Spyderco vs. Buck Strider

S

Spartan05

Joined
Mar 2, 2007
Messages
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As already pointed out, they're pretty different knives. Some points to consider:
1. the spyderco steel probably has better edge-holding ability
2. the spyderco isn't "pointy," which is something I find useful for various applications
3. they're both really sexy.
That being said, #1 only applies if the Buck you're considering has 420 steel. If it's the higher-priced version (ATS-34, I think), they'd be much closer in characteristics -- and price. The Buck is also much "heavier-duty." Good luck.
 
As an afterthought, I couldn't guarantee the heavier-duty thing -- sorry. You handled the knife, and I never have. Disregard that.
 
You really just have to decide which you like better. Of those two, I like the Spyderco, but I would choose a different model of either Buck or Spyderco as my EDC.

(I usually use either a Spyderco Delica or a Spyderco Cricket as EDC)
 
Can someone give me a pro and cons list it would be much appreciated, and easier to make my decision
 
If you go Buck Strider go 880, or 881. These at least have good blade steel. The spyderco also has good steel. Anyways its really up to you. I would pick a different spyderco out than the captain, if it was me. But I guess it really depends on how much you want to spend.
 
A couple of months ago I wanted to buy one of the Bucks. Before a purchase happened I did a lot of research on this forum. What I found out was that the lockup seemed to be hit and miss on the Bucks. Some reported that the slightest of spinewhacks, or even light pressure on the back of the blade would cause the blade to slip the lock and close, while others reported that the hardest spinewhack would fail to cause closure of the blade. I would say that it would take me being able to handle the knife (Buck/Strider) first hand before I would purchase it. Have never handled a Spyderco Captain either, but have never read anything negative about the lockup.
 
I just picked up a Buck/Strider 882 and it is awesome! I have a 889 and
although the shape is the same the 882 puts it to shame with it's g-10
and ATS-34(Bos). The lock is also better than the 889 with it locking on the first third of the tang and I spine wacked it hard and it's secure.

I also have a few Spyderco's and my favorite is the Endura with the wave,
but I like the Buck/Striders alot more because of the larger more secure handle and more "tactical" look. I have the 880T Buck/Strider but it is in
another class than the Endura and 889/882. The 880 is monster of a knife
but is still carryable.

As far as the locks go on the 889, you might want to buy one in person if you can find one in a store. The locks are either all the way to the right or
all the way to the left and pop off the tang with a light spine wack. I looked
at 7 or 8 of them before I got my Olive colored one that had a lock on the tang of about 60-70%. One advantage of the Buck 889 is they are extremely easy to open from the pocket. To me they are a bit quicker than a non waved Spyderco.
 
The first pro I can think of is the Buck in 420HC will cost only $59.00 ( give or take). I have the ATS-34 Bos version and it's closer in price to the Captain.

The main reason I bought the Buck Strider was because of the style but I realized after using it that the choil and handle shape allowed for several grip options. You can get a good grip on the back of the blade, it almost seems to shift a good portion of the stress in front of the pivot.
IMO it would make a good hunting knife too.

Some here have reported issues with the lock, but my knife's lock-up is excellent. Also some have said the blade coating is not durable, so you might want to consider the uncoated version. If I was to go through the buying process again , I would get the same blade steel but the version with the G10 scales and not the glass-reinforced nylon.

I don't own the Captain so I can't really comment on the quality of that particular knife, but I'm not fond of it's style.

But based on Spyderco's reputation I would say if you like the style it 's probably well made.
 
Between the two, I'd go for the Captain. I have a Buck-Strider 882 and I never use it, the lock is way too flimsy for me. The 889 is kind of a cheapo knife in my opinion. If you can find it, the 881 spear point is a far superior knife in every respect. (I have both the 880 and the 881, and I greatly prefer the 881) The Buck Strider 881 is an excellent knife, with great looks, steel, thick, solid titanium liners, and beefy G10 handle scales. It's a beast!

I don't have a Spyderco Captain, but I do have dozens of other Spyderco models. All of them are excellent. I have never been let down by anything Spyderco makes.
 
Have a Buck/Strider 889 in OD that has become my new beater... As long as you can check lock-up individually... Have done everything to include hammer blows on the spine and the lock stays true and disengages without undue effort.

On the down side the blade finish was horrible with a bit of rust visible under the black coating.

Blade shape on the Spyderco Captain make little sense to me... Played with one and the experience left me confounded as to the orignal purpose behind such a blade shape...

Blade shape on the 889 (IMO) is much more usable for a variety of tasks.

I have a bunch of Spydercos and Byrds which I very much enjoy, but as far as a big beater folder, a well-locking 889 is hard to beat.
 
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