Strider Knives GG SS GG

Combat utility Knife Redefined:

Specifications:
Weight:	12.9 oz. (365.71 g) w/sheath 18.1 oz. (506 g)
Overall Length:	11 7/8 in. (303 mm).
Blade Length:	6.5 in (165.1 mm).
Cutting Edge:	5.5 in (139.7 mm)
Blade Steel:	CPM S30V~Tiger Stripe Finish
Handle Material:	Gunner Grip G10

In the 80's a little known movie entitled "Rambo" showed the civilian American population just how valuable a knife really can be under stressful circumstances. Since then knives have evolved as much as society has if not more. A recent discussion panel in this very wiki was dedicated to "survival knives" and the worth of the aforementioned tool in the event of a Zombiepocalypse.

I am weighing in my experience formed take on the subject with this review. What makes a knife a survival knife? Isn't any knife you can rely on when needed for Strider GG SS GG Blade

combat or utility a survival knife? Or do you judge a survival knife by the accoutrements that go along with the knife. Wouldn't that simply just make a survival kit? I believe that a survival knife is any knife of construction and quality that I would trust to save my life when needed. Yes, a compass, fishing line, hooks, and fire starter are great to have, but those are separate entities of a knife altogether and I prefer to keep them that way, until a knife with a hollow handle can be constructed as solid as one without.

Of the knife type we are discussing Strider offers some truly outstanding choices. I purchased the Strider GG SS with Gunner Grips due to several factors. Size is a factor in any knife and at 11 7/8" the knife has a solid full tang length that does not stick out of a natural adult hand grip too far in either direction. The knife is of a weight that the length is balanced and comfortable in several different grip positions. The knife is heavier than a Kabar combat knife, but not over heavy for it's size. The Strider blade length is also shorter than a traditional combat knife, to ensure proper balance with the weight of the steel.

Blade type is a major factor when purchasing a knife. Depending on the use you may want to choose a specific style blade. For a use un-specific knife (or a multifunction tool) many experts and I agree that a drop point blade is best. The drop point blade is used less for piercing and more for slicing (but can still be effective for a good thrust). A Strider GG SS has a normal blade with a slight almost unseen drop point. This blade type can chop as well as pick and slice. This is also the best single-edged blade shape for thrusting, as the edge cuts a swath that the entire width of the knife can pass through without the spine having to push aside any material on its path, as a sheepsfoot or drop-point knife would.* As you can see from the above picture on the right, the blade is reinforced at the drop lead off creating a stronger tip to pierce with, which is uncommon on most makes; but adds to the reason why I chose this specific knife for an all around survival knife. The strong blade can be thrust through plywood with ease, almost defying the logic that a normal point blade isn't a great stabbing weapon. This Strider knife is outstanding when it comes to blade point strength. The blade is made of S30V steel, which is very controversial as it is either loved or hated by knife users. This particular steel is rumored to dull by microscopic fracturing. I have yet to witness any dulling of this knife, but then again I haven't viewed it under a microscope. As a side note for any of the readers who are thinking that without the stabbing this knife is no good let me remind you that most damage to living targets during a knife fight is accomplished by slicing, also the undead only need their brain destroyed, so stabbing this through a throat and destroying a brain stem is still well within this knife's capabilities.

Strider GG SS GG straight

I have cut rope with it, I have put it through plywood, I have used it as a kitchen knife, I have cut firewood with it, and I have stabbed it through Styrofoam. Nothing thus far has deterred my belief in the quality of this knife. I have used many knives in my time, many types, of varied cost and effectiveness. I don't believe I've come across many as well constructed as Strider made knives. If you want to see a Strider through a torture test, see this http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/WB.html.

I can't imagine having to put this knife through a car windshield, but I can understand batoning the knife for firewood (batoning is using the blade and hitting it on the backside with something like a baton to push it through a substance). As far as the rest of the stuff goes, the front pocket of the Eagle Ind. sheath stores a nice survival kit, hooks, fish line, fire starter, waterproof matches, and compass. If for some reason something happened to the knife, I can't imagine much happening to this knife, though. Most knives just need the adequate care to function after abuse, and sadly many people forget to take care of their knives. I have kept this sharp and clean, and even though I've given it a scrub the tiger stripe camo finish still hasn't chipped or scratched. I'm not much for tiger stripe camo, or other decorations on my knives and this is no exception, it just was not available without the finish at that time. Luckily enough if you buy a strider, it's not going to be a billboard weapon, as the logo is stamped and very subdued. You may not even notice it at first glance.

Now for the downside. This knife is $400.00 usd which is outrageous for most buyers, however if you have the money and you want that one knife that can do it all (combat & survival) buy this knife. I do have some fears about the steel having read so much negatively about it, but nothing about this knife's performance thus far has led me to believe that it will fail at all.

I give this weapon

, any questions?
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* paraphrased from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade#Patterns_of_knife_blades

possumblaster	Latest page update: made by possumblaster , Oct 19 2009, 9:29 PM EDT (about this update About This Update Moved from: Weapons Review Page - possumblaster No content added or deleted. - complete history)
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