Strider folders -- your opinion please?

C

cognitivefun

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Oct 24, 2004
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I know this (like everything) has been done before. I've read past posts using the Search function.

I want to ask you if Strider folders are worth the money. I understand their fit and finish isn't up to CRK standards, but they have their rabid fans. I also understand a lot of folks have returned their Striders for a "tune up" for various reasons.

Is there an advantage of a SnG for instance over a Sebbie? Is that a fair comparison?

Your thoughts please. Thank you.
 
Having handled multiple sebbies and one SNG. I think the SNG is inferior not only because of the points you have already mentioned, but also because of what I think are bad design descisions. ( IMO of course)

- The opening oval is too far out and inferior to the round hole.
- The blade stops otherwise known as the thumb studs extend out beyound they scales so they snag on stuff.
- The sharp curvature at the end of the handle digs into my palm.

In the particular SNG I handled there where quality issues as well, including a liner lock that tended to slip.

Maybe all these things have been improved since I got to handle one, or I got a bad one. My feeling is you get higher probability of problems, worse ergos, worse F&F, and other issues at a higher price then the sebenza. Doesn't make sense to me.

Some will no doubt argue that Striders warranty is better, maybe, but I don't think that matters.
 
Nothing beats firsthand experience. Try to handle them at a dealer or knife show and you will understand things about these folders that don't come across any other way.

I don't think a Sebenza/SnG comparison is entirely fair because they were designed with different purposes in mind. Can you compare a luxury sedan to a pickup truck, especially where price and value is concerned? Both can carry passengers, but they are different enough that the comparison doesn't make much sense.

Compared to other tactical folders, I think the Strider folders are worth what you pay. You can easily find new ones on the secondary market for about $50 less than retail. Strider periodically updates their designs, and from what I've heard the current SnG's are much more consistent than the earlier generations. The Strider warranty covers all sorts of abuse that other companies will not, and tune-ups are easy to do yourself because disassembly doesn't void the warranty. If you decide to send it in, the only cost is return shipping. The ergonomics are up to you to decide if you like them.
 
do a search, if you can. there's a recent thread (several months back) on the sebbie / SNG route. a lot of good feedback there.

sebbies and SNGs are quite different creatures. both good.
 
I think the biggest difference is the fact that the Strider is flat ground while the Sebenza is hollow ground. The Strider will be tougher every time.

That being said, for everyday cutting chores I carry a Sebenza. I want a Strider folder someday, but for now my Sebenza tackles everything I encounter on a day-to-day basis.
 
SteelDriver said:
I don't think a Sebenza/SnG comparison is entirely fair because they were designed with different purposes in mind. Can you compare a luxury sedan to a pickup truck, especially where price and value is concerned? Both can carry passengers, but they are different enough that the comparison doesn't make much sense.
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I carry a large tanto Sebenza and I recently lucked into a tanto SnG. They don't compare. I would say the Sebenza is a tough knife for everyday use, but nothing like the indestructible strength of the Strider. I like the Strider for carrying in the woods where I can chop or slash or dig with it. The Sebenza is for slicing.

I carried the Strider for a while when I first got it. Easy to do: the ergonomics are perfect for me, a very comfortable and secure grip. But for regular carry, I prefer the Sebenza.

They both sit on my desk, ready to choose either one on any given day :D
 
I completely disagree with DaveH. Give me a Strider any day. Tuffest, strongest, coolest, most bad ass knives around.
 
I have never owned a sebbie but for me I don't buy any other knives except Striders. They have made all other knives expendible for me....
 
The fit of the GB that I had was perfect and solid. Perfectly centered blade. Rock solid lock up.

I think what you sacrafice in finish (marks in the coloration on the blade,etc.) you get back in great warranty coverage. Worth every penny IMO. When I can afford one I'll buy another.
 
I own a large Sebenza classic and have been looking around and checking out the SNG. The Sebenza seems to be better made and designed knife with much better "craftsmanship".

The SNG, on the other side, seems to be a much more rugged knife. I am not sure if they just seem more rugged because the finish is rough and they have no great "craftsmanship" look about them. For now, I have decided if I need a rough and ready strong knife, for tough labor, I will simply carry one of my many tough fixed blades.

For tough use a knife as simple and strong as my John Greco Cub, or Strider MFS will do a better job, in the rough, than any folder anyway. If I really need a tough knife, a fixed blade will always be stronger than one that is designed to bend in the middle.

The end result: I most likely will buy a SNG for the heck of it. But I don't think it will get much use.
 
People People People... Sebbie is nice fancy EDC etc. Strider's are for USING HARD. Of course they aren't flawless like a Rolls-Royce.

You know what? If I am out using my knife REALLY hard. I couldn't care less if it is flawless. If the knife works - then that is what matters! The handle locks into my hand, the blade cuts or prys, and the lock keeps the blade opened. That is what matters.

This is simple.


If I want a fancy and flawless knife I'll carry my Tom Mayo TnT. If I want a fun EDC or if I need the best of the best, I'll carry a Strider.
 
All we need is Strider to get better F&F or CRK to make a really rugged giant sebenza.
 
OK....

What is wrong with fit and finish on the Strider folders? Honestly people.... Strider folders were designed to be a very hard use knife. And that is what it is. I personally think the fit and finish on the current folders are great.


I think you guys are not totally understand what a Strider is... It is a HARD USE TOOL. So it has to be tuff and rough.
 
the only flaw I see with the pick-up truck vs. roll royce analogy is when the truck costs $200,000 and the rolls is $150,000, you still wouldn't expect the truck to have similar fit and finish?


"it seems like a $500 folder should have better fit and finish"

"yeah, but it's bad ass and tough"

something about that line of logic just strikes me as odd
 
I kinda agree that with very tough use I'll use a fixed blade if I have one. If I don't, in a pinch, I will use my Sebenza. It sure seems ultra strong to me.

But I have yet to handle a Strider folder so I can't really compare. That's why this thread is so interesting.
 
I carry an SMF everyday. My Sebenza collects dust...nothing wrong with it, but I just don't carry it. You can't beat the Strider guarantee. Their folders are made to be used hard.

Good luck in your decision,

S.
 
ajnova said:
It is a HARD USE TOOL. So it has to be tuff and rough.
Click to expand...

That notion that to be suitable for hard use a product also has to be poorly finished or rough around the edges is absurd.

Details of construction and execution are the things that can make or break a product.

The handle locks into my hand, the blade cuts or prys, and the lock keeps the blade opened. That is what matters.
Click to expand...

If all that you're asking from an expensive folding knife is that you can hold onto it, the blade cuts, and it doesn't close on your hand then your expectations are quite low.

In order for a product to be objectively worth it's price, it is not enough to demonstrate "Look, this product accomplished this demanding task."

It is also neccessary to demonstrate that "And there is no less expensive product which would have performed the same task as well or better than it."

Now, there are other factors beyond function that can make it worth the cost to you. Of course thigs such as appearance, history, marketing, or just plain liking the guy who built it can be valued differently by different people. But since you are basing you statements off of function alone, I'm having a hard time buying your argument.
 
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