I don't see how you can go wrong either way. The Randall#1 is a work of art and if you don't mind beating it up in the field as I do, then you will have a great field knife even if it can't slam through a block wall. As for the Strider, I don't have one, but have played with a few and I would not rate them any higher then a Randall for random field tasks and I would definately not rate them higher in strength then a Busse. They are tough as nails and for the most part indistuctable. I would also consider the weight of the knife in making your choice. How much knife do you want to carry/pack/use?
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Randall or Strider?
- Thread starter sgtdevildog
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I can give you a better tool for that. Perhaps a 50-lb sledge hammer ?
Not trying to kid you agent1, but I've heard some strange things that people do to their knives and later complain that their knives are not up to the task. For example, Just this weekend I overheard someone trying to throw (as in throwing knives) his chinese cheapie folder to a wall and broke is tip.
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
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Ad :
The difference in performance there isn't because of the steel, but because of the cross section of the tip and the edge. The tips and edge on a Randall are thinner, less metal for higher cutting performance. The Strider tips are very thick, yes high durability, but much lower in penetration. In regards to materials, the Randall selection of steel is one which is a solid choice for heavy impact work, superior in that respect to the more brittle steels like ATS-34. Though I would suggest the carbon steel version unless you don't like the look of a patina.
As for Bos, the hype about his heat treating is putting him at mythic proportions. There is no doubt that he does a quality job. This is not magic, it is about cycles. The heat treating is done by machines, it is not like Bos friction heats up the Strider blades with his hands and then quenches them in his [patented] arm pit sweat. He has also stated that Buck gets the highest quality heat treatment, as I asked him directly on the forums if they were inferior to his "personally" treated blades.
-Cliff
The difference in performance there isn't because of the steel, but because of the cross section of the tip and the edge. The tips and edge on a Randall are thinner, less metal for higher cutting performance. The Strider tips are very thick, yes high durability, but much lower in penetration. In regards to materials, the Randall selection of steel is one which is a solid choice for heavy impact work, superior in that respect to the more brittle steels like ATS-34. Though I would suggest the carbon steel version unless you don't like the look of a patina.
As for Bos, the hype about his heat treating is putting him at mythic proportions. There is no doubt that he does a quality job. This is not magic, it is about cycles. The heat treating is done by machines, it is not like Bos friction heats up the Strider blades with his hands and then quenches them in his [patented] arm pit sweat. He has also stated that Buck gets the highest quality heat treatment, as I asked him directly on the forums if they were inferior to his "personally" treated blades.
-Cliff
Cliff is trying to preempt any criticism that he is performing something other than scientific process.
But if we are going really understand how Paul's pit-sweat factors into the heat treat process - we need to know his diet in more detail.
But if we are going really understand how Paul's pit-sweat factors into the heat treat process - we need to know his diet in more detail.
Paul Bos has the name he does due to consistency. Others are capable of good heat treat but, when I get a blade heat treated with his logo on it, I know it was done right - no questions.
Who else heat treats custom blades with that level of consistency?
Who else heat treats custom blades with that level of consistency?
"Who else heat treats custom blades with that level of consistency?"
Probably every Master Blade Smith, plus at least a 100 other custom makers. Bos deserves his reputation, but when it comes to others, don't equate a lack of high recognition branding with incompetence. A Bos heat treat adds cache and a level of confidence, but certainly wouldn't rate higher than a Randall.
Probably every Master Blade Smith, plus at least a 100 other custom makers. Bos deserves his reputation, but when it comes to others, don't equate a lack of high recognition branding with incompetence. A Bos heat treat adds cache and a level of confidence, but certainly wouldn't rate higher than a Randall.
I have two Randalls, a 6" Sportsman's Bowie that I bought for $25 in 1961 at a store that dealt in new Randalls at that time and a Model 1 that I ordered directly from Randall in 1977 and received in 1978 for some $215 IIRC. I have used that old Randall for everything from chopping down small trees to carving turkeys (really!) and cutting up fresh and frozen chickens when I was newly married and it has done everything that I have asked of it, even to cutting all the way through a Virginia Whitetail Deer's neck, spine and all, save a small strip of skin, during a deer hunt with one slash. It even survived an 18-year old's attempt to learn knife throwing, something that Bo Randall definitely discouraged in all of his fliers. I have never used the Model 1 for anything much as I bought it as a collector's piece, but both are of the same high carbon steel and I see no reason to think that the Model 1 would give less service than the 6" Bowie.
