- Joined
- Feb 16, 2000
- Messages
- 1,385
There is a lot of talk these days about "tactical knives." If you look through the forums,
you will no doubt notice it. When I look through these posts, I can't help but notice that
the word "tactical" has been bastardized quite a bit. Now it basically means BLACK.... I
guess... In one post I think it was summed up rather nicely:
"Is it vouge now to have the thick tactical look or do these knife really have an
advantage? "
With the exception of correcting the misspelling of "tactical" this is a direct quote. I have
no idea who authored this quote, it isn't important. It's the idea I'm after. The thought
that this person, and others, think this way. I can't decide to laugh or vomit.
"Is it VOUGE to have the thick tactical LOOK...?"
As you read this, a great number of young men are out there, ready to trade death for
your protection. Be it their own or another's. That is what tactical means. MADE FOR
WAR.
We are not in the business of a "vouge tactical look". We are in the business of making
tools for those who need them. Warriors who's life depends on their tools. Let me go
ahead and re-phrase that for you. If we build a knife that fails, someone may die. That is
the way we run our business. The fact that people other than warriors buy our knives is
awesome. We love making knives. We do our best to make every customer happy. Be
they a Force Recon Marine or a computer geek. But the geek, (no offence, just a
stereotype) will not generally die if his blade fails. Therefor we build knives for hard -ass
use.
For those of you who prefer to lift your nose to this approach, sorry, its your loss. Look a
little deeper sometime. Take a little time to expand your horizons. Try to understand that
which you cannot fathom. What is it that you dislike about "crowbars?" The thickness?
The loss of ergonomics? Did you know that every Strider Knife is available in any
thickness? In either hollow or full bevel grind. Did you know that we do actually offer
ergonomic handles? Why then , you ask, are they not all ergonomic? I'll tell you...
Ergonomics have only a very small place in my heart. Let me quantify that. Ergonomics on
tactical (Oops) WAR knives, have no place. Here's why: During high stress, fine motor
skill is destroyed. I see all these "knife fighters" looking for blades that feel so great in
your hand, you would think it was their cock. Now...lets insert stress... go run a mile at a
six minute pace, let me punch you in the face a few times, and finally, Ill kick you in the
balls. At this point, the last thing you want is your dick in your hand. You want a chunk
of blade that is locked in. Period. Weather its land warfare and your about to have your
ass handed to you because you need the ammo in that air drop, or CQB and (bummer)
you've made the transition to knife...or...your ass is in a jam on the subway...it doesn't
matter. Comfort is not a thought. Rock solid grip is everything. Who gives a **** about
a hot spot on your hand. My 1911 isn't ergonomic either. It's a big chunk of death. That's
why it work so well.
Knives are tools. Usually design specific. If you want something that a maker doesn't
have, either talk to them about it, they will usually help you out, or move on. There are a
great number of makers out there. Most of which make great knives. Some, like
ourselves, usually stick to what they do best.
Some will make whatever you desire. Look for a style that is pleasing to you and go for it.
But when you speak of that which you do not know, you lose site of who you are. And
the respect of those around you.
For those who serve
Mick Strider
