If you've got money to spend on these types of knives and you want to try out an SNG or SMF, go for it. If money is an issue to you these knives are not worth it, at all, if you ask me, from my past experiences. Both, my SNG, and SMF had play that could not be corrected unless you want a two hand opener. In addition, one of the knves, don't recall which had a stop pin fall out. They fixed it, but...
And the stop pin fell out after I read, and doubted, another gentleman claiming his fell out too. I wrote an email to Strider after hearing about it via the thread which was looking bad for them, and Josh (I believe that was his name) responded to the thread. This was when I stood behind Strider. Shortly after this, my Striders stop pin fell out, making me feel like an idiot.
At this point, I don't have much money for higher end knives like these, but if/when I do again, I wont risk trying another Strider, especially at full price. And on a side note, When I was still drinking heavily, I must have left my SNG (tiger-striped)damp with sweat or alcohol, and it rusted badly overnight. Not the type of rust you can clean off either. I ended up having it bead-blasted, and sold/traded it off asap.
Aslo, I had an Atwood/Strider prybaby w/spaner, so it's not like I'm just some moron who doesn't understand how to fix bladeplay on these knives. There was no sweet spot.
I don't doubt other's have perfect Striders, but after putting nearly $1000 into the two I had, I'd not be willing to give them another shot. My SNG was bougt new, my SMF was second hand, if that matters. To me, Buying one of these knives is like rolling the dice. You can say they'll fix any problems, but the knife I sent in for the stop-pin still had play when I got it back.
It's your money, but if it was mine, I'd opt for a 0300 for less and expect less/no problems with it. And as for Sebenzas, I've had two, large regular and small 21, they were perfect. But they're not really comparable knives other than cost.
