What do you think; Buck/Strider 881SP?

[Quy4n8]

I am looking for a smallish heavy using knife and from appearances I like the Buck/Strider 881SP (small spear point version). I currently have a Greco Falcon, which I am very happy with, but need something a bit smaller. I have searched here and found a few opinions, but nothing very recent. Buck has told me that the pivot pin is ¼” in diameter and the liner lock is 1/16 thick, does any know what the bushings are made of? Apparently the G10 is pretty rough, but that can be smoothed out with some sandpaper if needed. What are your thoughts, likes, dislikes, etc.? Thanks.

 

[Danbo]

I've got both sizes of the Buck/Strider spearpoints. My large is one of the first 500 that they made in BG42. It has the sharp edges on the G10, but somebody had sent it back for the newer bushings, so it is super smooth. My smaller folder is ATS34, and is the newer version with the smoother G10. It's also super smooth. Both folders lock up like bank vaults, and I would rely on them unquestionably. My only complaint with either of them, and this is probably a standard complaint, is the thickness of the edge. Yes, they are pretty sharp out of the box, but no where near what I would call shaving sharp slicers. It's taking me a good while to re-profile both of these to a super thin, slicin & dicin edge, but I'm getting there.

Again, the edge complaint is a personal thing. For me, no knife is too sharp from the factory, and these are designed as super heavy duty knives. They meet those needs very well.

 

[berzerker]

I'd have to agree with Danbo. I have the large and small spearpoints, and the large tanto. In many cases the smaller knife has all the dimensions reduced; notably thickness of liners and blade. Not so with the Strider/Buck.

The edge can be brought to super-sharpness, but the geometry is such it will not slice like a thinner blade. A "deeper" blade--such as a Spyderco Paramilitary or Lil' Temperance (good examples due to their overall strength) will slice more efficiently for this reason. It really comes down to your preference and intended use.

Best regards.

 

[guy g]

Im happy with my 881sp. I thnned down the edge with my Sharpmaker and diamond rods over a Saturday watching sports on tv. Much better for what I do.It also has a better blade to handle ratio than the larger one.I am very picky there.

 

[ARtsig1]

I've also had both and agree with the assessments made so far. The small sp is quite a heavy duty folder for a 3" blade. I really liked this one.

 

[passenger]

I have a large spear point ATS-34 880, which is with me everyday. Besides the strong blade, the Ti liner is also very thick which locks up very well. At least I think I can trust it always. For the smaller brother 881 I would have the same thought.

Also Buck's customer support is of first class, no doubt.