Think I should grab a Buck Strider?

Daniel Moore

Daniel Moore

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
2,790
Well Christmas is coming and I really want a hard use knife. Is the Strider worth it? I've heard two complaints: It has a thin liner and the G-10 is a killer on jeans.

So is it worth the hundred or so:confused:
 
have you handled or seen it? it's way too bulky and boxy for me, and that thick blade won't be slicing and dicing like my spydercos. but you mentioned hard-use, so I guess if you're looking for a prybar, it's okay...;) :p
 
Your best bet is to handle one for yourself. I have one that I have had for a while now. I don't know about the G10 being hard on jeans, as I only carry this knife in uniform. I do know that the liner on my older one is definitely not thin and the knife locks up with authority. I guess it depends on what you are looking for and which model Buck/Strider you are talking about. I like mine so much I bought the GB folder to go with it. :)

Nick
 
I do not own one, but have considered it. I talked to Buck in regards to the diameter of the pivot pin as I consider this to be the weakest point in any folding knife, short of a bali-song. I was told it is .250", which is the largest of any production knife I know of. There may be larger, but most are .125" to .218". This suggests a very strong knife to me. They are square and boxy, with a course G10 handle. Makes for excellent grip, but may not be comfortable for extended use. As the others have mentioned, if possible, look at one before you buy to see if you are comfortable with it. Good Luck.
 
I persoanllay thought it was much too chunky. I tried it out for a bit at the shop and it was really too large for me...but I have always had a preference for slimmer knives anyhow. I did think it was build very well though, I didnt fell any blade wobble and the grips were iron tight.
 
I have one in my pcoket right now.

SOLID lock-up, the thick liners inspire CONFIDENCE. The Buck/Striders are real tools. Most knives will feel undersized after you get used to a Buck/Strider. Screwdrivers usually have large handles, shoves have thick handles, axes have thick handles... you can really get a good drip on the Buck Strider and cut, cut, cut. Get the spearpoint!
 
I agree it is a tough, solid knife, great grip, G-10 never bothered my hand or my pocket. You could always take a piece of sandpaper to any particular edge that bothered you.

If you look at the overall design and shape of the blade, it is sort of a big, dumb cousin of the Sebenza.

The blade on my spearpoint has held up under abusive chopping and gunking up with plant sap and tar. Cleans up nicely and stays sharp through everything.

If you have small hands, get the small size, otherwise go for the big one. It is a classic.
 
I've got one of the current spear point Buck Strider models and have used quite a bit. The titanium liners are not thin and it is a chunky knife, but don't worry about the rough G-10 scales on current models, since the earlier versions had the aggressive texture. Current models have a new bronze washer set up, dual thumbstuds, reversible pocketclips and a pocket friendly texture on the G-10 scales (similar in texture to the Al Mar SERE). Definately not a fine slicer, but it is a tough brute of a knife.
 
A thin liner? Do not take anymore advise from that person! As mentioned it is the biggest, bulkyest knife I have seen. Do not get the Tanto if you want to cut with it, especially tip cuts. Again, as mentioned it is a sharpened pry bar. If I was locked in a brick building I would confidently chip my way out with mine...
 
I like the large. I can hold it comfortably. But here are the measurements of my hand:

4.0" Width of palm
3.0" Length of middle finger
7.5" Length of hand (tip of middle finger to base of thumb)
 
I haven't tried the new Strider/Tarani model, but I had a mini SP model. That sucker was thick. No blade wobble even after my friend decided to 'test' my knife by throwing it in the open position into a tree. The g-10 was rough but that's why I have sandpaper. The clip was a little tight so I bent it a little to free up more space and earned a blister. Not exactly the best slicer, but hey, at least it didn't break whenever I loaned it out to people who did some crazy stupid stuff with it. I asked Joe Houser about replacements and warranty and he just said ALMOST anything short of blowing it up or shooting it can be covered. Bottom line of what I was saying:

You can mod what you don't like.

It won't break even in a dumba$$es hands, it's TOUGH.

It's covered by Buck's excellent warranty.



Hope that helps with your decision.
:)
 
Come on now, do you really need another knife?

Just kidding!

I bought a knew knife a few days ago and have two more that I'm expecting in the mail. From me, to me...gota love Christmas!

I have no idea what to get for my wife!

Collecter
 
I don't think you should get the mini. It's really small, and rather ridiculous looking because it's so fat. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a gigantic brick of a knife.

I'm perfectly happy with my large, and it doesn't feel *too* large in my small hands. But maybe I'm just used to having AFCK-length knives.

I'm sure the mini would work just as well in prybar or chisel mode. I've taken a hammer to the end of my Buck-Strider (pounding out a hole in a wooden door), and it's none the worse for the wear.

The problems with slicing can easily be solved by lowering the bevels. At 15 deg primary and 20 deg secondary, mine cuts almost as well as my AFCK.
 
Originally posted by Don Rac
I haven't tried the new Strider/Tarani model,
Click to expand...
I handled one at the Strider table at the last NY show. Definitely a lightweight compared to the original Buck/Strider with a much thinner liner lock. But it seems pretty tough itself. It wasn't made for the same mission as the B/S. It really is more of an EDC rather than a sharpened prybar.
 
I have been EDCing a Buck Strider Tarani...and I've VERY impressed. The liner is thin compared to the other Buck Striders, but then EVERY knife's liner is thin compared to those Buck Striders.

On duty and off duty i've carried it, and never have problems with it. Sharpened it once on the spyderco sharpmaker, VERY happy with results. Gets and edge and holds it, razor sharp.

And if I need a Buck Strider that is heftier than the Tarani, my Buck Strider Solution fixed blade will fill that void :)
 
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