Strider Folders - why so expensive?

Hi Robstar,

I’m few years into knives and almost every day I’m asking my self the same question as you. Because, for me even $200 are big money. And not only for Striders, but also for Microtechs, C. Reeve knives and some others… and I still don’t have the real answer, why $500 (or more) for one pocket toy?
I know about story for big investments, development of technology, materials cost, bla, bla, bla, but $400 or $500 for me are big money.
Probably the real answer will be something like hardheard’s answer.
My opinion is very similar: That is, because there are too many “crazy” people who will pay $400 or $500 for production knife (including me, because I have $500 MT), but if you don’t like, you are also able to find quality knife for less money. So you choose.

Cheers,
:D
 
Waves work and I do like them--more to the point, I don't think they're all hype. But conventional folders work great too. Also consider Spyderco's waved delica or endura at a MUCH cheaper price, better steel and lesser handle materials. I do like Emerson also, of course.

As per Strider, I imagine it'll have to come down to subjective tastes....there is no way to justify a 400 dollar production folder using the same materials as other 120 dollar production folders, but if you like the design enough, you'll pay the extra money, and if that factor of a knife is worth it to you, then by all means. I know lots of Porsche owners who tell me they don't know anything about the car, they just thought it looked pretty or cool, and to them, that was worth the extra 20,000 dollars over another okay car like a BMW 3 series (not a slam on Porsche, I like Porsche, it's merely a point I'm making).

But Strider can probably justify at least an increased cost due to the warranty, which, as I understand it, if you break it during any kind of use that isn't completely stupid, they'll replace it indefinitely, which is actually pretty nice.

I've been rather disappointed with the reported QC though, but...not really a factor if you can see the knife you're buying personally.
 
samhain73 said:
Because he likes Striders. So to him it is. YMMV.
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As I said, the knife may be worth the asking price to him and others, and that's perfectly fine. My point, however, was that being "worth it" to him does not mean it's "one of the best deals around". I was asking for an explanation regarding what the knife offers that makes its selling price such a great value. For example, a great knife value could be a knife that offers the fit and finish of knives costing twice as much. Or, it could be a knife that performs better than knives costing twice as much. Or one that utilises superior exotic materials but costs the same as knives using more common materials. However, since there are likely a number of knives that exhibit similar fit and finish for half the price, and perform just as well for half the price, and employ similar materials for half the price, using the term "best deal" seems a bit inaccurate. Again, I'm not trying to be offensive or argumentative, I'm simply looking for clarification.
 
Not to be disrespectful as I would like to own a Strider ..., but OH GOODIE .. ANOTHER STRIDER THREAD ... :D

Am I the only one that feels this way ??????? :(
 
Personal preferences are not predicated on logic and reason, necessarily, but on much deeper, emotional needs and wants. People are willing to pay what may be an irrationally high price for certain products (Strider, Busse, etc.) in relation to what they could buy to get similar materials, performance, and workmanship, for irrational reasons that can't be justified from a purely logical standpoint. Some like the product "image", the design, the pride of ownership, membership in a "group", .fads/fashion, etc. It can't be understood because it springs from emotions...

Usually arguments about what is "best" or "better", or saying that product A is overpriced compared to product B are useless because unless those debating can free themselves from their own prejudices and debate from a purely objective standpoint, emotions enter in and the debate ends up in the ditch.

There are a lot of products that are way over priced based soley on objective comparison to like products, but that doesn't account for the intangibles, which are subjective, that fans place a high value on, and keeps them buying, loyal, and rabid. Call it successful marketing, a sucker born every minute, or cult of personality....Just don't try to argue with someone who buys on emotion as logic has left the building...
 
Padawan said:
How so? It's one thing to try describing the various virtues that might make an individual feel a knife is "worth" such a high asking price, but calling a $600+ folder "one of the best deals around" is a bit of a stretch, in my opinion. Of course, you're also entitled to yours, but I'd be interested in your explanation of what makes it such a tremendous value.
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He meant the RCC which is around $300.
 
Cant comment on the RC , or RCC - they leave me cold . My other Striders ( PT , SNG , SMF , AR ) , have all been good value for money , I know they will get me home if TSHTF . Are their cheaper knives that give very credible performance - deffinately . I regard my Striders like I regard my Fluke meter , my Klein 2000 series pliers , and my Snap On wrenches , expensive but worth it . Depends on your needs,wants , taste and budget . .

