Strider AR or GB

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DarwinG31

Joined
Sep 18, 2007
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161
I've been thinking about adding a fairly large folder to my small collection. I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two. I want a large very robust folder that can take whatever is thrown at it.Just looking for people that own these and others, which they prefer and why. Thanks in advance.

Btw. Hello everyone:D
 
Most people will tell you to buy the AR with it's drop-point grind, which is considered to be more allround.
However, to me the GB has a few advantages over the AR.

First is ofcourse the strength of it's tantopoint, it will take more abuse because it's thicker and also a bit wider.
Next there is the primary edge which is completely straight, just as a wharncliff, which aids to keep the blade in better contact with whatever you are cutting compared to an outward curved edge like a drop-point.

Then there is the secondary edge, just before the actual point.
Here the edge is a little thicker which which makes it stronger than the primary edge, and better suited for things like chiseling and scraping.

There is also the secondary point, which marks the border between the primary and the secondary edge.
This 'point' comes in handy when opening boxes when you don't want to cut too deep, and cutting materials like cardboard, cloth or carpet on a wooden surface without ripping the material you are cutting.

In contrast to populair belief and in spite of it's size, i consider the GB to be an excellent cutter with it's wide blade and relatively thin edges.
A few weeks ago i used it to hack down some small dead trees without any lock problems, and then proceeded to whittle away some of the thick branches using both edges.
For me it's a keeper.
:)
 
I would go for the AR because it's drop point design makes it a more all around useful style. Sorry kwackster:eek:;):D just had to say it! Of course I do believe it to be so.:)
 
What will you be using the knife for? If you just need a general purpose beater the tanto point might be preferable. I prefer drop point knives, but if you're going to be using it for heavy non-knifey jobs (prying, chiseling, etc) then the tanto will probably survive longer.
 
I've had both, and vote GB. Just based on the size, the drop point has about a 3" cutting surface, and a 2" width, its just too thick to be useful as a drop point. It's almost arrowhead shaped. Whereas, the GB can be used as kwackster said, as more of a tool than just a knife. Which seems more useful (to me) in a folder with a handle literally the size of a hammer.
 
Thanks guys. I was thinking GB since the tanto would be more robust.I appreciate the help. I'll get/order a gb today.
 
if ya actually plan to carry it in a pocket on a regular basis i would get a SnG or SmF myself, the AR/GB is imho just too big and thick for EDC and i love big knives, imho a AR/GB is more ta home in a belt sheath, not a pocket, of course ya can carry them in a pocket, i dont really think a AR/GB will do anything a SnG or AmF wont, though.

of the 2 i have had both and i preffered the AR.
 
Hacking down small dead trees and hacking in general is a lot easier with a GB than with an SMF or SNG because it's much more foreward heavy.

I know, it's better to use an axe for that sort of work, but it's nice to have a folder that thinks it's an axe.:D
 
SIFU1A said:
if ya actually plan to carry it in a pocket on a regular basis i would get a SnG or SmF myself, the AR/GB is imho just too big and thick for EDC and i love big knives, imho a AR/GB is more ta home in a belt sheath, not a pocket, of course ya can carry them in a pocket, i dont really think a AR/GB will do anything a SnG or AmF wont, though.

of the 2 i have had both and i preffered the AR.
Click to expand...

You didn't mention why you like the AR better than the GB. Do you mind elaborating?
 
When I had an AR & GB, I carried them in a leather belt sheath as well. (Lifter's Leather.) I also prefer the AR, as I feel that the blade is more useful.
 
Basically, I'll only carry this knife when i'm hiking, camping, etc when I don't want to carry a fixed blade. So I want the stoutest of the 2. Is the GB not superior in this aspect, due to its tanto blade being more robust? Also what could I due with an AR that a GB couldn't do as easy? I own drop points, spear points, and tantos. They all seem to be great for whatever as long as I keepem sharp. The recurves do have an edge for slashing where as the tanto are better for stabbing. I do like the AR would be easier for me to sharpen but I think the strength of the gb would be worth it.
 
The secondary point of the GB tanto is a major plus in my book when you want to slash something or someone.
The pressure you can exert with it is much higher than with a normal edge, even a recurve one.
 
Well, I'm definitely getting a GB first but the reason I'm keeping this thread alive is to decide if the AR is worth getting too and why if I already have a GB(GB is on the way). The other reason is just to learn more about these knives.
 
The only real difference is whether of not you prefer a tanto to a spearpoint. It's a folder, and a stainless steel so it not going to be tough like a fixed blade, no matter what anyone says, so, in summery, if you plan to skin anything get the AR, if you plan to stab/scrape stuff, get the GB.
 
+ 1 for the GB.

Love mine. All of my Striders are tantos, just because I use them for more heavy tasks than just cutting. Can't beat the tip strength on the GB. I have a SMF RW-1 (Tanto), a SMF Tanto, and a GG SMF Tanto, plus the GB.

But when it comes down to it, you gotta go with what your gut says. I wouldn't mind buying an AR, but I love my GB.
 
DarwinG31 said:
You didn't mention why you like the AR better than the GB. Do you mind elaborating?
Click to expand...

i prefer the AR to the GB because:

*i like the way the spearpoint blade looks vs the tanto.

*for anything short of knife fighting, & maybe even then imho a spearpoint blade like on the AR is better for most cutting tasks, plain and simple.

*i simply dont see how or why a tanto would be preferable to the spearpoint really even for prying & such, though i dont ever pry anything with my folders. ya'll will have to explain that lol. its the same lock, the blades are the same thickness though IIRC the SP is wider, why??

tip thickness?? it would take some doing to break the tip on an AR or a GB imho.
 
Just wanted to say thanks again to everyone who recommended the GB and everyone who gave me their input in general. I got my BLK GB today 335 shipped. This thing really is a tank. I was honestly shocked to see how massive and stout this thing is. I understand the hype with Strider knives now. I'm very happy that I went with the GB. I also decided I loved the Strider so much that I ordered a BT for a fixed blade. Time to go abuse the GB now. :)
 
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