Zero Tolerance, Strider, Chriss Reeve?

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oXObsidianXo

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Dec 30, 2013
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So I'm kinda stuck on deciding on which of these knives to get. The Zero Tolerance 0560, the Chris Reeve Sebenza 21 Large, or the Strider SnG (preferably in CPM S110V steel). To me, the ZT 0560 seems like the best "Bang for your buck" however, people keep saying how good the Sebenza is and that is is built like a tank. As for the Strider, I've read that supposedly, their warranty and customer support is excellent "If it's broken, we'll fix it". So my question to those of you that own one or all of these three knives, which is you favorite? My only problem with the Sebenza and Strider is that they seem expensive for what they offer (S30V/S35VN). This of course excludes the Strider SnG CPM S110V, which I am also curious to know, is the S110V blade really worth $100 more? And I'm not that knowledgeable about Strider, so in terms of build quality, how do they compare to Chris Reeve Knives (same materials + similar price = similar tolerances and build quality?)

All opinions are appreciated, and thanks a lot in advance.
 
All three are high-quality but only CRK has won the prestigious Blade Show Manufacturing Quality Award the past 10 consecutive years. All are tough but Sebenza smoothest. Strider is a marvel of lightweight while heavy duty. Customer service and warranty backing is strongest with ZT and Strider. ZT wins hands down in the value pricing column. You can also find the excellent ZT 0560CBCF with composite blade of S110V edge and CF scale. Size-wise SNG and large Sebenza (also consider Sebenza 25) are closer to each other. All three have their niches and picking favorites is situationally and subjectively dependent.
 
Is there any real advantage to the Sebenza 25? Because the distributor I go through (Canada) is charging $40 more for the 25 vs 21.
 
oXObsidianXo said:
Is there any real advantage to the Sebenza 25? Because the distributor I go through (Canada) is charging $40 more for the 25 vs 21.
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Chris put together 25 years of improvements and changes into the Sebenza 25. The most outwardly noticeable ones are the large hollow grind and thicker blade. However, if you like variety in blade shapes and handle inlays you should stay with Sebenza 21.
 
The 25 is a bit more massive than the 21. The blade is thicker and is has double studs.
Of course the grind is different (large hollow grind --> near flat grind).
So there is a difference in the product for the difference in the price.
If this is an advantage, depends on your expectations.
When you are buying the one knife, this should not be the dealbreaker since it will serve you a long time.
hope this helps
red mag
PS: you can look up the differences at the CRK homepage.
 
I noticed earlier you mentioned that ZT and Strider have better Customer Service and Warranty Backing. Care to elaborate a little? Looking around, a lot of people are quite pleased with CRK's Customer Service. I only ask, because if I spend $400+ on a Sebenza I expect to be treated exceptionally well.
 
oXObsidianXo said:
I noticed earlier you mentioned that ZT and Strider have better Customer Service and Warranty Backing. Care to elaborate a little? Looking around, a lot of people are quite pleased with CRK's Customer Service. I only ask, because if I spend $400+ on a Sebenza I expect to be treated exceptionally well.
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It's an edge of Strider and ZT in terms of liberal warranty work over CRK just like CRK has an edge on other attributes. That's a way of saying things without having politics creep in. People can and do argue incessantly regarding issues (valid or not) with any manufacturer. You could do a search. Go with what you like and you'll be happy with any of the three.
 
What he means is ZT and Strider have an almost no questions asked warranty policy whereas CRK has been known to void warranty's for "flicking" a knife open too hard.
 
SnG or 25!

The zt won't scratch the itch and you'll just end up buying the other(s) eventually anyway.

If you really like the 0560 consider the xm18, you can grab one on the exchange for about what an s110v SnG goes for.
 
d0nut said:
Re: the bolded part - is this for real? :confused:
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Yeah it's for real.


To the OP, you mention possibly going for a s110v blade, if your looking for flat out performance in cutting from all 3 brands, I'd go for the Strider in a full flat. They heat treat their blade very well in my experience and get the most out of the steels they use. I have an SnG in CPM154 and it's got some amazing edge retention. My experience with ZT's Elmax is limited so I can say much on it other then is still probably better then the CRK's s35vn (just cause Chris heat treats his knives a little softer for ease of sharpening).

Also in addition to what other have said, the 25 has a new lock design (same as the one used on the Umnumzaan), where the 21 use the older style lock.

EDIT: Forgot that the pivot used in the 25 is different too.
 
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Dunno about anyone here having that specific issue with CRK, but as broadly as possible yes it is true. To make it as short as possible they veiw "flicking" (as much fun as it is) as an unnecessary and abusive way to open the knife. I believe there is a sticky in the CRK forum regarding it.
 
To maintain the tradition established in hundreds of "which is better" threads where fans of knives not mentioned in the comparison are entered into the conversation I will make the unsolicited recommendation of Spyderco Military, which wasn't mentioned as a candidate. There, the thread now meets established criteria and can continue on.
 
RamZar said:
All three are high-quality but only CRK has won the prestigious Blade Show Manufacturing Quality Award the past 10 consecutive years. All are tough but Sebenza smoothest. Strider is a marvel of lightweight while heavy duty. Customer service and warranty backing is strongest with ZT and Strider. ZT wins hands down in the value pricing column. You can also find the excellent ZT 0560CBCF with composite blade of S110V edge and CF scale. Size-wise SNG and large Sebenza (also consider Sebenza 25) are closer to each other. All three have their niches and picking favorites is situationally and subjectively dependent.
Click to expand...

To the OP, this is probably the most succinct summary of these three knives. If you can, you should probably go some place where you can handle all three, regardless of steel. Let your smile and heartbeat be your guide.
 
I love my SnG. I thought about CRK's, but just couldn't pull the trigger. I liked the Strider better. I'll probably get a custom design large Sebenza down the road.
 
The ZT is honestly just as good of quality as the strider I feel. I've had several of all three. Chris reeve feels like the best quality because of the tight tolerances. But the Strider and ZT just beg to be used hard. I just have an SnG right now and couldn't be happier. Very light but tough as hell.
 
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