Some benifits to investing in a Strider SNG?

[tapedeck74]

I bought an older (flat scale/BOS stamped) mint condition GB for 1/2 the price of a new one. I don't carry it everyday, it's way too big, as I'm used to carrying a Small Sebenza.
What I do use it for is when I go on day hiking trips with my family. I clip it to the shoulder strap of my backpack, so its size goes unnoticed.
I like it, and I'm pretty sure I'll never sell it, it fills my "monster folder" niche, for roughly the same price as a new Benchmade Rukus.

 

[lava_lamp]

Anything Sypderco makes isn't even on the same planet as Strider or the Semi Custom knives out there so lets try and keep it real.

I gotta disagree.

I own a Strider PT and an SMF. Spyderco doesn't make anything exactly like the PT, but the Spyderco Caly 3 is close to the PT in size and build quality - maybe less robust, but a better slicer. I'm not actually sure that the PT would be the better "prybar" because half of it is an unreinforced G10 scale.
The Spydie Phoenix is bigger, but better built than the PT. I'm sure there are others, but I'm picking two that I've owned.

The Spydie Manix compares to the SMF/SNG. While I might agree that it isn't quite as robust as the Striders, the build quality is similar and it is at least "on the same planet."

 

[Ankerson]

The Spydie Manix compares to the SMF/SNG. While I might agree that it isn't quite as robust as the Striders, the build quality is similar and it is at least "on the same planet."

I forgot about that one, I used one of them (friends blade) awhile back and they are really pretty good blades. On the high end of Spyderco as far as build goes IMO.

Not a big fan of Spyderco in general, but then I don't like MOST knives unless they are built sturdy.

 

[symphonyincminor]

Knives aren't investments.

Just buy whatever is within your budget and meets your demands.

 

[Hawk45]

I agree there are individuals that will yearn for the more expensive items just to say they have them, but making a generalization that that's everyone's motive is just ridiculous.

Not sure I made the generalizatin that it's everyones motive.. but feel free to read into it and bastardize it how you see fit.

 

[knerd]

Not sure I made the generalizatin that it's everyones motive.. but feel free to read into it and bastardize it how you see fit.

Alright, here's the direct quote from your earlier post:

Put a $400 price tag on the Spyderco and you'd want that just as much as the Strider.. I think a lot of it has to do with just saying.. I have a "insert knife name here" that cost $400.. and your mind rationalizes it that if it wasn't $400 it wouldn't do what it can do.

What else would you call it? Not everyone goes for knives because they have a "$400 price tag."

Again, most people go for designs that they like. Saying that someone would want a completely different design (Spyderco in your example) just because it's $400 is a ridiculous generalization.

I don't like the design of most CRK offerings, that doesn't mean I'm going to go purchase one just because it's an expensive knife. Do you see how your statement is ridiculous now?

 

[Buffalohump]

I beg to differ! A serrated (or non-serrated for that matter) Millie is an awesome cheese knife!

A SAK One Hand Trekker is another great slicer. Like a folding steak knife actually.

And that's... what? $30?

An Opinel can cost $5-$10 shipped and it will out-slice an Endura and a Military in the cheese department.

 

[Kaizen1]

I beg to differ! A serrated (or non-serrated for that matter) Millie is an awesome cheese knife!

A SAK One Hand Trekker is another great slicer. Like a folding steak knife actually.

And that's... what? $30?

I wasn't saying that the Millie wasn't an awesome cheese knife. But I was pointing out that there are Opinels with thinner spines than Millies and by sheer physics, the Opinels will slice easier than the Millie.

 

[tjsulli790]

What other purpose would there be to having a thick blade? What does lateral strength have to do with slicing ability? You can get those other features on knives costing a third of the price.

This is almost comical now. I don't care about the somewhat thicker blade (it's not nearly the outrageous blade stock you make it out to be, have you ever owned or handled a SNG?), there are many other benefits to the knife. I bought it for other reasons that I specifically typed out. If all I cared about was slicing ability I would get a razor blade and be done with it. If all I cared about was prying I would get a pry bar and be done with it.

 

[SIFU1A]

if ya need an excellent knife thats priced 2X as much as something that will work and can afford it they are great knives, look at a hinderer too they are similar but offer better F&F imho,

if ya are looking for an investment to make $$ on by stocks or real estate, maybe muscle cars, knives arent a good investment imho.

are striders worth the $$? if ya got the $$ and want one, sure why not..........they are imho one of the better edc knives (the SnG, the SmF still good but not as good as the SnG).

 

[Buffalohump]

Glad you're amused. The issue is not whether the blade is too thick. The issue is whether it is worth the money. I say it is not. I say the manufacturers add a whole lot of unnecessary material to justify the inflated price. IMO said material does not make the knife perform its primary function - cutting - any better.

This is almost comical now. I don't care about the somewhat thicker blade (it's not nearly the outrageous blade stock you make it out to be, have you ever owned or handled a SNG?), there are many other benefits to the knife. I bought it for other reasons that I specifically typed out. If all I cared about was slicing ability I would get a razor blade and be done with it. If all I cared about was prying I would get a pry bar and be done with it.

 

[Rampage Williams]

In my opinion they use the same materials as a Spyderco folder. With lower quality.

They are thick and tough, but thick and tough doesn't slice well. In my mind knives are for cutting.

Very well put, I agree.

 

[tirod3]

WE CAN'T TELL YOU IF A KNIFE WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY. You have to find out for yourself. Lots of owners of even the best brands with highly considered reputations have sold them in disgust because they either didn't see what their really was to appreciate, or simply found they didn't value it as highly as the money.

A knife is a tool - but some buy icons, objects of art, or just want to pump up their ego. Others like to have various examples of what they consider the best. That kind of collection could have a Strider, Opinel, and SAK side by side. Each does what it's made for, and they aren't exactly interchangeable.

