1st Sebenza

cziv

cziv

Joined
Nov 24, 2005
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I just purchased my 1st Sebenza, a plain jane one lug, right handed model 21 large.

The advertising says:

This is the folding knife that has become the yardstick against which others are compared. The Sebenza has earned a worldwide reputation for rock solid performance and a "bank vault" feel
Click to expand...

I'm puzzled, as I've only been a Benchmade and Spyderco kinda guy, but wanted to check out the Seb. Mine seems very "ordinary" for lack of a better word.

Also, what is this "bank vault" feel? My Spydies and Benchmade axis locks open and lock-up with an authoritative snap.

My large Seb 21 is whisper quiet by comparison and locks up with a barely audible sound at about 45 - 50% at a glance.

Would any of you experienced CRK owners care to comment? Does this quiet lock-up sound right?

Thanks! :)
 
For me, a solid lockup means little or no movement once locked. No up and down, no side to side. Once locked, it's fell is very much like a fixed blade. I have been less attentive to sounds.

YMMV
 
I have a small 21 and a Umnumzaan.
When I first got the small 21 it seemed a little plain, but I don't like flashy stuff anyway.
These tools are solid, simple and beautifully machined.
The Zaan is starting to get my preference.
They've grown to be my favorite blades ever, and I've owned tons and tons of blades.
Lifetime warranty, stellar customer service, great materials, great machining and a stout work knife... that's what you got.
If you don't like it you will be able to sell it at a minimal loss.
 
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I also have owned many makes and models of knives - and when I bought my Lg Sebenza I thought it was over-hyped.

The more I used and carried it the more I came to appreciate the design, fit and finish. So much so, it has become my weekday edc.

It is a solid built knife, with fit and finish better than any other knife I've owned. Pretty much every other knife I've owned has had a flaw to it. I cannot find one on my Sebenza.

Taking it apart and putting it back together is very easy, and the blade centers immediately after assembly. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to jigger some of my other knives around to get the blade back on center after a good breakdown and cleaning.

I've had mine up for sale in the forum twice now because I want to buy one with unique graphics, and I keep taking it back off because I really have grown fond of the knife.

I think this will be one I eventually hand down to my kids.
 
Ed T nailed it for me. No movement and it feels like a fixed blade. While most of Benchmade and Spyderco's knives have no play, there still seems to be a little flex somewhere if you bear down them, especially sideways. It's almost imperceivable but it is there in my opinion. I'm sure the two titanium handle slabs on CRKs have a lot to do with them not having that issue, but also their legendary close tolerances come into play here.

Give your Seb a whirl for a week or so and see if it doesn't grow on you. But if you're still not impressed after a trial period then you really should flip it, as that's an expensive tool/toy to just have sitting on your shelf collecting dust.

To be honest, I really wasn't all that impressed with my first large regular Sebenza. It took a couple smalls, a Mnandi and an Umnumzaan to help me see the light.
 
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Actually I'm a minimalist in regard to "flash / glamour" so this large Sebenza is right up my alley. I like it's very plain appearance.

Never having worked in a bank, I didn't know what the bank vault deal meant. I was just concerned because I don't hear any real snap!! when the lock engages and thought I got a bad one or something.

Now you have explained it and I'll put it to use. Thanks guys! :)
 
As others have mentioned, you really have to use the knife before you understand why it really is " yardstick against which others are compared." To the unfamiliar, they won't really understand it. Perfect example are my friends.

Just the other day, I showed a non knife friend my Insingo and told him the cost. He was shocked I paid 360$ for it and expected it to be a laser to cut through everything in one swipe. I love to bring up the example of say a finely tuned automobile vs a Honda Civic (I drive one btw ;)). Both will do its job, however, the finely tuned car has much more attention to detail.

I remember when I first received my small CGG sebenza. When I opened the box I said "Ok....this is what all the hype is about?" After several days of using the knife I started to realize why it was so great. Like you, I also came from the Benchmade/ Spyderco background and couldn't really understand the following of CRK. To this date, I now own three small sebenzas and have never really looked back. There was a time for a few weeks where I purchased the Spyderco Leaf storm and the whole time I was carrying it I complained about how I wish it was "as tight as a Sebenza, as solid, as smooth...etc."

Use the seb for a few weeks and see how you like it. :thumbup:
 
Ed T said:
For me, a solid lockup means little or no movement once locked. No up and down, no side to side. Once locked, it's fell is very much like a fixed blade. I have been less attentive to sounds.

YMMV
Click to expand...

Very Well Said !!!
 
Once the sebenza grows on you, every other knife will become inferior to you. There are other great knives and knife companies out there, dont get me wrong, but they are all way behind Chris Reeve Knives as far as quality, fit & finnish, and Customer Service. The price is minimal when you realize what your getting in return.
 
I just got my first a few weeks ago. Hasn't left my pocket since. I did just order a Ritter mini though. I do like the griptilians, and did sell a BM 557 to help fund the Sebenza.
 
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