striders

[mlawson]

are the striders worth the price? the lifetime warranty sounds great but ive never seen one in person before.

 

[mschwoeb]

Yes.

 

[.45acp]

I have an AR and BT ( Both bought on the BF exchange). Thanks guys

In a word I would say yes. Made for hard work, you don't need to be concerned about extreme use. The heat treatment by Paul Bros is the best in the business. Mine are among the sharpest blades I own.

Some here will say no, they are not worth the price. Depends on what you want. If you are the type that would rather have an Ed Brown .45 or Wilson Combat .45 and are willing to pay the difference, instead of a Springfield Armory, you will be a happy camper with Strider, I am.

 

[Rich357]

I have a couple of their fixed blade knives. I think they are worth it. They're rugged. I found the more I used them the more I liked them. They grow on you.

Good luck,
Rich

 

[RL]

Yes...especially for your intended use...as I recall, you are considering this for carry on your duty vest...keep in mind that Striders became popular through word of mouth among military/LEO guys who bought their own gear (Strider was in business for many years before selling to the public).

I have a BD and RDT, certainly not their most common pieces, and I am very happy with them. Sure, they are not as "clean" as some other pieces but that just makes you want to use them Seriously, I have no doubt that they would perform well for their intended tasks!

RL

 

[ErikD]

Simply put they are, and they aren't. If you want a knife that you can use, abuse, and still depend on they are worth it for sure. If you want a pretty knife to look at fine craftsmanship, then no.

I have only one Strider, an AR, and think it was worth every penny. I have no problems with the fit and finish on the knife, but it is not a show knife. I bought it because I wanted a knife to use, and use hard. It does just that, but doesn't really look pretty, which doesn't bother me a bit.

 

[fishbulb]

Honestly I do not have any reason to belive that they are.

I can see nothing in Strider's designs that makes me belive that they are the best products in their niche. Despite several requests nobody has provided me with valid engineering reasons for the supposed superiority of Strider products. Because of this I must conclude that there are none.

Are they strong? I would be astonished if they were not, as they are generally made out of rather thickly ground .25 inch steel. There are many other knives that are as strong or stronger, so this in itself is not reason enough to justify their prices.

All the statements about them being "the choice of elite forces" or some such thing is irrelevant. Knives are simple hand tools, and as such any design features which results in superior performance should be explainable. Claims of superiority require legitimate evidence, not advertising copy.

Now, do I think Strider's are bad knives? Not at all, although they are generally not to my tastes. Many people own them and most are clearly satisfied with them. The same applies to other knives as well. I simply feel that neither the information that is available about Strider products nor the statements of their owners can explain their supposed superority and justify the price.

There are many manufacturers (both individuals and production companies) that offer a lifetime warranty.

 

[Cris]

I have a handful of Striders and the designs are great for me, but it's the combination of the design and the steel (S30V nowadays, and what Mr. Bos does with it) that place them toward the top of my list. These blades are true workers and worth every penny when you consider what other prices are out there. These guys stand behind what they make when anyone can send one in that has changed hands 15 times and they fix/tune up/or whatever, and send it back to you with no questions asked. In my opinion, it's more difficult to hit on a formula that's extremely simple yet effective and strong, rather than come up with blade that is pretty and shiny, but snaps while trying to open a can of soup.
out,
Cris

 

[RL]

Originally posted by fishbulb
Honestly I do not have any reason to belive that they are.

I can see nothing in Strider's designs that makes me belive that they are the best products in their niche. Despite several requests nobody has provided me with valid engineering reasons for the supposed superiority of Strider products. Because of this I must conclude that there are none.

Wow, that's an astonishing leap!

Originally posted by fishbulb

Are they strong? I would be astonished if they were not, as they are generally made out of rather thickly ground .25 inch steel. There are many other knives that are as strong or stronger, so this in itself is not reason enough to justify their prices.

Possibly...so it's a good thing that they have great designs and the "no questions asked" warrantee to back it up

Originally posted by fishbulb


All the statements about them being "the choice of elite forces" or some such thing is irrelevant. Knives are simple hand tools, and as such any design features which results in superior performance should be explainable. Claims of superiority require legitimate evidence, not advertising copy.

I disagree. The same way that technology is "tested" in formula one, Striders are "tested" among elite forces...I don't think it's accurate to equate Strider's reputation to "advertising copy"...their knives were used by military/LEOs long before they were sold to the public...they were not "issue" knives, rather they were purchased by those in a position to buy their own gear (in other words, it wasn't a case of the government buying mediocre products simply because the price was good).

 

[fishbulb]

Originally posted by RL
Wow, that's an astonishing leap!

Not really. I have examined the product and consulted others who are knowledgeable about the product in pursuit of legitimate reasons for their alleged superiority, to no avail. The valid conclusion is that the reasons do not exist. I am always open to additional information that may change this, if you have any available.

Possibly...so it's a good thing that they have great designs and the "no questions asked" warrantee to back it up

Once again, I question precisely what it is that makes the designs "great" to the extent that they are sometimes regarded as. I agree with the second part, by all accounts Strider does have an excellent warrantee/service policy.