The Model 1 is so named because it was Bo Randall's first commercial design, made for GIs during WWII. This knife has been around serving America's troops honorably ever since and I have talked with folks who have used them to open 55 gallon fuel drums, ammo cans, a Red Chinese trooper in the case of a sergeant that I met down at VMI in 1961, and everything in between. It has done this well, except that the classic leather washer hilt has not held up well in tropical environments. If I were to order one for taking into harm's way today, I would order it with a micarta or other hilt on it, even though it would lack that classic look, a good sacrifice to utility, and I would definitely specify the high carbon steel and spend some effort in maintenance rather than ordering the stainless. I'll ask a question to Ad at this point: Go over to SwordForums and read about swords made with stainless steel and tell me if you would then order a large combat knife of that material? I would not, and I love my Spydies with their CPM440V, but their blades max out at 3 5/8" in a folder, rather shorter than a 7" fixed blade combat/utility knife that I would use for opening oil drums, etc.
The Model 1 is so named because it was Bo Randall's first commercial design, made for GIs during WWII. This knife has been around serving America's troops honorably ever since and I have talked with folks who have used them to open 55 gallon fuel drums, ammo cans, a Red Chinese trooper in the case of a sergeant that I met down at VMI in 1961, and everything in between. It has done this well, except that the classic leather washer hilt has not held up well in tropical environments. If I were to order one for taking into harm's way today, I would order it with a micarta or other hilt on it, even though it would lack that classic look, a good sacrifice to utility, and I would definitely specify the high carbon steel and spend some effort in maintenance rather than ordering the stainless. I'll ask a question to Ad at this point: Go over to SwordForums and read about swords made with stainless steel and tell me if you would then order a large combat knife of that material? I would not, and I love my Spydies with their CPM440V, but their blades max out at 3 5/8" in a folder, rather shorter than a 7" fixed blade combat/utility knife that I would use for opening oil drums, etc.
Frankly, in a large sword I'd take 5160, or maybe CPM3V. I know what you are saying. But comparing my Randall 14 in stainless to my Strider D-9 in stainless, I feel there is no comparison. The Strider stainless is a much better stainless and has enjoyed a much better heat/cryo treatment. I like the overall feel of the Strider better, too. I like their cord wrap. I like their finish. I like the people that make their blades. They're really good guys, from my experience. For me, it's Strider all the way.
I do plan to get a Randall model 1 down the road, and I plan to get it in forged carbon steel, not stainless steel. I also know that guys like John Fitch and Bill Bagwell who make big Bowies usually make them out of carbon steel. I have HI khuks (made out of 5160) that I would never get rid of. They are awesome choppers, and I doubt that stainess steel would do the same job (although S30V might prove me wrong).
The original question was Randall v. Strider. Based on my own experience, for a 6-8" blade, I would choose a stainless steel Strider, hands down.
I do plan to get a Randall model 1 down the road, and I plan to get it in forged carbon steel, not stainless steel. I also know that guys like John Fitch and Bill Bagwell who make big Bowies usually make them out of carbon steel. I have HI khuks (made out of 5160) that I would never get rid of. They are awesome choppers, and I doubt that stainess steel would do the same job (although S30V might prove me wrong).
The original question was Randall v. Strider. Based on my own experience, for a 6-8" blade, I would choose a stainless steel Strider, hands down.
This is mostly a matter of personal taste. You are comparing two excellent makes. For your purpose the Randall will work just fine.
Of course a Kabar would probably do as well and cost less for most field knife uses.
The Randall is a classic design and I wish I had one.
Mostly for collector value and because Im goofy that way.
I feel that Striders are tougher and have more intent to them. I think most of them will not carve turkey as well as a Randall but would probably open drums and ammo crates better.
I also feel much more passionate about Strider than Randall.
Randalls are cool to me on a historical level, Striders appeal to the knife geek in me.
You've gotten some good answers from the folks.
But I've got to say Brownshoe has a point. If Strider, as a relatively young company were to go under You'd have to stop using their knives....
Cause the value would go through the roof!!
I sure hope they don't , I like the idea of being able to afford an MT, D9, or MSC.
Of course a Kabar would probably do as well and cost less for most field knife uses.
The Randall is a classic design and I wish I had one.
Mostly for collector value and because Im goofy that way.
I feel that Striders are tougher and have more intent to them. I think most of them will not carve turkey as well as a Randall but would probably open drums and ammo crates better.
I also feel much more passionate about Strider than Randall.
Randalls are cool to me on a historical level, Striders appeal to the knife geek in me.
You've gotten some good answers from the folks.
But I've got to say Brownshoe has a point. If Strider, as a relatively young company were to go under You'd have to stop using their knives....
Cause the value would go through the roof!!
I sure hope they don't , I like the idea of being able to afford an MT, D9, or MSC.
- Joined
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I've sent some e-mails to the folks at Strider to see about ordering a blade and they say to check with their dealers. I check with their dealers and all they say is - out of stock - can't get anything ordered right now. I understand the supply and demand side with things heating up out of country, but how would I go about ordering/acquiring a strider? I'm kinda flexible in configuration but am leaning towards an MT w/serrations. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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Holy Shite I am finding myself agreeing with Cliff!
