Striders anyone?

D

Dennis Wright

Joined
Jan 19, 1999
Messages
842
Got a call from Buck today. Fifteen new Strider folders are being shipped today. I will have them Tuesday. I'll let you know how they turned out.

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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
1-800-400-1980
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
 
OK. I have one in front of me right now. Random pick, out of the 15 I received today.

Let me start by saying that this knife isn't for everyone. It is a big, heavy (5 3/4oz) solid tool that will outperform almost any other folder in existence but it is too big for general carry under most conditions and, at almost 6" closed and 5/8" thick, won't ride comfortablly in the pocket of many street clothes. (A Sebenza, it ain't)

It will probably work ok in jeans or utilities but it's bulk and weight almost require a belt pouch if you want to carry it wearing any thing else. If you want one big, honkin', tough, cutting tool, though, here it is.

Anyway, although they don't do it justice, (you really have to see one to appreciate it) here's the particulars:

Blade length: 3.875" (3 7/8")
Blade width: 1.230" (widest point)
Blade thickness: .187" (3/16")
Handle thickness: .625" (5/8")
Handle width: 1.275"
Handle length: 5 3/8"
Weight: 5.75 oz.
Color: Black (What else?)

The clip screws are threaded into what appear to be bronze helicoils or bushings which are set into the G10. The clip seems very secure and appears to be made of stainless steel with a bead blast finish. It responds to a magnet and is positioned for tip up carry.

The liners are titanium and measure out at .10" (1/10"), very thick. Lock engagement is full thickness of the liner and a few thousandths of an inch past flush with the lock side of the blade. Lockup is tight and there is no blade play, either side to side or up and down.

The lock release is not quite flush with the handle and is easy to unlock when pressed with the thumb of the right hand but, from appearance, is not likely to disengage without positive action from the user. In other words, it won't unlock unless you want it to. It's very secure. (No, I didn't try the "spine whack test". That constitutes abuse and is, in no way, indicative of the security or reliability of the lock. This knife is not made to whack on anything with the back of the blade.) Use it for what it was designed to do (cut) and it will hold.

The action, out of the box, is rather stiff but smooths out with use. (A little White Lightning Knife Lube helps) The pivot is (slightly) adjustable. The blade is positioned between the liners by two rather thick washers that appear to be made of bronze.

The scales are of G10 and are deeply textured for a positive grip. They are held on with three screws on each side plus the pivot screws. There are no inserts on the backside, a'la Benchmade. The edges of the scales are square, with a very slight bevel on the very edge of the corners. There are areas of notches in three places for a secure grip.

The blade is ground with a double bevel and a slight hollow grind. The straight, cutting edge is very sharp. It shaves hair nicely.

The secondary edge, on the tanto tip, however is not very sharp at all. It is a very steep angle and looks to be a very tough edge, good for piercing tough materials, even metal but will not do any fine cutting. This is a problem, as I see it and should be rectified. That edge needs to be sharper. The point is very sharp.

Overall, this a massive and impressive knife, designed for very heavy duty. It can easily be manipulated with gloved hands and should stand up to any kind of hard use that could be expected of a folding knife. Mick & Duane don't design wimpy knives.

I, myself, like it very much. I believe that the BG42 model is worth every bit of the MSRP of $190.00 and that is what I'm asking for them.

The ATS34 models, though may see a bit of settling once they hit the street. As I said, this knife isn't for everyone and they may be a hard sell to the average knife ELU. (Sorry guys, I couldn't resist
biggrin.gif
) Anyway, time will tell.

One final note. The blades do have the BosMark but they are not serial numbered, as we had been led to believe. The blades are all marked "First Production Run" and "1 of 500". They could have done better than that, I think. They should have, at least, been serial numbered.

I know I've said this before but, if I knew how to get some pictures into these threads, I would post some. The production models are slightly different than the pictures. Oh well...

DW


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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
1-800-400-1980
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
 
Dennis :

It is a big, heavy (5 3/4oz) solid tool
Click to expand...

Where is it balanced?

The lock release is not quite flush with the handle
Click to expand...

That sounds good, can you "white knuckle" it closed?

