Strider Folders - why so expensive?

I've been buying knives for 30 years and finally plunked down for a SnG. Not too many G10/titanium framelocks are on the market, but what I actually got was one of the best thought out utility/hunter patterns on the face of the earth.

I don't know what some people have against operator knives - they are usually rugged, simple and work, as opposed to the uber-tactical wannabe knives often derided here. Sure don't see Strider ads trumpeting "covert deanimation" or crap like that. I think some just like to lump them together, like saying a Benz Kompressor and a blown 454 Monte Carlo are both overpriced toys. Each has it's purpose, but I sure wouldn't put them in the same class.

It's probably an emotional response.
 
If you're new to knives, don't buy expensive knives unless you're sure about them. Same questions keep coming up with CR etc., it takes time to form your 'educated guess' about them. Usually, if you really want a knife, and you find the money to buy it, you'll be glad to have it and forget about what once seemed an unaffordable price. My experience (no Striders, cause they're no CRs :) )
 
It took me a while before I gave in and bought a Strider GB. When I first got it, I found the fit and finish to be perfect, and action was smooth, better than any of my previous knives.

The one thing I found about my GB that was worth the price, aside from the great design and outstanding warranty, is the fact that I can totally disassemble the knife if I needed to and put it back together without any hassle. Another thing is that even though I have a habit of tinkering with my knives, the GB has been forgiving and is actually getting better with use. Once I tweaked it to my specs, I really can't imagine going out without it.

Many of the posters here are correct in saying that acquiring a knife also depends subjectively on what you need, what you feel you need, and what you feel is appropriate for your use. I personally feel that the price of Striders is commensurate to the product that you get, but in the end, you will find out reasons to buy/not buy Striders based on what you think is worth it.

Hope you get positive experiences either way!:thumbup:
 
I'll jump in. I own a Strider AR a DB fixed blade tanto as well as the Manix. I mention the Manix as many others do as they must feel its some sort of subsitute for the AR. I don't feel the AR and manix are the same . The manix cuts better but falls short for the hacking, prying sort of thing. Which is what I buy Striders for.

Most days i carry the Manix and DB . Today is such a day. If I could carry only one knife I would carry the AR as a sort of compromise.

Today i went to get my last tree stand out of the woods. Well guess what? My key for the lock did not make the trip. To far to go home so I looked around the van and came up with a small ballpean hammer. That along with my DB made short work of the bike cable I lock the stand up with.

Thats why I buy Striders they open my mail just fine as well as clean my nails and other knife duties most guys around here seem to do. But in a jam they do things other knives can't.

As far as price. as far as the fixed blade,I thought 225 for a cord wrapped piece of steel seemed high. I contacted a few custom makers. They all had prices at or highter then Striders and most did not use as thick of stock as strider (which was a major factor to me) so i went for the DB.I could find many small fb that have better handles cut better etc.and cost much less.

I could not find the "sharpened pry bar" i wanted for less and in most cases even more money.
 
I like Striders and will pay the 450+ for one of theirs because
a) I support their company and commitment to great knives.
b) I like the shape, materials, ergonomics and components, there is just something about strider knives that call out to me personally, more so than any other knife.
c)They retain value enough that if i want to trade one for another knife, i can pretty much do so no questions asked.
so yeah, you spent 450$ but you can easily liquidate or trade if you dont like what you end up with, not to mention if the knife is FUBAR when you get it (even if traded to you) strider will fix it.
 
Razzierb said:
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 ??????? :(
Click to expand...



Im only slowed down when the slamming starts as it invariably does. Mick Strider makes a fine bunch of knives and he charges what he feels they are worth and backs them up. He doesnt make anyone buy them but when you do he stands behind the knife for as long as it takes.

A select few here just love to trash Stider to see the response. Troll is too nice a word for them. If I posted the word I am thinking of it would get a moderator upset.
 
All this talk is making me want to buy a Strider, I love the design of the RC.. but nobody has them in stock?!

Any ideas where to get them (with the tritium) ??
 
