Strider SNG vs CRK Sebenza vs Hinderer Xm-18

A

aj1985

Joined
Nov 3, 2005
Messages
1,029
Hey guys how are yah

The more and more I frequent this forum the more I realize that Quality is much better than quantity and there are a few knives that a person must own in order to feel true quality in ones hand. I'm a huge Spyderco fan therefore have many great quality production models, but would like to get some great folders that represent the best in their own respective class.

So overall I have my sight set on the below three and I probably will get all three depending on the advise I receive from the many forumites. it is gonna take a boat load of time to save up for them, but hey atleast I learn patience along the way .

Sebenza large (Not sure classic or regualar, because I really do not know the difference)

Strider Sng (Described as a Tank by many forumites that can handle anything)

Hinderer Xm18 Flipper (One of the best folders on the market today (Looks to be tough like a Strider, But also quite pretty as a Sebenza)

Could you please tell me about your personal opinions regarding the above knives.

thank you and take care

aj
 
Hi aj1985. First of all, let me say that i had once in the past had the same 3 knives in mind and also desired a comparison. Now for my 2 cents: I have not yet had the pleasure to handle an XM-18 but in regard to the Sebenza vs SNG/SMF i would personally recommend the Sebenza. I currently own a small classic Seb and a large regular Seb. For me, when i examine a framelock knife, i immediately check for play and very closely inspect the mating of the lock bar to the blade. In both of my Sebenzas there is an absolute PERFECT fit with no gap or uneven surfaces where the lock bar meets the blade/tang. For me this is critical not only for peace of mind but also in terms of the knife's longevity. Now to Strider: -first of all i am not saying that they are a bad knife by any means(not trying to get flamed here:rolleyes:). I had at one point decided that i wanted to purchase an SNG or an SMF and started going to local knife/gun shows hoping to get a chance to handle one. After handling six of them to this day, i have yet to make a purchase. First of all, the area where the lock and blade mate only make contact towards the front of the lock bar and each knife has had some side to side play(where the Sebenzas have had zero play in any direction). Now,for what its worth, if you go the Strider website there is mention of the fact that only a portion of the lock bar surface meets the blade and it is stated that it serves as a "vent" so that dirt/grime will not build in the contact point. I also like the fact that a Sebenza is more easily dissasembled/tightened with a simple allen wrench. So, after a long winded post, IMHO the Sebenza(from the examples i have seen) has a tighter fit overall. Hope that helps ..... :(
 
Go to a knife store and handle all three. Put them in your pocket and see how they carry. Which ever one you like the best after that, buy. At this point, you can't go wrong with any of them. There will be people who tell you "buy teh striderz tehy roxorz!!" and there will also be people who tell you "the Sebenza is much more refined" while swirling their brandy snifters and looking at their stock portfolios. The thing is, they're both right. But they can't decide the right knife for you. Plus, if you buy any of the above and don't like it, you can sell it for about what it cost you and get something else. Good luck.
 
USSR

I doubt you can find a XM-18 in a store.

I feel Striders and Sebenzas are just as strong as an XM-18. While the XM-18 cost almost twice as much nowadays. Not saying the XM-18 is a bad knife. But if you really need a strong knife to work in the garden or something, just use a fixed blade.
 
I have owned at least a dozen large and small sebbies including an original and some P series. I have owned several Strider folders including SNG's, but can't say I have owned a Hinderer, handled a couple though and was not impressed. I rececently re-evaluated my daily knife needs, sold every custom knife I got and went back to the first knife I ever owned, a Buck 110. I have carried knives for 38 years, they dull, you drop them, break tips, scratch up bolsters, lose them on the trail, they get stolen etc. Unless you have unlimited funds and a willingness to use them EDC. For the 400.00 to 500.00 you spend to acquire the above mentioned folders. You can get 4 custom shop 110's, that will more than handle any job asked of them and perform just as well as these "Semi-Custom" knives
 
Get the sebenza! I have had both, and now have only one. I agree with Severance. The lockbar on the tang is what I really turned me off. It seems like the small point of contact could wear easily. I recently gave away my sebenza that I have carried for 4 years to my brother. And bought another. After 4 years of hard use it was smoother than new, and the lockup was rock solid. Never had a problem. Except for sand. But an easy cleaning made it perfect again! Get the Sebenza you won't regret it!
 