I disagree. The same way that technology is "tested" in formula one, Striders are "tested" among elite forces...I don't think it's accurate to equate Strider's reputation to "advertising copy"...their knives were used by military/LEOs long before they were sold to the public...they were not "issue" knives, rather they were purchased by those in a position to buy their own gear (in other words, it wasn't a case of the government buying mediocre products simply because the price was good).

The important difference is that F1 is a public competition that generates numerical results, while military service is not. If a company can bring new technology or designs into racing that are truly superior it will be represented (and accurately measured) by their lap times or finish standing. It is possible to prove that Car X is superior to Car Y simply by looking at their race results.

Of course, there is also the fact that a car optimized for F1 races would be virtually useless for anybody but an F1 driver.

That a hand tool is used by military or police personnel does not mean that it is superior to competitive products, even if they purchased it of their own volition. When somebody has occasion to use a tool it does not matter who else uses the same one, or what their occupation is. Only the individual, the tool, and the task to be performed will influence the result. Since we are currently discussing the tool, it is reasonable to consider that products must stand on their technical merits alone.

 

[RL]

Originally posted by fishbulb
The important difference is that F1 is a public competition that generates numerical results, while military service is not. If a company can bring new technology or designs into racing that are truly superior it will be represented (and accurately measured) by their lap times or finish standing. It is possible to prove that Car X is superior to Car Y simply by looking at their race results.

Of course, there is also the fact that a car optimized for F1 races would be virtually useless for anybody but an F1 driver.

That a hand tool is used by military or police personnel does not mean that it is superior to competitive products, even if they purchased it of their own volition. When somebody has occasion to use a tool it does not matter who else uses the same one, or what their occupation is. Only the individual, the tool, and the task to be performed will influence the result. Since we are currently discussing the tool, it is reasonable to consider that products must stand on their technical merits alone.

hmmm..I suppose one could start to keep score of missions completed, lives saved, enemies killed etc. etc...actually, there are many stories published about what owners have done with their Striders (there's one on the Strider forum right now)...yet disbelievers can always dismiss these...

Incidentally, it would be easier for me to provide the info you were seeking if you could give me an example...could you please provide empirical data and engineering design features from other manufacturers? Thanks so much.

RL

 

[Sundsvall]

Strider is good. I only like a few of their designs. .

YMMV.

 

[Rich357]

Hi fishbulb,

When my first Strider fixed blade arrived, I wasn't impressed. However, after using it for several months I was impressed.

* It can be given a very sharp edge.
* It holds the edge well.
* I like the balance.
* The finish is much more rugged than I had expected.
* The paracord grip just seems to get better with use.
* I haven't gone out of my way to abuse it but I don't worry
it handling anything I need to do with it.

Rich

 

[fishbulb]

Originally posted by RL

Incidentally, it would be easier for me to provide the info you were seeking if you could give me an example...could you please provide empirical data and engineering design features from other manufacturers? Thanks so much.

RL

No problem.

Empirical data

Without question the very best example of this that I can give you is located right here. It would be fantastic if all manufacturers would provide similar data.

I belive that Spyderco also keeps similar data and at the very least publishes the rated failure loads of all their folding knives.

Engineering design features
To a large extent manufacturers leave this up to the user but some companies do indeed describe the design choices that they make, and explain the reasoning behind these choices. Spyderco, Benchmade, and Busse, for example, have sections of their web sites that are devoted to in-depth explaination of the designs, materials, and various blade shapes and edge configurations that are found in their product line.

With that said, the point that I was attempting to make is that there does not appear to be any design features used by Strider that would make their products superior to similarly designed blades. The only really unique feature that I am aware of is their cord wrap handle which is primarily an ergonomic issue and therefore a matter of personal opinion rather than of fact.

My point can be summed up like this:
What specific elements of their design make Strider blades superior to similar knives?

Seemingly minute details are an important part of the overall effectiveness of a product, so it is possible that there is something present that I am unaware of. If this is so I would be grateful to anybody who can enlighten me.

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Personally, I think they are Butt Ugly as hell, ground up from 'rough stock', and very utilitarian...and oh, did I mention 'Butt Ugly?'...

As a collector who seldom if ever uses his knives, other than the odd fingernail cleaning or letter opening, I have no use for Strider Knives products...

Furthermore, from a sheer 'pretty/collectible' knife standpoint, those knives that I collect, these don't make the cut...so, I'll probably never own a Strider knife, unless I get a super great deal on one, or if someone gives me one...

(Done reading the prelude yet?)

But, the question was 'are the striders(sic) worth the price?"

Based on what I know about real world knife use, Mick Strider the man, Strider knives in general, and the end use/users of the product...the following comments based on several years of watching many friends buy/use/abuse their Strider knives; I would have to say yes...they are worth the price, if you use the knife...

If you don't use it, probably not...

That's my read anyway...

