TOPS CQT Magnum or Strider AR?

M

mikemck

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Sep 22, 2000
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I'm in the market for a "tank tough, do it all, feels like fixed blade, folder" for the times when carrying a fixed blade is not an option.

I'm thinking of either the TOPS CQT Magnum 747 or the Strider AR.

Does anyone have any experience with both of these folders? Both appear to fit the bill, but I'm leaning towards the TOPS, for several reasons.

1) Less expensive, $200 compared to $400
2) Uses a thumbdisk instead of a single thumbstud, so I won't need to have it customized to make it lefty neutral.
3) Much easier to find

And probably a few more reasons that I just can't think of right now.

Anyway, any opinions on these two knives?
 
I've never handled the TOPS, but I got the chance to see and hold a Strider AR. The AR is HUGE. Bigger than the Strider/Buck collaboration. The one I saw had the tigerstripe finish, and the construction was impeccable. Unfortunately, they are hard to come across and so far I haven't seen one AR owner that is willing to part with theirs. As far as price, I believe the Strider AR or the Strider GB is well worth the $400 price. These knives will not let you down.
 
I am just shocked that an AR is on BA for OVER $600.00. I understand it is an outstanding folder, but $600 outstanding??????wolf
 
Second choice: TOPS. First choice: Two TOPS so folks won't think yer just too cheap to buy the AR.
 
I would definatley recommend the Strider AR to anyone, however I honestly do not have the experience with the AR to give a comparison. However I'm one of those owners that won't give up his AR
 
mikemck: Do a search and you will find quite a bit of info on each of the knives. You will find no bad comments about the Tops Magnum. If you want the biggest and the nastiest folder, I say get the Tops, without question.
 
I'd love to play with the Strider AR -- haven't had a chance, but heard great things.

However, as the owner of a TOPS CQT, I can't imagine another folder, based upon my experience, that would surpass it in toughnees and performance. Match it maybe, but not outdo it. And I've punished it pretty hard.

Best,

Brian.
 
for $600, I would probably give the Sebenza a second look before getting the AR, but the AR is not $600, thats just one of the aftermarket going prices :)
 
This is certainly not a "knock" on either knife.., and I have handled both knives quite a bit..(especially the Strider).., but the TOPS Magnum also. They are both certainly very strong and BIG folders..., but I suppose the question I'd ask would relate more closely to need??

Personally I always wonder why folks who need a really strong knife for consistently hard use would ever opt for a folder instead of just getting a really good fixed blade?? Of course I'd be interested in hearing the arguments on this, but I don't think either of these folders carries particulary well.., which is certainly just an opinion, and a highly subjective choice we each make.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
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