Ummmmmm, Funnel Cake...
Yes, they are different. If you are like me and get off on extreme precision and amazing fit and finish, the Sebenza is probably the way to go, if you like the overbuilt and rugged good looks of the Strider, its not a bad knife either. I think the Sebenza is the higher quality knife, and there is no doubt that you are more likely to receive a perfectly made Sebenza than a perfectly made Strider, however, i do like the design and overbuilt qualities of the Striders and if you do get a good one, it can be a very well made knife. You'll obviously have to get both.
This question is sort of like comparaing a Ranger Rover to a Hummer 1. The Sebenza, like a RR, is smooth, refined, great attention to detail, and is also very capable off road, whereas the Hummer is a little crude in comparison, less refined, its not a luxury car, its a tank with wheels and also very capable off road. Both will get you there, do you like the comfort and refinement of the RR, or the balls to the wall, overbuilt, agressive looks of the Hummer? Personal choice. I can't decide, so i have both.
One advantage of the Sebenza is that its designed to be easily taken apart for cleaning and greasing, the Strider isn't hard, but you need a special wrench to do it.