Strider AR or Mission MPF ??

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Would have to say that the MPF is probably the better choice for a few reasons. The AR handle is a G-10 scale/titanium liner lock which is quite durable and has been used successfully in many mass production knives. The MPF is a titanium frame lock like the Sebenza and is a very solid piece of titanium. Both styles have proved their worth but for maximum durability the thicker solid titanium construction of the MPF is going to be superior. If you are wanting a steel blade there is obviously a difference between the MPF in A-2 and the AR in S30V. Opinions of and comparisons between steels abound but to be brief both work very well. The Mission is of course also available with a titanium blade. Opinions of titanium blades vary widely but in my experience the Mission beta Ti blades work pretty well and are basically indestructible. With a titanium blade the MPF is a no maintenance knife since the screws, clip, etc. are all made of titanium.
 
I own an MPF-Ti and an AR in BG-42 and would first off say that you can't go wrong with either. You didn't mention whether you were considering the MPF in A2 or Ti, but based on my experiences I would make the following comparison:

Overall strength: Despite the fact that the Mission MPF is one of the strongest folders available today, the Strider AR is quite possibly the strongest production folder ever created. Don't be fooled by its designation as a liner lock. The inner ti handle slabs on the AR are as thick as the entire handle on some integral folders. Further, it's not just the thickness of the locking bar on the AR, but also the height that inspires confidence in the overall lock-up. The surface contact area between the blade tang and locking bar is huge.

Cutting ability: Pretty much a toss-up. Both blades are now flat ground. A lot will depend on your personal sharpening preferences. The AR blade is thicker, but it's also wider so its cutting efficiency still remains very high. Edge life will favor the AR in all cases except where the most corrosive environments are encountered.

Ergonomics: Again the two are very similar in this area. To some extent both favor positive grip security in all conditions over comfort per se. To help achieve this goal Mission employs squarish edges on their handles and Strider puts a very rough texture on their G-10. Both have very pronounced index finger cut-outs which further enhance grip security. As far as carryability is concerned, I generally use the pocket clip when carrying a folder. In this context, I find the MPF slightly easier to carry. Both have a relatively blocky profile, as mentioned above, but the MPF weighs significantly less.

Corrosion resistance: Although S30V looks like it's destined to become a very popular stainless steel, the MPF-Ti is the hands down winner here. Bury it in your backyard and then dig it up 20 years later and you won't notice a difference.

Bottom line: If I could only have one, I would keep my AR.
 
Hey Bronco,

Thanks for that comparo...it was very educational...I had no idea that the Mission folder was "tough" enough to be even compared to the AR...I will have to check one out...

Regards,
RL
 
I've only had the opportunity to handle a Mission MPF in Ti, very nice solid feeling. However the AR is most certainly my folder of choice right now. Both will probably serve you well in any situation, but from my experience with the AR I can't imagine parting with it for another folder.

Best of luck with which ever knife you choose, let use know what you decide..... :)
 
I have to say with a 50/50 split this has made my decision a bit harder!! I appreciate the input from everybody. I think i am going to put an AR on order and go from there.
Frank
 
If you want a huge knife, I guess the AR is the best choice, because there is just no getting around the fact that it is most probably the biggest folder available.

As for being tough, I have never once read an AR review from anyone who has actually used/abused one...Everyone talks about how they could abuse one, and about how tough the AR is, but nobody seems to have any actual experience, and can say without doubt just how much abuse the AR can withstand.

My take on it is, the AR probably is very tough, if for no other reason than it's size. You make something big enough, and the average human is going to have a hard time damaging it...it's that simple.
Make a liner thick enough, and the chance of it failing gets less likely.
The liner on my SERE 2000 is much thinner, but has also never failed or flexed....

I have owned an AR, and it was just too big to be practical for me. The one time I did actually use it I found it to be uncomfortable after about 2 minutes of cutting thick cardboard....not to mention that it just looked plain silly in my smallish hands.