[spine whack]

That constitutes abuse and is, in no way, indicative of the security or reliability of the lock. This knife is not made to whack on anything with the back of the blade.)
Click to expand...

Is this your policy, Bucks or Striders?

The secondary edge, on the tanto tip, however is not very sharp at all.
Click to expand...

Is this just a QC problem or are all 15 knives left blunt along the secondary edge?

-Cliff
 
The balance point is in the area of the lock release, just to the rear of the blade. When held in a sabre grip it feels slightly blade heavy, which I, personally, like. The forward weight bias provides for some chopping ability and, although folders aren't choppers, this knife would stand up to that type of use much better than most other folders.

I, personally, couldn't "white knuckle" the lock open but I don't have extremely large hands. I suppose it is possible with someone of a very large stature but I believe it unlikely under all but the most extreme circumstances. Since I don't believe that any folder with a conventional lock is suitable as a fighter, (with the possible exception of the REKAT rolling lock), I don't see this as a problem. This knife won't fold unless you want it to under normal use.

The opinion on the "spine whack test" is mine, alone. It serves no real purpose and can damage a perfectly good locking mechanism without providing a realistic indication of the true integrity of the lock. Folders weren't meant to be used in that manner so it is "outside the envelope" of reasonable and useful testing.

All 15 of the knives I received are somewhat dull on the secondary edge. While I wouldn't call them blunt, exactly, they are just not very sharp. It looks as if that is by design. The edge is ground, though at a much steeper angle than the main edge. It will cut, just not as easily or as fine as the primary edge. It appears that the point is designed, primarily, for piercing or penetration.

DW


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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
1-800-400-1980
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
 
Greetings...
Just a few quick notes; lock failure testing (whack test) showed numbers never less than six hundred pounds often over eight hundred. Significantly over. Bumpstop failure (over opening) never under two thousand pounds.

Regarding Tanto tip. Yep...it is not a primary cutting edge. It is designed for tip strength above cutting ease. Simply because it is so short, (approximately one inch).

Ill look up these details as they are not exact, and post them later.

Ever Vigilant

MS
 
I visited Dennis today and checked out the Strider; it is a VERY strong folder, rivaling the Sifu in shear thickness and heft, I doubt even Cliff could break this one
wink.gif
. OK, OK, so maybe he could !!
Anyway, the tip is definitely supposed to be blunt , when you see one the first thing you notice is the incredible thickness at the tip, the bevel is obviously machined that way and would require serious effort to remove enough metal to thin the edge. Dennis is right, this tip is meant to pierce, not cut paper or whittle. It'll probably go thru a car hood or roof, if you ask me. The liners are so thick that the engagement on the tang precludes any realistic failure. This is a Strider design all the way, the examples I've seen and handled are every bit as tough as the originals they sell at their table at shows. If you want an incredibly tough tactical folder, the Buck Strider looks to be on the short list. The BG-42 just sweetens the pot.

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Buck Collectors Club Member # 572
Knifeknut(means I collect all other pointy sharp things along with the above)(just ask my wife)
 
Thanks Brian.

Mick, you guys designed one helluva knife. Give each other a pat on the back or whatever. Strider fans will love this one.

Nice to know I called it right about the tip.

DW



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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
1-800-400-1980
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
 
Mick, thanks for the numbers. When the knives unlocked, generally how much damage was done to them?

Regarding Tanto tip. Yep...it is not a primary cutting edge.
Click to expand...

I have done a lot of digging and other hard impact tip work. If the bevel in the tip area is similar to what is along the primary grind then the tip gets badly mangled because the stress it recieves is so much greater. Impacts along the primary edge are just glancing. For example, if you dig a small hole then the tip gets used as a pick and can see direct impacts off of rock. The primary edge never even impacts the soil/dirt if you work edge trailing.

I have been looking for something to benchmark the Busse Combat folder against when it comes out, I wrote off the Buck/Strider folder because of the liner lock, but given the fact that it seems to be recessed and not overly unstable it is looking good again. Of course Mick Striders frank manner about the lock strength goes a long way as well.

What kind of performance difference can be expected between the ATS-34 and BG-42 versions?

