What caught my attention about this thread was the title - NEW STRIDER FAILURE. Then the original poster relates to how he acquired the knife, how he went about trying to fix the knife after learning about its shortcomings, and how he came on this forum to report on those said shortcomings. Ok, I didn't want to get into this thread coz I know it would tun heated as HECK, but I feel I got to put in my 2 cents worth.....
I'm from the Philippines. I'm an LEO. Before going back to the Philippines, I lived in the U.S. (specifically, in California) for about 5 years, and served my time in the U.S. military. Because of MY particular experiences, I think I am qualified to say that it is hard to have to buy imported stuff (especially knives, guns, and other tactical gear) and having to find out that they're messed up and I have to send them back for repair. This part sucks, since it does cost a lot of money to send things back (you have to pay for shipping, return shipping, insurance, etc.). Plus, their is that added danger of having to lose items because of either faulty shipping or "corrupt" people who think it's better to "acquire" things illegally (in other words, "stealing").
That being the case, I choose my purchases carefully just to make sure I get the best products possible, products that I know I can use without worry or hit the ground running.
Guess what? Stuff happens. Even if I happen to choose the coolest or most well-made gear out there, I guess it's just my dumb luck that I still get specimens/items that are not "perfect out-of-the-box". I could name a few examples, but I won't just out of proper decorum. Besides, I'm trying to stay on topic (as much as I can).
As things are presently set up, we have only one (1) dealer here in the Philippines that carries Strider knives. This particular dealer is the most progressive/forward-looking dealer here in the Philippines as far as tactical items and gear is concerned (one of the owners is a certified SWAT trainer), and I've had great experiences with them as they have cared to carry only the very best. The fact that they carry Strider knives speaks a lot to me about the quality of the product (btw, they also carry Emersons, Kershaws, and a host of other brands) as they only carry those brands which they feel are "up to par" with the usage that their customers do with these products. As far as their experiences go, they have never had QC issues with Strider knives, and this observation went a long way into purchasing my very own Strider.
Before I bought my Strider, I did a lot of research as well as handled one at my dealer's shop. I could attest that the one I handled was a recently produced, since I also got a ZT 0301 from them which they also ordered, and the production stamp on that latter blade was Sept. '06, and I was also there when the shipment arrived. However, being the inveterate tinkerer and nit-picker that I am, I just couldn't leave well enough alone, so I "tweaked" Strider to my specs! I disassembled it. And yes, I did use pliers. I thought my thumbstuds were loose, and I tightened them up so that they won't come off. I also bent the liner because I "thought" that it had some blade play, and now the liner locks up in the middle of the blade tang. I also tightened the pivot.
Given that I am a klutz and not really mechanically inclined, I was surprised that I was able to disassemble my knife and and put it back together again. And know that I have it tweaked, it just works perfect for me. I've put my Strider (it's a GB, by the way) through all sorts of S#&T, and it's still functioning. However, I know for a fact that even though it might be a pain to do so, the warranty is there so if I really found something to gripe about it, I would have sent it back and have Mick, Duane, and the guys fix it to my satisfaction. That would have been the first thing I would have done.
My question is: How come he never even tried to contact Mick or Duane at Strider knives? If he read up about Strider before purchasing his knives, then he should be aware of the lifetime warranty. I'm just curious as to why he immediately went to this forum to highlight the supposed STRIDER FAILURE when he hasn't even contacted the manufacturers. Being that this is an internet forum, and he took the time to speak of his woes, how come there is so much detail about how the "brand new" knife failed him, and yet he could not really detail how he came about acquiring the knife? If he did his research, he would have known at least one reputable internet dealer where he could get Striders and be assured that they're "fresh".
Strider knives, unlike other knives, don't come "aesthetically" perfect, and I know that is unacceptable to some, but given the chance, I deeply believe that the makers would "make it right" to the particular buyer's satisfaction if they had been given the chance to do so, whether or not the knife was bought directly from them, a dealer, or from Joe Schmo down the street.
We live with the circumstances we're dealt with, and sometimes the hand that we are dealt with sucks, but there are better, more fulfilling ways of getting reparation than just going on the Internet and proclaiming far and wide why a product fails when it hasn't even been through the "ringer", so to speak.
That being said, let's all be honest and show this thread for what it really is - another attempt to bash Strider knives. Maybe it wasn't the intention of the original poster, maybe a lot of people are just airing out genuine concerns, but there are also a substantial number of people here who, whether they admit it or not, just get the jigglies bashing strider, and no amount of philosophizing, double-talk, or techno-babble will change that.
Yes, I am a Strider fan, and am proud of it. And if you have a problem with Strider, go up to their place and let them know you have a problem. Heck, if I needed to , I'd find a way to go back to the States just to rectify a problem that I may have with Strider. I may not personally know these guys, but I will give them a first shot at making their product right (should anything go wrong), not go on the Internet and start spouting negative things about them without backing the same up with proof (pictures, at the minimum).
Their maybe some intense Strider fans out there, but so what? There are just as many "intolerable" people there who just have the jollies bashing others. Yes, I happen to like Striders, but I also know that I respect other brands as well, and I don't resort to attacking them just because they may have some problems at the onset.
If you don't like Striders, nobody is forcing you. If you have a problem with one that you bought, bring it up with the manufacturer first. There is nothing wrong with that, that is the American way. But to those of you who just plain "don't get it", stop being whiny crybabies who take every little defect as a chance to dump more "POO" on a particular manufacturer that you don't like, including up to rehashing old accusations about who and what that manufacturer is! Man, that gets old real fast, and it doesn't really prove anything other than some of you guys out there (you know who you are), being spoiled with the excellent freedoms that you enjoy, would just as soon complain that the toilet paper is "rough" and "abrasive" as soon as it touches your A$$e$ instead of going to the manufacturer to have him improve his product or just buy another brand altogether.
To each his own. Respect each other's rights and choices, not be preachy and almighty and trying to force your own views down the majority's throats!
By the way, my Strider still isn't perfect- but I'd bet my life on it and I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!
Oohps, it is not!