Chris
 
I owned alot of sebenzas. I finally bought a sng. I sold it the next day! I was totally unsatisfied considering how much I paid. It appeared to be cheaply made. Only one corner of the lock bar touched the tang when it was fully opened. Thats just not very secure if you ask me. If you want a good folder I say get a sebenza, If you want a good fixed get a busse. Thats just my opinion. I'm sure many are going to disagree. There are alot of people who swear strider is the best. The RC, I don't know never owned one, never will.
 
hardheart said:
.....(1) They charge the price people are willing to pay, you aren't necessarily getting a better knife from a function standpoint for the money....(2) Buy a Strider if you want a Strider. (3) If you just want a quality knife, you don't need to spend that much. Simply a matter of personal preference.
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1 - Absolutely.
2 - I bought an SnG and an AR, just to see "what the fuss is all about". The SnG gets used fairly regularly (not EDC) and the AR lies unused in a box somewhere. If I ever need something to hold down my roof in a hurricane, it will be my first choice. But, yes, they are definitely tough knives, even though I get turned off by all the 'operator' hype surrounding them and the company.
3 - Correct again. My favorite using knives all cost way less than a Strider.
 
Padawan said:
Fair enough if that's the case, although I still have a hard time accepting a $300 folder being termed a "best deal".
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only a deal relative to the cost of other strider folders. ive handled the rcc, and they are very nice. but a little thick for my taste. i find strider folders uncomfortable to carry.

but i have never seen any quality control issues or poor craftsmanship in any strider product.
 
I got an sng over the weekend, and I like it very much so far. Everything seems right, and I've never had another knife that's so overmade. Is that a word? For me, with regard to it's price, I look at it mainly as paying for the design, and warranty. I've broken alot of knife tips in my time, so it's nice knowing if this thing breaks, it'll be taken care of. I suppose you're also paying for the name aswell. Also, I've noticed that you can actually pop it open by just catching the thumb serrations on your pocket. Not quite like the real deal, but hey. As for the lock on mine, I trust it completely.
I'm just realizing that my sng cannot be effectively wave on some pants.
 
One reason Striders are more money is they are made in much smaller numbers.
They were inovaters and do not scimp on materials. They have a hard core group of fans who will buy there products at that price. Duane is a very good custom knifemaker. I would like to see him spend more time on it because he does not get the credit his work deserves. A few years ago if you wanted a top of the line fighting knife you had to spend 450$. Now there are some very good knives under 200$. You are getting a brand when you buy a Strider just like some people prefer harley's even though my Honda 919 is twice as fast and half the cash.

Personaly I want a fixed cord wrapped tanto strider because of the one Kuze
took off Baytou in Ghost in the Shell 2nd Gig.
 
robstar just do what I did. Buy all three brands and multiple knives from each to see what you like. Life is short why choose. Eeh!

Emersons: all waved 1) CQC7 nice 2) Commander nicer 3) combat Karambit evil! Strider: SnG is a tank and seems to hold its value well incase you ever have to resell. BMs & Kershaws there are too many good models to list.
 
This is just my opinion. Striders are only worth the $$$ if you have that kind of $$$ to spend. Personally, I think I can get just as good a knife for less $ (Manix or Mini-Manix). A good old fashioned slip joint will do 99% of what we all need to do with a knife. Knives are like cars though, someone wants a modern design, and is willing to pay more money for it.
 
Thanks for all the intelligent and insightful responses! myers6541, your idea is right up my alley .. I definitely plan to own and try as many as I can!

All the companies you guys mention have really nice designs ... I think I'm going to pick up an Emerson or Strider next ... and quite excited about it!
 
I have been just fine with my SnG. Sure it cost more than my usual Spydercos but I like it. While I doubt I will ever push it to it's limits, I don't feel like I over-payed.
 
Robstar , I live 80 Kms from TO , I have a bevy of Striders , and a few others i will happily show you . I often work in Miss. so a meet is no biggie . Us Striderettes are pretty good about showing others our toys .

Price is in part due to the fact that Striders are ltd. production . Ecomonies of scale dont kick in . When I first saw an SMF I thought it was an overpriced clunker , but once you learn a little bit of the thinking behind the design , they grow on ya !

Chris
 
There are plenty of great knives out there,some cost alot and some do not.If you are looking for a hard use knife you buy a Strider,a Sebenza or a Hinderer.There are some others that fit this area as well.These are also limited production knives and are made to tight specs.I will someday get a Strider but am having ALOT of fun buying CRK Folders right now. I will always love these knives.I have a Hinderer on order and these are absolutly fantastic for around $400.These are serious hard use custom knives that can also look as nice as a Sebby.Its mostly a need but the want factor is there as well.Do I need this,well,maybe not but I sure as hell want it.Some may need it and want it.You choose! Its great to have the freedom of choice.

MPE
 
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