sebenza or strider ?

[NickZac]

On the other hand, if you're thinkin' Sebenza, remember what Mick says, "all-metal knives are for fags".

But Mick's said a lot of things

 

[Spark]

Spark,

GOD SPARK Just stop it. Next thing I know you will boil one of Striders pets, and leave it cooking on his stove. Seriously that attack thread you did disqualifies you from any thread attempting to have a rational talk about Strider Folders. QUIT STALKING SOMEBODY THAT IS NOT EVEN HERE.

This point was made in this thread already. I went into a fair amount of detail into how Sebenzas just LOOK refined but in fact have thick grinds.

For what is worth I AGREE with you that Sebenzas are super strong and no doubt the equal of Striders. It's just coming from you... its annoying. See I am a rational guy and you have me re-acting like a tard.

Excuse me? I'll take part in any discussion I feel like. If you can't remain civil, you can hit logout and not come back.

I have personal experience with Sebenza's, and anyone posting that they can't handle abuse has either never handled one or doesn't know what they are talking about. In my opinion, the Sebenza is probably the pinnacle of a utilitarian production folder. And you certainly get your money's worth from it.

Otherwise, if something about my response in particular has you steamed, you can confer with me elsewhere.

 

[destroythealter]

I prefer my Strider and I do not like the badditude...I think.

Any way you can't go wrong as both are good choices.

 

[MPE]

I have always thought it was a load of SHIT that the Sebenzas can't take the abuse. I would still like to see NOSS4 do a side by side test with a Seb. and a Strider of some flavor. I bet people would be surprised at the outcome and these kind of posts would ring a different tune! If your out there NOSS4 old buddy, lets get the ball rolling on this. This would be a BIG deal for you!

MPE

 

[NickZac]

Oh indeed you can baton with a Sebenza and it will not develop blade play and the tip is plenty hearty.

 

[Lukers]

Justabuyer,
Not that Spark needs any defending or help from me, but you sure so have a lot of nerve to speak like that. I noticed you registered in 2006, and perhaps haven't gained understanding of forum etiquette yet. I learned the hard way when I first registered back in 1999. I stepped on a few toes and learned from it. I still feel bad about one of the good folks and pissed off. I hope you do the same.

This thread makes me laugh. I should call my customer that has 19 sebenzas, who is an electrician by trade, who uses his sebenza daily to cut wire and various other "hard use" tasks and tell him he's abusing his knife.

The Sebenza will take anything you throw at it. Let's be honest folks. Just because it looks pretty, it doesn't mean it's not tough as nails. Get the knife that appeals to you most, with the best materials, that you'll carry daily. Don't get a knife based on hype.

I appreciate Sparks input ( a good general knife buying rule, Spark). IMO, his comments were neutral. He said to get what you like and what you feel is the best...wow...what a concept! That leaves the knife buying world open to me with all sorts of wonderful opportunities! If I like it and can afford it, I should buy it...yes!

I currently use a Strider SnG as an EDC (for 1.5 years). I am not satisfied with the lock security...at all. This is number 2 Strider out of 3 with lock up issues that I have owned. Does this mean I hate Strider? Nope, not at all. Despite the recent 'airing of grievances', I've decided to remain out of it. I don't have the time or energy to be emotionally involved in crap that doesn't matter to me. I could care less if Strider is this or that or what he is. I don't buy knives because I want to join a knifemaker-groupie. I don't believe in hero worship. I make a reasoned choice, plunk down cash, get knife and make a decision. I know Striders are good and so are Sebenzas. The right answer for me is to get both. Now I just have to find a Sebenza cheap...

Nuff said,
Luke

 

[JoHnYKwSt]

I have to agree with Spark, the sebbie is a plenty tough. Anyone can make a tough knife, all you have to do is make it thicker. In some ways a thicker knife is actually easier to make because you have to remove less material.

 

[eojk]

Giving a quick nod to the search feature, I've found dead horses here,here,here,here... ad nauseum.

One issue in this topic that I don't seem to see addressed a whole lot is: If you need a knife for prying and other really abusive tasks that the Striders' thick blade stock are good for, why aren't you doing the intelligent thing and looking into fixed blades? All that bulk is wasted when a cheaper piece of solid steel will perform such abusive tasks more reliably.

It's also worth noting(though probably mentioned several times) that QC issues with Chris Reeve products are few and far between, which cannot be said of Strider on the whole.

 

[Nathan S]

Oh indeed you can baton with a Sebenza and it will not develop blade play and the tip is plenty hearty.

True, I've done it. The Sebenza is definitely a "hard use" knife. I've beaten the crap out of mine, with no undue effects (except scratches). That said, I like Strider folders, too. Love my SnG. If had had to choose just one of the two (and thankfully I don't have to), I'd go with the Sebenza.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I would get a Sebenza over a Strider any day. I've never been that impressed with Strider products, and I will never need a folding pry bar.