TAD Gear , Blueline Gear , and Bladeart are about as likley to have stock as any .

Chris
 
I own several Striders, as well as several other knives, ranging from Spyderco's to high-end customs. I love my Spydercos and my Benchmades and you will often find one in my pocket. However, you will most often find my SNG riding shotgun in my Levi's. I love all of my knives and each serves a purpose (some just to look "purty"), but when Hurricane Katrina hit, it was a Strider that went out afterwards with me. When mother nature lashes out, I rely on the Strider (along with a few others I bring with me, just in case :D ). Some people just seem to love to hate them. Personally, I don't get the whole Busse "hog" thing. I have handled a couple and they seem to be stout, beautifully made knives. But the whole Busse = Hog thing seems a lot like the whole Strider = Operator thing. Go figure. I am a firm believer in "to each his own". I think Strider makes incredibly sturdy, reliable knives, so I find them worth the money. I find my wandering eye, as of late, drifting towards Busse knives and I imagine my money will soon be spent there as well. But, for folders, I find it hard to beat Strider. YMMV.
Gonzo
 
tirod3 said:
....I don't know what some people have against operator knives - they are usually rugged, simple and work....
Click to expand...

Nothing against the knives. Just against the BS that gets built up around so many of them.

What is an "operator" knife anyway? I have hard-use knives from Strider, Hinderer, Mayo, Lambert, Tighe, Carson, Ralph, Reeve, Hall, etc. I don't consider them "operator" knives.
 
Gonzo has it rite , next time we have a major natural disaster ( ice storms , power outages etc . ) I will feel a lot better with a Strider riding on my hip . Delicas , Caly 3.s etc are great edc's , but when the flop hits the fan , I'll take my Strider .

Chris
 
How do you explain the mystique of Harley Davidson, the M1 Garand, or phonograph records? I've owned lots of knives in my years, some custom, some production, and carried them through 23 years of Army service. My favorite was the Randall #14 I carried for about seven years. I gave it to my son who is in college and an ROTC cadet. He wants to branch Infantry and go to Airborne School and Ranger School. Gee, I wonder where he'll end up in a couple of years! ...but at least he'll have a good blade on his web gear.

Are Randalls "state of the art"? Probably not. Their top of the line stainless steel is 440C. ...but they are forged while most other knives are made by stock removal. They are well made, the first one I got was a Model #16 set up more like a small Model #14 than a diver's knife. When I set it down hard on a table, the sound it made was like closing the door to a bank vault -- no hollow ring, no loose guards, just a solid thunk. All the 30 or so Randalls I've owned over the years have been the same.

They have a following, you can't define it, or stop it. You can only jump on board, or not, your choice. If you don't get it, or don't want one, move on. There are lots out there that are glad to have one or more in their stable -- me included.



the above is a quote from 'bruce' in the randall made forum. i think his sentiments apply to strider, busse, randall, and other makers. particularly the last paragraph.
 
For $600+ you can get some pretty nice full boat customs:p
 
I have a Strider. For me the price is not because of exotic meterial, but because it's the amount of raw material used. Who has a frame lock that thick? Who else has a blade pivot a large at the strider.

More mass does actually mean more strength in this case.

No one can tell me what other maker has a lock bar that is as thick as the Strider or a pivot as large after posting the same reason for a year+ when these Strider threads come out.

Yes, a custom knife may be had for the same price, but not the same build.
 
[ 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...[/QUOTE]
kuribo. you must be a psychologist. your explanation of value and cost and preference is right on.
something is worth what the next guy is willing to pay. very cool thread.
i have to dissect this for my homeboys when i offer a knife to them.
seems interesting from a "theory of the leisure class" point of view. Veblan:cool:
buzz
i will continue to read the rest of the thread
 
Off hand, I'd say they're as expensive as they are because the market will bear the price.

I had a long response typed out, but the above about covers it. Its free-market economics. A price is asked, and paid or not. After that YOU have to justify the money spent, not the company you paid it out to.
 
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