Strider Knives.

Halfneck · Jun 20, 2006

Well the people at Strider insisted on the Military Discount, even though I am just a disabled vet and no longer active. When they noticed they did not have any SnG models (I was handling one of their personal knives) they sent a guy off to find a SnG model with one of their vendors. Really great customer service in my opinion.

From my posts on here, and the Spyderco forum, you can gather I really like their knives. But I am not real fond of the Manix. Nothing wrong fit or finish wise, just too big & heavy to me and not as comfortable in my hand. The Strider SnG is a bit bigger and a bit heavier than my Spyderco Endura. So far I have only "deanimated" a 1" limb from a Aspen Fir that was broken and hanging down in the way of the lawn mower.

Been a great EDC up till now - Well made, sharp (though I will get it sharper), able to handle any cutting task I will throw at it, and comfortable to carry and use. As for justifying the cost - well if there was a need for that than a lot of us posting here would be at a loss justifying some of their purchases. I don't need the Hamilton Watch I just ordered, my Timex works just fine. But then I have been wanting a quality mechanical watch for a while now so that is justification enough. Added bonus is pride of ownership.

Cliff Stamp · Jun 20, 2006

DGG said:
If it is so easy to make the edge sharp how come smart guys like the Strider and CR guys don't seem to be doing it?

Ask them, Mick is generally a really friendly and out going guy, he generally responds very well to questions, especially if they are of a critical nature. I would suggest phrasing the question like this :

"Hey Mick, I was just talking to Cliff Stamp and he noted that in a review of the SMF vs the Manix that one of the main reasons the SMF did poorly and the Manix was picked as the favorite knife was that the Manix was just much sharper. I was wondering do you find a high sharpness too difficult to apply or do you actually prefer blunter edges for some reason and if so why? What work would you also suggest for the reviewer to do to also showcase the advantages of the SMF vs a Manix."

[prying]

And if I need something with an edge I'd choose a M9 knife-bayonet.

It is kind of hard to fold them though and in general if you can carry a fixed blades then folders are always an inferior choice, prying or otherwise. Note is is kind of difficult to make a consistent arguement that the thickness of the SMF has no functional value over the Manix when the blade of the Manix is far thicker than is necessary if you didn't want to pry/chop with it. As noted in the above an Opinel would actually do better than the Manix with the work done in that comparison and it costs basically the price of shipping.

Does a Strider come with a wire/fence cutter built into the sheath?

Yeah, it's the blade.

-Cliff

Lone Hunter · Jun 20, 2006

Well I'm a pry bar type of guy, thing is my strider folder carries well in my pocket on and off duty. A folding shovel would be a bit much in my jeans pocket I would think.

I happen to love my manix BTW, sure its sharp, but when i look for a knife for "rescue" reasons sharp is only one use and quite frankly for me not number one. The much over hyped cutting seatbelts is hardly needed and then easy to do with anything from a s.a.k. to a pos knock off .

When I'm on the job i have a truck full of cutting and prying tools theres a reason for that. Off duty I want a knife that can handle those tasks as well as a knife can. For me after many many Spydrecos, BM, Emersons CRKT, and even Cold Steel I found what I think is the best for those tasks Strider.

Would have been cheaper if i had just spent the money for one in the first place.

oldnbusted · Jun 20, 2006

DGG said:
Cliff - Do you work for or consult to Strider?

Haha, newb!

I keed, but i fell about laughing when i read that.

OilMan · Jun 20, 2006

Cliff Stamp said:
"Hey Mick, I was just talking to Cliff Stamp and he noted that in a review of the SMF vs the Manix that one of the main reasons the SMF did poorly and the Manix was picked as the favorite knife was that the Manix was just much sharper. I was wondering do you find a high sharpness too difficult to apply or do you actually prefer blunter edges for some reason and if so why? What work would you also suggest for the reviewer to do to also showcase the advantages of the SMF vs a Manix."

*Make sure you're in a sack licking mood before asking.

jeese Cliff, you've been on a comedy roll lately.:thumbup:

oil

talonturbo · Jun 21, 2006

DGG said:
Does a Strider come with a wire/fence cutter built into the sheath?

No, it comes folded into the handle.

I carried a Para-M for about a year. Never thought I needed anything more from a knife. Then I carried a SnG for about 6 months. It really opens your eyes as to what you want/need a knife to do. If I had a folding shovel/screwdriver/prybar/chisel/hammer on me all the time I wouldn't care. But I usually just have one folder. It has to be my toolbox.

I just got caught with a repair to do and only the Para on me. I tackled the repair as though I had the Strider. Result? Broken Spyder tip. Never again will I be without a Strider. They are that good and will save you money. OK, only until you *need* a custom one.

If you're the type to cry about knife abuse, you'll be happier with a Spyderco. If you want a no-sh*t tool that will never break when you need it, then you'll appreciate the Strider for what it is.

