Question about strider knives

[Hector Castro]

I have a question about Strider knives. I see them all over the place on the USN, and I just dont get them/it?......

$400 for a knife, and it does not even look like it has good Ergos......????

I am just wondering. Are they made of unubtanium?
What steel is it? M16?

I dont know anything about them, so I thought I would ask.

[FIMS]

Ive looked at them as well as a reuslt of USN. They are neat knives. Ive never held one but their look appears to be utilitarian over ergos. A no-nonsense approach I would assume since they are tactical folders, less is more.

[FLYBYU44]

Personally I like the look of them, it's the $400 price tag that gets me. I really don't think they are worth that much. Now if they were around $200-$250 I would get one in a heartbeat.

[Billy]

I believe the appeal is to have the baddest, toughest, most tacticool knife under the sun. A knife that is begged to be used and abused...hard.

If you've ever read any of the posts in the Strider Hardcore forum on USN, you'll know that Strider owners take great pride in showing off their abused blades. Of course, the catch is, Striders DO seem to be what they are hyped as - super-tough, hard-use folders that take the abuse and come back for more time and time again.

[Jimd]

I've had lots of them, and have a couple at present.
They are as good as advertised. One outstanding feature is that, if you break the knife, Strider repairs or replaces it for you.

Not all of them are $400. I currently have a fixed blade Strider (A WP) that cost $175 new. Excellent knife.

If you want something you can beat the living snot out of, and not worry if it breaks, then Strider is for you.

Even if you buy one, give it a try, and don't like it, you still haven't risked anything because you could resell the knife pretty quickly.

[StangBang]

I picked up my SnG for $300.

I can honestly say it is the best knife I have ever owned period. I have completed tasks with it that I would never dream of putting another folder through. I pretty much tried to break mine and could not succeed (unless I were to hammer it into concrete and then hammer it sideways)

Believe it or not the ergos are not bad. Trust me. I know its hard to believe something that looks like a lego brick could feel comfortable, but It really feels natural in the hand and is easy to manipulate.

Like Jim said, buy one and try it out. If you don't like it you can resell it and not lose any money on the deal.

[merthyrmafia]

If you are interested in Strider knives you should take a look at the Custom collaberation they have with Starlingear of Japan, Whow! that as to be one of the best looking knives I have seen in a long time, anyway, I personally would choose a Strider SNG over a Sebenza, that's my call anyway.

[Toad310]

I have quite a few of them. They are not bad at all.

Most of mine were gifts from my wife and teen daughter.

I am going to break the rules here for you. You need to read up on Mick Strider, he an Ex-Con. Research the man and his knives, and then make your decision.

And do not give me the shinny foot prints thing, the man deserves a square answer.

Toad 310

[TheKnifeCollector]

I like Strider knives a lot. I currently just have a PT, and it is one of my favorite little knives. I have owned SnG's, AR's & GB's. I would like to get a Dog Paws & a CC SnG.

[aj1985]

I have quite a few of them. They are not bad at all.

Most of mine were gifts from my wife and teen daughter.

I am going to break the rules here for you. You need to read up on Mick Strider, he an Ex-Con. Research the man and his knives, and then make your decision.

And do not give me the shinny foot prints thing, the man deserves a square answer.

Toad 310

Fine I won't give you the shiny footprints things. How about peanut butter and jelly time. :D

aj

[Zenith]

Someone say peanut butter and jelly???????????? mmmmmmmmmmm

Back on topic. I did not get Strider at the beginning also. The best advice I can give you is read up and then try and handle one. Many people think Spyderco knives are not ergonomic till you hold one. You might just be surprised or not. I mist out on a SNG YEARS ago. $175 bucks. The shop went under. Wish I picked it up then. 3 days later after begging my parents (I was first year student then) it was gone! Sucked.

