Waiting for my first SMF - any comparisons to the XM-24 to share?

Maprik · Oct 10, 2012

Well, I've been a CRK lover for quite some time (still am) and became a Hinderer Lover (have a 3" and 3.5" XM-18) recently. I'd love to have an XM-24 but that's probably never gonna happen unless I win the Hinderer lottery at a show. So I started thinking about the SMF. Strider knives have been hanging around in my peripheral vision for quite some time - it's hard to avoid them! But I tried a PT once and I didn't like it. It wasn't comfortable and it was too small. It was hard to open too. Last night while cruising the web I happened upon an SMF that I consider to be everything I would want in a Strider. I don't like the flamed Ti and the hard edged scales and the striped blades. So, presented with a smooth stonewashed Ti, plain satin blade, and green G10 handles I just couldn't resist. I don't have a really BIG folder and while I do have fixed blades for camping/hiking I've always preferred folders for some reason. SO - I'm waiting for the SMF to come. I've read that the fit and finish of the Striders has been improving. I really hope that this knife feels and performs as well as it looks! Because it looks amazing and it looks like it would be a very good substitute for the XM-24... Comparisons would be appreciated! Also, any comments on what I need to know about Striders would be greatly appreciated as well. Like, I'm not supposed to take it apart, correct?

SMF1 by GermoneGold, on Flickr

SMF2 by GermoneGold, on Flickr

Maniacal Pete · Oct 10, 2012

It's a pretty rockin' knife, compares favorably to the XM-24, IMO.
The price to performance ratio is pretty much spot on as well,
compared to buying a XM-24 on the secondary market.

Maprik · Oct 11, 2012

Thanks Pete. Not many opinions on the SMF out there!!!!

I guess I'll have to do a comparison review myself!

wjswiger · Oct 14, 2012

I've owned the Hinderer and sold it.....way too much money for what you get...IMHO. I still own a Strider SMF and find them to be great knives for the price. I've found them to be bomb-proof and quite beautiful!! Haven't had to work with Strider customer service but I've heard they can be a bit difficult....no personal experience just what I've read on the forum.....

Hauling · Oct 14, 2012

wjswiger said:
Haven't had to work with Strider customer service but I've heard they can be a bit difficult....no personal experience just what I've read on the forum.....

I've heard the exact opposite, basically as long as you don't modify them in any way they will fix basically anything. Also Maprik there was a site thats fairly well known selling an XM24 as of yesterday, it was a slicer blade non flipper.

Alchemy1 · Oct 14, 2012

I haven't had an XM-24, but I have had an XM-18 3.5" gen 3 flipper. I paid a fair secondary, but I still didn't think it was a good purchase. The detent was too weak, the f&f was OK for a knife in this range, and the ergos were OK. I also didn't like the fact that Rick shuts down the shop to people needing repairs periodically. If I spend this kind of cash I want to be able to send my blade in when need be. With all that being said if I could get one in the $400-$500 ballpark I'd be game, but at the current t prices mere mortals see, it is over rated...in MY opinion.

I have plenty of Striders, around 10, and I love them. The warranty is one of the best in the knife world, the fit and finish is spot on for the price paid, and the ergos are good. This is also a knife that you can get at a fair discount used if you look around and the, "no questions asked warranty", is STILL there as long as the blade hasn't been "pimped".

KLJTech · Oct 14, 2012

I don't have an XM-24 to compare it to but I recently bought a brand new SMF (SW blade and Ti side...my fav as well) with CPM-154 and it has exceeded my expectations. I also heard that Strider knives had improved their F&F at about the same time they changed their lockup to the newer version and my SMF arrived with everything perfect.

Heard only great things about their CS as long as you don't use the Post Office when shipping your knife.

smcjoecohen@yahoo · Oct 14, 2012

I think there is more refinement in a Hinderer, It seems that way to me. My XM is so smooth, blade is centered and lockup tight. I love my Striders, SMF, SMFcc, SMFNSN, GG, SNG, and AR, I've got all of those. The 2012 models (MY GG and regular SMF) are much better than the older ones which are still great. As far as price...supply and demand.

dinokay · Oct 14, 2012

Hinderers are awesome folders but they're no way near to producing the caliber of folders I've acquired recently (this is coming from a collector). Someday I'm sure they will be.

sigsoup · Oct 14, 2012

dinokay said:
Hinderers are awesome folders but they're no way near to producing the caliber of folders I've acquired recently (this is coming from a collector). Someday I'm sure they will be.

Them there are some beautiful knives !!

Maprik · Oct 15, 2012

Thanks Everyone! You've provided me with much food for thought! Much appreciated!!!!!!