ANY titanium framelock folder with S30V blade is more expensive than a run of the mill AUS8 grade blade with G10 scales. As the supply is limited and demand high, you pay or do without. You do get performance in the way they were designed - but detractors will always compare apples to oranges. It's obvious the Opinel or SAK aren't the same knife for the same purpose - and you've heard others touted as a better application in this thread. I suspect the average user can see through that.

The real issue for most high end buyers is whether they will get there ego's worth - as has been noted, the money is just a barrier to separate the haves and have nots. You could say the same about owning a William Henry, but their aren't as many interested in the $400 class of working knife, and all the complications to comment on. So, there is a lot of talk, and some from people who come right out and tell you without ever handling one - so they can't possibly know. Isn't the internet wonderful?

Few knife buyers approach the task with a completely detached emotional view, assessing only the ergonomics, construction, and abilities. If it could be done blindfolded, I believe a lot of us would be really disappointed in our final choices. What worked in our hands and head would collide with prejudices and our self made self image.

BUT, they don't make the Busse folder, yet.

 

[Ankerson]

Alright, here's the direct quote from your earlier post:

What else would you call it? Not everyone goes for knives because they have a "$400 price tag."

Again, most people go for designs that they like. Saying that someone would want a completely different design (Spyderco in your example) just because it's $400 is a ridiculous generalization.

I don't like the design of most CRK offerings, that doesn't mean I'm going to go purchase one just because it's an expensive knife. Do you see how your statement is ridiculous now?

Yeah really...

Personally I don't look at the price 1st, I look at the knife, if I like it buy it, it could cost $50 or $600+ it doesn't matter.

 

[SIFU1A]

is a porshe worth the money? or a corvette? how about a ferrarri?

if ya have the money, and want something and dont mind spending the money its worth the price.

if ya dont have the money ya should look elsewhere imho.

a GEO would suffice to get around in for most folks just fine but i drive a 'vette, so what?

 

[Buffalohump]

The way he phrased the question gave me the impression he didn't have scads of dough to throw around. Not many do in these times.

If he had piles of loot I doubt he would have even asked the question.

In any event, he certainly got his money's worth of opinions.

 

[Ken44]

If I were to save up for a Strider SNG used, what are the benefits? Is the warranty well worth it? Please explain because I really like the knife and I am willing to save but at that price it better be worth it.

You didn't mention what you plan to use the knife for..or your needs.

If your not one to be around the proper tools, and may need to use the knife as a tool the Strider will be a good knife for you.

I live way out in the country and everyone keeps simple tools on there truck, in camp, and keep plenty at home as well.
A Sebenza or similar knife with straight handle will slice MUCH better when used as a knife.

It all comes down to what you expect out of your knife. I'm a former meatcutter and had a game processing buisness for many years. For me a somewhat straight handle(nothing with ALOT of handle drop such as an XM-18, which is good at only push/stab cuts, and as a hard use tool) and thin to average Blade is a must.
I still help many around here with there Deer, and thick tool type knives are not good for this at all.
But I never pry or dig, etc..with my folder. I have tough fixed blades and tools nearby for that, as all around here do.

You just can't have it all in one knife. Some will shine in certain areas, some will shine in others area's.

It all depends on what YOU want and need a knife to be.

 

[tirod3]

x2 that. SnG's are a derivative size based on an NSN issue Marine Recon knife obviously designed for hard use. The 3 inch edge is for cutting and slicing, the choil allows a choke up grip, the scales grooved to bear down with on harder materials, and better used with gloves on. It's can be a weekend warriors yard knife and for wear to the range later - but for EDC, it's almost too much. A Tenacious or Vex will perform with more ease, barehanded, and do quite well on cutting up cardboard boxes, etc.

I've come to the conclusion the average knife user could do just as well with a pair of cheap EMT scissors and a short straight edged work knife. It's a very short list of things to cut with a 4" drop point, and if you take food prep off the tasks desired, even shorter.

Looking at how knives are used in daily life over the last 40 years, in all honesty, much of what we use is overkill. But, we carry them, and even more so these days, as they make a statement, just like the type watch or hat we wear, car we drive, or even spouse.

$400 for a knife isn't about the tool, it's about us tools that buy them, and who we're trying to impress.

Disagree? Carry a pair of scissors and a box knife for a month. If they really won't do for you, why will a $400 knife do it?

 

[Tobin]

Is this thread still going ?

 

[spiralarchitect]

I have had an SnG, Pt, RCC, AR and 2 GBs. I have to say that I am not a fan of Strider's frame locks. I feel the fit and finish are poor and Strider is kind of a hard company to deal with (no response to emails, long turn arounds et.). The Liner locks are great knives with good F&F (usually) and exceptional lock up. With all that being said, I have moved all my Striders along to new homes for the same money that I had in them. I currently have 5 ZT0300 series knives and find them to be much easier to live with than the more expensive "Purebred Striders." The F&F are better and the hex nut pivot is much easier to adjust than the Strider spanner. The one nod I will give the SnG/Pt/SmF is that they are much more pocketable.

Every knife guy should, and proabably will, own a Strider, CRK folder, and (insert expensive "premium brand") at some point. You have to try it and see what works for you. Strider didn't work out for me, however, some of the Strider inspired models from ZT and Buck have worked well. It's all about what you are into. Give it a go and see what suits you. :thumbup:

Edit to add: If you are unsure about buying an SnG, you should try some of the Buck models to see if you like the ergonomics of the handle. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Bucks are a little rougher on the hands than a Strider (locks are tight, edges are sharp finish can be a little rough), Strider is right in the middle for finish, and the ZTs are a bit more polished and easier on the hands than either. All of this is just my opinion of course.....