[Ted]

I once had a 1st gen. Strider PT but I lost it. I really really liked that knife. Ergo's were good. The lock was as tight as it could be. I satin finished the bead-blasted blade and drilled a lanyard hole in it and EDC'ed it for a long time before I lost it. :(

A couple of years ago I got an ORD PT (digi camo recurve blade) (2nd gen) (1 of 10 made) but sold that because I eventually didn't want to carry it or safequeen it.

I recently got a new (3rd gen) PT but couldn't live with the minor changes they made on it (less tight lock-bar and scalloped area to unlock it, which for me didn't work). The knife also had some blade play but that was fixed by the dealer who replaced it (allthough that took some time). Eventually I sold it.

I had some dealings with Strider customer service and that was good. Communications was a bit challenging but it worked out OK.

If I would get another Strider, I would make sure that the dealer or a friend in the US would do a thorough quality control check before it was shipped over the ocean.

[gstrand]

I've had a few. The ergos are fine. Deceptively fine, actually. They lock up SOLID. The Strider lockup actually had something to do with my disappointment in many of my Spyders with what I see as unacceptable blade wiggle. They are incredibly strong and tough.

That said, I have sold all of mine off. Four SnG's, a PT, an HT-T and an SLCC.

They are SO strong that they sort of become less knifey and more tooley. The price is justified by the market, but I couldn't justify it to myself after a while. When I needed to pay for a transmission, it was pretty much an easy choice to sell them off rather than the Emersons, Benchmades or Striders in my current stable. For me the cost/benefit was not nearly high enough. I had plenty of high dollar choppers and pry tools, but they are meant for use in a work environment, a life environment that I will never see. I also realized I am just not a highspeed or hardcore person, I suppose.

The image that goes with them perpetuated by the Company principals was the last bit for me - my boys are getting in to knives, and frankly, much of the vocabulary and "all natural facials" one finds in the posts and quotes is not congruent with the standards I hold myself and my boys to. Not critical of that, I just make different choices of words and metaphors.

So that's my take. Striders are hands down great TOOLS that are virtually unbreakable and deceptively well thought out and ergonomic. They are overbuilt by at least an order of magnitude, and DO justify their reputation.

The cost, well, that's market driven.

[Brad S.]

I'm a big fan of Strider Knives, although I think they are ugly, they are quite comfortable in the hand. And like youve heard, they are really solidly built knives. Lockup is solid as a rock, and if you ever have a problem the boys at Strider will take care of it for you.

On top of that Mick, and Josh are awesome fun guys to chill with.

[nathan310]

Personally I like the look of them, it's the $400 price tag that gets me. I really don't think they are worth that much. Now if they were around $200-$250 I would get one in a heartbeat.

Trust me they aren't. Bad f&f,bad customer service,website full of excuses for a bad product and a boatload of lies = Strider Knives

BTW this if you break it they replace it myth is nothing more than that, a myth. Contact Strider knives and if you're lucky enough to get a response they'll tell you they don't warranty against abuse anymore. Either that or I was lied to when they told me they dont, which wouldn't suprise me since that's what they're known for.

[spyderHS08]

BTW this if you break it they replace it myth is nothing more than that, a myth. Contact Strider knives and if you're lucky enough to get a response they'll tell you they don't warranty against abuse anymore. Either that or I was lied to when they told me they dont, which wouldn't suprise me since that's what they're known for.


You are wrong-the end.
Im not saying anymore.

[huugh]

You are wrong-the end.
Im not saying anymore.

Is he?
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41331

[flipe8]

Is he?
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41331

Yup. Breaking the knife during use isn't the same as modding it, doing something stupid and expecting the company to come good and repair your screw-ups.

[LorenzoL]

Trust me they aren't. Bad f&f,bad customer service,website full of excuses for a bad product and a boatload of lies = Strider Knives

BTW this if you break it they replace it myth is nothing more than that, a myth. Contact Strider knives and if you're lucky enough to get a response they'll tell you they don't warranty against abuse anymore. Either that or I was lied to when they told me they dont, which wouldn't suprise me since that's what they're known for.