And I even chuckled when I read his post!
And I even chuckled when I read his post!
- Joined
- Sep 14, 1999
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Want my opinion:
Get a Buck Strider Folder, a Leatherman WAVE, and a American Tomahawk Company Field Grade Brend Hatchet. I am over here "in the dirt" now and have used all three since stepping off the LCU. I use the WAVE for any "small tool" task, the Buck Strider for any larger cutting (cardboard mostly) and the hatchet for everything else too BIG to do with the little ones...
Plus you bring a different "look" to the fight when you carry a tomahawk or hatchet.
Everyone from the Gunnys to the Majors are asking about the ATC Brend and giving it a go...
The S/S Plt will be getting them upon our return to CONUS and a lot of talk is in the air about the Army getting ATC "issued" to them sometime in the future...who knows...
more later
Sgt. Horsley
BLT 2/1
15th MEU(SOC)
Northern Kuwaiti Desert
If it has to be a "Strider" or a "Randall," and you are looking for industructible (I see you are a "Devil Dog") then I would personally go with a Strider MT-L w/ serrations (MT-L is 25% bigger!)
I personally carry a Busse fixed blade (SH-E Variant model).
Get a Buck Strider Folder, a Leatherman WAVE, and a American Tomahawk Company Field Grade Brend Hatchet. I am over here "in the dirt" now and have used all three since stepping off the LCU. I use the WAVE for any "small tool" task, the Buck Strider for any larger cutting (cardboard mostly) and the hatchet for everything else too BIG to do with the little ones...
Plus you bring a different "look" to the fight when you carry a tomahawk or hatchet.
Everyone from the Gunnys to the Majors are asking about the ATC Brend and giving it a go...
The S/S Plt will be getting them upon our return to CONUS and a lot of talk is in the air about the Army getting ATC "issued" to them sometime in the future...who knows...
more later
Sgt. Horsley
BLT 2/1
15th MEU(SOC)
Northern Kuwaiti Desert
If it has to be a "Strider" or a "Randall," and you are looking for industructible (I see you are a "Devil Dog") then I would personally go with a Strider MT-L w/ serrations (MT-L is 25% bigger!)
I personally carry a Busse fixed blade (SH-E Variant model).
I too like the Busse steel heart-E I think it is the best X-treme duty knife I have ever put in my hand. I also loved my Randall's. The only problem was the guilt of taking such a fine masterpiece into the field and beating it to death like I do. When you come out of the field with the Busse, It's still the same old ugly, mean, MoFo (no pun intended) it was when you got it new. You can't hurt it, it's a Busse. Striders are over priced, But they are dependable, tough, and like the Busse, Indistructable. I like the Hawk idea brought up by Crowinghorse, If I was in a combat zone I would put serious thought into weather or not I needed a hatchet, but if I thought for 1 second I did, I would have one. Again, think in terms of weight also. When I think about all the **** a Marine has to carry anyways I start to look for ways to lighten up my gear pay load. One way to do it is to carry a multi-tool, and forget about the folder. And carry one 6.5"-8" heavy blade knife for all your field work.
it was when you got it new. You can't hurt it, it's a Busse. Striders are over priced, But they are dependable, tough, and like the Busse, Indistructable. I like the Hawk idea brought up by Crowinghorse, If I was in a combat zone I would put serious thought into weather or not I needed a hatchet, but if I thought for 1 second I did, I would have one. Again, think in terms of weight also. When I think about all the **** a Marine has to carry anyways I start to look for ways to lighten up my gear pay load. One way to do it is to carry a multi-tool, and forget about the folder. And carry one 6.5"-8" heavy blade knife for all your field work.- Joined
- Sep 14, 1999
- Messages
- 332
I know exactly what you are talking about: weight vs. need...
"Do I need this?" is something I here from my Marines all of the time...a lot of Marines have never been to the desert and don't know what to bring...
I am a bad example, since I bring more than I need, but at 5'9" and 180 lbs, I know I can hump it all too...
The hatchet I carry replaces the need for a fixed blade (I do not carry the Busse and the Brend Hatchet at the same time). As for the folder and multitool: other Marines "borrow" my multitool and should the need arise to have to have BOTH at the same time, I have them...and yes, ounces DO matter, but I would rather "have it and not need it than need it and not have it!"
Sgt. Horse
"Do I need this?" is something I here from my Marines all of the time...a lot of Marines have never been to the desert and don't know what to bring...
I am a bad example, since I bring more than I need, but at 5'9" and 180 lbs, I know I can hump it all too...
The hatchet I carry replaces the need for a fixed blade (I do not carry the Busse and the Brend Hatchet at the same time). As for the folder and multitool: other Marines "borrow" my multitool and should the need arise to have to have BOTH at the same time, I have them...and yes, ounces DO matter, but I would rather "have it and not need it than need it and not have it!"
Sgt. Horse