Strider Opinions

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Wolverine666

Wolverine666

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I've been buying and EDCing my 3 usual brands , Spyderco , Benchmade and ZT , but lately I've been interested in Strider. I have never owned or held one but they seem great. A beefy blade , solid frame lock , that's what I like.

Of course I'm looking for quality in materials , craftsmanship and fit & finish that matches or surpasses my fave 3 brands (listed above).

So what is consensus on Strider knives ? Good , bad experiences ? Worth the $400 ?

Tell me what you know.
 
I've owned several Striders. I think about 5 SNGs and 3 SMFs. Sold all of them. They're beefy, well made, quality fit and finish these days, and come with a pretty solid warranty. But several developed some lock rock (even with the new lock geometry) after a few weeks, and the factory edges were hard to sharpen without first reprofiling them. Very ergonomic and aggressive design, no doubt. But I'm satisfied with my Benchmade's, Spyderco's and ZT's. Ultimately, there was nothing a SNG could do that a Manix 2 couldn't. Nothing a SMF could do that my Contego couldn't. So I couldn't justify keeping them. Good knives, but not worth the price IMHO.
 
Beefy and solid are exactly what they are. Don't expect Sebenza-style fit/finish, though. I have handled a couple of them and they seem bomb-proof. Are they overpriced? That's all subjective. It depends on what you're looking for in a folder. Personally, I'd take a ZT 0550 over any Strider folder, but then again I wouldn't spend a cent on anything associated with Mick Strider out of principle. If I were going to spend anything over $400 on a framelock I'd might as well spend it on a Sebenza or throw down a couple hundred more on a Hinderer.
 
I love the look however I can't get over the short cutting edge. Although the blade lengths are 3.5" & 4" the cutting edges are 2.875" & 3" respectively. The smf is 3/4" longer overall however the cutting edge is only 1/8" longer. If I was a knifemaker I wouldn't create a 'larger' size model if the cutting edge was only 1/8" longer. I tried to get over it but didn't happen. To each their own.
 
Having recently held an SNG I can say that just from the 10 minutes I sat and messed around with it they are worth the price. I am currently saving and not buying anymore new knives until I get an SNG.

The SNG I held was at least equal to my Spydercos and above that of my Benchmades. I couldn't compare it to any ZTs at the shop because I sold off my 550 however the Strider was worth the price difference over the 550. The fit and finsh and comfort in hand was much above the 550.
 
The ZT 0550 is one my all time faves. To hear that a strider sng is "much above" it has me curious.

And to Cosmic Superchunk , how come you refuse to buy anything from Mick Strider?
 
There are a multitude of threads on this. Some people like them, some hate them. I have had 5 SnG's with the new lock and none developed play. They use good materials and have an excellent heat treat. They don't charge more for upgraded steels and have a good warranty. The ergonomics are also very good. I've never had a problem sharpening one even without the edge pro. My personal opinion though is if you are gonna try and tear it up, just buy a fixed blade. Also, some come perfect fit and finish, some don't. I love mine, but only you can decide if it's worth it to you.
 
Wolverine666 said:
And to Cosmic Superchunk , how come you refuse to buy anything from Mick Strider?
Click to expand...

Probably the same reason I and many others wouldn't own one.

May not bother you though.
Here's a little light reading for you if you care to check it out...http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/453852-Mick-Strider-has-some-explaining-to-do


edit- also, I wouldn't buy one if I didn't have a problem with the owner. I've held many at Blade, and don't feel the F&F justifies the price. I don't care for the design either. YMMV.
 
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My refusal to buy anything "Strider" has nothing to do with the quality and reputation of the knives. As I stated in my first post, the folders are rock solid and appear bomb-proof. However, it has everything to do with the character and reputation of the man named Mick Burger aka "Mick Strider".

I too am a big fan of the ZT 0550, which in my opinion is one of the finest production framelock folders ever made. Mine is a 1st gen version and I even like it better than the 0560/0561 with the Elmax blade and contoured handles.
 
This. ^
Strider took the folder to a new level.
I refuse to throw stones.
rolf
 
I've owned several over the years. I've also owned Sebenzas, Hinderers, and custom folders.

I keep going back though.:o I dig the design and their warranty is the best in the business.

I'm currently hunting down a CC Tanto SnG

Here's the big 3, IMO the SnG wins the beauty contest

big3.jpg
 
The digicam pattern on the blade is killer. I think my ideal would be a digicam CPM-154 blade, black lego G10, and a flamed TI side.
 
Wolverine666 said:
The ZT 0550 is one my all time faves. To hear that a strider sng is "much above" it has me curious.

And to Cosmic Superchunk , how come you refuse to buy anything from Mick Strider?
Click to expand...
Read the Archives for yourself, rather than rehashing.
 
5.56 said:
I've owned several over the years. I've also owned Sebenzas, Hinderers, and custom folders.

I keep going back though.:o I dig the design and their warranty is the best in the business.
Click to expand...

I repeat what he said...word for word.
Sonnydaze
 
His knives are good , but I would suggest reading the article and make a decision then. I've owned 4 striders and because of that article I sold all 4 of them off and I refuse to buy anymore. RLTW, and don't take to kindly to peole pretending to be their own,or so I've heard...
 
I have both the SnG and the 0550. The ZT is substantially heavier. The SnG and Les George VECP (another great option in that price range) are all I carry anymore.
 
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