All true. Badly finished knives, for the most part, poor customer service and an obnoxious attitude. "High speed tools for hard core individuals", come on, please.

[StangBang]

Trust me they aren't. Bad f&f,bad customer service,website full of excuses for a bad product and a boatload of lies = Strider Knives

BTW this if you break it they replace it myth is nothing more than that, a myth. Contact Strider knives and if you're lucky enough to get a response they'll tell you they don't warranty against abuse anymore. Either that or I was lied to when they told me they dont, which wouldn't suprise me since that's what they're known for.

First off,

My SNG has EXCELLENT Fit and finish, so I don't know what your talking about. Secondly I had a question for one of the strider guys (Josh) and pm'd him on USN Christmas eve. I got a reply back on Christmas day... I don't think that qualifies as bad customer service at all. Mick's record may not be clean but he makes awesome knives, and stands behind his products. I can complete all kinds of tasks with my Strider that I would never attempt to do with one of my spyders, benchmades, kershaws, etc.

If you break it they will fix it is still a true policy. If you pimp it and then break it they won't fix it. Actually read through the link that "Huugh" posted.
also
If you have access to USN go to the Strider hardcore section and read the "Catastrophic failure" thread. He snapped the blade in half by what most would consider straight abuse. What did The strider guys have to say? "Send it in... we will fix it... it is covered" If you want to see my thread of the things I did with my SnG look for "Yea I have a Strider, and I'm not afraid to use it"

I think most of the people that bash Strider have never owned one of their knives, and actually used it to its fullest. My SnG is my favorite knife I own.

[A.P.F.]

It is curious that I haven't heard of any Strider problems on BF. The knives are not my cup o' tea, but that doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them. I feel certain that Strider owners share the same degree of satisfaction and pride of ownership that Spyderco owners do.

It is bad form to boost one's own ego or position to the detriment of someone else's product and such attempts do not belong in this forum, IMO.

[aj1985]

My honest opinion

Strider makes a good knife, but at this time they aren't for me. I do have an SMF and also an SLCC. I will probably sell them both. I have had a pt as well.

I don't need a folder to abuse in my everyday life. I need a good solid cutter. I love my Spydies because they cut.


Striders are good knives, but after carrying them I realized that at this time it's not something I'm looking for. If I want to abuse a knife or whatever the case maybe I'll use the fixed blade kozuka I carry.

Why would I mess up a folder by abusing it. Then having to send it back to Strider. Shipping both ways, and then the cost at Strider for a refurb. So many things can go wrong when abusing a folder I'd rather just have a fixed blade handy.

take care guys I better get to the gym. :)
aj

[Jimd]

Trust me they aren't. Bad f&f,bad customer service,website full of excuses for a bad product and a boatload of lies = Strider Knives

BTW this if you break it they replace it myth is nothing more than that, a myth. Contact Strider knives and if you're lucky enough to get a response they'll tell you they don't warranty against abuse anymore. Either that or I was lied to when they told me they dont, which wouldn't suprise me since that's what they're known for.

Spoken like someone who has zero experience with the knives or the company.

I'm amazed that people get upset at Strider when they won't warranty their knives after people modify them. Tell ya what - modify a Spyderco, then send it in and see if they'll warranty it for you. Better yet...let me know which knife companies WILL warranty a modified product.

If you break a Strider, their standard reply is: "Send it in, we'll fix it." I've seen it in action. And you are full of fecal matter.

My own experience: I had an issue with one of their knives. Sent it in on a MONDAY, Priority mail. Two days later, I emailed Josh at Strider to see if they'd received the knife safely. His reply, "Yep, it's on its way back to you."

I received the knife back from Strider FRIDAY of the same week. Never before, in my life, have I ever received better service from any company.

[spyderHS08]

Im not trying to start any fights or advertise any brand or anything of that nature. I really enjoy talking with all you guys and discussing everything we do. So I hope none of you guys are angry with anyone here because of this thread. Im not trying to be ignorant or rude. I am just backing a product that I have and know to be outstanding. Sorry if I came off as "rude" but I want you to all know that I want to get along with you and not argue about things like this.

