STRIDER vs Emerson

Sounds a lot like the old hate and discontent argument about strider that everyone keeps regurgitating after watching the same vid or has "handled" one. I've had eight strider folders this year, some bought new some bought used, and don't see the afore mentioned issues. When the lock face is new it's sticky until it work hardens but it's good to go after that. I say if you like Emersons a lot more than Striders, buy the Emerson knives. Good thing about that is you can get two maybe three to Striders one.
 
I own both and like both for different reasons.

I just have one Strider an SNG. I love the light weight and ergos of this knife, the heat treat to me seems amazing takes a great edge and seems to hold it, touch ups are quick and easy on my SM. I prefer frame locks so it wins here for me, mine was sticky at first but once worn in (and with a little graphite paste on the lock face initially) that issue went away reasonably quickly. I love the design and the lock up and engagement are super solid.

Love the ergo's of the Emerson as well. I have a CQC15 and a 7 both are exceptional, ergos are among the best of any knife I have owned, they particularly shine in different grip positions. The design and F&F on mine are great, the blade grinds are fantastic though I prefer the "V" grind over the chisel. The grippy G10 although it shreds clothing does provide amazing grip, I don't use the wave much but when I only have one hand free it is a nice feature.

Both brands are easy to service, simple to take apart and they go back together nice and easy. I don't think a person can really go too far wrong with either supplier. I am happy to own both and I will by more of both brands. If I haven't pissed off anyone on either side of this great debate, I may run for president as well , although I probably couldn't because I am Canadian ... can you tell.
 
Folders - Emerson. Basing this choice on price more so than fit/finish especially since they are both equally hit or miss in my experience. If price was comparable my choice would be Strider but only after I've had a chance to physically inspect each folder prior to purchase.


Fixed blades - Strider all the way. Physical exam prior to purchase preferable.
 
I would have to say if these two were the only choices I had, it'd be Emerson. I have issues with Strider for personal reasons and wouldn't spend a dime on their products. Emersons are decent knives for the money if you're smart and wait for a good deal to pop up on the Exchange. :thumbup:
 
If Strider cut their price in half I'd buy it in a heart beat
Emerson is an embarrassment to "made in the USA" products
 
Quiet said:
I would have to say if these two were the only choices I had, it'd be Emerson. I have issues with Strider for personal reasons and wouldn't spend a dime on their products. Emersons are decent knives for the money if you're smart and wait for a good deal to pop up on the Exchange. :thumbup:
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+1 to this.
 
I've enjoyed all the Emersons I've had. As Quiet said, deals for used/lightly used on the Exchange are a great way to pick them up. Especially for those that are contemplating trying out an Emerson.

Have yet to hold a Strider.


The cow said:
If Strider cut their price in half I'd buy it in a heart beat
Emerson is an embarrassment to "made in the USA" products
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Are there any specific reasons why you feel that way?
 
Understood.^
And if the Strider is not for you, don't sell it. Tuck it away because you will be back for it. Trust me.
 
sutherland said:
I purchased a new SNG and I sent it back after 15 minutes in hand.
- Fit & Finish: G10 and Titanium jimping did not line up
- Lock Stick: Sorry, I am not doodling with a sharpie or pencil on $400+ knife to reduce lock stick. CRK, ZT, Hinderer, Spyderco, LionSteel, etc. all manage to get this this key detail right.
- Concerns over durability: I don't like how the blade stops rest on two different types of material (Titanium & G10). G10 is durable, however it is no where near as solid/wear-resistant as Titanium.

If Strider used a titanium lined "show-side" scale (to reinforce the the handle) and resolved the lock-stick issues, it would be an AMAZING knife.

Emerson gets my vote.
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Well....I am eating crow here.

I bought a used (like new) CPM154 Strider and I love it. No lock stick, no lock rock.

That said, it still has its quirks....
- good thing I am not a lanyard guy as the blade tip takes up almost half of the lanyard hole
- blade stops - showside has a different edge treatment than lockside
 
I'll take neither. I'm not a fan of liner locks, so Emerson's out, although I am aware that they do them "properly" and I've seen Emersons tested; they're quite strong. I also don't like that their liner locks are titanium, as excessive use of the wave feature I'm sure would put way too much wear on the lock for my liking. It's the same reason I don't carry my old Cold Steel Ti Lite.

I'm not usually one for politics but they're the reason I won't buy a Strider; I find Mickey Ray Burger's crimes and conduct offensive. I'm not going to comment on the quality of the knives themselves as I've never handled one.
 
Kwon Kwang said:
I'll take neither. I'm not a fan of liner locks, so Emerson's out, although I am aware that they do them "properly" and I've seen Emersons tested; they're quite strong. I also don't like that their liner locks are titanium, as excessive use of the wave feature I'm sure would put way too much wear on the lock for my liking. It's the same reason I don't carry my old Cold Steel Ti Lite.

I'm not usually one for politics but they're the reason I won't buy a Strider; I find Mickey Ray Burger's crimes and conduct offensive. I'm not going to comment on the quality of the knives themselves as I've never handled one.
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Nope, i have a knife that went 10 years before it needed any sort of work done to it, an Emerson. Besides that is what the warranty is for, if they didn't warranty the knife, then I could understand. But, whatever suits you.
 
RevDevil said:
Nope, i have a knife that went 10 years before it needed any sort of work done to it, an Emerson. Besides that is what the warranty is for, if they didn't warranty the knife, then I could understand. But, whatever suits you.
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Well, that's impressive.:thumbup: I wonder if there are any long-term reviews of other locks from other companies and we could maybe do a comparison? I'd like to compare its longevity against a Buck 110's back lock, a Tri-Ad lock, an Axis lock and maybe a compression lock.
 
Ankerson said:
Great Post STR. :thumbup:

I don't get into the politics in the knife industry and I also could care care less about peoples pasts, just show me the knives and let me make up my own mind about them.

There are some who get so carried away by the politics they really miss out of some high quality knives in the process.
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Whilst I have huge regard for both STR and Ankerson, I respectfully choose to disagree.

I don't think I'm getting "carried away by the politics" but I do care where my money goes and I won't 'give' my money to companies or people whom I know to be dishonest, especially regarding false claims of service, etc.

I have never posted about this before as I don't want to add to the hyperbole or vitriol around the whole MS history but I won't be spending my money on Striders. I'm okay on missing out - fortunately there are plenty of other choices.

I do have several Emersons, and I use them and enjoy them.

Ben
 
sutherland- The lanyard goes through just one one of the lanyard holes. It works.
At first, I thought the same thing.
 
Kwon Kwang said:
Well, that's impressive.:thumbup: I wonder if there are any long-term reviews of other locks from other companies and we could maybe do a comparison? I'd like to compare its longevity against a Buck 110's back lock, a Tri-Ad lock, an Axis lock and maybe a compression lock.
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I honestly disn't think the liner would be covered, especially after 10 years. But it was, and the new liner that was installed was slightly thicker than the original one. At least it looked it. A comparison on longevity would be interesting, but I think a triad lock would more than likely win since the wear is evenly distributed along 4 surface points rather than 2. You have the blade, both sides of the stop pin, and the lock bar all bearing pressure. Like comparing a 4 legged char to a 2 legged chair. Even the axis lock has 4 points of contact, the weak link if any is the Omega spring potentially wearing out.
 
Noctis3880 said:
I'm not entirely sure the ZT can stab a computer monitor without chipping. Of course, there's no practical reason why I need it to.
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I take it you don't work in IT. :D

I'd be a little more inclined to go with a Strider myself. Emersons just haven't appealed to me that much.
 
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