 

[rhino]

If I were willing to pay that kind of money for a knife, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the Sebenza. I've only handled one example in my life (maybe ten years ago), but it was very impressive and that particular piece was quite sharp. There may be other semi-production knives that have particular features that match or exceed the Sebenza, but as a total package, I don't see anything like it. The Sebenza (like the rest of Chris Reeve's products) seems to be a very "mature" design, as if it had evolved into what it is. Add the fact that you read/hear very few complaints related to QA/QC issues and you have a winner among winners.

I got to handle a few Striders over the last couple of years. They are generally nice knives and seem incredibly strong, but I'm not motivated to acquire one. I did find that the edge was actually thinner than I expected given what I'd read about them. I think the choice to go with a very wide blade allows for using such thick stock, yet having a reasonably thin edge.

 

[Recursion]

I would go for a sebenza. Strider while having there appeal, they don't give a crap about there customers and they are dirt bag people. Il stay away from them.

 

[flipe8]

Strider while having there appeal, they don't give a crap about there customers and they are dirt bag people. Il stay away from them.

If giving to the troops and many charities makes them dirtbags, I'll happily give my business to "dirtbags".
How about keeping the answers based on the question? All you had to say was the first sentence.
Oh, and welcome to the Forums.

 

[Recursion]

sorry Il keep my comments to myself next time.

 

[tirod3]

I would get a Sebenza over a Strider any day. I've never been that impressed with Strider products, and I will never need a folding pry bar.

I have no doubts those that prefer the Sebenza also prefer the high quality fit and finish. What is in contrast here is that the Sebenza defenders are also saying the knife can take abuse like a Strider - ie, be the folding prybar.

But I don't see where Strider ever tried to put out the same image as a CNC precision fit, pocket slip carried, engraved jewelry. Pimped SnG's are out there, but usually done by third parties.

If anyone wants to use their Sebenza as a tool, go for it. It's not something I commonly encounter in Sebenza talk - just the usual boring raves about fit and finish. A few photos showing edc tasks would help dispell the "carry queen" image. Maybe the Sebenza owners just don't feel need to bother - they're that happy about them. They certainly aren't junk.

I maintain the knives are made for two different markets, are different knives, and used with those differences in mind. To my eye, the only similarity is the framelock. The Sebenza is a long california clip, the SnG a drop point; hollow ground vs flatground; smooth metal handles vs high traction combination; framelock in vs out; stud vs opening oval; interior stop vs exterior; in house blade heat treatment vs Bos recipe out sourced.

Come to think of it, some have posted the SnG blades are blanked and ground by a third party. Usually it's done by another blade maker under the radar, for obvious reasons. How many of us would be surprised to find out their favorite maker actually does the job side by side with their EDC blade?

Sebenza's are great - my first choice for a high dollar knife. But I wanted something that reflected my life experiences and passions, like choosing a Cherokee vs a Yukon.

Really two different things.

 

[rprocter]

wow,did i ever learn a lot from my (what i thought was straight-forward) question. i understand more about both knives now, which is very helpful as there is nowhere within at least a day's drive to see them. i also learned a little "history". thanks to all who posted with helping me in mind.

 

[APM]

Strider hype is pure BS, no way, second best at best, just a over priced copy of a Sebenza. :jerkit:

Give me the real deal, the Sebenza, think twice cut once indeed, no comparison between the two IMO, ones a Classic, ones a copy!

James

 

[NickZac]

I am not going to go too far into what Strider is or isn't as I haven't used them as much as CRK...but I will say this about the Sebenza...

The wood inlays do NOT scratch easily. The titanium DOES compared to the wooden inlays. Micarta is virtually indestructible like G10. I had a guy ask me the other day about how my woods held up so I figured I would post this. I polish and wax them to keep them shiny and from fading, but they are very scratch resistant and do not ding easily.

The stone washed blade does not show scratches or stains at all, and the polished blade is very scratch and stain resistant despite its high shine. This is primarily because it is CPM-S30V, as this steel does not pit easily at all. I polish mine often with metal glow (maybe every 2-3 weeks) which gives it a near chrome appearance and removes scratches from woodworking, however, my daily routine involves a lot of things. Today I have opened some packages, cut some tomatoes, cut some ham and turkey, diced some onions, spread some mustard, opened a few food packages, cut a lemon, trimmed my nails, and made a soda bottle into a unique contraption. Tomatoes and lemons are exceptionally acidic and they will stain many blades quite quickly. I simply run mine under water and dry. I have not had any problems with this blade or any others that were CPM-S30V.

Overall, it makes a great companion and the Sebenza is just tough to beat; tough enough that Chris Reeve does not need to use any type of marketing hype to get the word of his blades out.

 

[Buzzbait]

Okay. I'll throw my 2 cents into the pool.