EDIT: Wow, replied WAY too late.

Clear · Jun 21, 2006

Cliff are you OK?

lol

talonturbo · Jun 21, 2006

Clear said:
Cliff are you OK?

lol

I've been thinking about emailing him for the past hour. Did Strider just sucker in another pessimist? What did it?

beefangusbeef · Jun 21, 2006

For that kind of money I'm thinking something that kicks out 15 .40 S&W rounds

And with the money I spent on my strider folder I'm thinking really really cheap and shoddy pistol..... Still I think they would be more reasonably priced at about 100-150 less seeing that they're breaking into the range of customs that are much, much nicer. I like mine, it didn't take long to get it as sharp as most of my spydercos have come, but it just wasn't there quality wise for the price. From what I've heard it seems like the customer service makes up for it though.

Cliff Stamp · Jun 21, 2006

talonturbo said:
I just got caught with a repair to do and only the Para on me. I tackled the repair as though I had the Strider. Result? Broken Spyder tip.

The Paramilitary has a fine distal taper, for more strength for prying there are more robust patterns such as like the Endura. The Endura is sabre ground and doesn't have the full taper of the flat ground models so it reaches full stock thickness in about a half an inch back from the tip.

-Cliff

DGG · Jun 21, 2006

talonturbo said:
No, it comes folded into the handle.

I carried a Para-M for about a year. Never thought I needed anything more from a knife. Then I carried a SnG for about 6 months. It really opens your eyes as to what you want/need a knife to do. If I had a folding shovel/screwdriver/prybar/chisel/hammer on me all the time I wouldn't care. But I usually just have one folder. It has to be my toolbox.

I just got caught with a repair to do and only the Para on me. I tackled the repair as though I had the Strider. Result? Broken Spyder tip. Never again will I be without a Strider. They are that good and will save you money. OK, only until you *need* a custom one.

If you're the type to cry about knife abuse, you'll be happier with a Spyderco. If you want a no-sh*t tool that will never break when you need it, then you'll appreciate the Strider for what it is.

EDIT: Wow, replied WAY too late.

Good points. I'll trade you two of my leatherman (they don't break either) for one of your Striders. Keep one on your belt and one in the car. They come with a wide assortment of handy tools. They come in many shapes and sizes. I think they cost a bit less than a Strider also.

http://www.leatherman.com/

Let me know.

DGG · Jun 21, 2006

beefangusbeef said:
And with the money I spent on my strider folder I'm thinking really really cheap and shoddy pistol..... Still I think they would be more reasonably priced at about 100-150 less seeing that they're breaking into the range of customs that are much, much nicer. I like mine, it didn't take long to get it as sharp as most of my spydercos have come, but it just wasn't there quality wise for the price. From what I've heard it seems like the customer service makes up for it though.

Nope, not shoddy at all.

And many good used .40 and 9mm avail from many manufacturers available in that price range.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/ShootingTimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1

Do the various Strider really "walk-on-water" like everyone seems to be implying? Do you get a ticket straight to heaven with one?

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/s...=eqCATE CODEdatarq=sr&eqWWWCAT_1datarq=folder

How does the Ritter Grip compare with Strider?

http://www.aeromedix.com/index.php?...584cf14cea1a54a6a4c0b0ad&action=sku&sku=bmrsk

talonturbo · Jun 21, 2006

Cliff Stamp said:
The Paramilitary has a fine distal taper, for more strength for prying there are more robust patterns such as like the Endura. The Endura is sabre ground and doesn't have the full taper of the flat ground models so it reaches full stock thickness in about a half an inch back from the tip.

-Cliff

The SnG is full flat ground and has been used successfully in the past to accomplish the same "abuse" without incident.

Cliff Stamp · Jun 21, 2006

talonturbo said:
The SnG is full flat ground and has been used successfully in the past to accomplish the same "abuse" without incident.

It has slightly thicker stock than the Paramilitary and hence is significantly stronger even with a similar primary grind. I was just pointing out there are Spyderco blades with stronger tip profiles if that is desired.

DGG said:
Do you get a ticket straight to heaven with one?

No that is McClung, purchase of any of his blades automatically makes you a deacon in the "Church of Tactical Truth" which gives you the ability to perform the required sacraments. This also holds true if you ever worked at Ninjaco for at least 2 years.

How does the Ritter Grip compare with Strider?

How can you possibly ask that? Ritter isn't an operator and likely has never spent time in the sandbox. How could he ever understand how a knife works with at least spending years in the jungle with natives. He doesn't even have a cool name, he needs at least a catchy interjector like Doug "Rabid Weasal" Ritter, or change it to something hip like Aaragorn Gimlii. Why would anyone buy a knife just because it has an efficient cutting geometry, opens/closes easily, has an ergonomic and secure handle and a strong and secure lock. That's just silly.

