Strider SMF question.

Franciscomv · Jul 22, 2012

I've been changing my knife buying habits in the past year from buying 4 knives that cost $100 each, to buying a single $400 knife. I'm considering a Strider SMF, I like the looks and materials, but I was wondering how well they performed as cutting tools. I don't want to get an expensive knife and have to reprofile it.

I understand that this kind of overbuilt folders give up some slicing performance in exchange for extra strength, and I don't expect it to behave as a super thin Opinel. I just want to get a clearer idea of how well they cut (I live outside the US and can't handle one before ordering).

JSMcustoms · Jul 22, 2012

To start with, I would start by watching this video by xiuxiu1313 that compares the Strider SNG, which is very similar to the SMF to the point of almost being the same knife with a couple of really minor differences, to a Spyderco Para-military 2. Overall, these two knives, at least in both mine and his view, are very similar in both design, materials and cutting edge geometry. If price is a factor, I would honestly go with the Para-military 2. Below are some specs on both knives as well as the video that I mentioned so you can see for yourself.

Spyderco Para-military 2
Overall Length: 8.281 "
Blade Length: 3.438 "
Blade Thickness: .141 "
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Closed Length: 4.812 "
Handle Material: G10
Weight: 3.75 oz.

Strider SNG
Overall Length: 8.12"
Blade Length: 3.50"
Blade Thickness: 0.156"
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Closed Length: 4.62"
Handle Material: G10
Weight: 4.10 oz.

[video=youtube;uinj5383zII]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uinj5383zII[/video]

Franciscomv · Jul 22, 2012

Cheers for the video! It was really helpful, since one of the knives I've been using the most lately is a Para 2.

wjswiger · Jul 25, 2012

I've got a Spyderco PM 2 and s Strider SMF. I know they aren't the same knives, but I love both. If price is the breaking point, I'd go with the PM2, but if you want the best all-around knife, I'd go with the Strider. I absolutely love Striders and have owned five of them so far. I am very picky about my knives and I love both of them.....however, if I had the money I'd do the SNG. You won't find a better knife for the price....period.

Lycosa · Jul 25, 2012

Go with a Strider. They upped the folding knife big-time!

Franciscomv · Jul 25, 2012

Price is not an issue (and I already own a Para 2), I just wanted to make sure that an SMF wasn't a sharpened prybar that won't cut well before investing in one.

Thanks for your opinions!

Lycosa · Jul 25, 2012

The SMF is HUGE.

Reeek · Jul 25, 2012

I love my SMF

This specific folder is one of my favorite knives in my rotation and I have some pretty decent knifes to carry . . .

A.Dragg · Jul 25, 2012

I don't think the PM2 and SNG/SMF really compare all that much. They're completely different locking designs and have a lot of other differences, but they just function a lot different to me as well. The SNG has a much thicker blade and just doesn't get nearly as well as the PM2. The PM2 is a better overall knife as far as what it's capable of, IMO. I like my SNG a lot but it just doesn't cut nearly as well. It's not a bad EDC but it's primary function is being a tank of a knife that will stand up to just about anything. The PM2 is a great tactical knife and a great EDC and is just a much more precision cutting performer. The Strider cuts okay when super sharp but it won't slice nearly as well as a PM2. I can slice right through a potato with all of my PM2's. Even after putting a hair popping sharp mirror edge on my SNG with the Wicked Edge, it will start into a potato and then take consider pressure to push the very thick spine through and most of the time it will just split or break the potato in half after you break that resistance of the tick spine through. It will start in, then resist, then chop through when you put enough pressure. The PM2 also has a much more brutal tip that's made for defense and it has much better jimping that will give you much more traction for tactical/defense/whatever. I love the Strider's but I just don't feel like the PM2 and Strider are really equals or meant to be as good at the same things. The Strider is a very strong hard use knife but the price you pay for that is the ability to cut extremely well. The PM2 is a tough knife, but no-where near as beefy and tough as the Strider if you ask me. You can pry with a Strider but I've broken tips off the PM2 with even the lightest prying. The benefit of the PM2's blade style is it's ability to cut and puncture. You could use them for the same things, sure, but they each excel quite a bit over the other in different things.

I'll post a picture of the blade differences.

Lycosa · Jul 25, 2012

The Strider was not designed to be a slicer.

Tsujigiri · Jul 25, 2012

$400 won't get you more than a knife costing less than half the price has in terms of cutting performance. At that point you're paying for finishing, precision, design, rarity, special materials, or something else not essential to the function of the knife. Most knife collectors get to the point where they are willing to pay for that eventually, but if you're only concerned about performance, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a cheaper knife. Those are actually the ones in my collection that I use most often.

A.Dragg · Jul 26, 2012

Tsujigiri said:
$400 won't get you more than a knife costing less than half the price has in terms of cutting performance. At that point you're paying for finishing, precision, design, rarity, special materials, or something else not essential to the function of the knife. Most knife collectors get to the point where they are willing to pay for that eventually, but if you're only concerned about performance, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a cheaper knife. Those are actually the ones in my collection that I use most often.

Exactly.

Franciscomv · Jul 26, 2012

Tsujigiri said:
$400 won't get you more than a knife costing less than half the price has in terms of cutting performance. At that point you're paying for finishing, precision, design, rarity, special materials, or something else not essential to the function of the knife. Most knife collectors get to the point where they are willing to pay for that eventually, but if you're only concerned about performance, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a cheaper knife. Those are actually the ones in my collection that I use most often.

I agree with you completely. I've got knives that cost less than $100 and perform really well. However, I'm looking for something a bit different and perhaps a little special.

Also, getting imported goods into my country is a huge pain in the behind. I either have to go through hours of customs paperwork and pay huge taxes (up to 100% of the value) or I've got to wait until one of my relatives comes visit from abroad (most live in Canada) and bring the stuff with them. I'd rather have my uncle bring a single upscale knife instead of five less expensive ones, since I don't want to overburden him. Also, if I've got to waste a day at the customs office (which, to make matters worse is far from the city) I'd rather do it for something more unique than a couple of Enduras.