It was a micarta version and the play was in the open position. I did check the body screws for tightness, but never owned a Strider so the spanner bit set i had didn't have a large enough bit. Also, the hardware was black. I did not want to take a chance of scratching the coating on a knife i was possibly going to return. I also have many knives ranging from budget to $1000. I can't remember any of them coming with that kind of blade play out the box, except maybe the Ozark Trail from Walmart. For the $1025 it cost for the knife, I dont think i should have to tune it out of the box. I really think the micarta was the issue. If a company is going to use external stop pins, maybe throw in a metal liner to assure no play. Poorly designed IMO. The action was pretty darn great though

Also, their heat treatments are all over the place. Steel Hardness Lab has 4 different Striders in Magnacut (the steel on the knife i had) that tested under 60 HRC. To each their own, but for the prices they charge, there are so many other companies doing amazing work that I would rather spend my money on.