Strider SMF alternative?

Comeuppance

Comeuppance

Fixed Blade EDC Emisssary
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
4,765
So, I want an SMF. I don't have and am not willing to spend $300+ at this stage, but I am in the market for a stout and beefy folder. I've been eyeing the clones, but that's just begging for disappointment now that Strider actually makes smoothly-functioning knives (I used to joke about play and QC issues in strider/microtech clones as being "that much more authentic."), so I'll save up my pennies like a big boy.

For now, though, what's a good, stout, preferably large folder with a confidence-inspiring lock, thick blade stock, and decent (identifiable) steel? My price range caps out at about $100, but I'm decent at finding deals and will also bend that for the right knife.

Ideally, it should have a tip-up clip, be at or over 3.5", weigh less than 10oz, and have relatively thick blade stock.

Honestly, if Schrade made the SCH303 with a tip-up clip, I'd probably be set. That should give you a rough idea of what I'm looking for.
 
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You could get a Manix 2 XL for $100. I think that meets all of your requirements. Good steel, strong lock and blade, and only 5.2oz.
 
Spyderco Manix 2 XL?

CBBL is a solid lock, weighs 5.2oz, blade is a bit under 4", nice big handle, can be found new for right around $100. Only qualm might be that the stock is .125", not sure if that's thick enough for your tastes.


edit - ^ posted while I was typing. 2 for the M2XL!
 
Well on the more hard-beater, but budget-friendly notes, I would say to go for a Cold Steel. If you want to try and wait for their CTS-XHP versions that are supposed to be coming out pretty soon those look to be mostly under your max price, and their current options aren't by any means bad for the price.

A little higher up, and maybe at a good deal, I'll second the 0550. Very capable knife. Not likely to find one super cheap from what I've seen, but it's not like they don't come up for about $100 on the exchange ever.

Of course, Spyderco has some good options here too. I've had good experiences with the Manix 2. Not a huge fan of the XL though because the one I got was a little...well, "flawed". (edit: I see I'm in the minority for that vote ;) )

Honestly, it's a lot harder to find something that fits that description than I though it would be. Looked around a lot and it's really not easy to find good knives in that price range with thicker stock, real steels, and decent fit and finish on their models.
Very interesting question, and I will keep my eyes out for anything that works for you man :eek: ;) :D
 
Thank you for the suggestions so far!

The Manix XL is a good suggestion that meets all my criteria and is also a knife I'm completely disinterested in. I can't even pin down why. It just lights none of my fires.

The upcoming CS folders are good options - the Code 4 line is getting XHP'd, and I very well may pick up a Tanto. The 4-Max is a no-brainer, but a little outside my budget at present.

The ZT 0550 is a knife I may have to revisit. I wasn't super blown away by it when I got my 0550BLK, but I think that's because I was on a flipper kick and anything that wasn't a flipper was immediately boring to me.

Nobody has mentioned it, but, preemptively: I've looked at the Spyderco Tuff -even held one in my hands - and it's just too clunky and goofy for me.

I really wish there was a Direware Solo Böker Plus knife. That would probably be ideal. Wishful thinking, though :)



Edit:autocorrect typos
 
the ZT-560 is one of the closest in comparison to the SMF in overall size, feel, durability, and materials (G10, Titanium, ELMAX). I'd recommend it but it's a bit above $100. the Benchmade 275 Adamas is a beast of a folder that fits the bill of a knife that can take a beating, D2 steel and G10, the weight is almost 9oz though.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley folder. It is a refined beast of knife in a relatively compact package.
 
The Fort said:
Have you considered the Benchmade Adamas?
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Ooooooo!

I'd forgotten about the Adamas. I think it might be a little too thick, though. The overall thickness of the knife is something like a full inch. It's like carrying a lead pipe segment.
 
Spyderco Tuff.
It's what the SmF would be if made by Spyderco. :)

Get one before they're gone...recently discontinued.
 
What Bludgeon said....
But then, who am I to talk? My "grails" come and go constantly.
If I could find a good folder, similar to quality to the SMF, and for $100...I'd probably buy several. I don't think it exists. I suppose some folks say you could buy the Chinese stuff, but I think you've already gone that route.
I have had two of the Adamas 0275 and it is a great knife, but with the MAP is nowhere near $100 any more. Neither is the Gayle Bradley, although I'm seeing those for ~$125 recently on the Exchange.
The Manix XL is a pretty good knife and is pretty cheap on the Exchange.
Will be interesting to see what crops up here. Some Bokers look decent...
 
A strider is what it is and there's no replacement IMO, you can't afford one at this time so your SOL as far as your jonesing.

If you "need" a great affordable knife get your hands on a Spyderco Military, with a proper edge it doesn't have much competition.
 
BigMouth408 speaks the truth...IMO
The Millie is a great knife...even in the basic S30V.
 
No need for name calling, it adds nothing. The only thing that it does is bring the overall level of the discussion down even more.
Kindness is the key, remember the Golden Rule folks. Treat others as you would like to be treated. This goes for everyone across the board.
 
bigmark408 said:
A strider is what it is and there's no replacement IMO, you can't afford one at this time so your SOL as far as your jonesing.

If you "need" a great affordable knife get your hands on a Spyderco Military, with a proper edge it doesn't have much competition.
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It's the illusion of beefiness that I'm primarily looking for. While it may not be the case in reality, my perception of the military is that the blade is too thin. Am I hacking down trees in my day-to-day life? No. Would a CS Tuff Lite do pretty much everything I need out of a knife? Without question. Is that going to satisfy the 12-year-old mall ninja that refuses to vacate my brain? No.
 
Comeuppance said:
It's the illusion of beefiness that I'm primarily looking for. While it may not be the case in reality, my perception of the military is that the blade is too thin. Am I hacking down trees in my day-to-day life? No. Would a CS Tuff Lite do pretty much everything I need out of a knife? Without question. Is that going to satisfy the 12-year-old mall ninja that refuses to vacate my brain? No.
Click to expand...

My point exactly, you know a substitute will not suffice.

So what's the point of this thread ?
 
bigmark408 said:
My point exactly, you know a substitute will not suffice.

So what's the point of this thread ?
Click to expand...

You've obviously never held a Tuff. ;)
Pretty sure you can beat on the Tuff just as much--if not more--than any SmF.

I have both.
 
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