-Cliff
 
I am really excited to hear how some of these knives perform in the field. They are truly the most indestructible folders I have ever seen.

Our goal in this collaboration was to never allow manufacturing difficulties to get in front of design or performance. This we acheived with a lot of work and dedication from our engineers and a lot of patience from "those strider guys".

This is what makes this fun!!

I have a lot of engineers on vacation this week but I emailed them this thread to get their input.


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CJ Buck
Buck Knives, Inc.
AKTI Member #PR00003


 

Hey there folks,

Dennis, thanks for the support and kind words. People will more than likely figure things out when they play around with it. We hope to see you soon. ‘Great Western' maybe?

Cliff, numbers were generated at several ‘ points of failure'. The high six hundred pound numbers on lock failure were what was called ‘first failure' which is when the lock folded INWARD and bent. Lock disengagement never occurred. Failure on "over opening" occurred only when the bolts sheared.

The tip geometry is equal to the WB you currently possess.

The jury is still out on performance differences between BG and ATS. The BG numbers look great with the added Carbon and Vanadium, the stuff is awesome, but the performance issue is still being debated (here anyway).

Still working on those numbers. Kinda busy these days.

Thanks again

MS
 
Mick, we'll be at the GW. It should be an interesting weekend.

The more I play with this knife, the more I like it. I've pulled one out of stock and have been working the action and fooling around with it and I find that I have a hard time putting it down. This monster really grows on you.

I have found, in the store, that the customers either like it at first glance or they seem to be completely turned off by it. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground. Almost everyone kind of cringes at the price but what seems to be the main factor in whether they like it or not is the size and weight.

I have also found that a very slight adjustment of the pivot makes a big difference in the smoothness of the action. With the weight of the blade and a smoothed up swing, a very slight wrist action will snap it open very quickly. No springs needed.

I also know what you mean about the debate over BG42 and ATS34. I am well aware of Duane's opinion of BG42. I have to admit that, although I am sold on the merits of BG42, Your heat treatment specs on the ATS34 make it pretty darn impressive. I have never seen any other ATS34 blades perform the way your's do. Bg42, though, seems to be a bit more forgiving of heat treat variations and less prone to bad batches. I've seen some ATS34 blades that just don't measure up due to faulty heat treat, (none of your's, though) but I haven't run across any bad BG42 yet. Of course, having Paul Bos do the heat treat has a lot to do with that. He certainly makes your knives perform.

See you in 'Vegas.

DW

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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
1-800-400-1980
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
 
Guys, I walked into the local knife store in the nearest mall to me in SoCal and they had one of the first 500 in there. It cought my eye. I had never seen one before. So I ask the guy, "hey what's that knife?". He says, "It's a Buck". I say, "It looks interesting and ask him to pull it out". When I see the thickness of the blade, I just about dropped the kids on the floor. Very well made knife. Liners are extremely thick, the blade is obviously thick, the G-10 is rough textured for a good grip and the clip is tip up carry, which I like and very heavy duty. I'm impressed. I put it on hold until today.
 
Mick :

lock failure testing (whack test) showed numbers never less than six hundred pounds often over eight hundred
Click to expand...

How far from the pivot point were these forces being applied?

-Cliff
 
Hey there everyone. Sorry about the slow response time. We have been having some computer problems. So...

Cliff, for standardization, force was applied one and one half inches out on the blade. This makes the pressure applied at approximately two inches from the pivot point.


