Opionions on the Buck/Strider folders

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Pyrochazm
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Opionions on the Buck/Strider folders

#1

Post by Pyrochazm »

I almost hate to ask this here, but I can't seem to get bladeforums to work for me. Has anyone handled any of the Buck/Strider colaborations? I am refering specifically to the "Tarani" Is it as tough as it looks? How about blade & linerlock thickness? The website doesn't list the dimentions that I'm looking for. Thanks in advance for any help I can get





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Zrexxer
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#2

Post by Zrexxer »

I have the Buck-Strider 880SP, and it's awesomely huge. Built like a bank vault, and very nicely ground and finished. It's so big it would be almost impossible to EDC, but it's still an impressive knife.

Keep in mind that the Buck-Strider-Tarani was specifically built for law enforcement officers, and consequently doesn't always appeal to the civilian consumer. One such item is the linerlock, which some have complained is too thin, but Buck has repeatedly said they designed it only for one particular market and that it meets its design standards. I don't have a BST but if it's anything like the 880 I'm sure I'd enjoy it.
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#3

Post by spyderwa »

The original Buck-Strider folders are very well made. The scale edges are sharp, but they can be softened with a little sandpaper on the G-10. I have the smaller spear-point. I had the tanto blade, but the blade was a little too thick for this edge geometry.
The Tarani folder is a different story. It is not as sturdy as the original folders, and has more flex due to the use of FRN for scales. The blade is well made, and fairly thick. I think they spent more of the budget on the blade than they did on the handle. The handle is confortable, but not comparable to the original Buck-Strider folders. The first one that I had did not have a centered blade when closed, but I was able to send it back. I have heard from others that some of the blades are centered when closed, and others are not. For a $100+ knife, that is not acceptable. I eventually settled for the trainer version with the blue scales. I then re-profiled and sharpened the blade. It sells for 60% of the price of the original and has the same blade and Bos hardening. It also has blue FRN scales that are ok by me. So for $62 I got a Tarani that I am happy with. I wouldn't recommend this unless you have done this before and realize that the warranty is void. Hope this helps.

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SURLY
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#4

Post by SURLY »

Thats funny you started a Strider string,I just got back from another site,I bought the Strider AG/Tad Gear special edition .I'm feeling poor. I saw the Striders at the NYC show but couldn't get near the table and when I did they were all sold.I can't wait to get it.<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Still love my <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>'s My only choice for EDC.<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Be @ <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Peace..SM
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Jimd
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#5

Post by Jimd »

Striders certainly do rock!
I've handled some of the Buck/Strider folders at the NYC knife show, and was impressed; their quality seemed very good.

Still, keep in mind that they're not pure-bred Striders; not as tough, not as thick for the blades or liner-locks.

The linerlocks on my AR and GB are thicker than many knife blades, and I can't imagine them failing under any circumstances. They're just that thick and massive.

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DAYWALKER
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#6

Post by DAYWALKER »

Aloha Pyro'

well, I handled one of the first Stryders...appeared to be extremely durable and HUGE! (Almost as tall as me!) Definite specialized use...

God will put you over...if you let Him! John 14: 13,14...try it, it WORKS!
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ramlanrafie
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#7

Post by ramlanrafie »

I have the BST and 2 Strider folder, the AR and SnG. BST size are exactly as SnG except the blade shape and the handle thickness. The only thing that i feel should be better for a 100+ folder is it liner lock. It feel a little bit filmsy but so far never fail on me.
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#8

Post by Ted »

The only Strider I've handled was the AR from 'The General' at the IWA.
Very strong & solid, but very very very rough finish.

If you're looking for a strong folder with the Tarani blade shape, I suggest you be patient and wait for what Spyderco hopefully will release in 2005 or so.

Ted
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#9

Post by fredswartz »

I got an 881 spear point off ebay and found it to be an exceptional knife but like Zrexxer I didn't want to carry it. Later I decided that I had to have another just to own one again and New Graham had the best price. It is the strongest knife that I own and one that I will keep.
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Jimd
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#10

Post by Jimd »

Ted Posted: The only Strider I've handled was the AR from 'The General' at the IWA.
Very strong & solid, but very very very rough finish.>>>

I have several Striders, and the finish varies from knife to knife. My AR has a fairly nice finish, no grind lines, and is the smoothest operating folder that I own.

Striders aren't meant to be pretty; they're meant to perform when you're life is on the line. If you need to cut an escape hatch in a steel fire door, then you want a Strider.

On the other hand, if you want a pretty knife and will just use it for mundane, every-day tasks like opening letters, then one of the prettier knives on the market will do you fine.

Personally, I enjoy knives with grind lines and a rough finish. To me, it adds to their character. You can see where the maker hand-ground the blade, and to me, that's cool. But I realize that everyone doesn't share my taste, and I respect that, as well.

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SURLY
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#11

Post by SURLY »

HOOOYA JIM, a WORKING KNIFE ! No life of luxury in a padded case. Thats a blade for me.
<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Still Rules :#
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Edited by - SURLY MIKE on 5/17/2004 4:04:31 PM
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#12

Post by The General »

The knife centers perfectly and has perfect grind lines. It also open smoothly and has a very solid lock up.

