Strider SMF v SNG

**smcjoecohen** · 05-19-2012, 09:07 AM

What are the differences between them (Strider smf & sng). I'm leaning toward the SMF, there's a CC available in ranger green and stonewash. It's a hell of a lot of money to spend on a knife. Non Knife persons would think I was on crack or lost my mind or something. I don't share the details of the purchase of knives w/anyone, especially the wife, they just don't understand. I don't understand why anyone would pay $4000 for a ring. Anyway help me rationalize my obsession so I can just get it over with.

**Travis B.** · 05-19-2012, 11:15 AM

The SMF is a good bit bigger overall and has a thicker blade 3/16" I believe. The actual cutting edge is only about a 1/4" longer on the SMF though. I wish they would have kept the finger choil the same size as the SnG and made the cutting edge a little longer. There really is no need for that big of a finger choil IMO.

That being said I prefer the SMF and I have med/small hands. I have had 2 of each and I think the SMF's are made a little nicer too. Also the blade on the SnG can be seen through the lanyard hole so if you use a lanyard just put it through one side as putting it all the way through will cut it. My SMF RW-1 also does this but drop point SMF's don't have this problem.

And I think Boss man said something a while ago about SnG's were for girls and I kinda agree

**bigbob68** · 05-19-2012, 05:33 PM

Buy what you want but I prefer the SnG over the SMF. I sold a Tanto SMF and bought a SnG to replace it. I really prefer the size and weight of the SnG over the SMF.

**Ross** · 05-19-2012, 07:04 PM

I've had maybe 3 or 4 SnG's and probably a dozen SMF's in various configurations. At one time "SMF" was my answer to the question, "...if you could have only one knife..." and to tell the truth, it still might be.

But, after all these years, I'm a bit less impressed by either knife. You can get just as much utility in a production knife for half the price and the production knife will be better made. Think Zero Tolerance.

If you HAVE to have one, and I totally understand, I still think about buying another SMF, I'd buy a regular old SMF, nevermind the CC version. I love the way the CC version looks, and I can't fully explain it, but it feels too dainty in the hand for such a big knife. If you really want a CC version go for the SnG as the overall length/handle width ratio seems to be closer to the sweet spot in the SnG CC.

Again, not trying to talk you out of a Strider, just giving you my opinion. If it were my money to spend on a Strider, I'd get a regular SMF or Sng CC.

**oromoto** · 05-19-2012, 07:57 PM

SMF is a 4" blade and SnG is a 3.5" blade. If you are a big dude go with SMF. SnG's size are more EDC friendly.

**bigbob68** · 05-19-2012, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by oromoto

SMF is a 4" blade and SnG is a 3.5" blade. If you are a big dude go with SMF. SnG's size are more EDC friendly.

As a 6'8" tall 300lb guy, the SnG fits my tiny paws just fine. http://

ZT550 is a fine knife but a bit heavier than I prefer.

**smcjoecohen** · 05-20-2012, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by Ross

I've had maybe 3 or 4 SnG's and probably a dozen SMF's in various configurations. At one time "SMF" was my answer to the question, "...if you could have only one knife..." and to tell the truth, it still might be.

But, after all these years, I'm a bit less impressed by either knife. You can get just as much utility in a production knife for half the price and the production knife will be better made. Think Zero Tolerance.

If you HAVE to have one, and I totally understand, I still think about buying another SMF, I'd buy a regular old SMF, nevermind the CC version. I love the way the CC version looks, and I can't fully explain it, but it feels too dainty in the hand for such a big knife. If you really want a CC version go for the SnG as the overall length/handle width ratio seems to be closer to the sweet spot in the SnG CC.

Again, not trying to talk you out of a Strider, just giving you my opinion. If it were my money to spend on a Strider, I'd get a regular SMF or Sng CC.

I'm not sure about the Strider. I was on;y thining the CC because there's one on ebay with the features I want for $50 less than retail. I have a ZT, it's a nice solid knife. I was looking at ZT 0550 I think, and Spyderco Lionspy. Do you have any info on Lionspy? I know the ZT is good.

**Ross** · 05-20-2012, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by smcjoecohen

I'm not sure about the Strider. I was on;y thining the CC because there's one on ebay with the features I want for $50 less than retail. I have a ZT, it's a nice solid knife. I was looking at ZT 0550 I think, and Spyderco Lionspy. Do you have any info on Lionspy? I know the ZT is good.

Sorry, no info on the Lionspy, though there are members here who have owned or still own that knife. Maybe you can make another thread specifically asking about that knife if you are really interested.

As for the SMF CC on Ebay, you might do better on the forums. I've seen regular SMF's go for $350 - $375 and the CC version for maybe $425 - $450. The "good" thing about Striders is that even new ones look kind of beat up, so buying used is less of a crapshoot than with other knives, unless the previous owner(s) really beat the hell out of the knife.

**Guillermo** · 05-20-2012, 08:44 PM

I like the SMF and have a few. I collect military knives and wanted a SMF when I found out that the USMC was issuing some. I was so turned off by all of the bad things I've heard about them and thought I'd never own one. I've been satisfied with the dozen or so I own and am over that. Anyway I've carried a SMF for about 2 years and recently found a nice used Sebenza to replace it. I love the Sebenza but find that I like the SMF a little more most days. I just ordered my first SNG and will report back in soon. I feel that it will probably be a safe queen since I like the larger size of the SMF. Most days I can get by with a larger knife so carry it. I love how sellers report that while the knife is new it has a few marks from the factory. Since they are intended for "hard use" it makes no difference. I'm like WTF? I beat the crap out of my last Ford truck but would it be ok if it came from the factory with a dent and a few scratches? Pure bullshit guys.

**Guillermo** · 05-21-2012, 01:42 PM

I SNG arrived today and I really like it. I will say that I like the SMF better because if its size and lack of competition. I know that there are many larger knives similar in size to the SMF but they just don't fit my hand as well as it does. The SNG is well made but I have dozens of knives about the same size, some better and some worse. So now that I have both I would have to pick the SMF if I could only have one of the two.