Strider or CRK

Edge of Sanity

Edge of Sanity

Joined
Jun 10, 2014
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I am looking to make a purchase of a Strider or CRK. I am not sure what way to turn first :) I will eventually own both but any Opinions on what you guys prefer. Either one will be a user not a safe queen. Help me spend my money LOL!
 
As an owner of both, I would personally take a CRK first. That said, there's really no wrong answer. I love my SnG.
 
I don't have anywhere near the amount of technical knowledge as the people on the forum. But, I can offer a fresh perspective as I just purchased both in the last week without ever holding or seeing one in person.

Both are solid knives. The CRK (large 21) actually feels slightly heavier than the SMF but when you open the blade the balance is much better on the CRK so the weight feels good. The SMF is definitely blade heavy when opened.

I like the SMF's shape. It allows for multiple grip styles and feels really good when you choke up on it.

The gimping on the CRK is ever so slightly more textured/aggressive but I still feel like my hand could potentially slide because of the thin design (the starburst pattern on mine actually holds the hand pretty good). The gimping on the SMF seems more stylish than functional but because of the countoured handle shape my hand feels planted firmly.

If your looking for a great slicer, the grind on the Sebenza is thinner and lends to a easier fine cut. The blade shape and grind on the SMF screams "abuse me, I like it".

The lockbar is much easier to disengage on the CRK because of the recess in the scale.

The action is smoother on the CRK but quicker on the SMF.

If you like flicking open, both knives are perfectly able to but the strider is easier to do (until you get used to the Sebenza flick). With that said, I really dislike the shape of the thumb hole on the strider. I wish it was just a little wider.


In looks department the CRK is a classy look that is all about utility. The strider is a look that I think you will either love or hate. Its a very aggressive style that demands attention while the CRK doesn't demand attention, it draws your attention (if that makes any sense).

The pocket clip on the SMF is a death grip on your jeans. The clip is firm but forgiving on the CRK.

After all that said, I would get a strider first. That way when you get a Sebenza you could appreciate the subtle perfection that could easily be over looked.

Sorry if I rambled, just wanted to give a noobs honest take on the two.
 
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One thing to consider - if you have certain cutting tasks you do a lot, then Strider will give you a wider variety of steels to choose from that can suit that particular task. These steels range from CPM-154 all the way to S-110V with specialized steels such as PD-1, 3-V, and Cru-wear among others. Strider also heat treats their S30-V and S35-VN harder than does CRK, which will give you better edge retention should you pick a Strider with one of those steels.

You'll have a greater variety of blade styles and grinds to choose from so that you can pick what suits your cutting purposes the best. Striders also come in a myriad of blade finishes, scale colors, and textures so you can choose one that you like.
 
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I've had both sizes of CRKs and several Strider sizes since 2006. I prefer the Striders. CRKs are either too large or too small for my comfort range in carry and use. I prefer Strider's wider spear point blade to CRK's drop point and finer tip. And I also like the feel of my SnGs in hand over the feel of either a large or small Sebenza... the Striders are just a better fit.
 
I've had both and I prefer CRK. One thing I recommend is if you do get a CRK, get the sebenza 25 instead of 21. I have extensive experience with both and I feel the 25 is a step up in every way.
 
I've had both for about a month now. The SnG, with full flat grind, is a great slicer, great at cutting anything really. The choil makes it easy to get great control over the blade, but the design makes for a large 'footprint' when closed and the pocket clip makes it sit very high.

The CRKs are completely refined in every way. They also carry much better because the blades fit neatly into the handles and they take up less space in the pocket. They sit way lower, and the pocket clip has a double indent so it grabs both at the top and bottom of the clip. I agree that the 25 is superior to the 21, after using both the 25 makes the 21 feel delicate.

I do prefer the S30V on the SnG, to CRK's softer S35VN but the difference is minimal and both are great working steels.
 
I've been through this battle in my head many times now (I think many knife nuts end up making this decision at some point)

-> SnG CC is the knife for me. If I could only have one knife for the rest of my life I'd be happy with it.

Having handled Lrg and sml Sebbies, as well as the Lego SnG, DGG Sng, and Sng CC; I would suggest a better comparison Strider to the Sebbie is the SnG CC. Size wise the large Seb is too big for my uses, the SMF also didn't do it for me. The SnG has that awesome choil which really does work great when you need it and isn't in the way when you don't.

I say the CC model specifically because its just all around better than the legos. The contoured scales make it pocketable and easier on your hands. Cutting performance wise the Sebenza will out slice any Strider, but its not like the SnG is a butter knife and aside from cutting a slice off a block of cheese I've never wished for a thinner blade. The SnG also has a lot more going on visually, flamed Ti scale, integrated backspacer g10, LBS, tiger stripes, stuff like that. The Sebenza hides its awesomeness much more.

I'd say start with a strider, then get a CRK after. I know I'll eventually cave and get a small micarta sebenza, but for now the SnG is a better fit for my young, dumb, and slightly rough around the edges life style. Neither knife will disappoint if you know what you're getting into.
 
