Strider Knives vs. Crusader Forge!!!

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Mar 2, 2007
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Ok guys, heres one for you. What do you feel about the Strider Knives vs. the crudaser forge folding knives? I have an SMF and looking to get an RCC, but a friend of mine has a Crusader Forge folder, and it is one beefy mother! What would you feel about the two brands with each of their folders battling it out? Who do you think would win?

I know many of you on here have never held a CF, but for those of you that have, let me know!
 
Well I had an RCC an sent it back, just because for the bucks spent you can definetly find a better bang for the buck folder, ie) ZT200. Way way better knife. Just my opinion. I thought it would be comparable to my AR but not even close. Don't know about Crusader forge knives so no opinion on those. keepem sharp
 
I almost traded for a cf and did some research on the brand, but I've never held one. From what I was able to find, many folks find CF knives to be too large or bulky and at times, difficult to open. I've also read that the knives seem to be tougher as an overall folder than Strider. But because of the negatives described above, many of the reviews I read preferred Strider because of the practicality of the size compared to CF.
 
In my opinion Strider folders exhibit a full range of features that make them unbeatable. Great ergonomic designs of different sizes, great materials, most models ready for heavy use and numerous custom blade profiles for different applications. The customs themselves are of remarkable workmanship...:thumbup:

It's so easy to get hooked on Striders...:cool:
 
I almost traded for a cf and did some research on the brand, but I've never held one. From what I was able to find, many folks find CF knives to be too large or bulky and at times, difficult to open. I've also read that the knives seem to be tougher as an overall folder than Strider. But because of the negatives described above, many of the reviews I read preferred Strider because of the practicality of the size compared to CF.

I've got a CF Metro Folder and it's just this side of unbreakable. After the bombs go off there will be the cockroaches and this folder left ;)

But seriously, the folder is built like a tank and the ergos are way better than they appear.

The ergos on my ZT300 were better but I consider that knife the gold standard for beefy knife ergos. However, there is no comparison on the lock side. It's almost double the thickness on the CF

One real plus that no one seems to mention is the CF folder blade profile/shape. It's very beefy, a fantastic slicer and got a tip that can be used for fine work like digging out slivers.

If you can get a CF folder I'd say go for it.
 
... a fantastic slicer and got a tip that can be used for fine work... .


Hey pageophile. Can you elaborate on its cutting performance. I have a CF fixed blade that is incredible. CF makes great knives, very, very tough with excellent HT on the steel. The designs are some of the best I've seen. And the company has a lot of integrity. But I've held off on getting the folder just because it looks like the blade is too thick and not fully ground to be a good slicer (like almost every other super-toiugh knife, other than the Manix).
 
Hey pageophile. Can you elaborate on its cutting performance. I have a CF fixed blade that is incredible. CF makes great knives, very, very tough with excellent HT on the steel. The designs are some of the best I've seen. And the company has a lot of integrity. But I've held off on getting the folder just because it looks like the blade is too thick and not fully ground to be a good slicer (like almost every other super-toiugh knife, other than the Manix).

I thought the exact same thing when I got the CF folder but was pleasantly surprised.

There is a lot of belly to the knife that isn't visible in the website pictures. The portion of the edge nearest the handle isn't straight but gently curved.

The hollow grind (I think) thins out the blade really well and the sharpening angle is steeper than most beefy blades.

I hope that helps explain. It's hard to put into words the overall shape of the blade but it results in a stout blade that cuts really, really well.

If we stick with a Spyderco comparison while the blade looks similar to the original Chinook I (thick with a similar half height hollow grind) the CF folder out cuts that Spyderco with ease (I'm a Spydie fan btw :D )
 
I was lookin at CF myself... they got kind of a weak warranty don't they... I mean shouldn't a $500.00 folder come with a Lifetime Warranty? Or are they the kind of company the will still take care of you after the 5 years are up?
 
From what I recall CF is basically a one man show. The folders are really great and the older models were harder to open but the newer ones seem a bit easier. The grind is hollow and it is beefy and a little weighty. I had a few of them and the design apperars to be refined little by little as time goes on. I agree about the warranty though. My recommendation is that if you want to pick one up search that auction site or some of their authorized distributors because you could have a looooong wait if you order direct. Nice people but man is that never ending.
 
Maciej Szczerbiak is the knife maker behind Crusader Forge Knives. He suffered a debilitating accident, but it looks that he is back in the shop making knives. He will repair your knife if it is due to neglect.
I personally own the VIS 01 T Folder and the Oberland 1 Fixed. I have to say they are extremely well made and scary sharp slicers! I have no issues with my folder. It is on the large size, but with TI handles it is still very light and fast. These are hand made one at a time with your life in mind (ultimate defense weapons).
As to Strider vs. CF, they are both extremely well made knives, it is a matter of preference.
Here is a link to CF, hope this helps;

http://www.crusaderforge.com/TACTICALCUSTOMFIXEDBLADESCF.htm
 
I have two of the folders, they are very overbuilt, thicker than my strider AR was.
I have a VIS 01T, and an FIFP with the skull crusher, CF's newer knives are more ergonomic and comfortable than the older IMO.

The hollow ground blades are great cutters, they are super sharp, but probably won't be so good once you get into something because the blades are so thick. Also you better have strong thumbs, if you thought striders were rough on your fingers, wait till you open and close one of these a few times.

The CF folders are a better deal all around b/c you are getting a full custom for about the same cost of a strider , I still keep buying sng's, but I have had 6 CF fixed blades vs 2 fixed striders. I have 6 strider folders vs. 2 CF folders. I love them all... I got rid of my AR cause the CF's fit my need in the HUGE A** folder category though.
 
Always been curious about these folders .... they look tough as hell but what about the ergos? All those angular lines.... how comfortable are they in the hand?
 
I wish I had more time to explain why Striders feel good in the hand but waste your hard earned cashish $. Some day.
 
Well, old topic...time for resurrection, with an undisputed winner IMHO:

Newgunsandstuff020-1.jpg
 
The AR is a pretty well bomb proof with slabs of titanium covered by G10, giant pivot and plenty of blade with a thick liner lock. The AR has the only liner lock I would consider strong enough to trust under most situations. My preferred lock is always frame.

Looking at their website, the CF looks to be the same though I have not held one of those so cannot comment.

But I have to question why anyone would want a folder to be any stronger or more built than something like an AR. I think if you need a stronger blade than that, you probably should be looking at fixed blades.

Having said all that, my AR and SMF sit idle while my sebbie gets all the pocket time :D

Good luck on your decision and let us know which way you go. :thumbup:
 
Bumping this thread up because I just received a Metro Tactical Flipper and felt my pictures could be of some use here...

Next to my Strider RC of course.......

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