I've owned a large classic BG-42 Sebenza for many years. I briefly owned a large S30V Sebenza also. Both possessed an extraordinary level of fit and finish. I found the heat treatment of the S30V Sebenza to be far below my expectations, and promptly sold it. The BG-42 Sebbie still gets used quite a bit, and is showing few signs of slowing down. I did do some baton work on the BG-42 Sebbie, and the lock bar now travels a bit further across the blade than beforehand. As with any other folding knife, I would not advise using it for baton work. I will say that my Sebbie has not been coddled, and has seen a large amount of outdoor use. It has held up surprisingly well. The Sebbie is a beautifully made knife with fair cutting efficiency. Excellent lock security and the finest pivot assembly I've ever seen. The knife is wonderfully simple to take apart and maintain. The downsides, for me at least, are the pants eating pocket clip, the somewhat slippery grip, and the less than positive feeling thumb stud. Overall, the Sebbie is an outstanding study in knife manufacturing, that any knife maker could learn from.

My Gen4 drop point Strider SNG is a totally different animal. The fit and finish is good, but not even close to the level of the Sebenza. It’s on par with a well-made production knife. On the positive side, the heat treatment of the blade is far superior to an S30V Sebenza. I even prefer Strider's S30V to my Chris Reeve BG-42, which is saying alot. Cutting efficiency is very similar to the Sebenza, although I’ve found the SNG’s flat grind to be superior under certain conditions. I personally prefer the ergonomics of the SNG, although neither knife is a slouch in this area. The SNG is just more secure in the hand, and I dig the finger choil for more controlled cutting. The SNG does not open as smoothly as the Sebenza, but the opening hole is easier for me to use than the Sebenza’s thumb stud. I definitely prefer the pocket clip on the SNG. The clip is more secure and easier on my pants. Lockup on my SNG is still like-new, although it has not yet seen nearly the amount of use that my old Sebenza has. The downsides of the SNG are the apparent quality control lapses, the annoying sharpening choil on the blade (it snags on substrates often), and the bulkiness when in your pocket.

Overall, both knives offer excellent value. The Sebbie gives you an extraordinary and consistent level of fit and finish, coupled with time proven design elements. The Sebenza is a benchmark to use over and over, to weigh how well other knives are manufactured. The SNG provides an awesome level of usability, packaged into one of the most distinctive looking folder designs on the market. It’s a beater that you learn to take for granted. If I had to take only one of the two, I guess I’d keep the SNG, for one practical reason; far superior heat treatment.

 

[Justabuyer]

Okay. I'll throw my 2 cents into the pool.

I've owned a large classic BG-42 Sebenza for many years. I briefly owned a large S30V Sebenza also. Both possessed an extraordinary level of fit and finish. I found the heat treatment of the S30V Sebenza to be far below my expectations, and promptly sold it. The BG-42 Sebbie still gets used quite a bit, and is showing few signs of slowing down. I did do some baton work on the BG-42 Sebbie, and the lock bar now travels a bit further across the blade than beforehand. As with any other folding knife, I would not advise using it for baton work. I will say that my Sebbie has not been coddled, and has seen a large amount of outdoor use. It has held up surprisingly well. The Sebbie is a beautifully made knife with fair cutting efficiency. Excellent lock security and the finest pivot assembly I've ever seen. The knife is wonderfully simple to take apart and maintain. The downsides, for me at least, are the pants eating pocket clip, the somewhat slippery grip, and the less than positive feeling thumb stud. Overall, the Sebbie is an outstanding study in knife manufacturing, that any knife maker could learn from.

My Gen4 drop point Strider SNG is a totally different animal. The fit and finish is good, but not even close to the level of the Sebenza. It’s on par with a well-made production knife. On the positive side, the heat treatment of the blade is far superior to an S30V Sebenza. I even prefer Strider's S30V to my Chris Reeve BG-42, which is saying alot. Cutting efficiency is very similar to the Sebenza, although I’ve found the SNG’s flat grind to be superior under certain conditions. I personally prefer the ergonomics of the SNG, although neither knife is a slouch in this area. The SNG is just more secure in the hand, and I dig the finger choil for more controlled cutting. The SNG does not open as smoothly as the Sebenza, but the opening hole is easier for me to use than the Sebenza’s thumb stud. I definitely prefer the pocket clip on the SNG. The clip is more secure and easier on my pants. Lockup on my SNG is still like-new, although it has not yet seen nearly the amount of use that my old Sebenza has. The downsides of the SNG are the apparent quality control lapses, the annoying sharpening choil on the blade (it snags on substrates often), and the bulkiness when in your pocket.

Overall, both knives offer excellent value. The Sebbie gives you an extraordinary and consistent level of fit and finish, coupled with time proven design elements. The Sebenza is a benchmark to use over and over, to weigh how well other knives are manufactured. The SNG provides an awesome level of usability, packaged into one of the most distinctive looking folder designs on the market. It’s a beater that you learn to take for granted. If I had to take only one of the two, I guess I’d keep the SNG, for one practical reason; far superior heat treatment.

Useful post full of FIRST HAND experiance and facts.