Whats as tough as Strider folders????

The new Extrema Ratio folders do look rather stout but in an all out abuse test the Strider AR/GB would still win. Plus the Extrema would not come with that "Strider smell" :D
 
This knife is the absolutely the toughest knife on the planet. The testing done on it such as using it as a chisel to split wood sold me. It has a liner lock thats thick and tough as hell and won't come open accidentally. I wish other liners were as strong however. It will cut anything you put in front of it. I personally think it will outperform any Strider and at one third the price. Mine came out of the box razor sharp and ready to go to work. I don't own a Strider because I personally think 300 to 400 dollars for a folding knife is rather riduculous regardless of who made it plus I'm on a budget as well. ;)

IF WAR IS HELL, TAKE A BETTER PITCHFORK THAN THE DEVIL
 
Originally posted by Robert Gray
This knife is the absolutely the toughest knife on the planet. The testing done on it such as using it as a chisel to split wood sold me. It has a liner lock thats thick and tough as hell and won't come open accidentally. I wish other liners were as strong however. It will cut anything you put in front of it. I personally think it will outperform any Strider and at one third the price. Mine came out of the box razor sharp and ready to go to work. I don't own a Strider because I personally think 300 to 400 dollars for a folding knife is rather riduculous regardless of who made it plus I'm on a budget as well. ;)
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I don't know if the SERE 2000 is as tough as a Strider - I've never held a Strider. But it is a heck of a knife and well worth every penny it cost and then some. I like the fact that it's tough as hell but still sleek, good-looking and comfortable to use (and cuts quite unlike a sharpened prybar).
 
We need some Cliff Stamp action on this one. I hope he gets his hands on one of the Extrema Ratio folders soon. He'd give us the lowdown on it's abilities.
 
The purpose of a knife is to cut. You want to pry, get a crowbar, they are much cheaper. There are lots of excellent quality knives in your price range. I'm sure everyone here has their own preferences when it comes to those. But remember, you are asking for things out of a folder that shouldn't be expected like doing heavy prying and stuff. If you do those things, don't cry when it breaks or you ger seriously injured.
As far as toughness goes, what makes Strider tougher then any other knife out there? No offense to Strider, as I owned a fixed blade for a while and really liked it. But what makes them so much tougher? As stated earlier, being thicker and heavier only gives the illusion of toughness. All folders have that name for a reason, they fold. The strength is not in the thickness of the blade or liners or scales, it's in the pivot area. Unless Strider is using some magical pivot pin, there shouldn't be much difference in strength for quality folders.
Strider quality is definately there. The grinds are well executed and the fit is very good. However, as far as knives go, I feel there are better choices in the folder price range when it comes to performance and cutting. The blades are too thick for folders to have good blade geometry and the handles feel like a brick. I understand Mick's philosophy on ergonomics, but I believe he takes it to the extreme end of saything they are unimportant.
Just my take.

JR
 
I agree with Jeremy. Get a large Sebenza and a small crowbar. Knives aren't crowbars. When you try to combine the two I think that you sacrifice the quality of both. As in dual purpose motorcycles. They can do both but won't do either well.:cool: :eek: :rolleyes: :p
 
I've read several times that a GRECO folder is as close to a fixed blade as you can get in a folder...
 
Listen, I'm not trying to flame anyone here but how can anyone talk about how tough a custom Strider or any other knife is if we haven't used them? This thread is interesting because I've seen pictures posted in this thread of brand new custom Striders and commenting, "Isn't this tough?" or people talking about how they own one and have read where "others" have abused them.

I'm not saying Striders or any others aren't "tough", I'm just saying if we don't truly use one of these popular knives, how can we comment how "tough" it is? If we're truly qualified to chime in, include some pictures of our tough, USED knives!

I know it's tough to use a $500.00 folder, (and that's the REAL meaning of "tough"), but this argument has gone on forever. We "talk" about how tough a certain knife is but we don't REALLY use it. Show some pictures of YOUR KNIFE and how you have concluded how tough it is and don't show someone else's pictures of a knife you have!

I'm sure Striders ARE tough. I'm also sure the makers can provide pictures of them doing incredible things with their knives. I'm just saying let's see some pictures of a regular's Joe's knife that has been used hard.