Mel

Fishbulb, IMNSHO, you have just the right amount of 'Doubting Thomas' in you to provide a meaningful service to your fellow knife knuts. So, if it's not too presumptuous(sp?) of me, I'd suggest that you contact Jim Nowka over at KFC, and tell him that you're interested in writing an article on Strider's for the KnifeForums Magazine...

It takes a few months to pull together, but most of the makers are real good about providing product samples to Jim for review...

The deal is, this is a product review magazine, real world use and all. Most writers aren't getting paid, and many of the reviewed knives are sent back to the maker, or given away in the forums after the review is written...so, it's a real labor of love, written by knife enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

(I think we're the only magazine doing this type of review today)

If the knife in question is crap, then say it's crap. If it's good, say it's good. You're not getting paid, and you probably won't get to keep the knife...plus, you get to spend personal time writing/rewriting your copy for free...

But, you do get to kick the crap outta the knife, and you can write whateverthephuck you want to about it, as long as you're truthful. The funny thing is, many KFC writers start out with a preconceived notion that they don't like something, only to fall in love with it later...

YMMV,

Mel

 

[mschwoeb]

Fishbulb, you know that every manufacturer our there will never divulge all of their info that goes into giving their knives the edge. There are too many variable that go into that data, and the cost to produce it are too high. The edge that a company feels that it gets from its own data usually outweigh the advantage that we think we would get from having it.

However we do have the word of those here in the forums that use knives on a daily basis.


But as for that first question, yet again yes. Why? Because I find it to be comfortable in my hand, hold an awesome edge, cut well, and handle anything that I plan or dont plan to put it up to.

 

[RL]

Originally posted by fishbulb

Without question the very best example of this that I can give you is located right here. It would be fantastic if all manufacturers would provide similar data.

I looked at that...no knock on Fallkniven but I'm not convinced by those tests...I am far more convinced by the stories that I have read from Strider owners (and from my own experiences, of course).

Originally posted by fishbulb

To a large extent manufacturers leave this up to the user but some companies do indeed describe the design choices that they make, and explain the reasoning behind these choices. Spyderco, Benchmade, and Busse, for example, have sections of their web sites that are devoted to in-depth explaination of the designs, materials, and various blade shapes and edge configurations that are found in their product line.

Yes, and it is always from their perspective

Originally posted by fishbulb

With that said, the point that I was attempting to make is that there does not appear to be any design features used by Strider that would make their products superior to similarly designed blades. The only really unique feature that I am aware of is their cord wrap handle which is primarily an ergonomic issue and therefore a matter of personal opinion rather than of fact.

Whoa, hey! What about the Tiger Stripes??

Originally posted by fishbulb
My point can be summed up like this: What specific elements of their design make Strider blades superior to similar knives?
Seemingly minute details are an important part of the overall effectiveness of a product, so it is possible that there is something present that I am unaware of. If this is so I would be grateful to anybody who can enlighten me.

Ok, you want the real answer? It's very simple! Strider knives are used and abused in the field...based on the input from users, Strider makes adjustments to enhance the performance of their products...yes, their designs constantly evolve based on feedback from people who use them in the field, not from a resident guru with a pulley.

They have a blade for virtually every use you can think of...from square tipped pry-bars to double-edged daggers to kukri-shaped choppers to fighters of every length conceivable (from pocket size to sword)...I can't think of another maker who has the depth and breadth of the Strider product line...who else makes a collapsible baton with an axe-head on top? a bayonet with a built in flare launcher? (ok, that was a one-off )

 

[NIB]

All the statements about them being "the choice of elite forces" or some such thing is irrelevant. Knives are simple hand tools, and as such any design features which results in superior performance should be explainable. Claims of superiority require legitimate evidence, not advertising copy.

fishbulb,

The first advertisement I saw for a Strider knife was a Spec Ops guy back at Ft. Bragg prying open a couple of crates to check out the contents. The 2nd advertisement I saw for a Strider knife was on an Airborne operation. A group of Spec Ops guys were filling up our extra pax for a night jump, 3 of them had Strider Knives strapped to their LBE. I know for a fact that several Striders are or were in full use in Iraq and Afghanistan with zero moans, groans, gripes or complaints.

If you walk around in a buisness suit all day then a Strider may not be for you. However some of us that wear BDUs along with our blood, sweat and tears on a daily basis choose Strider Knives cause YES THEY ARE THAT DAMN GOOD!

 

[Larry S.]

To shorten the story of me acquiring my first Strider (GB-TS) let me just say it involved the knife talking to me in what I'm fairly certain will always be a "foreign tongue" to you!
Short answer.....YES!!!

Larry S.

 

[averageguy]

You will find on these forums that Strider, Reeves, and Busse knives all enjoy a cult like following.
Busse can actually make the claim that his knives benefit from a superior steel.
Any of these knives is an intelligent purchase. They are good knives.
They maintain a good resale value.
There are, to be sure, plenty of other excellent knives at various price points below these. Some even under $100.00. And some, unlike a number of Strider knives, actually incorporate a real handle rather than just a cord wrapped blade.