Robust Knife, not sebenza

I think it's down to a strider sj-75, a Wilson combat umnumzaan or a grayman dua. I hear striders are prone to rock lock.
 
RetiredGuns said:
Plenty of choices for sure. I've had several Sebenzas and all great. I've had a few ZTs, again all great. I now have a knife that I feel 100% comfortable with doing tasks that I just didn't do with the CRKs for whatever reason. The ZTs were plenty capable, but heavy. The knife that I never though I'd like or buy turned out to be one of the best feeling, performing knives I've owned. The ever polarizing Strider SnG. I have the CC/FFG/CPM154 version and at 4.2oz it's easy to carry and a tank at the same time. I used this knife to notch out a dozen weather treated 2x10s while building a deck and it was comfy through the process. The Strider choil is a beauty of function. Best stonewashing I've seen also. If you get a good one and there are plenty of armchair quarterbacks that will holler "if" then it's one hell of a knife.

sngcc3.jpg


sngcc4.jpg
Click to expand...

Hah! I've walked that same path. Had a couple of SnGs, an RCC, and a few PTs years ago. Sold 'em all off. Spent a small fortune on folders since then and guess what... ? I'm back to SnGs when I don't carry an Emerson. The Spydercos, Sebenzas, and other folders have been "re-homed" so I'll have room in the chest for more Emersons and SnGs.

It is a tough knife. I have an all stonewashed green CC that I carry a lot and a black lego that's a backup. I've never had a Strider with lock rock or any other issue. Mine have been centered, had solid lockups, and had excellent F&F. That includes the ones I have now, which are both late models with the new lock geometry, and the earlier gen 3 SnGs and other models. I don't buy new, however. I buy from BFs exchange so I can talk to the seller about any specific concerns I might have before I buy the knife I'm looking at in the pics.

I'd also recommend looking at some Emersons when you're looking for a dependable and rugged work knife. There are several existing models that will work well for you. There's also a couple of new models for 2015 that are designed with some utility functions in mind. The Sheepdog in a spearpoint blade looks like a solid utilitarian design that'll handle just about any daily chore.
 
Last edited:
I worked in a garage more often, I would definitely go with the Strider SnG. Maybe it's the massive pivot and simple construction, something about the SnG begs for rougher treatment. Also, the SnG is way easier to open and use while wearing gloves. There are quite a few SnGs available from various retailers right now, get one while you can, they can dry up and be hard to find for weeks at a time.

Sizewise, the SnG is about as big in the pocket or the hand as a large Sebenza. The SMF is even bigger, and feels huge to my XL gloved hands.

Edited to add:

SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I think it's down to a strider sj-75 ...SNIP... I hear striders are prone to rock lock.
Click to expand...

I've not had that impression since they updated to their current lock design several years ago.
 
Last edited:
Right now, one of my favorite carry knives is a spyderco manix 2 xl, if that gives you guys a comparison for size. That's about as large as I'll go in pocket. And a benchmade griptilian being on the smaller side.
 
I have the Three Sisters Forge Beast, 3" S35VN blade. There is a new one called the Gorgon which has a 4" blade and runs $450. Something to consider if you're looking for something robust but not "overbuilt" as is the trend these days.
 
I'm kind of stuck on the strider idea, if the locks are no longer an issue. And how would I know if I've ordered the newest one? For the money, is the sng or smf the most valuable? Any key differences besides size? And are they really worth the money, when I got my sebenza while I love it I wasn't overly wowed.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I'm kind of stuck on the strider idea, if the locks are no longer an issue. And how would I know if I've ordered the newest one? For the money, is the sng or smf the most valuable? Any key differences besides size? And are they really worth the money, when I got my sebenza while I love it I wasn't overly wowed.
Click to expand...

If you buy a Strider from an authorized dealer or a trusted BF member who knows Strider & tells you so, you can almost be sure it is the new lockup. You can also see the difference if shown. I would say that the SnG is likely the most popular size as they are out of stock more than the SMF. As far as "worth" goes only you can decide. I traded a small Sebenza for an SnG & I feel like I made out like a bandit. I've had several Sebenzas and they are extremely well built tools, but not generally known as wow factor knives. They don't need to be obviously as their value is undeniably constant. I've only had 2 SnGs, but they both have been perfect and the "thwack" of it locking up is something. I think for a work knife, the handle/choil is hard to beat. Like probably mentioned, if if isn't your cup of tea, you'll be able to trade/sell with little difficulty.
 
I own Sebenzas and SNGs they are polar opposites. It like comparing a big block Chevelle and a 2015 vette. The sng is an unrefined brute force design and the sebenza is the epitome of production refinement. Even the new lock striders are still spotty and the best SNG I have encountered is not as smooth as the worst sebenza. I do like the weight of the SNG and the heat treat on the S30V seems to be better.

All that being said if I was looking for a 500 knife to give me a more robust feeling option to my sebenza I would look towards Hinderer XM18 or Curtiss F3s. The F3 is a beast but is as slick as a sebenza.

To me a SNG is a backwards evolution. YMMV
 
DPx HEST/F is a stout little knife... :thumbup:

hest04_zps7f9edaea.jpg

DPx HEST/F sterile Triple Black in Niolox steel

-Brett
 
hank_612 said:
There is a whole lot to like about DPX knives for a great price.
Click to expand...

Agreed! I'm a big fan of my CRKs but I have to say that LionSteel did one heckuva job putting these knives together. Paid around $200 for my Triple Black brand spankin' new :thumbup:
 
One of the finest folders that has heavy-duty capabilities is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Wonderful CPM-M4 blade-steel; takes a fine edge and stays sharp a long time.
I've had quite a few of these and they are fine folders.
 
How about a Knifeworks exclusive. Benchmade contego in m390 steel. It's a little less money but a great work knife
 
For your $500 budget you can score a hinderer over on the exchange side.. The fit and finish will be better than any strider
 
Emerson's are really tough knives and surprisingly light. They have several size options as well. Around the 2 to $300 range. All 154cm I do believe.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I'm kind of stuck on the strider idea, if the locks are no longer an issue. And how would I know if I've ordered the newest one? For the money, is the sng or smf the most valuable? Any key differences besides size? And are they really worth the money, when I got my sebenza while I love it I wasn't overly wowed.
Click to expand...

I have recently bought a Sebenza 25 and a Strider SnG. Both wowed me, but in different ways. Both knives open with an incredible "thunk!" and give the impression of being very strong. That said, the Sebenza feels more refined while the Strider feels simplified, and sometimes simple is better.

I've used both the SnG and SMF. The SMF feels huge in my XL glove wearing hands and only gives 1/4" more cutting edge. It also costs more. For size reference, the SnG is the same size as a large Sebenza.

Strider folders are worth the money, IMO, because they are unique and I can't buy a similar enough knife for less. The pivot screw is 1/2" diameter, it's massive. The body screws are simple but strong. The combined G10 backspacer/frame is a great design feature that I really dig. The mostly G10 handle makes the knife very light for its size, even the big SMFs carry easily in a pocket. The odd looking handle is extremely comfortable. The knife is easy to open and use even while wearing gloves.
 
Don't spend that much on a Strider. I had for a while, it's a cool knife don't get me wrong, but its not worth the money. I know I'm going to sound like a fanboy, but get a ZT 0600. Ive seen them as low as $400, which is what I got mine for. It's the perfect mix of finesse and hard user. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top