However the blade came with several 'pits' in the blade, a scale is slightly away from the liner on one side near the pivot pin.

The over all fit and finish would be considered poor at 1/3 the price. However when you are talking about function and strength, this knife does rock! It is growing on me daily! I honestly think Strider knives are not really bothered about the small details like a company like Spyderco or Chris Reeve Knives does! As long as the knife is strong, safe and a work horse, they don't really care!

This ethos can be a little disconcerting when you are used to carrying a Spyderco Military or Sebenza day to day...

I suppose its like complaining if your 4x4 came with a scratched paint job, mis-stiched seats and a squeeky door. None of this stops the car working, but it is annoying to find such 'niggles' from day one.

Why not visit britishblades.com? http://www.britishblades.com/forums/ind ... errerid=41
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Jimd
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#13

Post by Jimd »

The General Posted: However when you are talking about function and strength, this knife does rock! It is growing on me daily! I honestly think Strider knives are not really bothered about the small details like a company like Spyderco or Chris Reeve Knives does! As long as the knife is strong, safe and a work horse, they don't really care! >>>

Actually, that basically sums it up, in a nutshell. Striders have very little glitz or glamour or prettiness. In fact, many of their knives are downright radical and ugly.

But that's what I find to be beautiful about them! Functionality, strength and durability is what they're about. Strider philosophy considers them to be tools for completing a mission. Period.

That's why many military special operators use them; because they can count on them. Picture a Navy SEAL infiltrating a dark harbor, underwater, at night to affix a mine on the propeller shaft of a ship. Which do you think he'd carry? A Strider or a knife with a polished blade, impeccable fit/finish, etc.?

The SEAL doesn't care about looks, he cares about whether the knife will snap in half if he tries to pry with it, or whether he can cut his way out of a tangle of wire on the harbor floor should he happen to become ensnared.


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#14

Post by ALMAR2 »

HI,IN THE PAST,BEFORE I BOUGHT MY AL-MAR S.E.R.E 2000,I HAD LIKE THE ONE IN THE PICTURE ,THE BUCK -STRIDER BLADE.I HAD IT OPEN WHEN IT WAS AT MY PANTS,AND I REALIZED THIS BY MIRACLE,I KNOW I SOULD TIGHTEN THE BLADE BUT I DIDNT WANT TO DEPEND ON SCREWS.I SOLD IT TO A GUY THAT MAKES CLIMBING AND HE WAS AMAZED WITH IT.THIS ONE IS SUPER THICK,STRONG,THE BLADE YOU CAN MAKE A TANK A NICE KEY CHAIN FOR A HANNUKKAH GIFT.I AGREE THIS IS NOT FOR EVRY DAY CHORES,IS FOR BUSHES,WAR,TRAINING,OR OFICIAL USE.STILL IS A BEAUTIFUL KNIFE,.
TRY THIS AL-MAR ,IS ALSO KNOWN ONE OF THE BEST KNIVES TODAY.

knives are like shoes,a diferent taste as we are diferent
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Jimd
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#15

Post by Jimd »

Hey, almar2....I was just wondering...and this is only a mere hunch...do you happen to like Al Mar knives?

I'm just joking. You're an Al Mar zealot like I'm a Strider/Spyderco zealot.

Anyway, guys...what's up with the philosophy that large knives aren't good for everyday use and carry?!

Heck, I carry a Strider or two every day, in addition to a Spydie or two. The AR or GB are large knives, but I quickly got used to their size, and now they seem "normal".

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SURLY
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#16

Post by SURLY »

UPS just left my Strider AG (tad) at the door. It feels like Christmas <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I'm glad to see that almar2 is consistant and dedicated. Is there an almar forum? Ola my forum friend! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Be @ Peace "Si vis pacem, para bellum" Psalm 133:1
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samosaurus
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#17

Post by samosaurus »

ummm.. Striders! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> It will take a certain willingness to actually committ on these blades. Firstly, they are "specialised" tools made by field operators for the operator.. I've handled the Buck-Strider and for its price range, I'd say is a great value for money... Well, to be frank, I have a few of them fixed blade and a folder called the "AR".. Wished they've drilled a round-hole on this sucka! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

"have scars will travel.."
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Jimd
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#18

Post by Jimd »

To be honest, not all of the Striders are specialized. A few are, such as a diving knife that they market, which is extremely specialized.

But the majority of their knives are general use, ie. tools/weapons, just like Spydies.

I have three of their folders: The GB (a tanto pointed folder, 4" blade), the AR (a drop-point blade, 4&quot<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>, and an SnG (drop point, 3.5" blade). The folders are truly great all-around knives that will take such obscene abuse that it still amazes me.

The AR and SnG are really good all-around EDC knives, given their drop-point design and thinner blades.



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ramlanrafie
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#19

Post by ramlanrafie »

Jim,Sam or anybody,

Advice me if there is unnumbered SMF available.
(I'm still EDC Spyderco a lot compare with others except SnG but today it is the BST)
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#20

Post by thombrogan »

I'd love to see a <i>Stryderco </i> knife:

Nested compression lock
G10 scales
Thick flat sabre-ground spear point in ATS-34 or S30V
Round hole and thumbstud/stop pin
Reversible tip-up clip

<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
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