Strider SMF vs ZT0301

j williams

j williams

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
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hey, sorry if this has been covered before but, I am having trouble choosing between these 2 knives. Ive always wanted a Strider SMF spearpoint, but I saw the ZT knives and I cant decide which to get. I want to know if the lock on the ZT is as tough as the strider, and since the one I want from T.A.D. has the satin blade, it is 300.00. Should I just spend the extra and get the strider? Also soes anyone have pics of both these knives in hand so I can get a realistic size comparison? Also, what am I getting with the strider as far as blade play, fit and finish, and durability?
 
I recently bought the ZT0301 after reading and hearing reviews on it. I believe its got a slightly thicker titanium lock then the striders, .190 vs. .125 or something like that, and it has the Hinder lockbar stabilizer which the older striders dont have (Is TAD selling old strider stock?). Ontop of that, the Zero tolerance costs less and has the speedsafe system on it which is basically a "spring" assisted opening which the striders dont have, its really cool. If you dont like it, you can even remove the torsion bar spring and open the knife like any regular knife. The ZT has 4way ambidextrous pocket clip, strider does not. So why buy the strider?

you can find it for ~230$ on various stores online I believe, I paid 265$ for mine and thats from a canadian store which are always more expensive then american stores. Thats unless your really stuck on the limited edition ZT301. With the money you save not buying the strider though you could buy a kick @ss fixed blade to accompany your ZT folder.
 
They are very different animals . The strength should be pretty close to equal , the ZT being a recurve , is a better slicer . The SMF is limited production , and manual , the ZT is a mass produced assisted opener - different animals alltogether . The design philosiphy is different , the SMF has a boxier , thicker and stouter blade . The ZT pivot can be adjusted without special tools .

The ZT is among the best prodos out there , the TAD version is very attractive . Must confess I would like one myself .

The SMF feels lighter , and takes up less pocket space . This is not to say that the ZT isnt comfortable to carry . The ZT has tip up or tip down carry .

BTW , I own both , and like both . If you like the assisted feature ( I dont personally ) , the ZT is probably a better bang for the buck .

No bad choices either way , as they say on CPF -buy both !

Chris
 
all the strider framelocks have had the hinderer for a long time now, like years.

of the 2 i probably would go with the strider, the ZTs are good too though.

why? i like the way the striders look a little better.

FWIW i have had a few striders and personally prefer the SnG to the SmF, though the SnG is only a tad smaller it carries a lot better in the pocket, more than the difference in size would indicate.
 
sng/smf carries considerably better. you'll be surprised now light these knives are for their size.

the zt is pretty heavy, and a handful to carry. it has the similar makeup of the sng/smg series, with g10 and titanium, but it's got steel liners which can add to the weight. plus a thicker blade, which is of course heavier.

i have a zt and liked it very much, but preferred my sng for more convenient, every day carry.
 
They are both sturdy, well made high-quality knives either of which you could depend on not to fail you a critical moment.
The ZT is more refined, you could deploy it to cut your apple without scaring your date, or use it in front of civillians without freaking them out too much.
The Strider is more of an outright purposefull-looking weapon that has a "the person using me has been professionally trained to kill you" look about it.
Personally I preffer the lightweight and concealability of the strider (I bought an SnG to carry with me on duty), but I doubt you could go wrong with either choice and it is purely a matter of personal prefference.
 
Alpha Unit said:
The ZT is more refined, you could deploy it to cut your apple without scaring your date, or use it in front of civillians without freaking them out too much.
Click to expand...
That's pretty funny right there. The assisted knife with the flipper you see as being more "civilian" and "date" friendly than the non-assisted, non-flipper knife!:D

Alpha Unit said:
The Strider is more of an outright purposefull-looking weapon that has a "the person using me has been professionally trained to kill you" look about it.
Click to expand...
Comical, but not very accurate considering what Strider himself has posted, that the folders were designed for utility use. Interesting observation though.

Regards,
3G
 
Having handled both I prefer the feel of the strider, it is lighter and a much easier carry, I also prefer the ergos of the strider. Either is a fine quality piece that with proper mantainence will out last you.
 
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