I myself would rather have a knife that is just as tough, but is much lighter, smaller, easier to carry, and that will not rust, but that's just me.

I have nothing against the AR, it's just not a very practical knife, at least for me.
 
Originally posted by mikemck
As for being tough, I have never once read an AR review from anyone who has actually used/abused one...Everyone talks about how they could abuse one, and about how tough the AR is, but nobody seems to have any actual experience, and can say without doubt just how much abuse the AR can withstand.
Click to expand...


mikemck, I use my AR for everything that presents itself, but I'll be the first to admit there is probably no way my simple lifestyle could push the AR to her limits :)

The people who can and do are probably out there, but I understand what you mean...Theory only stands so long, then it has to be proven.

However it's also nice to know that it will never be pushed that hard if that makes any sense? Since I'm just an average person I don't ever want to push my folder so close to failure. The AR may be designed for much higher tolerance limits, but I'll just take a leap of faith so I can stick to cutting sticks and carboard ;)


Good post though, enjoyed reading it.......
 
Damnit, sometimes this place really irks me...I started out not even thinking about an AR or GB, but that little 'something' has now switched on, and now I HAVE TO HAVE an AR or GB!

Honestly, I did not think I was that susceptible, but I guess I am...how pathetic...


If anyone has an AR or GB they want to trade for Mission MPT, let me know.
 
I had the Mission Ti and sold it b/c the lock bar easily got dislodged in a number of common grips....Love my GB, it is the most solid "folder" I have handled. I can't believe I own it!
 
Yes, they are solid folders, no doubt about it.
So are several other folders, that are not as over engineered.
My TOPS CQT 747 is rock solid, my Mission MPF is also rock solid, as well as my SERE 2000 and my Sebenza.

What I am getting at is that it's more impressive to find the same qualities in a smaller package, like the MPF.
Like I said, I myself now want an AR or GB, but unlike most people, I think the size detracts from the appeal and impressiveness, rather than complimenting it.

While I have not pried with or abused my MPF, I have compressed about 2 weeks of, what would for me be normal knife usage, into about 3 days. I have not experienced any lock failures or unintentional releases, so I'm happy with it.
 
Guys the clip on the MPF looks a little wimpy. Having never handled one i would like your assesment of the clip. I dont want to lose a $400 knife cause the clip couldnt hold it in my pocket
Anybody with an AR, would appreciate the same reveiw on that clip as well
Thanks
Frank
 
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Now we move onto the absolute finest accomplishment in Strider's history…the pocket clip. No I’m not being over dramatic, Strider deserves the praise for their clip. I can’t think of another manufacturer or maker who hasn’t failed in this category. Their specs page doesn’t mention what type of steel. Measuring in at 3.0" long and a full 5/8” (0.625”) wide tapering to 3/8" (0.375") may not sound like much, but for a pocket clip this is unheard of in the knife industry. As an added bonus the clip’s three screws are secured into brass liners rather than just into the G-10 material itself, which will eliminate the screws coming out under extreme stress. One thing to be aware of is the potential damage to finer materials. Since the G-10 has such a rough texture and the clip is stiff for functionality there is a possibility of scuffing to clothing articles such as dress pants or suit coats. I've personally ruined pockets on two pairs of dress pants, however more durable materials such as canvas and denim seem to be unaffected.
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From my review of the Strider AR. The clip hasn't changed on the new batch with S30V.....
 
AR ALL THE WAY!!

The damn thing is built like a tank. Yet still fits in your pocket. I carry it in dress pants all day without a problem.

Some better pictures
gar1.jpg

I agree with Dark, the clip is outstanding. Great design.
gar2.jpg
 
I just picked up an AR in S30v last night. It is indeed the Titanic of folders. I used to have a Buck Strider but there is literally no comparison. The thing is massive. And extremely sharp. I have never seen a knife shave like this thing not even my Sebenzas. Wow! I will NEVER part with mine. :)
 
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