By the way, If you know where to get a XM-18. let me know PLEASE!!!!
 
BlazenGem said:
USSR

I doubt you can find a XM-18 in a store.

I feel Striders and Sebenzas are just as strong as an XM-18. While the XM-18 cost almost twice as much nowadays. Not saying the XM-18 is a bad knife. But if you really need a strong knife to work in the garden or something, just use a fixed blade.
Click to expand...

Not really looking to start anything.........but, have you ever handled any of these knives?

The SNG and a Sebbie are both very very tough, but a XM is above both IMHO. If the XM had the Sebbie pivot it would be perfection. All three are very different knives. What will you be using this knife for? I carry my large Sebbie as much as my XM. Every knife knut needs to try a Sebbie. I would pass on the Striders at first. Nice knives, just not really my thing I guess.
 
If you go XM you will need to peek at the exchange about every 2 hours or so. They go fast. But....... There is a three inch flipper with a extra scale up now.
 
So-Lo said:
Not really looking to start anything.........but, have you ever handled any of these knives?

The SNG and a Sebbie are both very very tough, but a XM is above both IMHO. If the XM had the Sebbie pivot it would be perfection. All three are very different knives. What will you be using this knife for? I carry my large Sebbie as much as my XM. Every knife knut needs to try a Sebbie. I would pass on the Striders at first. Nice knives, just not really my thing I guess.
Click to expand...

Hi So-Lo. I have had a Strider, and a Sebenza soon (thanks STR!) I never said any of them are bad, I am just saying the XM-18 is almost selling for twice the price of a Sebbie or a SNG.

My point is they are all tough, and they are all very strong and durable. If I had to use the Sebbie or the XM-18 on gardenworks, I d use the Sebbie just because it is twice cheaper, and just as strong.
 
aj1985,

Have had 4 sebs - 0 issues with any of them (Classics are most ergonomic to me), just as others mentioned prior they are what you would expect when you drop that kind of $. Something you can beat on, use the crud out of, without issues. (Yes I USE mine - light prying, Batonning, whittling, whatever.) Large Classic is my EDC.

Do a search on awards from Blade, Reeve has gotten several related to quality - the reason they win them, is because they deserve them.

In contrast, have had 3 Striders (2 SNGs, and a PT) - they are all in some one elses pocket now. 2 of the 3 failed miserably with blade play (and to me ANY blade play in a knife that costs that much is beyond unacceptable, and yes, a miserable failure - and by the way play developed BEFORE any "hard use" as mentioned above. One of the 2 also closed when I put to much pressure on the back of the blade with my thumb -trust me I'm not superman, the lock just failed. If I had not been using the choil, I'd have had stitches or worse.

If you love G10, and that look, although I have never had a Hinderer, I understand from many on this forum that do, they are like a Strider on steroids, much tighter quality, and a Ti liner under the g10 - Highly sought after and I hope to get one as well some time.

Also, though you did not mention it - the Spyderco Manix is a Sweet ride as well, you may already have one - but If you want tough,reliable and G10 - while you are waiting on your Hinderer, look no further.


sp
 
Severance said:
Hi aj1985. First of all, let me say that i had once in the past had the same 3 knives in mind and also desired a comparison. Now for my 2 cents: I have not yet had the pleasure to handle an XM-18 but in regard to the Sebenza vs SNG/SMF i would personally recommend the Sebenza. I currently own a small classic Seb and a large regular Seb. For me, when i examine a framelock knife, i immediately check for play and very closely inspect the mating of the lock bar to the blade. In both of my Sebenzas there is an absolute PERFECT fit with no gap or uneven surfaces where the lock bar meets the blade/tang. For me this is critical not only for peace of mind but also in terms of the knife's longevity. Now to Strider: -first of all i am not saying that they are a bad knife by any means(not trying to get flamed here:rolleyes:). I had at one point decided that i wanted to purchase an SNG or an SMF and started going to local knife/gun shows hoping to get a chance to handle one. After handling six of them to this day, i have yet to make a purchase. First of all, the area where the lock and blade mate only make contact towards the front of the lock bar and each knife has had some side to side play(where the Sebenzas have had zero play in any direction). Now,for what its worth, if you go the Strider website there is mention of the fact that only a portion of the lock bar surface meets the blade and it is stated that it serves as a "vent" so that dirt/grime will not build in the contact point. I also like the fact that a Sebenza is more easily dissasembled/tightened with a simple allen wrench. So, after a long winded post, IMHO the Sebenza(from the examples i have seen) has a tighter fit overall. Hope that helps ..... :(
Click to expand...

