Strider knives recommendation

[conw]

Hey all,

I have had the incredible luck to choose, as a gift, a strider..."any of the ones from truenorthknives.com." I am looking at the folders with G10/ti frame (which may be all the folders), spear point (preferably) or drop point, full flat grind (not 3/4 hollow or 3/4 grind), and kinda like the bead blast finish or one of the subtler finishes, not the tiger stripes. I also like the ones that have ~4" blades as that is approximately the length of the biggest folders I've found to be usable, any bigger just seems unwieldy for civilian life and EDC tasks.

A little back story, I run a consultation biz helping with training, nutrition, and supplementation for athletes and bodybuilders and anyone with goals relating to body enhancement; I got a client who is an elite marine unit, not going to get more specific, but he does a lot of interesting stuff and we've built a good friendship...I mentioned "On Killing" to him and he told me he meets with Grossman on a regular basis . Other cool anecdotes and pics of high end special weapons abound, but that's not the point of the thread. Anyway he has a personal relationship with the guy behind the company and apparently he feels this is how he wants to express his gratitude for the hard work I put in to helping him with his health and fitness...really humbling actually.

I'd love to just get general opinions about Strider knives, preferably based on experience. I wouldn't shell out $300-500 for a custom or semi custom folder but it's a gift so cost or value aren't the issue. I want a user and I would really like some input, just general opinions, etc, even if you've never looked at Striders I'd like to know what catches your eye.

Thanks!

 

[conw]

SMF DGG Ranger - like the simplicity, elegance of design, and scale color.

SMF CC COYOTE - Really like the scale color...I think the "CCs" are slimmer and slightly lighter?

SMF CC DC - Digital camo is nice, not as big a fan of the scales.

SMF DGG DC - I think this one is my favorite so far

 

[earlthegoat2]

Those are all just like that Strider/Buck that was out a bit ago?

 

[gaijin6423]

I have a Buck/Strider/Tarani collaborative folder that has served me well through nearly two years in Afghanistan, dozens of field exercises, and general daily abuse. It's also a fair bit cheaper than the pure Strider knives.

In fact, I only took two knives with me to Afghanistan (not including the machete-like USMC bayonet): The afore-mentioned folder, and an Ontario RAT-5. Both were abused fairly regularly, and both are still with me.

That being said, if you're the type of person who values buying from respectable persons, you may want to do some research on Mick Strider. Not trying to start anything, but I've noticed that people on this site tend to value dealing with reputable individuals.

 

[Sam Cade]

Personal relationship with the guy behind the company? That isn't something I would let anyone know.

Mick Strider is a known liar and a fraud.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453852

..and his fixed blade knives are overpriced prybars.

I have no experience with the folders.

 

[gaijin6423]

^I was looking for the above link, but couldn't find it in time.

 

[HorseSoldier]

No experience with their folders, but got a lot of good use out of a fixed blade DB-L. They do excellent work (and charge accordingly . . .).

 

[hso]

I don't personally care for Strider or the knives, but since this is a gift of honor from a MARSOC Marine (Det-1 ?) I'd suggest the current equivalent of the SMF MARSOC. If it is coming from Strider directly ask that it be just like his, but w/o the Marine Raider logo or the "M" in the cereal number (if any number at all).

 

[HorseSoldier]

I mentioned "On Killing" to him and he told me he meets with Grossman on a regular basis

The USMC brings him in to speak as a guest lecturer a lot. He spoke to a buddy of mine's unit (with 1st MarDiv) and let them record the presentation for dissemination to guys who weren't at the lecture. Really good stuff -- not necessarily anything new if you're read Grossman's books, but he does a really good job of verbally communicating his theories and thoughts. Tied a lot of what he was saying into Beslan and the situation there.

 

[Valkman]

I had a SMF and sold it for a SnG, just like the size better.

 

[conw]

I'm aware of the "issues" but there is a big difference in making a purchase and accepting a gift. Thanks for the heads up though, anyone reading the link can decide for themselves.

Thanks for the input about knife choices as well.

 

[conw]

hso - I don't think he uses the issued one. He said this is his edc (pic is from a while back) which he apparently had made to spec. Not sure of scale on this one though nor have I handled one or examined for the exact differences between this one and the issue.

 

[hso]

Det-1 was only active for 3 years and disbanded in 2006 so he may not have been in it to have one issued to him. I don't know if the follow-on MSOR has an official knife or not.

 

[JTW Jr.]

SNG or PT would be what I would choose if going for a daily user , if not a SMF or AR will fill the bill....

One for me , one for the wife * dubbed her Pink Warrior Knife aka Cancer Survivor...

 

[exxarkun78]

smf tanto was my choice

I recently bought a strider smf tanto black blade over coyote tan g10 I like it a lot ... though i got mine from bluelinegear great experience even got a hand written note in the mailing packaging from the guy that runs blueline ... was a nice touch .

 

[nevermas]

Go with the SMF, it fits in my hand better than the SnG. For EDC purposes, I find no issues with carrying it in my pocket, though it will probably be better as an outdoor/camp knife. The lockup is strong and the blade is sharp, don't forget Strider's warranty either. If you break it, they fix it, no questions asked.

However, the only thing that I would like to warn you about is the stonewashed finish of the blades. When a blade is stonewashed, it means that there are microscopic pits on the surface of the blade. Over time, these pits can trap moisture and form rust, which is a large complaint by Strider owners regarding stonewashed blades. In the past, you may have noticed that some Strider knives had a distinct tiger stripe finish for the blades. That was a result of heat treating BG42, S30v does not darken after heat treat.

I would recommend getting the SMF Concealed Carry over the Gunner Grip because it feels better in my hand, but your choice. Your friend, and benefactor's, Strider is a DDC custom, I especially like the razorwire design that Duane Dwyer puts on the blade.

 

[conw]

The input has been excellent!

I am definitely leaning toward either a SMF DC CC or SMF DC GG. I will have to ask my buddy which he prefers the feel of, because I definitely love the looks of the gunner grip...if he has a definitive response that may decide it.