I remember a long time ago that Kevin McClung, ("Mad Dog"), said that folders couldn't come close to being as "tough" as fixed blades because he had read all the "hoopla" about Chris Reeve Sebenza's. He even stated that he would never make a folder because they couldn't stand up to abuse like a fixed blade, (which IS true).

Finally someone sent Kevin a Sebenza to use as he saw fit. He threw it against trees, stuck it in all matters of stuff and posted pictures of the knife after he was finished with it. Needless to say, he was impressed! He stated the Sebenza "for a folder" was tough. He even bought a couple of them after that. This was many of the real world tests that gained the Sebenza it's legendary "tough" status. Now folks are inlaying the handles with really "tough" stuff like exotic wood, MOP and other things to make them even "tougher". ;)

I've been as guilty as the next guy in this very thing I'm taking about. I HAVE used some customs hard. A large Sebenza, a Darrel Ralph Madd Maxx and a Rob Simonich Talonite Cetan come to mind but all in all, most of my expensive customs have rested peacefully in display cases. I've finally matured into holding my comments to myself unless I've actually USED a knife hard day to day.

This is not to say we all can't comment on things in threads but we shouldn't say how tough knives SEEM. We should actually USE them HARD and that doesn't mean just carrying them or opening mail! :)
 
Originally posted by Gene

I'm sure Striders ARE tough. I'm also sure the makers can provide pictures of them doing incredible things with their knives. I'm just saying let's see some pictures of a regular's Joe's knife that has been used hard.

I've finally matured into holding my comments to myself unless I've actually USED a knife hard day to day.

This is not to say we all can't comment on things in threads but we shouldn't say how tough knives SEEM. We should actually USE them HARD and that doesn't mean just carrying them or opening mail! :) [/B]
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Thank you, Gene!!!!!:cool:
 
I have owned several Spydercos and Benchmades, but after handling and examing them, I have an Extrema Ratio folder on order. The knife is stout. When it locks up it is as solid as a fixed blade. When my knife comes in, it will have the new cross bolt safety. When engaged, the knife can not be opened till released, when opened and engaged, it can not be folded. The knife is solid and uses the same steel as the ER fixed blades. I have a Golum that has stood up to hard use and have every reason to believe that the folder will be equally durable.
 
I'm just going to chime in a little about the Strider folder.

The Strider AR is a good utility knife. That's right, utility. It has a tall blade profile like a chef's knife. This feature coupled with a high flat grind gives you a lot of leverage as you push cut and draw cut through light and heavy materials. I can't speak for the Tanto version, as I have never used it. I suspect that it will be similar if not the same.

Despite Mick's attitude against ergonomics, the handle is very comfortable and the design works for the kind of stuff I do. The liner lock is the most convenient mechanism while maintaining a full handle.

If for any reason the linerlock should fail, the large choil on the blade will set down on your finger and prevent the loss of you digits. It might break a finger, but it won't lop one or three of them off. Well thought out design.

I have put the AR through the paces, but have not abused it. I don't plan on abusing it, so I think it will continue to serve me for quite a while. I have draw cut, push cut and chopped many dense as well as lighter materials.

The best part about Strider's knives is that they are designed to be used. The tigerstripe finish, and G10 scales conceals the scratches and dings very well. I never hesitate to use my knife for fear of it losing it's prettiness.

In the end, I bought my AR as a using knife and am quite satisfied with it's performance.
 
I understand the "a knife is a knife not a prybar" argument, however how many people clip a prybar in their pocket for EDC??? The point of the overbuilt strider mentality if you NEED to pry, dig, hammer, whatever it will not fail. I hope to never be in a situation where i would have to misuse my SnG, but it's good to know that the makers planned it to be able to handle extreme abuse.
 
Alrighty then,

Time for my two cents.