What is the main difference between classic and regular & also is a Sebenza as close to perfection in a folder around this price range. Is it the best bang for your buck.

take care
aj
 
USSR said:
Go to a knife store and handle all three. Put them in your pocket and see how they carry. Which ever one you like the best after that, buy. At this point, you can't go wrong with any of them. There will be people who tell you "buy teh striderz tehy roxorz!!" and there will also be people who tell you "the Sebenza is much more refined" while swirling their brandy snifters and looking at their stock portfolios. The thing is, they're both right. But they can't decide the right knife for you. Plus, if you buy any of the above and don't like it, you can sell it for about what it cost you and get something else. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Firstly I'm in Canada I have only held a Sebenza once and probably will not hold a Strider or an Xm-18 unless I buy it. So really there is no option for me to go out and handle the other two.

aj
 
BlazenGem said:
USSR

I doubt you can find a XM-18 in a store.

I feel Striders and Sebenzas are just as strong as an XM-18. While the XM-18 cost almost twice as much nowadays. Not saying the XM-18 is a bad knife. But if you really need a strong knife to work in the garden or something, just use a fixed blade.
Click to expand...

You are looking at everything from the outside, because Imo you shouldn't comment on an XM-18 just because you have never held it. The more and more I hear regarding the Xm-18 the more I realize that there must be sopmething speacial about this knife.

You think I'm gonna use a custom folder in my Garden :D

aj
 
So-Lo said:
If you go XM you will need to peek at the exchange about every 2 hours or so. They go fast. But....... There is a three inch flipper with a extra scale up now.
Click to expand...

Hey So-lo how are yah is it possible you could move the pics from the other thread top this one so everyone can see the Xm-18 being compared to the Sebenza and the Striders. I would appreciate it eh.

aj
 
SkinnyDale said:
I have owned at least a dozen large and small sebbies including an original and some P series. I have owned several Strider folders including SNG's, but can't say I have owned a Hinderer, handled a couple though and was not impressed. I rececently re-evaluated my daily knife needs, sold every custom knife I got and went back to the first knife I ever owned, a Buck 110. I have carried knives for 38 years, they dull, you drop them, break tips, scratch up bolsters, lose them on the trail, they get stolen etc. Unless you have unlimited funds and a willingness to use them EDC. For the 400.00 to 500.00 you spend to acquire the above mentioned folders. You can get 4 custom shop 110's, that will more than handle any job asked of them and perform just as well as these "Semi-Custom" knives
Click to expand...


I fully agree a Buck 110 is a classic, but the more one grows and learns the more he wants to get bigger and better things. I think most of us start down this road and I'm not the first one and i wont be the last one.

1) CCC knives
2) Decent level prodcution knives
3) Spyderco, Benchmade, Emerson, kershaw
4) Sebenza, Striders, Busse,
5) Full out customs

Just realizing that I'd rather pay more and have quality than have quanitity. I don't really want a drawer full of knives anymore. Just want knives that represent the best in their class. Thats not to say I won't buy producion knives, but more along the lines of I will buy less of them and be much more choosy in my selection.
 
The Sebenza is what I like and have been carrying them for about 8 years now. It is my personal feeling they are the best knife on the market right now. I have owned several Striders and have since sold them off. IMO the quality was no where near the price point, again my opinion. At one point, customs were all I would look at. I still have a few fine pieces, but again for consistent quality I return to CRK. Just my observations.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top