knife. My favorite Spyderco is the Military. It is light, large and gets very sharp. blade design is great.
I'll try and help you understand why I bought a knife so expensive. I have a friend that has a Ranger bass boat with a large motor. I have another friend that has a small john boat with a small motor. Do you think the friend with the expensive boat catches more fish, I don't think so, but the friend with the big boat enjoys the perks that a larger more expensive boat provides. The boat is nicer and faster, costs more to use but you do get the AHH!! factor. The friend with smaller boat has just as much fun fishing. So why does one buy the bigger boat, because they can, they can afford it and that is what they want. You could buy several cheaper knives that would do the same as the Manix so why did you buy one so much more expensive? PRIORITYS. Please don't take this as an insult but look at yourself and see the things that you can buy that give you a thrill that other people wouldn't care about. or might think you spent to much on a Manix when you could have bought a couple of Buck 110s. Does the SMF out cut all knives that cost less I doubt it, but I wanted the knife and I can afford it and it was my money to spend on what I saw fit. There are things that are good on both extreams. The same can be said about watches because a timex can keep time just as well as an omega or a rolex. Some people don't care if they have an expensive anything, and thats great because different strokes for different folks. and by the way I like fishing equally as well in a large boat as a small boat. Sometimes I tell time with my seiko sometimes with my Omega. and right now my computer clock indicates that it is my bedtime.

Peace fellow knife lover and may all your knives be sharp

Anthony

 

[SpyderJon]

Anthony, a VERY nice post :thumbup: !!! I agree with most of what you said- except the Timex part. Most Timex watches keep BETTER time than the Omegas (although I have found a 50s Omega that I'm saving for- and certainly have a preference for Omegas).

Asking whether the Strider is worth 4x more than the Manix is like asking if the Sebenza or any OTHER knife is worth more than a Manix. I have, and carry, a GB. I like it. Its a chunk, and a bit heavy. So? It won't out slice a Manix, but then again, I'm not sure there aren't a LOT of cheaper knives that'll out slice the Manix. As Anthony said, its all about priorities. I look at the Strider as a tool. It is also not the only knife I carry. I carry a smaller knife for really fine detail work (and for use around NKPs).

In the end I think all these debates will reduce to a final Cliche that is nonetheless true: "If you have to ask you wouldn't understand." Now, that's NOT an insult. There are people who will bankrupt themselves to drive a high-end car. I don't understand that. I don't want to understand that either. I just let them be. The same should be for knives. Its the other guy's dime, and it obviously appeals to him. Let him live his life while he's still here.

 

[Scott Dog]

Worth is so subjective and this topic has been beat to death.

 

[Lenny_Goofoff]

Cutting ability is not to be sneezed at! I like Strider design, even bought Buck-Strider , now I'm considering getting the real one, but cuttin is what I mostly need knife for… SNG have shorter blade but (presumably) better cutter, SMF is just right but outperformed by Manix aqd Sebbie. The choise is hard, so any info/pics will do.

 

[DGG]

Cutting ability is not to be sneezed at! I like Strider design, even bought Buck-Strider , now I'm considering getting the real one, but cuttin is what I mostly need knife for… SNG have shorter blade but (presumably) better cutter, SMF is just right but outperformed by Manix aqd Sebbie. The choise is hard, so any info/pics will do.

Here is a review from the British Blade Forum on "BIG" folders. Except he didn't include the Benchmade Rufus and Skirmish (nest review maybe).

http://www.britishblades.com/home/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=46

For the bucks I'd take the Spyderco and use the rest of the money for a hunting trip.

 

[Buzzbait]

I guess its just confusing to me that a knife costing 4 times as much as a Spyderco Manix is not as good a cutter or slicer.

I'm looking forward to being "vigorously" enlightened as to how this knife is worth its cost in terms of real world use.

Hehehehehehe. Okay. Here goes. Strider could have easily ground the SMF and SNG thinner, to where it would out-cut an Opinel. The problem is that a blade that thin could be damaged very easily. When it comes to knives, you have to play a balancing act between cutting ability and durability. It depends on the knife’s intended usage. Cutting ability has nothing to do with the cost of a knife. Just look at my cheapo Rapala fillet knife. It cost me 5 bucks, and will outcut any knife in my collection. But then again, I can look at the blade and the edge will fold over like a cheap suit. It’s all a matter of the maker’s intended usage of the knife. Strider probably intended that the SMF blade take more abuse than a Manix blade.

 

[T.K.C.]

CONGRATS on the SMF! Excellent knives!! Striders are tough, hard use knives.

 

[laCie]

Ive tried to find something else to carry besides an SMF but everything i've bought after has either been sold away or is sitting unused

 

[SSCamaro99_3]

I think we really need to look at the environment that these knives are really intended for. I would not think a Strider was meant as a cutting implement for delicate work. Its purpose would be to survive and hold a reasonable edge in a harsh environment in order to save your life in a combat situation. Tools designed for military use are often not as adept at more civilian chores. I am not saying they can't do them, but it is not their focus. Just look at an AK-47. It is not world class accurate, but it is durable and reliable when it comes to saving your butt. Just a thought.

 

[Buzzbait]

The SNG is actually pretty good in a real world environment. The cutting efficiency of the blade is very close to a Spyderco, in my usage thus far.

The only thing that really bothers me about the SNG is the small sharpening cutout directly behind the cutting edge. It has a tendency to catch on the material I'm cutting. It probably wouldn't bother on a larger blade, but with the smaller SNG blade, you really have to try not to snag the substrate. This one issue may be a deal breaker for me. I now have a ParaMailitary on the way, to pit against it.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

The knives I own, I use. The SMF is designed for USE. I like that it's design is utilitarian because form does follow function. The blade is wide and thick but still has a nice usable point. A drop point IMO is the most useful blade style it works great for controlled, precise cuts and still has enough belly for slicing. The notches on the handle and the blade are there for the purpose of retention and not just for looks, and these notches really bite. The feel of the handle is better than I thought it would be with the G10 having a lot of texture for a very firm grasp. I didn't know that the handle was "purpose oriented" and that the small front and the large "rear end" was made to lock in your hand. Speaking of locks, the one on this knife is huge and looks like it can really be trusted. My knife has a really nice, smooth feel when opening not rough at all like I read about in some posts.

Hopefully you will stick around and add to this after you carry the blade for awhile.

I guess its just confusing to me that a knife costing 4 times as much as a Spyderco Manix is not as good a cutter or slicer.

Spyderco does an exceptional job at sharpening, this alone would put them over many other knives on many tasks. The British Blades comparison for example was mainly a reflection of which blade was sharper. Beyond this you could easily adjust the edge angle on the Strider to enhance the cutting ability, this is just a few minutes on a x-coarse hone.

-Cliff