My first arguement against striders are the cost. I can't afford them and therefore I won't buy one. Plain and simple. IF someone gave me a strider would I carry it? Doubtfull. The knife doesn't fit my lifestyle. I work in an office and wear slacks, a 3 pound folder in my pocket would suck ass. (yes I'm exagerating)
Secondly, if price were no problem for me, would I buy a strider fixed blade? Maybe but likely not. I don't lead the lifestyle that would require me to own a knife that you could use to split a tank in half. Now if I were active duty and on deployment somewhere then I would certainly look into a strider. It wouldn't be the only knife on my list to look into for duty but I'd certainly give it it's due consideration. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with a strider knife it's just not a blade that fits my needs. It's too damn much knife for me. That's all there is to it.
The same arguement holds true for me with the Sebenzas. Are they crappy? No. Do I think they're ugly or something like that? No. I just can't justify spending that amount of money on a knife that for all I can see (and yes I've handled them) doesn't do any more or less than pretty much any other folder I carry. Sure we can talk quality and craftsmanship all day long, this tolerance is smaller than that, this looks better than that. Bottom line: Does it cut? Sure. Does my Endura cut? Yup. So it's a choice for me as to which one I'm going to actually carry and use. I'm not going to shell out $350 for a simple pocket knife that I'm bound to loose eventually and as far as I can see doesn't do anything better or faster than any other blade I own. If price were no object? Sure I suppose I'd own a Sebbie. I just don't think I'd actually carry it. I see me buying one and throwing it on a back shelf somewhere and saving it as a keepsake for the grandkids or something.
Mostly it's just an issue of practicality for me guys, the knives are cool no question about it. I'd love to have a big display wall of all the striders or Sebbies ever made, but I can't justify buying them as users.
 
This knife is the absolutely the toughest knife on the planet. The testing done on it such as using it as a chisel to split wood sold me. It has a liner lock thats thick and tough as hell and won't come open accidentally. I wish other liners were as strong however. It will cut anything you put in front of it. I personally think it will outperform any Strider and at one third the price. Mine came out of the box razor sharp and ready to go to work. I don't own a Strider because I personally think 300 to 400 dollars for a folding knife is rather riduculous regardless of who made it plus I'm on a budget as well.
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Ummmmm no.



Unless Strider is using some magical pivot pin, there shouldn't be much difference in strength for quality folders.
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They heat treat all of their pivots and they are very stout. I have taken a hammer to the blade of my SNG multiple times without hurting it.


My Strider will act like a prybar and shave the hair on my arm.
 
Originally posted by Chambers
Alrighty then,

Time for my two cents.

My first arguement against striders are the cost. I can't afford them and therefore I won't buy one. Plain and simple. IF someone gave me a strider would I carry it? Doubtfull. The knife doesn't fit my lifestyle. I work in an office and wear slacks, a 3 pound folder in my pocket would suck ass. (yes I'm exagerating)
Secondly, if price were no problem for me, would I buy a strider fixed blade? Maybe but likely not. I don't lead the lifestyle that would require me to own a knife that you could use to split a tank in half. Now if I were active duty and on deployment somewhere then I would certainly look into a strider. It wouldn't be the only knife on my list to look into for duty but I'd certainly give it it's due consideration. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with a strider knife it's just not a blade that fits my needs. It's too damn much knife for me. That's all there is to it.
The same arguement holds true for me with the Sebenzas. Are they crappy? No. Do I think they're ugly or something like that? No. I just can't justify spending that amount of money on a knife that for all I can see (and yes I've handled them) doesn't do any more or less than pretty much any other folder I carry. Sure we can talk quality and craftsmanship all day long, this tolerance is smaller than that, this looks better than that. Bottom line: Does it cut? Sure. Does my Endura cut? Yup. So it's a choice for me as to which one I'm going to actually carry and use. I'm not going to shell out $350 for a simple pocket knife that I'm bound to loose eventually and as far as I can see doesn't do anything better or faster than any other blade I own. If price were no object? Sure I suppose I'd own a Sebbie. I just don't think I'd actually carry it. I see me buying one and throwing it on a back shelf somewhere and saving it as a keepsake for the grandkids or something.
Mostly it's just an issue of practicality for me guys, the knives are cool no question about it. I'd love to have a big display wall of all the striders or Sebbies ever made, but I can't justify buying them as users.
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Ain't nothing wrong with that point of view. One man's treasure is another man's spending money. Spend accordingly.