:)

[Hector Castro]

Thank you for all the feedback on strider knives.
Sorry this thread turned into a p*ssing match over their customer service and warranty. I just wanted to know what they were about. I personally look at them, and dont get the warm and fuzzy, like I do when I see a Full size Calypso or a Lum fixed blade, Ronin, Phoenix. Snody Menace. Each to their own.

I also do not see the cost built into the product. $350-$400 is a bit steep in my opinion. Not steep for someone who make $500k though.

[A.P.F.]

Im not trying to start any fights or advertise any brand or anything of that nature. I really enjoy talking with all you guys and discussing everything we do. So I hope none of you guys are angry with anyone here because of this thread. Im not trying to be ignorant or rude. I am just backing a product that I have and know to be outstanding. Sorry if I came off as "rude" but I want you to all know that I want to get along with you and not argue about things like this.

:)

No harm, no foul, Spyder. You were just expressing an opinion and your making the above post suggests that you are a 'stand up' guy.

[aj1985]

Jim bud you know I got enormous respect for yah. Your very vocal about a few companies, and your one of the few who is a diehard Spydie, emerson production/custom and a strider junkie.



I'm amazed that people get upset at Strider when they won't warranty their knives after people modify them. Tell ya what - modify a Spyderco, then send it in and see if they'll warranty it for you. Better yet...let me know which knife companies WILL warranty a modified product.

Look at the amount of people that modify their knives, and it's truly become an artform itself. Ferrrk, Yester5, Sot, Blair, STR, krein and many other knife makers. Imo it's the in thing with the Strider & the emerson guys.

I realize strider is a great company, but now your making generalizations. Spyderco has worked on knives that were stolen from their factory. That's right they were stolen from the golden facility and sold on ebay to an unsuspecting forumite and Spyderco took care of it. How many companies do that

If you break a Strider, their standard reply is: "Send it in, we'll fix it." I've seen it in action. And you are full of fecal matter.

Dude shiny footprints you know

It's all good just different.


take care bud
aj

[aj1985]

Thank you for all the feedback on strider knives.
Sorry this thread turned into a p*ssing match over their customer service and warranty. I just wanted to know what they were about. I personally look at them, and dont get the warm and fuzzy, like I do when I see a Full size Calypso or a Lum fixed blade, Ronin, Phoenix. Snody Menace. Each to their own.

I also do not see the cost built into the product. $350-$400 is a bit steep in my opinion. Not steep for someone who make $500k though.

Hey bud the aftermarket is much better for strider. The fixed blades start from $75 bucks and the folders start at $300.

Buy in the aftermarket and if you don't like it just sell it. You won't lose more than $30-40 and you can try out a strider. Please buy in the aftermarket though. You can also try the smaller pt for about $225 - $250.

take care eh
aj

[stonetone]

Chances are, for whatever I'd pay for a Strider folder, I'd also get a seriously nice fixed blade to serve the same purpose. It's the same reason I still don't have a Sebenza, or any number of mega upper tier folders.

That said, they are pretty cool knives.

[Jimd]

Chances are, for whatever I'd pay for a Strider folder, I'd also get a seriously nice fixed blade to serve the same purpose. It's the same reason I still don't have a Sebenza, or any number of mega upper tier folders.

That said, they are pretty cool knives.

I agree that fixed blades certainly have virtues over the folders as far as strength goes. I recall that old saying, "Folders start their life broken in the middle."

In fact, you often get fixed blades for less than folders because there are fewer steps in manufacturing, fewer moving parts and all that.

One great fixed blade in the Strider lineup is the MFS - a 4" fixed blade that's 3/16-inch thick and wickedly sharp. It's a no-frills working knife that's meant for major utility use and it compares favorably price-wise with many other fixed blades.