Strider SNG vs CRK Sebenza vs Hinderer Xm-18

I'd get them in this order:

1) XM-18
2) SNG
3) Sebenza

The Sebenza is a nice knife but it just doesn't appeal to me as much as the SNG. Just a personal preference. I guess I just prefer the tactical look in this particular instance.
 
Kaizen1 said:
I'd get them in this order:

1) XM-18
2) SNG
3) Sebenza

The Sebenza is a nice knife but it just doesn't appeal to me as much as the SNG. Just a personal preference. I guess I just prefer the tactical look in this particular instance.
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That's what it comes down to, this issue has been beaten to death and beyone :p in the past (the whole strider/crk discussion) and it's pretty easy to see once you've used them both that it's all preference. Both are backed by their makers and are premium tools at comparable prices. You won't find either one lacking so just go with whichever looks the coolest to you/suits you best....feels the best if you can hold them prior to buying.

In regards to the XM, I don't think it's any more of a value than the two other knives, it's got a cool grind but other than that, it won't do anything or be of any better fit/finish than the other two knives at something like 50% more cost.

Though they used to be customs...they're semi productions from my understanding now. Rick doesn't grind the blades any more on the new one's I'm seeing...though I'm no expert.
 
An old but good thread that has been revived.

I have all three manufacturers.

I am assuming you are thinking about the Large Sebenza, the Strider SnG and the Hinderer folder or flipper.

first of all cost wise; lowest to highest is Sebbie @ $340, SnG @ $400 and XM 18 Gen 3 Folder or Flipper in the secondary market @ $550 give or take. You can not get any from any dealers at the $385 list price. XM 18 second gens are anywhere up to $1000 or $1400 for the hand ground customs.

Lockup - all are great, maybe nod goes to XM 18.

Fit and Finish - three way tie because all have their attributes. I buy the Limited Edition Sebbies so my vote is tilted towards Sebbies on this point because of the premium woods available.

Blades - all hair popping sharp out of the box or Baggie in the case of the SnG. I do like the hollow ground blades on the Sebbies. Still all are ultra sharp and do hold an edge for a long time.

Ergos - The XM and the SnG fit my hand the best. Probably the SMF is the best choice for me personally since I have an XL size hand. The XM 3 1/2" version is the same size.

RESALE

Its pretty easy to move an XM 18 these days. Since Blade 08 there has been a bit of a frenzy with many Gen 3's changing hands three or more times in less than a month. At Blade there were a few hand ground XM's that were sold at a premium of $1000 and it set the bar very high; now these prices have stayed high. It is rare to see an XM unsold for more than 48 hours on any of the forums.

Sebbies and SnG's don't sell at a premium and usually you will get your investment back maybe less 5 - 10 %. Depends on if the Sebbie or SnG have something 'desirable' about it like gunner grips, hard chrome blade, polished Ti frame etc.

Personally, I have a SnG in my pocket now. It is more pocket friendly than the other two. I do have sheaths for the Sebbies and the XM usually rides in my softshell pocket.

Hope this helps.
 
RNST said:
You can not get any from any dealers at the $385 list price.
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I must beg to differ here, when I got mine from Plaza Cutlery earlier this year, I got it for 385 USD. That said, I must say that I've seen several other dealers with prices above that, and maybe Dan's increased his prices.
 
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I have had all 3; I no longer own an SNG. I DO own XN-18's and a couple of Sebbies.
For me it goes:
1. XM-18
2. Sebenza
3. SNG
 
As I read more and more on the Forums I realize that when I put the Dozier folder in my pocked this morning, my old Gerber will actually do anything I need to do today.

My Gerber was the first "non-junk" knife I owned, and I carried it exclusively for about 5 years, until I got on this Forum, and began buying "better" better knives. Benchmade, M2, etc, etc, and now, a number of years later, I have come to the realization that this is a hobby - I carry the better knives because I can, not because I really need a better knife.

Therefore my advice is buy all three and rotate them!! (or buy and old Gerber).
 
Th232 said:
I must beg to differ here, when I got mine from Plaza Cutlery earlier this year, I got it for 385 USD. That said, I must say that I've seen several other dealers with prices above that, and maybe Dan's increased his prices.
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Consider yourself fortunate. Rick's dealers got a small number and Plaza (as a premier dealer) may have gotten 30 MAX. I got the call from Dan too but declined because I had already spent $$ on a Gen 2 XM 18. Bottom line is if you go to any of his dealers now, they are all quoting 2009 for new orders and are trying to fulfill the existing orders that were placed before May 30 2008. I still stand by my numbers for Gen 2 and Gen 3 Folders and Flippers. I have bought, sold and traded six XM 18's since May as a way of upgrading my custom collection. :) I recently traded a Gen 2 and I still have a 3 1/2" Gen 3 Folder which I am keeping.

Lenny_Goofoff said:
wow, best strider vs seb vs xm quide ive ever seen
i should bookmark it for future reference
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Thank you, I put a lot of thought into it because I am an informed collector of all three manufacturers.
 
ebay/MS live having a 30%off promotion now.
now I tempted to get a small Sebenza 21 off there....
 
