Opinions on purchasing a Strider!

N

nguyemic001

Joined
Oct 16, 2012
Messages
32
First of all, I feel like I post waay to much, and would first of all apologize about the posts!

Now..onto the main subject,

I've recently been taking a look at strider knives/semi-custom knives in general. After much deliberation, I decided on a strider smf, but here is the question...buy new or used..online, or at a physical store?

So I took a look at the forums that are selling their SMF's, and well their prices are around the same ball park (~$50ish difference). So at this price point, should I just buy a new strider? or just buy one from a member? Secondly, I live in a small town away from Seattle called Lynnwood, and there's a store in Kirkland, which is pretty far traveling distance to buy a strider. along with the distance, they're selling at the same price as online stores, but with sales tax. In your opinion of ownership, should I wait and buy online, or just get instant satisfaction and go travel and buy it??
 
I pretty much buy all my knives online, to start.

Secondly, I've had good luck with buying used Striders on the exchange here, as long as I'm very direct with my questions. There can be a lot of variance, especially in older used Striders, with blade play/lockup. For me, personally, an excessive amount of blade play really bothers me (regardless of if that actually effects the toughness/security of the lock, which is an entirely different topic in itself).

I vote buy used, and besides saving yourself some money, you won't be afraid to make that first little ding on the knife (like a new car). And trust me, Striders were meant to be used.

(This whole response is not a plug to any particular exchange thread, but my honest opinion and input)
 
Good point. I think your right, ill start looking at some of the forum posts for smf's...hopefully I'll get luck and get one under a really good deal!
 
I'd say go to the store to handle one before you buy. Many people say the SMF is to big for them, and get an SnG instead. But definitely buy used. Money is money after all. They're tough knives, so they'll be in decent condition and the warranty follows the knife so there is no real reason to buy new, unless you want to support the Strider guys directly.
 
Striders are great. Never had a problem with one. But yea, the SMF is pretty big. I actually sold my old Lego version cause it was just too big in the pocket. I later found a great deal on a CC version and it's perfect!

Good luck man, whatever one you get I'm sure you'll love it.
 
yeah, to be honest im not too worried on size, cause im EDC'ing a zt0300, zt0200, and 0560 in my main rotations. the only reason why ive chose the smf, is because I like the 0200 the most in terms of blade length. But im looking again, and the sng is only .25inches shorter in length..and you do save $100 dollars...so its really tempting haha. and I know that the size of blade is a little excessive in what I would probably use the knife for. But I cant get over the rugged and tank like feel in the hands when you have a 4inch knife with a lock up like ZT and Strider! and I don't think ill ever go back to a little knife like a paramilitary 2 or the like! Definitely wanting the CC version, but it seems hard to come by, at least on the forums. I tried ebay, but im not sure if I trust it enough to buy a strider. ive seen the clones..and even though theyre similar, im not getting duped out 400+ for a Chinese knife!
 
I just happen to have an SMF for sale: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1007553-Strider-SMF-***Price-Drop***

If you're patient and wait for the right deal to come along you can save around $100 over buying new. There are a lot of new or nearly new Striders sold here, just people who buy to try and end up selling. The other good thing about buying used is that you know before you buy how the lock-up and centering are. As always, you have to be careful of who you're buying from but in general I think it's good to buy used.
 
Honestly, i really would buy your's it looks perfect. unfortunately the funds i have are insufficient, nor do i have a SNG. But you're right, i think i will purchase used and on the forums. it just needs to be at the right time now =]
 
Todays Carry.jpg

Here is today's carry, if it helps your decision. I picked this SMF up in a great trade not too long ago. I would go the used route, it's easier on the wallet.
 
oh the size isn't much bigger than the 0560, I have that as my edc now. looks like the smf will fit nicely within the rotation :)
 
With the drive from Kirkland to Lynnwood and back plus the 9.5% sales tax you're going to be at least $50 over the retail. I picked all mine up on Forum sales. Just be aware of the SMF fakes circulating from China and know what to look for and what you are getting.
 
I'm glad I bought my first few Striders "pre-loved" on the forums. But I've bought my past few new from dealers. I just kinda like the feeling that the example I have is untweaked and tuned as intended. Sure I may dick with the pivot to my liking. I reckon I just like it to start off mint and not just described as "as new". Any more it'd have to be a hell of a deal for me to buy used. For whatever reason +$50 is worth being the first human to put it in their pocket, take it out and cut some schizen. At the same time I don't mind losing a little if I end up selling. I may have really enjoyed the knife for a few months. Multiple hours of enjoyment is worth the $50 loss. That's pretty cheap entertainment if you ask me! To each their own... but either way, you're gonna LOVE your SmF!
 
I like being the first person to un-box my knives, or in this case un-ziplock my knives.
 
SMF is a beast of a knife; I end up selling it and kept an SnG. Easier to carry, perfect EDC size. If I would have unlimited funds I would have kept the SMF though
Me personaly like to know I'm the first to play with it but nothing wrong with a good condition, second hand.
 
Hey, guys i was hoping maybe you all could give me a little help. I was recently on the Strider website to check on the dealers that were located within my area, but it looks like they recently did some updating and dont have any dealers in the washington area. would you guys happen to know of the stores they had before they changed it? and would i still be able to pick up a strider from their store you think since it wasnt to long ago that the stroe was on their website? i contacted strider in case they still did have dealers here, but i would like to know as soon as possible. :)
 
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