Carpe Diem

Mick, Duane and Cormac
 
OK,
I got mine!! Now I feel bad about stating in a previous thread that for the money it should be an integral/mono lock, etc., etc.!! I have learned on several ocassions to NOT judge a knife until I have it im MY HAND!! Now as a new BUCK/STRIDER owner I must say, I APPOLOGIZE!!
This knife is VERY heavy duty! When considering the size of the knife, the materials involved and the overall quality, fit and finish, it is WELL worth the money.
I'm not going to put mine through any torture tests or even a spine WHACK! I will add it to my rotation of daily carry folders and see how it fits in. I already know what to expect out of the steel and blade geometry. I wont carry it to use as a general utility knife but I'm sure it will be used while camping, scouting and as a backup to a handgun.
As far as the design goes. I realy like it. I have found that my customers like a sharper point edge on the Tantos I make. The blade tip is BEYOND strong but due to the angle CANNOT be razor sharp. With the reputation of the abuse the Strider fixed blades take, I have no problem with this but I would expect some criticism about it from the general population. The main edge scared the hair off my arm
smile.gif
The Textured G10 Handle is VERY grippy along with the serrations in the Ti. frame. Due to the size of the knife and the overall texture, this is the "grippy-est" folder I've ever handled. The lock, blade pivot and thumbstud all work very well. Opening and closing the knife is easy. My 8 year old daugter had NO problem with it other than wanting to add it to her collection!! The pocket clip works good and has plenty of bend to it to fit over denim pockets. I think the overall design is a winner. My only thought is that the blade could be 1/4" longer and still fit easily into the frame. Or....The handle could have been 1/4" shorter and still fit the blade.
Dennis was a pleasure to do business with and my knife arrived 2nd day as I requested.
To all involved with this project, I say give yourselves a pat on the back!! Now I have a Strider fixed blade on my want list
rolleyes.gif

Neil
EDIT:Let me say this about compairing the Buck/Strider to the SIFU or other heavy duty folders. I traded my SIFU for a Mil Spec Commander and would do it again if I had another one! The Buck/Strider frame is much, MUCH stronger, stiffer and solid than the SIFU or the Commander. I feel that for the size the Commander is very well built and continues to be a favorite of mine. If the arguement comes down to lock design or failure, I'll trust my valuable digits to the .100 thick Ti. liner of the Buck/Strider over a rolling lock that I cannot visually see engaged!!
eek.gif

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Website just updated!
Blackwood Knives
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

[This message has been edited by Dr.Lathe (edited 04-30-2000).]
 
I ordered one with a BG-42 blade on Friday and after reading that I can't wait. I remember reading in another review that the blade was from 3/16" stock. Is this true?

thanks
Frank Q.
 
880.jpg


All this discussion makes me want one and I dont like tantos! I saw in a post somewhere that someone was saying they would rather have an Emerson CQC7, but this sounds alot tougher. How are the ergonomics?

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Dennis Bible
 
Neil :

The blade tip is BEYOND strong but due to the angle CANNOT be razor sharp.
Click to expand...

Blade angle does not control sharpeness, I have a WB with a razor sharp tip. I don't know what it comes like from Strider as mine is Brian Thornburg's and it was used, but it was fairly easy to sharpen.

Mick, thanks for the numbers. With a 2" arm those forces are applying some impressive torques. By the way what is your perspective on "white knuckle" and spine whack tests? In your opinion should your folder be able to pass them? You also have very high standards for your fixed blades including high stress work like chopping and prying - what kind of reservations if any do you have about the folder?

-Cliff
 
Just examined one of the new Buck striders at a gun show yesterday. It is indeed big, and built like a tank.

I like G10 and the grip notches. It is indeed a very "grippy" handle without resorting to a rubber-like substance which I don't like. There is a catch: that rough G10 texture extends to the slab edges. Holding the knife in your hand is "like holding a fine file" as my friend put it. I wonder if I really used the knife for alot of work (without gloves) if it would raise some pretty good blisters. I also wonder if it would quickly wear a hole in your jeans pocket.

'Course, maybe "black bag operators" like that way, and maybe folding "tactical knives" are not usually given to extended work sessions.

Second, the knife is just big enough and heavy enough, and has that thick tanto tip, that I wonder if some purchasers will be inclined to use them for tasks not usually given to folders. (Hey, maybe that's the point.) Say, digging and (especially) prying. If the knife can stand up to it, bravo. But would prying "crush" the bronze washers the blade rides on, given the blade a looseness?

Perhaps two things to ponder are the thinning of the tip as others have discussed, and I personally believe the edge of the G10 slabs should be generously radiused or chamfered.

I did not buy the knife because, for me, it would not be very practical let alone fill a need. But I had to fight the urge pretty hard -- it is very interesting. I've got too many pristine knives at home, and I'd have a hard time finding "strider" tasks to use it. (Can I open that oil drum for you?)
 
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