Strider knives: Field utility

M

Mindz_I

Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
435
Well with another new knife comes an additional Dilemma :D

Once again time for a new knife and hopefully opinions of the folks of bladeforums;

Knife will be used as a field utlity knife (general chores) that is expected to go the distance under the worst of conditions if needs be. However most of the time will be used just as a general handy blade for slicing, cutting 550 cord etc.

Knife should not be too much of a burdon; I.e. Should be of a size that it can be worn 99% of the time (outdoors not in the street) without problem or interference with belt-kit.

Knife will be supplemented by a SAK / Multi-tool and occsionally a martingdale tree-beater or Axe.

Requirements;

- Hard use, reliable blade.

- Reasonable edge; While I would like a rugged blade that can withstand a reasonable amout of punishment, it should not be so rugged as to perform inadequatley for cutting cord / slicing food.


- Light chopping; knife will usually be supplemented by a Golok machete so heavier work will mostly be taken care of.

However, I would like the knife to be able to handle limbing of small trees / saplings (branches max of 2" diameter) for times when the golok inconvenient.
Knife should also be able to withstand heavier chopping (e.g. being assisted with a log) without being compleatly destroyed (light damange acceptable) incase of loss of Golok.


So basically I'm looking for (I really hesistate to use the phrase) a Survial knife, to be sit unnoticed on my belt for frequent field use, but be able to withstand what is asked from it if it should ever be required.


Choices

So far the two Strider knives that have jumped out at me are the MT Mod-10 and MT.

Largley because they seem to have a good blade shape for varied tasks, come with a very simple but effective grip material and are of a useable size with a none to aggressive blade shape.

While I do like the MT I can't help put think the smaller overall package of the MOD 10 would be more suitable for my purposes.



What I'm asking I suppose, is do you think the extra length and weight of the Standard MT is worth its increase in size for the small about extra blade length / handle you recieve ?

Conversely is the MOD-10's decreased blade size much of a disadavantage (I have smaller hands anyway so the handle size is actually probably a benifit)?


Feel free to suggest other knives (preferably Cord-wrapped Strider though others welcome too).
I have looked at Busse combat, but I'm not keen on the edge type, nor am I keen on the finger choil of the Swamp rat knives blades.

Thanks for any help or opinions given.
 
Yarborough/Reeve Green beret knife

gbyarborough5.JPG
 
Jensen does some cord wrap models (on request I believe) such as the pic below. Just so you can be really confused as to what to get...:D

Heres one I once got from JEB called 'High Command'. This one was made to my specific's, from his original design...a true custom...(in the middle)...Sweeeeet!

attachment.php
 
Check out some of the CRK One Piece knives.
I purchased the Mountaineer II for just what you've described.
Lenny
 
Hmmm nice suggestions;

Chris reeve Green beret; Very nice grips but not keen on serrations at all.

Jensen knives; Not seen these before, nor can I find a website :D (tried jenseknives.com but that seemed to be rather ornate knives). Interesting blades though :)


Chris reeve's one peice range; Nice knives but the handles are not at all to my taste. May be strong, but the round cross-section puts me off :(


Cheers for the suggestions guys, keep them coming (and don't forget the striders).
 
Another vote for the Chris Reeve Knives Greeeb Beret. After all, with one inch of serrations, there is still six inches of the good stuff! S30V steel. Or try the Nkonka. I've got one and the handles are profiled on the sides. It makes for a much better grip. You can actually tell in the dark which way the sharp edge is pointing. The Ti guards are bitchin' too!
 
I'm not a big fan on serrations either. However, on a 7" blade, 1" of serrations is not a big deal and might even come in handy. I love my Green Beret.

Although, for your purpose I'd probably choose my Mountaineer II. Don't be put off by the round handle unless you have tried it.

You mentioned you didn't like Busse edges. I ordered my Satin Jack with a convex edge. Cuts great and easy to sharpen. 6" blade @ 3/16" thick. Also a very handy all around knife.
 
I love to see people actually research before buying!!!
I've had an MT for a while now, and would really consider keeping it if my job were limited to Ranger/light infantry stuff. It has a great edge, and the newer flat-ground MTs are even better. It handles all the chores, and is a better killing knife than a lot of its competition.
I think the MT-10 will be too short for your well-rounded requirements, but if you have lots of $$$ it is an ideal basecamp/FOB utility knife.