Your knife using behavior, skill and carry weight requirements dictates the design and build criteria that you would want. If Striders and Sebenzas don't fit the bill then don't buy em.

BTW, before I bought the Strider, I had been using the same Benchmade folder for 15 years. So yeah, BMs, Spydercos, Cold Steel knives will all cut just like the rest of them. They just run out of steam before the Sebenzas and Striders. If you don't need the extra power, you shouldn't pay for it.

'Nuff said.
 
The Megalodon is the strongest, but quite heavy for its size.

The MAXX and Chinook are pretty damn strong too!

Folding knife strength is the sum of their parts.
For example, if somone were to make the Strider with stainless steel liners, it would be remarkably tougher than one as produced with the Ti liner.

A properly built steel framelock with a lot of holes for weight redcution is about a tough as a folding knife could be without being too heavy, like the megalodon is , IMO.

Take some of the small steel framelocks like the Kershaw Vapor, Camillus EDC, and SW SWAT and you will be amazed at how strong they are. Much stronger than any Ti liner lock of comparable size.
Reason being that the lock face angle doesnt deform during heavy use like Ti (being soft) does.

Screws and spacers are also important. The bigger and tougher the screw material, the stronger, more rigid the knife. A full length spacer or press fit stand-offs also make the folder more rigid.

Just because a folder is big and heavy doesnt make it strong or "bulletproof". Look for careful design elements, precsison AND heavy duty construction.
 
My wife, and I both carry a Strider AR. This is more about my wife than I. She is an LEO(law enforcement officer), and between lack of room, and regulations she cannot carry a fixed blade on her or her duty belt. Also obviously she cannot carry a prybar. Over the years she has carried many but this is the one she has relied on the most, and has not let her down. She says she has not had a lot of occasions to put it to most extreme tests but has pryed open partially stuck car doors, messed up license plate frames, etc., and it has withheld anything else she has had to do with it. To her it is the one knife she says she does not worry about breaking, and in her situations that can be lifesaving.
I told her of this thread, and with the hours she keeps does not have much time for the interent but wanted me to air her thoughts on the subject.
I myself have not done such tests on my Strider AR so I can't say how strong it is other than the normal cutting, etc. but with the size, and strength of the pivot screw, and strength of the frame feel more safe with it than any other knife I own if the situation ever came up.
Bang for the buck in strength for mine, and the work that my wife does is the best out there but remember this is only my wife's, and my opinion.
One last thing is my wife, and I both own the Buck/Striders, and like them, and is the reason we went for the Strider AR's as they are that much more built for the type of work that she does that can only let her carry a folder, and rely on from day to day, day in, and day out.
Like I said this is more about what my wife requires in a knife than I. I just like a tank for a folder, and general utility as I can get to a "prybar" if need be.
As the saying goes "different strokes for different folks".

Larry
 
I just like a tank for a folder, and general utility as I can get to a "prybar" if need be.
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Tiger woods can use a 7 iron to make an 18 foot putt to win the masters, but why would he take the chance?
There is a reason we have different tools out there for different jobs. Tools are designed for specific tasks. Asking a folder to be a prybar is dangerous and borderline stupid, IMHO. Folding knives are made to fold. When you start prying and twisting on the handles, it will eventually fold.
As I stated earlier, I have nothing against Strider or the knives they produce. The bottom line, the AR/GB and the SnG series are still folding knives and still have the ineherint flaws of a folding blade. I would rather stick a small prybar in the glove box of my truck then to attempt to pry things with a folding knife from any maker.

Larry, as far as the wife goes, wouldn't her baton make a better tool for prying and wedging in some place then a folding knife? The baton is longer for more leverage and isn't designed to fold at a pivot.

If people like the big beefy overbuilt qualities of the Strider, by all means by them and use them hard. Just remember, they are still folders and still have the same flaws as all folders when it comes to heavy torque and preying situations. For my purposes, I buy a knife that is strong and locks up solid, AND has better ergonomics for extended use and better blade geoemtry/thickness (or thinness in this case) for practical every day cutting chores. Then again, as mentioned by a previous poster, I am not putting myself in harms way in situations taht require the combat use of a knife on a routine basis.

JR
 
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