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review request for Buck Strider please
- Thread starter jefroman
- Start date
Cliff Stamp
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Cliff-- did you ever get any word back from Buck about the lock failure?
--Josh
--Josh
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
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Yes, no explanation was given for why it failed. It was referred to as a "fluke" by Buck. However Mick Strider commented on the situation here :
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum64/HTML/002479.html
which seemed to indicate what I saw was the expected behavior, this is what I believed based on the mechanics involved. Note as well that there was some play after developing because of heavy rope cutting done earlier which would have increased the probability of the lock release.
Note torques are a common problem for liner locks and even integrals. Lots of threads have discussed this in great detail. Opinions differ as to what it means. Some feel that such use should not be performed, and others feel it is acceptable. The latter tend to avoid such locks, the former (usually championed by Les Robertson) complain about improper use.
Anyway, the liner was replaced by Buck and I sold it shortly after. For the type of work that I wanted the folder to do, the lock did not have the level of durability/security/strength required. Many other people however have been very pleased with the folder. Check both the Strider and Buck forum fom details.
Personally for a heavy work folding knife I am currently leaning towards the M2 Axis from Benchmade, and I probably will seriously look for one on the for sale forums next month. Unless Busse announces a release date for his folder, and that is not overly likely.
-Cliff
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum64/HTML/002479.html
which seemed to indicate what I saw was the expected behavior, this is what I believed based on the mechanics involved. Note as well that there was some play after developing because of heavy rope cutting done earlier which would have increased the probability of the lock release.
Note torques are a common problem for liner locks and even integrals. Lots of threads have discussed this in great detail. Opinions differ as to what it means. Some feel that such use should not be performed, and others feel it is acceptable. The latter tend to avoid such locks, the former (usually championed by Les Robertson) complain about improper use.
Anyway, the liner was replaced by Buck and I sold it shortly after. For the type of work that I wanted the folder to do, the lock did not have the level of durability/security/strength required. Many other people however have been very pleased with the folder. Check both the Strider and Buck forum fom details.
Personally for a heavy work folding knife I am currently leaning towards the M2 Axis from Benchmade, and I probably will seriously look for one on the for sale forums next month. Unless Busse announces a release date for his folder, and that is not overly likely.
-Cliff
Cliff, have you ever reviewed a Spyderco Wegner or Military? I have read your posts with some comments on the Military, but haven't found a review on your site. BTW, thank you for the GREAT advice on convex sharpening. I am still working on the bellies, but had to lay off for a while to do some work at my bench.
IMHO, as a cerified fan of Strider, I have to say I am looking for a HD folder other than a Buck. Liner locks are OK by me, the one hand deployment and a good lock-up are key, but the Buck Strider doesn't turn me on. I am leary of Benchmades, my AFCK is sloppy. I am leary of a spring in the knife like an axis lock. I keep saving for a custom by Dozier, Lightfoot, or Mayo, or maybe even a big Sebenza.
IMHO, as a cerified fan of Strider, I have to say I am looking for a HD folder other than a Buck. Liner locks are OK by me, the one hand deployment and a good lock-up are key, but the Buck Strider doesn't turn me on. I am leary of Benchmades, my AFCK is sloppy. I am leary of a spring in the knife like an axis lock. I keep saving for a custom by Dozier, Lightfoot, or Mayo, or maybe even a big Sebenza.
SALTY
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2000
- Messages
- 5,810
The Buck/Strider suffers from all of the design limitations inherent with liner locks (and, to a lesser degree, integral/frame locks). These include the types of subtle (and some no so subtle) stresses described by Strider.
With the aforementioned caveat I can make two statements comfortably.
1. The best folder for truly tough uses is a full tang, fixed blade!
2. If you absolutley require a folder and plan on some tough uses, I think you could do far worse than a Buck/Strider.
The Axis may be all the rage (love my M2 710) but those dinky little springs give pause for thought. Likewise with "stuff" getting gingered in to the action of an axis or a lockback. (Love my 110).
The Sebenza enjoys design benefits over a mere liner lock, superior materials and flawless execution but costs MUCH more. An argument could be made that the Buck/Strider actually has some design and dimension benefit over the Sebenza. (Love my Sebenzas and an doning Nomex as I type!
)
A small fixed blade in a slip sheath fits in your pocket and beats almost any folder. An M2 Nimravus Cub, BM R&R, smaller Greco and the like can deal with much compared to folders and do not give up much in carry-ability, IMO. Also, do not rule out stout neck knives (like the Busse Badger Attack) for portability and toughness.
If only the sheeple could realize that fixed blades are not bad.
Bottom line, the Buck/Strider is not so shabby and definately no wimp ... for the liner lock that it is.
With the aforementioned caveat I can make two statements comfortably.
1. The best folder for truly tough uses is a full tang, fixed blade!
2. If you absolutley require a folder and plan on some tough uses, I think you could do far worse than a Buck/Strider.
The Axis may be all the rage (love my M2 710) but those dinky little springs give pause for thought. Likewise with "stuff" getting gingered in to the action of an axis or a lockback. (Love my 110).
The Sebenza enjoys design benefits over a mere liner lock, superior materials and flawless execution but costs MUCH more. An argument could be made that the Buck/Strider actually has some design and dimension benefit over the Sebenza. (Love my Sebenzas and an doning Nomex as I type!
)A small fixed blade in a slip sheath fits in your pocket and beats almost any folder. An M2 Nimravus Cub, BM R&R, smaller Greco and the like can deal with much compared to folders and do not give up much in carry-ability, IMO. Also, do not rule out stout neck knives (like the Busse Badger Attack) for portability and toughness.
