Review: Strider SMF DGG- First $200+ knife

[n2wilderness]

This is my first $200+ dollar knife. I bring that up because my review will be based on the type of money spent (as should all reviews I guess). Also, this is my first knife review (and first video) so all feedback is welcome so that I can improve.

Basis for review- Hard use and EDC

Likes:
- Ergonomics- The size of the finger cut out and finger choil fit nicely with my big fingers. I wear a size XL Mechanix gloves for reference. The bottom flare out on the handle filled up my hand for reverse grip
- Deployment- The oval hole was easy to use to flip the blade open on the underside of the knife. The lock up is nice and solid.
- Weight- For such a large knife it is pretty amazing that it came in around 5 oz.
- Overall quality- Without going into the details of craftsmanship, I think everyone knows that the materials used are top quality but I expected that from such an expensive knife.

Dislikes:
- Handle- It may sound like ergonomics but it's not really. The aggressive jimmping on the top of the handle was uncomfortable under hard use. This would probably not be an issue while wearing gloves. The other part about the handle I didn't care for was the DGG. It was uncomfortable when using it hard and also when I had to put my hands in my pocket while carrying.
- Secondary bevel- In an every day carry situation there are not may circumstances where I need to split something wide open. I bought the knife knowing it wasn't a slicer but the function of the thick blade with the secondary bevel doesn't work well with everyday use. As I say in the review, I would likely have put a convex edge on the knife if I would have kept it.

Verdict:
I traded the knife on this forum b/c I don't want to have these types of issues with such an expensive knife. I could have fixed the secondary bevel but not the handle. So...the plan is to get another SMF at some point but in the CC or normal G10 scales.

I'd like to find out from you guys if you think I will continue having these issue with the other SMF models. Also, if you have a chance, watch my review on youtube and give me feedback so that I can improve my thinking and style of review.

Part 1 (there's also a part 2 on my channel page if you are interested)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h00diHRFAvY

Thanks!

 

[unit]

Nice review.

Seems like some honest thoughts there (typed above)...can not imagine suggesting anything beyond that in a review.

Your video review is fine...My preference is less discussion of the details that you can read from an item description from any website selling the knife (dimensions, materials, etc)...it is faster for me to just read that (no offense, that is just my preference). Video offers an avenue to show spatial relationships, so moving the knife around and juxtaposing it with various common items (dollar bill, car keys, etc.) gives the viewer a better understanding of bulk. Also, the mention of your personal tastes regarding use and interaction of the knife is great...everyone that picks it up will not have the same experience and preferences...this is why it is great to have lots of people reviewing knives.

You have a nice clean video, and I appreciate your insights and opinions on this knife. It certainly is more of a cleaver than a slicer.

 

[n2wilderness]

Nice review.

Your video review is fine...My preference is less discussion of the details that you can read from an item description from any website selling the knife (dimensions, materials, etc)...it is faster for me to just read that.

I think you're right. I've been pondering either putting the details in a slide at the beginning of the video or just putting them in the description area.

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[So-Lo]

Nice video!

I don't do spec's at all, not at the end, not in the sidebar... It's just how I roll and have never had anyone ask for them...

But, heck most all my videos are not edited and not planned so what do I know!

 

[Buffalohump]

Thanks for the input. I have long wondered about the SMF but two things have prevented me from acquiring one: The relatively short cutting edge compared with the size of the blade (why such a huge choil?), and the dead flat spine. I prefer knives with a curved spine (think Military), and if you only want 3,5 inches you can get a smaller (and cheaper) knife into the bargain.

 

[unit]

Thanks for the input. I have long wondered about the SMF but two things have prevented me from acquiring one: The relatively short cutting edge compared with the size of the blade (why such a huge choil?), and the dead flat spine. I prefer knives with a curved spine (think Military), and if you only want 3,5 inches you can get a smaller (and cheaper) knife into the bargain.

I am confused by this...the Military spine is a straight edge...I have used it to draw perfect lines! (edit...OHH! you must mean the back of the handle?)

I agree regarding the short cutting edge on the SMF, I would prefer some more edge also...the design of the knife needs the choil area as a blade stop I believe.

My personal take is that this knife addresses an entirely different group of buyers (compared to some of us). These buyers perform many tasks with their knives that are NOT slicing (think piercing, scraping, prying, digging, chopping, etc.) This is not to say that they do not cut stuff...but cutting is ONE OF the tasks they use a knife for and therefore the knife is optimized for many tasks and that results in what you see here (not a super slicer).

And on the other hand, a $50 3.5 inch bladed knife can perhaps do some piercing, scraping, prying, digging, chopping, etc. but perhaps not on the level this one can handle.