I've handled it, and the CRK Yarborough is a better knife in almost every way. Sorry, but it's true. It takes everything that makes the MT a good knife and adds width for emergency digging, length for chopping and fighting, and a better cross guard for protection. You can find the Green Beret version on ebay now for $260-$280, much cheaper than an equivalent S30V MT.

OH yeah, the MT being shorter, and thicker stock, makes it slightly stronger for prying. Regardless of which one you choose you'll be making a much better decision than most of your peers.

edited to add: the MT also fits the "less cumbersome" criteria a bit better. And you'll never hurt it by pounding it with a stick. The CRK GBknife is kinda like Mick or Duane asking if you'd like that order supersized with a side order of burly handle material. It might compare better with the Strider D-9, actually. Hope you gots alota $$$!!!
 
I've put the knives below to pretty good use, for general field tasks they all work well.
The Peltonen M95 goes for about 45-100e depending on where you find it. I've also had really good luck with the Fallkniven A1.Both are excellent field or survival knives with basic blade shapes and profiles. I think you may also want to check out Rob Simonich's Ravens.
-But if the Strider is what you like, by all means, get it. They put out a good product and they back it up.
 
You might also consider Fehrman Knives . The Simonich Midtech Raven is another excellent choice. Handle choices are pretty subjective, so it would be best if you could handle these in person at a knife or gun show. I don't think that any of the knives mentioned so far will fail you. Good luck with your decision!
 
Now that the D-9 is goiing over to the production side for Strider, maybe one of those.
 
There is a plethora(sp??) of Fixed blades that can do what you ask, the key is finding one that you are comfortable with. I prefer the MT-L.
 
Originally posted by cerberus
http://www.jenseneliteblades.com/index.htm
Cerberus
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Cheers. Nice knives though, some look excellent for chopping but i'm not too sure of the designs.

Green beret:
Would anyone care to enlighten me as to the issues with the sheath ?? I keep recieving fairly negative feedback.

Originally posted by JohnnyO
I'm not a big fan on serrations either. However, on a 7" blade, 1" of serrations is not a big deal and might even come in handy. I love my Green Beret.
Although, for your purpose I'd probably choose my Mountaineer II. Don't be put off by the round handle unless you have tried it.
Click to expand...

Very true, I suppose they do make use of what otherwise may just be a finger choil (as on the MT).

Unfortunatley since I'm from the UK trying out a knife is a big big problem (its a shame as it'd would have made this choice alot easier).

Originally posted by JWBirch

I think the MT-10 will be too short for your well-rounded requirements, but if you have lots of $$$ it is an ideal basecamp/FOB utility knife.
Click to expand...

Thats the conclusion I'm starting to come too also.


Originally posted by JWBirch
I've handled it, and the CRK Yarborough is a better knife in almost every way. Sorry, but it's true. It takes everything that makes the MT a good knife and adds width for emergency digging, length for chopping and fighting, and a better cross guard for protection. You can find the Green Beret version on ebay now for $260-$280, much cheaper than an equivalent S30V MT.

edited to add: the MT also fits the "less cumbersome" criteria a bit better.
Click to expand...

While I can see exactly where you're coming from there and agree that it would likley have the edge (*groan* no pun intended :D) over the MT in the tasks in specified, I do believe I would sacrifice this benifit for easier carry that the MT offers.

On the subject of length I'm also not too sure if i'm comfortable with the CRK GB. While not too long, for a utility knife one of the immideate things I look at is "would I feel comfortable picking out a splinter with the blade".
It sounds like a pathetic chore for a knife of this sort, but I always think of that as an easy to picture guide about how much control I have when choked up on a blade.

Originally posted by SPATHA

The Peltonen M95 goes for about 45-100e depending on where you find it. I've also had really good luck with the Fallkniven A1.Both are excellent field or survival knives with basic blade shapes and profiles.
Click to expand...

Do you have any links for these websites ? Cheers


Originally posted by SteelDriver
You might also consider Fehrman Knives .
Click to expand...

Ah, never seen those before. Must say they look awfully similar to Busse's range........


Originally posted by NIB
There is a plethora(sp??) of Fixed blades that can do what you ask, the key is finding one that you are comfortable with.
Click to expand...


Aye, I know exactly what you mean.



Cheers to everyone who's posted. Your opnions and advice are very much appreciated.

At the momment I'm still leaning towards the MT :D (now the larger model though)
 
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