-Cliff

DaveH · Jun 21, 2006

Rabid Weasal..silly

Hah! that's good.

Halfneck · Jun 21, 2006

My Browning Hi-Power only holds 13 rounds, but it shoots them all in a tiny clump. Only problem I found is it does a very poor job cutting things. I think my wife might get pissed if I got in the habit of just shooting boxes to open them.

BH · Jun 21, 2006

DGG said:
Nope, not shoddy at all.

And many good used .40 and 9mm avail from many manufacturers available in that price range.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/ShootingTimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1

Do the various Strider really "walk-on-water" like everyone seems to be implying? Do you get a ticket straight to heaven with one?

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/s...=eqCATE CODEdatarq=sr&eqWWWCAT_1datarq=folder

How does the Ritter Grip compare with Strider?

http://www.aeromedix.com/index.php?...584cf14cea1a54a6a4c0b0ad&action=sku&sku=bmrsk

It sounds like you are a little jaded against paying a certain price for a knife. If you don't want to buy it, don't. Strider sells every knife they make, and if they could produce more, they would sell all of them as well. Go to wally world and buy a 5.00 POS. Were here on a knife forum for petes sake. You obviously aren't accustomed to purchasing high end (high priced) knives. Bottom line, by what you feel is a good value for the money, but don't just come here and ask stupid questions it makes you look like a :jerkit:

Edited to add that judging by a few of your other posts, your cheap.

Clear · Jun 21, 2006

Id have to go with the Ritter Blows because well its a Benchmade and the Striders Blow, well because they are made by a a man Named Mickey who Robs cars at Gun Point.

Im new to the knife world so what do I know?

I do have a question, How much does strider give for there Service/Military Discount? I mean $500 for a knife, who can really afford that. Its mostly Old retired guys and spoiled kids, who's parents will buy them anything they want because they want to be mall ninja's.

$50-$100 sounds resonable for a Strider for a Military personel. Nothing more, because well i dont even think they are worth that price to begin with. There are brands for alot cheaper that will do the exact same job and are better made, that are a 5th of the price.

talonturbo said:
No, it comes folded into the handle.

I carried a Para-M for about a year. Never thought I needed anything more from a knife. Then I carried a SnG for about 6 months. It really opens your eyes as to what you want/need a knife to do. If I had a folding shovel/screwdriver/prybar/chisel/hammer on me all the time I wouldn't care. But I usually just have one folder. It has to be my toolbox.

I just got caught with a repair to do and only the Para on me. I tackled the repair as though I had the Strider. Result? Broken Spyder tip. Never again will I be without a Strider. They are that good and will save you money. OK, only until you *need* a custom one.

If you're the type to cry about knife abuse, you'll be happier with a Spyderco. If you want a no-sh*t tool that will never break when you need it, then you'll appreciate the Strider for what it is.

EDIT: Wow, replied WAY too late.

How about the right tool for the job, Sears is Having a craftsman sale now, get yourself a prybar kid

DGG · Jun 21, 2006

BH said:
It sounds like you are a little jaded against paying a certain price for a knife. If you don't want to buy it, don't. Strider sells every knife they make, and if they could produce more, they would sell all of them as well. Go to wally world and buy a 5.00 POS. Were here on a knife forum for petes sake. You obviously aren't accustomed to purchasing high end (high priced) knives. Bottom line, by what you feel is a good value for the money, but don't just come here and ask stupid questions it makes you look like a :jerkit:

Edited to add that judging by a few of your other posts, your cheap.

BH - I'm so sorry to offend you with questions about quality knife prices and quality. Obviously you can buy anything you want as long as you have the money. Please forgive me for upsetting you.

Judging from your comments you are a "spend thrift" (if we want to degrade ourselves by name calling).

I don't think spending $180 for a Spyderco Manix or $140 for a Benchmade Ritter Griptilian is being "cheap" ,but then maybe I don't make as much as you do. Nobody in this discussion said anything about buying a junky knife (a POS as you describe them).

What is being discussed is the fact that there are knives that are far less expensive than a Strider that cut much better in knife reviews listed on reputable knife forums.

Maybe these other knives are not as good a screwdriver, crowbar, or hammer as the Strider folder but they are great knives for a lower price, IMHO.

What I'm trying to figure out is why anyone would pay that much when they can get as good or better a knife for a much lower price. That's not being cheap, that's being good with you spending habits. You never addressed that issue. Please explain why the Strider knife commands such a premium?

Cliff Stamp · Jun 21, 2006

DGG said:
Please explain why the Strider knife commands such a premium?

Because they can sell at that price. It will keep increasing as long as the market supports it. Watch the price of custom knifemakers as they are introduced to Bladeforums and then in 1-3 years when they are well known. Did their materials/work really improve in that time period as a reflection of the price?

-Cliff