I think a lot of guys like the concept and buy this knife (or other Striders) then they realize that their needs are not aligned with this concept...in much the same (perhaps) that I would love to have a .50 cal long range rifle. There is nothing wrong with a specialized rifle like I dream of, but the reality is I would NEVER use it for what it was intended and rarely appreciate it accordingly....a .22 suits my rifle needs just fine!

 

[n2wilderness]

My personal take is that this knife addresses an entirely different group of buyers (compared to some of us).

I would be interested to know if this is a true statement based on the people that buy the knife on this forum. The genius of the marketing industry is that you can create a primary customer-base based on an idea of the typical use of the knife when in reality the consumer is not going to use it in that function. I do not mean to say that military/LE operators don't get good use out of the knife but I'd bet that is not their majority consumer.

Sorry mods if this is getting off topic but I think it is fair to talk about intended use of a knife compared to its primary consumer.

 

[So-Lo]

I am confused by this...the Military spine is a straight edge...I have used it to draw perfect lines! (edit...OHH! you must mean the back of the handle?)

I agree regarding the short cutting edge on the SMF, I would prefer some more edge also...the design of the knife needs the choil area as a blade stop I believe.

My personal take is that this knife addresses an entirely different group of buyers (compared to some of us). These buyers perform many tasks with their knives that are NOT slicing (think piercing, scraping, prying, digging, chopping, etc.) This is not to say that they do not cut stuff...but cutting is ONE OF the tasks they use a knife for and therefore the knife is optimized for many tasks and that results in what you see here (not a super slicer).

And on the other hand, a $50 3.5 inch bladed knife can perhaps do some piercing, scraping, prying, digging, chopping, etc. but perhaps not on the level this one can handle.

I think a lot of guys like the concept and buy this knife (or other Striders) then they realize that their needs are not aligned with this concept...in much the same (perhaps) that I would love to have a .50 cal long range rifle. There is nothing wrong with a specialized rifle like I dream of, but the reality is I would NEVER use it for what it was intended and rarely appreciate it accordingly....a .22 suits my rifle needs just fine!

Great post!

It's true, I have a few "hard use" knives and I just don't carry them all that much for EDC. My Spydercos and CRKs fill that role much better

Not to take anything away from the Striders and Hinderers, I'm just not that type of user. But, it sure is fun to own the knives anyways!

 

[unit]

Great post!

It's true, I have a few "hard use" knives and I just don't carry them all that much for EDC. My Spydercos and CRKs fill that role much better

Not to take anything away from the Striders and Hinderers, I'm just not that type of user. But, it sure is fun to own the knives anyways!

Thanks!

Your last sentence sums up my belief regarding many hard use knife consumers. There are those that use them hard all the time, and perhaps even more buyers that simply enjoy owning them. America is RIPE with other examples of this. Supercars, Motorcycles, Off-road vehicles, Guns etc.

Many of us enjoy owning things capable of far more than we ever really want to do...some people may day dream of being in a survival situation and using their knife in all manner of life and death uses...but the truth is, many of us are really are far more comfortable to day dream about it in our safe clean environments (yes, I am THAT guy).

Nothing wrong with enjoying what your money can buy for you. Also nothing wrong with knowing what suits your needs best and carrying it.

I think this knife review has brought up some unexpected and interesting points about knives...that is a success that many reviews do not deliver!

 

[Buffalohump]

Yes indeed, that is what I meant, the spine of the handle. :thumbup:

I would not dig or pry with a $500 folder. Unless I was buried in a landslide and that was the only thing I had with me, in which case I'd probably be screwed anyway.

I just feel the design is a CAD/CAM creation, not something designed by a human hand, for the human hand.

I have similar concerns about the Sebenza. Too many straight lines!

I am confused by this...the Military spine is a straight edge...I have used it to draw perfect lines! (edit...OHH! you must mean the back of the handle?)

I agree regarding the short cutting edge on the SMF, I would prefer some more edge also...the design of the knife needs the choil area as a blade stop I believe.

My personal take is that this knife addresses an entirely different group of buyers (compared to some of us). These buyers perform many tasks with their knives that are NOT slicing (think piercing, scraping, prying, digging, chopping, etc.) This is not to say that they do not cut stuff...but cutting is ONE OF the tasks they use a knife for and therefore the knife is optimized for many tasks and that results in what you see here (not a super slicer).

And on the other hand, a $50 3.5 inch bladed knife can perhaps do some piercing, scraping, prying, digging, chopping, etc. but perhaps not on the level this one can handle.

I think a lot of guys like the concept and buy this knife (or other Striders) then they realize that their needs are not aligned with this concept...in much the same (perhaps) that I would love to have a .50 cal long range rifle. There is nothing wrong with a specialized rifle like I dream of, but the reality is I would NEVER use it for what it was intended and rarely appreciate it accordingly....a .22 suits my rifle needs just fine!