Guys thanks for all the helpful insight. Its nice to be able to hear some opinions from people who have handled and used both and who's knowledge surpasses mine :) (easily done here) Now will be time to see who has some for sale before going after new. Thanks again guys I will display the acquisition when I have it in hand :)
 
I have studied and handled numerous examples from both manufacturers (I used to sharpen professionally). Both are very nice knives. As you probably know, CRK puts a premium on fit and finish, where Strider seems to invest in building a robust knife that is abuse-ready.

If you plan to use it as a cutting tool, I would suggest the CRK, but if you wish to do other tasks (such as prying) the Strider would be the better choice.

I have contemplated both, and own several CRKs and no Striders (so you know where my preferences are).

Depending on the work you do, and the people you deal with, the CRK is likely to be much more "friendly" in appearance.

Good luck.
 
I have both and also work a desk job. During the week i usually carry the sebbie but the minute i put jeans on the smf or sng tags along. I like what the above guy said about striders..they do say "abuse me, i like it".
 
I bought my first CRK recently, a Sebenza 25, and I really like it. I resisted buying one as I thought the praises I read were just hype, but I was wrong. They are worth the money if you appreciate well made knives with excellent fit, and finish. They are plenty robust as users also. I don't have a Strider, but they seem like well made knives also, but for me, that niche has been filled by ZT, and their Hinderer designs which I think represent good value.
 
unit said:
I have studied and handled numerous examples from both manufacturers (I used to sharpen professionally). Both are very nice knives. As you probably know, CRK puts a premium on fit and finish, where Strider seems to invest in building a robust knife that is abuse-ready.

If you plan to use it as a cutting tool, I would suggest the CRK, but if you wish to do other tasks (such as prying) the Strider would be the better choice.

I have contemplated both, and own several CRKs and no Striders (so you know where my preferences are).

Depending on the work you do, and the people you deal with, the CRK is likely to be much more "friendly" in appearance.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Pretty much mirrors my own experiences also. :thumbup:

I did however own several Striders.

Currently I own CRK.

Both are good knives, both are aimed at different types of users however.

The biggest thing that I really didn't care for all that much on the Striders was that big finger choil that eats up quite a bit of edge real estate.
 
Personally I think Sebenza's are the best designed and constructed production knives period. That being said I carry Strider knives more often....

Here is a quick video telling about my initial Sebenza purchase...

[video=youtube_share;R4CTKiM9P2M]http://youtu.be/R4CTKiM9P2M[/video]
 
Pretty simple, IMO.
If you are basically a conservative fellow, and want a knife manufactured with the tightest machining tolerances...get the CRK Sebenza.
If you are a slightly more aggressive/assertive individual, with a tiny bit of mall ninja, then the Strider SNG/SMF is for you.

Note that "older model" Sebbies have been 1/8" or 0.125" for a long time, and work just fine. The newest model Sebbie, the model 25, employs a blade thickness of 0.140", the equivalent thickness of the more aggressive-styled CRK Umnumzaan. Actually, I carry my Zaan much more than one of my Sebbies. Personal choice.
Be careful when buying. Sebenza comes in two sizes...small and large, and there is a large grip-size difference between the two. Get the one that FITS your hand-size...keeping in mind that the closed length size of the "small" is slightly less than four inches...too small for me.

I have owned lots of each of these, and so I can reco this with some degree of confidence.
OTOH, it all boils down to personal opinion.
 
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Ankerson said:
The biggest thing that I really didn't care for all that much on the Striders was that big finger choil that eats up quite a bit of edge real estate.
Click to expand...

You just gave me an idea. Buy a beat to $hit SMF and have a blade without a choil made from something exotic with a CS style wave thumb plate.
 
jasonbournemp said:
I don't have anywhere near the amount of technical knowledge as the people on the forum. But, I can offer a fresh perspective as I just purchased both in the last week without ever holding or seeing one in person.

Both are solid knives. The CRK (large 21) actually feels slightly heavier than the SMF but when you open the blade the balance is much better on the CRK so the weight feels good. The SMF is definitely blade heavy when opened.

I like the SMF's shape. It allows for multiple grip styles and feels really good when you choke up on it.

The gimping on the CRK is ever so slightly more textured/aggressive but I still feel like my hand could potentially slide because of the thin design (the starburst pattern on mine actually holds the hand pretty good). The gimping on the SMF seems more stylish than functional but because of the countoured handle shape my hand feels planted firmly.

If your looking for a great slicer, the grind on the Sebenza is thinner and lends to a easier fine cut. The blade shape and grind on the SMF screams "abuse me, I like it".

The lockbar is much easier to disengage on the CRK because of the recess in the scale.

The action is smoother on the CRK but quicker on the SMF.

If you like flicking open, both knives are perfectly able to but the strider is easier to do (until you get used to the Sebenza flick). With that said, I really dislike the shape of the thumb hole on the strider. I wish it was just a little wider.


In looks department the CRK is a classy look that is all about utility. The strider is a look that I think you will either love or hate. Its a very aggressive style that demands attention while the CRK doesn't demand attention, it draws your attention (if that makes any sense).

The pocket clip on the SMF is a death grip on your jeans. The clip is firm but forgiving on the CRK.

After all that said, I would get a strider first. That way when you get a Sebenza you could appreciate the subtle perfection that could easily be over looked.

Sorry if I rambled, just wanted to give a noobs honest take on the two.
Click to expand...

Well said. But I would get the CRK first.
 
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