21 vs Classic

E

Evany

Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
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I'd be really interested in hearing some opinions on the qualities and character of the Sebenza Classic versus the Sebenza 21. Is the blade shape the same on the two models? Do they both have stone washed blades in the plain version? Solidity? If you've owned or handled both, what's your preference? Is one more collectable than the other?
 
I noticed that some dealers are calling the 21 a classic, if that's what you are referring to, then there is no difference. But if your thinking of the classic sebenza the preceded the 21, then there is a difference. I'll try to post pictures later on cuz a picture is worth a thousand words:D
 
They are the same knife with recent minor differences . They just called the classic the 21 on the 21st anniversary .
 
There are differences, Bottom Original, Middle Classic and Top 21. Check out the thump grooves, the blade shape the big Classic written on the classic sebbie.

P1180293.jpg


P1180289.jpg
 
:thumbup:DINO.... I WANT THAT SPIROGRAPH!!!!! NOW PLEASE!!! PLEASE. PLASASE PLEEZ PLEASCSSDESLCC...... GEEEEEZE.:D
 
The "Classic" that preceded the "21" had blade steel that was almost exclusively S30V. The 21 started with S30V steel and is now almost exclusively S35V. The handles are almost identical except for some different angles grinds along the edges. The back-spacers on the later 21's are different than the Classic. More recent 21's and most new Sebbies have different washers between the blade and handles the previous models. Newer 21 models are stamped "Idaho Made" and the screws that hold everything together have hex fitments on both sides of the handle. Older 21 and Classic models had a different pin setup and had hex fitments on only one side. There are other differences, but it gets fairly prosaic from there on out. Personally, I like a good "Classic" best, but I own several 21's and they all function the same to me. Fit seems every bit as tight and extremely high quality on Classics and 21's. I have no problem sharpening either S30V or S35V on a standard Sharpmaker, but there are massive essays about which steel is better, easier to sharpen, more chip resistant, etc... Whatever... Buy what you like I'd say. They are all pretty damn awesome.
 
I could not have said it better even if I tried, awesome post Thank You.


XJ-linux said:
The "Classic" that preceded the "21" had blade steel that was almost exclusively S30V. The 21 started with S30V steel and is now almost exclusively S35V. The handles are almost identical except for some different angles grinds along the edges. The back-spacers on the later 21's are different than the Classic. More recent 21's and most new Sebbies have different washers between the blade and handles the previous models. Newer 21 models are stamped "Idaho Made" and the screws that hold everything together have hex fitments on both sides of the handle. Older 21 and Classic models had a different pin setup and had hex fitments on only one side. There are other differences, but it gets fairly prosaic from there on out. Personally, I like a good "Classic" best, but I own several 21's and they all function the same to me. Fit seems every bit as tight and extremely high quality on Classics and 21's. I have no problem sharpening either S30V or S35V on a standard Sharpmaker, but there are massive essays about which steel is better, easier to sharpen, more chip resistant, etc... Whatever... Buy what you like I'd say. They are all pretty damn awesome.
Click to expand...
 
I have small and large micarta Classics from 2005, and prefer them over the 21. I like the look better, and really like the Classic MM stamp.
I did get three 21's and they were not as smooth out of the box as my Classics were out of the box. They also had a stronger detent than I like. That could have just been bad luck though, and maybe had nothing to do with the design. I sold the 21's, and have kept my Regulars, and Classic's.
 
I don't know what this part of the handle is called, but look at the end the handle on the blade end. In the picture above notice the difference between the classic and 21. The 21 is "shaved" back more. This was done to make it slide easier in to the pocket. And while you are looking there notice that the 21 handle goes slightly over the grind and the classic is slightly behind it. I think the classic feels heavier, but the specs say they weight the same.
And I think the wood is generally better/cooler looking on classics than 21s.
 
The biggest difference I noticed between the classic and the 21 is the milling. It's basically the same knife.
 
I thought this short thread was very interesting in comparing the Large Original, Classic and 21.. Very good information and pictures from Dinokay (Dino) and XJ-linux (Dave). Two of the many members here on BF whose hands on knowledge and experience I have come to rely on. Thanks guys!!


dinokay said:
I noticed that some dealers are calling the 21 a classic, if that's what you are referring to, then there is no difference. But if your thinking of the classic sebenza the preceded the 21, then there is a difference. I'll try to post pictures later on cuz a picture is worth a thousand words:D
Click to expand...
 
One of the threads that comes up when you search this topic is a thread with some pictures by Roefisher that were truly excellent, but unfortunately the links no longer work. :(
 
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