Should i purchase a strider???

Shadow449

Shadow449

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Thinking of purchasing a Strider but have heard of problems with blade play as the lock bar wears. Can anyone help me out with a review or comments? My collection currently consists of Sebenzas, Hinderers, and Spydercos, would love to add Strider but the lock bar / blade play issue has made me hesitate.
 
Shadow449 said:
Thinking of purchasing a Strider but have heard of problems with blade play as the lock bar wears. Can anyone help me out with a review or comments? My collection currently consists of Sebenzas, Hinderers, and Spydercos, would love to add Strider but the lock bar / blade play issue has made me hesitate.
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I love my Strider, but I would always pick a Hinderer or Sebenza over a Strider if I had to make a choice. They do have a reputation for quality control issues, but they are indeed tough as nails. What gets me is its looks; stunning design.
I'd say if you got everything else, why not try one out? I'm sure youll like it.
 
Try one, if you don't like it, sell it. They keep their value pretty well.
 
That's exactly where I'm at. I like the way they look but the quality control issues bother me. You're right, maybe I should get one and see what happens. How's customer service, do they back their product up by fixing issues like Chris Reeve?
 
Since you already have sebenzas and hinderers I am assuming that cash is not the issue. If that is the case you might as well try one out, if you don't like it I am sure it can be sold for minimal loss.
 
Shadow449 said:
That's exactly where I'm at. I like the way they look but the quality control issues bother me. You're right, maybe I should get one and see what happens. How's customer service, do they back their product up by fixing issues like Chris Reeve?
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Well, I own neither but I hear Strider's warranty is bullet proof.

You can supposedly void the warranty on a Sebenza just by flicking it open.
 
I think all the lock bar issues have been fixed and the new productions models do not have the same issues the older ones had. Also, if your knife developes a problem, they'll fix it.
 
Yes, just buy it. If you don't like it, sell it for what you paid :)

I have had all three (Hinderer, Strider, CRK). They're all different, they're all worth it, they're all awesome. I'd pick an SnG over any of the others any day though :cool:
 
Good to hear that they have addressed possible issues with the lock bar AND that they WILL fix any problems that may develope. That speaks volumes about the company. Thanks for the input guys, this helps.
 
Shadow449 said:
Good to hear that they have addressed possible issues with the lock bar AND that they WILL fix any problems that may develope. That speaks volumes about the company. Thanks for the input guys, this helps.
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Their warranty is excellent. When my SnG had lock up problems, I contacted Mick and he look after the matter himself. When he said it'll be fixed on said day, I got the shipping notification that night. This thing is borderline a fixed blade.
 
We have very similar collection and I went through the same "struggle" but I pulled the trigger on a CC CF SMF in August this year.

It has the new lock face and feels great in the hand. However, the tolerance is no where near Seb or Hinderers. You might be a little disappointed to know that it's tolerance is similar to your US made Spyderco. It's lockup is at about 50% and it is still sticky even though I open/close it 5-6 times a day since August.

There is no harm getting one to experience it if you have some spare cash. As the others said, you can always sell it with little lost if you it does not float your boat. I am still holding on to mine
 
I love mine (sng). My first one I returned do to an overally tight lock bar. It took two fingers to disengage it. There was no way it was right. So I returned it. I asked them to hand pick one over the phone. He came back saying the whole batch was that way, so I passed. I called another big dealer who had them in stock. He said he had one that was good. So I took it.

Btw all the ones that were extremely stiff were the 3/4 grind. The one I ended up getting was a new lock flat grind.

Moral of the story is I would call the dealer you are about to order from and ask them to hand pick one for you.

I love my sng. It is currently my favorite edc
 
Quality control is not really an issue anymore. And if you have any issues at all they will fix it for free. Can't lose.
 
I have dozens of ti frame locks and the one Strider I bought just to see for myself what they're about, did not disappoint me at all. The lock was sticky a bit at first, but not nearly as bad as the worst I've had. In fact a bit of pencil lead had it cleared up in about 6 applications. (I had to do 100's on one mid tech costing more before it freed up) The lock up is as good as a frame lock gets IMO, at about 50% and it's very solid, hasn't moved since I've owned it. (very well fitted I can't get it to move inwards at all) It opens really smoothly, came shaving sharp, with even bevels. The blade sets dead centered closed.

While it doesn't have that super precise level of fit and finish my CR folders have, it has a ruggedness about it that isn't there with other folders. I have no problem with it's level of F&F and I'm pretty damn picky. I do like it's two piece handle, it's thick blade and the way it feels like it wouldn't come loose in your grip with hard use, as the handle is very well designed, IMO. I tried it thinking I could sell it if I didn't like it, while I haven't bought anymore I sure won't be getting rid of this one.
 
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I had a SnG for a few days before I sold it to fund something else.

For the short period, it was a very nice knife. I like the SnG size and really like and want a PT for its size.

In short, I say try it out.. Nothing will ever replace a Sebenza or Hinderer for the top of my list of high end production folders but I would put a MSC up there with no problem.
 
Shadow449 said:
Good to hear that they have addressed possible issues with the lock bar AND that they WILL fix any problems that may develope. That speaks volumes about the company. Thanks for the input guys, this helps.
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The new lockbar design works fine. So do a lot of the older ones.
I've owned many Striders of four folding models...big to small. Great tactical blades that are not afraid of work.
I have used Customer Service...One snapped off tip was reground to new, and new edge and new design pivot installed for free.
My buddy has a acid-etched piece of junk he sent in, with anodized scales, and got back a re-done as-new knife with Brand NEW blade.
No customer service is better. None.
 
Yes.
The SnG is one of the finest folders ever designed. It's all I will carry now.
rolf
 
"in" before the Pharisees arrive!

If a person has a knife on their mind and has the means to give it a go then do so. I have done it twice with Sebenzas, but keep trading them. I still get the itch, but no knife has brought the level of contentment as the SnG CC. Aside from all the technical stuff, it's a fun knife to own. The shape, ergos, design, number of ways to hold, etc.. make it very unique. Like mentioned, if it isn't for you they are very easy to sell/trade.
 
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