If only the sheeple could realize that fixed blades are not bad.
Bottom line, the Buck/Strider is not so shabby and definately no wimp ... for the liner lock that it is.
Cliff Stamp
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Paul :
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/military_calypso_jr.html
I never got to use it to cut anything because the lock was too unstable. I could cause it to release with a tight grip. I had it looked at by Spyderco and this did improve it some, but not enough .
Yes, I would never buy one new without inspection for that exact reason. However if I buy it in the forums I can ask the seller some basic questions. In regards to the lock, yes I have the same feeling. I would be looking quite strongly at the Spyderco folders with the compression lock if they would put out a non-stainless one.
For hard use folders, I think Missions MPF is probably top right now. I would have had one long ago if it was not for customer service issues I had with them. I want a heavy use large folder which means that the blade steel and profile have to match the lock strength. This is why Reeves large Sebenza doesn't appeal much to me, same for Dozier, with the latter though I am just going by pictures.
In regards to the convex sharpening, two things I forgot to mention. That sandpaper can be cleaned and reused. I use a solution of soapy water from a small squirt bottle with a very small nozzle to maximize the velocity. Just rinse then with plain water. If the coarse grades are really clogged up you might want to wipe them off after they are soapy, I use a scotchbrite pad. Don't do this on the green one though as it can scratch the surface. After the sandpaper starts to get worn you just rotate it down to use on knives with a lower alloy content. The other thing is to get a hold of some kind of magnifier, 10x will do fine. Checking the edge up close can reveal a lot of problems and save time and frustration.
Nimrod :
Well yes, but the best knife for any use is a fixed blade as they are directly superior to a folder in all functional respects. The only reason that you carry a folder is because you can't carry a fixed blade.
-Cliff
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/military_calypso_jr.html
I never got to use it to cut anything because the lock was too unstable. I could cause it to release with a tight grip. I had it looked at by Spyderco and this did improve it some, but not enough .
Yes, I would never buy one new without inspection for that exact reason. However if I buy it in the forums I can ask the seller some basic questions. In regards to the lock, yes I have the same feeling. I would be looking quite strongly at the Spyderco folders with the compression lock if they would put out a non-stainless one.
For hard use folders, I think Missions MPF is probably top right now. I would have had one long ago if it was not for customer service issues I had with them. I want a heavy use large folder which means that the blade steel and profile have to match the lock strength. This is why Reeves large Sebenza doesn't appeal much to me, same for Dozier, with the latter though I am just going by pictures.
In regards to the convex sharpening, two things I forgot to mention. That sandpaper can be cleaned and reused. I use a solution of soapy water from a small squirt bottle with a very small nozzle to maximize the velocity. Just rinse then with plain water. If the coarse grades are really clogged up you might want to wipe them off after they are soapy, I use a scotchbrite pad. Don't do this on the green one though as it can scratch the surface. After the sandpaper starts to get worn you just rotate it down to use on knives with a lower alloy content. The other thing is to get a hold of some kind of magnifier, 10x will do fine. Checking the edge up close can reveal a lot of problems and save time and frustration.
Nimrod :
Well yes, but the best knife for any use is a fixed blade as they are directly superior to a folder in all functional respects. The only reason that you carry a folder is because you can't carry a fixed blade.
-Cliff
Nimrod, I have been thinking the same thing. I had been looking for a really stout folder to carry on my day pack, for use on populated trails around here, where we encounter people. I woke up today resolved to forget another folder, then went over to Triple Aught Design, and saw Dozier's Work knife. It is nearly the dimensions of a Strider AR.
I left thinking the Sebenza is still the toughest, but I pulled out my litle 3" Greco and sharpened it up. I love that and my Newt Livesay NRG. They are not quite perfect, but darn good. I did like the Woodswalker by AG Russell that I saw, but hard use? hardly, just convenient, and set up to fit in a hip pocket.
Cliff, the Dozier doesn't look like it would stand up to your standards of ab-use! I is D-2 steel and a good basic design, but not able to get me to part with my money. I wait for your blessing on a strong folder, then will look at it. Thanks for the advice on re-using the sandpaper. The mylar backed stuff is great, and costly, so re-using it is welcome.
I left thinking the Sebenza is still the toughest, but I pulled out my litle 3" Greco and sharpened it up. I love that and my Newt Livesay NRG. They are not quite perfect, but darn good. I did like the Woodswalker by AG Russell that I saw, but hard use? hardly, just convenient, and set up to fit in a hip pocket.
Cliff, the Dozier doesn't look like it would stand up to your standards of ab-use! I is D-2 steel and a good basic design, but not able to get me to part with my money. I wait for your blessing on a strong folder, then will look at it. Thanks for the advice on re-using the sandpaper. The mylar backed stuff is great, and costly, so re-using it is welcome.
SALTY
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2000
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- 5,810
Ecechobo, If I am outdoors and not at a country club, I do not have any problem whatsoever with a fixed blade. If I'm backpacking (populated trails or not) hunting, fishing, canoeing and the like, I've got a fixed blade, the heck with the Sheeple!
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2002
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- 446
Can anyone tell me if the bead blast finish on the Buck/Striders rust easially? I have owned a couple of knives with this finish, and they have all rusted very quickly. I'm interested in getting one of these, but don't want one if it's going to rust. I live in a fairly humid area, and it is impractical to oil a work knife all the time. Thanks