Th232 said:
I must beg to differ here, when I got mine from Plaza Cutlery earlier this year, I got it for 385 USD. That said, I must say that I've seen several other dealers with prices above that, and maybe Dan's increased his prices.
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Got mine from Paza Cutlery also for $405 shipped.
 
tomcrx said:
I think if you are a long time Spyderco fan you will like the Strider SNG the most. It has a choil and once you become accustomed to using one they a a hard habit to kick.

All three are fine knives and if you find you do not like the one you choose it would be easy to recoup your money selling on the secondary market
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+100000 on this for me...

I like the feel and quality of the sebenza.... But i love the ergonomics of the SNG. The choil is a must have for me. I like that i can choke up or hold the handle further back. Its beefy and begs to be used hard. According to Strider the warranty follows the knife not the owner, so I felt comfortable finding a used one. I love it. My LE 2003 snakewood sebbie is now retired, but im keeping her for occasional carry.

Im intrigued with the XM18.... Can I get one with a choil... Please Rick:D
 
I own all three as well. All three are wonderful knives, any one of which would last a lifetime of hard use. My favorite is the XM-18. It is a grail knife for me. It has the toughness of the Sng and the wonderful fit and finish of the Sebenza. It is pricey however, as I just picked up a new one at the Chicago show for $500 big ones and felt lucky to of talked down EDC Knives from $525. Now, I like the Sng and Sebenza pretty much equally. If you want rugged go Sng, if you want nearly a gentlemans large knife go Sebenza. Sebenza is made better than the Strider, but I just like the looks, feel and warranty of the Strider. I have been lucky enough to be around the Strider guys and they are super guys, and there is some mystic for me about the brand. So.... XM-18 then Strider then Sebenza, but I love them all. Oh yeah, I love Emersons too!!!
 
Th232 said:
Ahh yes, my mistake, $385 not including shipping. To Australia it was 35 for shipping.
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I'm pretty sure it was $385 before shipping for me too. Either way, we both got a freakin deal bro:thumbup:. Most of the other dealers bump up the price. With Plaza cutlery keeping the price down, their great customer service, along with the custom show they're having, those guys are the shiznit. I suggest anyone who's looking to get high-end production & custom knives to check them out.
 
$385 is the list price from one of Rick's dealers. If you check his website you will see Plaza and Blueline are dealers; they stick to the suggested retail price. Others are basically resellers and are not bound by the $385 price. Going rate right now is $500+, usually $525 - $550. These are all Gen 3 prices. Higher for the older generations with hand ground blades etc. Nothing wrong with the Gen 3's at all. Rick just used an outside CNC company to pre cut all the blades so he could catch up on two years of backlog.

But if your ever see a Gen 1 or 2 with a hand ground blade versus the Gen 3; there is no comparison. He sure can grind a nice blade.

:D
 
I definitely agree with your philosophy of quality over quantity. For me, give me one knife that has everything I want, not 5 knives, each of which has something that I like.

From your list, I would choose a Hinderer just because he offers flippers and I like a flipper to serve as a finger guard.

I would suggest throwing into the mix also the Darrel Ralph Trigger. It's in the same genre, impeccable fit/finish, and is availble with his 'maxx-glide' pivot bearing, the smoothest I have ever seen. They are available from Truenorth.com, or you can order from Darrel. I've ordered a couple of knives from him and it has been no more than a six-month or so wait, which to me is tolerable.

It is a little pricier than the 3 you mentioned, especially if you start tacking on options. Specs are: 3 3/8" S30V blade, ti frame lock, weight=3.8 oz. most are tip-down, but reversible is available. Blade shape is 'bowie' or recurve tanto (I prefer the former for sharpening ease). It's available with black DLC coating if you like that. Hands down, best knife I've ever had, and the only one that didn't have me looking around for something new after a few months of carry.
 
My picks for most desireable tactical folders:

1. Strider NiTiNOL SMF
2. Mick Strider Custom XL
3. Strider Armoloy SMF
4. Rick Hinderer XM-24
5. Chris Reeve Umnumzaan

Of the choices the OP listed (including variants such as the SnG-GG):

1. CRK Sebenza
2. Hinderer XM-18
3. Strider SnG

If you include Warren Thomas reblade services on the SnG:

1. Strider SnG
2. CRK Sebenza
3. Hinderer XM-18
 
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I've had the Benchmade full size Skirmish for several years and it is solid as a rock, smooth and looks good also.
 
I thought I heard it all. I'll tell you what, some of you men need to actually go out & use the knife the way it was designed & intended. Killed some sh!t, chop it up & work it!
Many here sound like keyboard Sebenza warriors that probably make fuzz sticks all day, & type with one hand.
Sebenza better than Strider :jerkit: , it's been beaten to death. Time to get out there boys & do it real!
A Strider is a tool, Sebenza's looks very much like a toy, especially with it's CR heat-treatment(snap) :D
 
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