Strider SMF review. Where is it?

M

MicMurry

Joined
May 12, 2002
Messages
2,111
So how come none of you big spenders have posted a review of the SMF?
Afraid to let your feelings show? :p COme one tell us how you feeeel about this knife.
 
I just bought one second-hand, and immediately sent it to Strider for a check-up. When it returns, I'll have a better appreciation for the SMF. There were some problems - but they may have been caused by previous owner.

I'll say this without reservation:
-The blade grind, forefinger choil cutout, non-skid machining for thumb placement on the spine of the blade, point shape and heavy blade make it the best blade I've seen in a folder. Just an outstanding heavy-cutter blade in my opinion.

After playing with the excellent frame-lock operation of TIR's Skirmish - locking and unlocking of the SMF was just plain crude - but that may have been caused by the previous owner.

We'll see what comes back from Strider after the check-up.
 
gud4u said:
-The blade grind, forefinger choil cutout, non-skid machining for thumb placement on the spine of the blade, point shape and heavy blade make it the best blade I've seen in a folder. Just an outstanding heavy-cutter blade in my opinion.

...... locking and unlocking of the SMF was just plain crude - but that may have been caused by the previous owner.
Click to expand...

I had one of the origianl MARSOC first run SmF's. I bought it because I love my SnG but also wanted some thing a bit bigger. The SmF was everything gud4u said. I find the Strider SnG/SmF series to likely be the best designed EDC and self defense folder of the hundreds that have passed through my hands. I'm talking about a rugged knife that won't fail you and can be maintained in the field. It also has a lifetime warranty that covers anything you do it, anything. I do find the disengagement of the frame lock to be stiff on all the SnG's and the one SmF I owned. I am willing to live with that, the rest of the knife makes up for it.

I sold mine for two reasons. The pocket clip upsweep catches me in the palm knuckle of my ring finger. A knuckle that has seen better days. On other knives I'd grind the upsweep down, not on a first release knife worth $ 600 (or more). The second reason was I'm a user and couldn't bring myself to carry an expensive knife that couldn't be replaced.

I would definitely consider a current release SmF for my only knife if I could only have one. I will be looking for a used one some day when I can afford it.

I cannot praise the design too much, it's that good. There also is no other warranty like Strider's, one you won't get from any others for knives in this price range.
 
It's the toughest folder I've owned. It doesn't have the smoothest action, but this is the knife I want with me if any cutting emergency popped up. I wouldn't be afraid to pry with it, and it's the sharpest knife I've owned.
 
After some searching I've noticed alot of people are comparing the SMF to a BM Skirmish. Do you guys think they are comparable or is the BM just a cheaper alternative?
I've handled a 630, and it was pretty impressive!
 
If I were looking for a lower-priced alternate to a Strider SMF or SNG, I'd look here: http://www.newgraham.com/buck_strider.htm

It's a liner-lock, it's not as stout, but it's a nice heavy-cutter with excellent ergos and highly regarded. I'd buy the PE version.

The frame-lock action of the Skirmish is really outstanding, but the blade grind, point-shape and recurved-edge were a put-off for me.

This advice is worth what you paid.

Edit: I meant the PE Tarani model.
 
Another folder possibility that needs watching is the 'rat folder' due soon from Swamp Rat Knives.

No specs yet, but any product from Swamp Rat is likely first-rate.
 
roshi said:
There also is no other warranty like Strider's, one you won't get from any others for knives in this price range.
Click to expand...

Malcolm,
I'm confused by this statement, can you explain what you mean by this?

Thanks
:D:D
 
Eric's right! Since there exist credible tales of the Strider practice of marking the blade of knives returned with obvious abuse, thereby negating further warranty service on that blade, I believe Swamp Rat's "write your own warranty" wins this round! I in no way mean to imply that I disagree with Strider's practice......I don't see how anyone can beat Swamp Rat's warranty!

Larry S.
 
Roshi is correct about the warranty where it applies to folders.
Now, I love (use and abuse) my Rats, but its folders I carry most of the time, so for now, SRKW isn't an option.
When SRKW does put out a folder (and this should be soon, I hope), they will have ONE folder. With the current offering from Strider, you can pick and choose (through the after-market) between the AR, GB, SnG, SMF and all those insane customs!
No offense Eric. I'm sure I'll be throwing money toward the Swamp when the Rat folder comes out. Just thought I'd interject a little perspective.
As for the BM 630 I'm (im)patiently waiting for mine to arrive. Haven't handled one yet, so can't comment about comparisons...
 
Shomer-Tec's current catalog lists a limited quantity of Swamp Rat folders for sale. This knife looks like a winner. It is basically a folding Busse Active Duty to look at it. I'm not going to post the price, but that's a winner, too!

I finally got myself an SnG (tanto). It's got me thinking about an SMF, but that's a lot of money. The Strider folders are everything the other guys said. Totally tough and sharp. No stiffness on mine except the lock is .. strong :) A previous owner polished the blade and handle smooth. Not bad, not good. I think I like rough G-10 better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top