25 vs 21: decisions decisions

J

jrk

Joined
Mar 6, 2005
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46
Hello all. Been a member for quite some time, but have not posted much. Here's my reason for posting this question:
I've had a umnumzaan for a couple of years now...first CR. I'd always wanted a Sebenza prior. Bought a 21 plain the other day...love it. More so than my umnumzaan. Reasons: smoother and easier for me to open due to thumb stud location...also I like the shape of the blade and scales better.
Interested in the 25 and have a short lived chance to obtain one. For those that have both 21 and 25, how much of a concern are my thoughts...
Is there a noticeable diff between the 25 missing the 21 pivot bushing?
Does the 25 feel noticeably more stout than the 21...more durable?
Any other concern/thoughts you guys went through if you were thinking along my line of thinking?

I'm trying not to over think this, but I'm definitely doing so...

I appreciate your help and time.
 
There's already a good thread going on the 25:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1041960-25-In-depth-(With-Pichas!)

I do now have both and you already know how good the 21 is, so I'll say the so-called bushing issue with the 25 is a non-starter. I'm not sure how this "issue" even got started in the first place, because the knife really is rock solid and very smooth out of the box. It does have a strong detent, but from a build quality standpoint the 25 is top notch. The only knife I have that feels as solid is my ZT 0560, and the 25 is right there with it. Lock up is brilliant and there is zero lock rock. From design to production, the Sebenza 25 is a very well executed blade.

If you want it, get it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
I haven't had mine long but I guess I can try to weigh in on this:

-I like the grind and shape of the blade on the 25 a little better, cuts just a little better. It's a very shallow hollow grind. To me it's a love child of a FFG and a deeper hollow grind

-I like the fact that on the 25 there is no hole on the scale that is used for production and the lanyard holder is a screws vs just a pin as in the 21, however there is that mysterious dimple on the spine of the blade ha

-I like the feel in hand of the 21 better but maybe it's just b.c I am more used to it. The second cut out on the 25 is right over the clip and makes it a bit awkward

-The 25 has a stronger detent, maybe a little more then necessary bc I never had a problem with any of my 21s. This just makes the 21 easier to open; maybe the 25 may just need a break in period to help with this.

-I have mixed feeling about the loss of the bushing system. Right now I like how my 21 is just screw down and go, and not having to find the sweet spot like you have to for the 25, the plus side of this is you have more control and no more pinched washers, but this is totally preventable if you are not an idiot

-Double thumbstud don't matter too much to me personally

-Jimping on the 25 is more aggressive but still comfortable so it's a toss up for me. I like both!

-Take down on the 25 is more involved, you need three allen wrenches, but at least the washer is marked so you can ID the blade side. Also the 25 "stayed together as one slab" a little easier, but still I think the 21 is easier to taken down and back up.

-The pivot is larger on the 25 but again probably overbuilt

-They both feel solid so no worries there

-I think overall the 21 has smoother action- why? two reasons the 25 has a strong detent and bc of the ceramic ball lock up it has that more aggressive "clack" when it locks up, it sends more vibration through you hand and gives the perception of less smooth action (no huge vibrations haha but there is a difference). I will say that this feeling of lock up, the pivot system and the uneven grinds on the zaan is what made me get rid of it. I am keeping my 25 though!

- Ceramic lock up = more strength supposedly but then again never had a 21 with lock rock!

Summary: Really they are both great knives. If you can afford two Sebenzas, I recommend doing it. Although your wallet will hate me for that one.
 
Original (including 'P' and 'H' models) > regular > classic > 21 > 25. The Sebenza is experiencing de-evolution in my opinion.
 
Smoothness is about the same, IMO. The 25 feels a little different in the hand, but very nice. The jimping is more aggressive, but not too aggressive. I really like it.

As I have said before, the 25 feels sturdier when open. It feels as tough as a railroad spike.
 
They are both DEFINITELY Sebenzas! ...not sure there's much more to say except I'm honored to own both and would certainly be pleased with either.
 
As Arch said, both are awesome. I personally prefer the look and feel of the 25. I just like robust over built things, and that's what the 25 is. Not taking anything away from the 21, it's a very tough knife in its own regard.
 
I would venture a guess that the new blade grind of the 25 would be a popular option if offered on the 21.
 
As stated above my friend; I had the 21 and it was to "plain" (I'm more of a Strider, Hinderer kind of guy)
The 25 has the looks, the feel....... don't worry about the pivot bushings. Action is very smooth and adjustable; yes it WAY more stout in feel but same CRK feel and quality. A winner in my book!!!!!
GO FOR IT AND ENJOY! ;)
 
I have had 2 - P Sebenzas, I always thought they were great because you had the 21 style handle with the regular sebenza blade shape. But they are tough to come by, especially the very last offerings with a clip, which I prefer..............My first sebenza was a large regular and I have had several, and I mean at least 20-25 of them. I find the large regular sebenza to be the finest folding knife ever made. I edc one daily and its always my go to............I have probably had maybe 6-8 21 sebenzas and I just always hated the super pointy blade shape. The handle never bothered me, but have had people cringe, even family members when I would open a large 21.................I had a pre order for a 25 sebenza, but with being laid off from work since september ( got called back and going back April 1.....Thank God ), I had to cancel it when Heather called me.........I have had all 3 umnumzaans, the original, which I still have, and the tanto and WC offering......What I like about the 25 ( without handling one of course ), is that it seems to incorporate all the best things CRK has to offer. It has a more regular style blade shape, double studs, which I prefer, handle is a cross between a regular and a 21 and then some, and then it has the lock and bushings that has made the umnumzaan and ti-lock popular ( and yes, I even had a ti-lock too....lol ). I am looking forward to getting one eventually, when funds permit..................Will it knock the large regular from my pocket, that remains to be seen. But I still want one.....lol.
 
That's a really tough choice there:eek: I love my 21's, but I love my 25 also hmm, if I were you I would get the 25 now b/c you can and there harder to get right now. The 21's should still be easy to get for a good while imho.
 
Appreciate all the responses...sincerely. I guess my fence riding is stemming from that I much prefer the 21 to the Umnumzaan, smoother, easier to manipulate. But, I'm very similar to BBW in that I like over engineering. If the 25 is as refined as the 21 but a little beefier, I'm interested.

Randy
 
Blade and handle stock on the 25 and Umnum are the same. For those who enjoy the thicker blades will be thrilled about the 25. Egos on the 25 handle are slimmer width wise, it feels great in hand with a conventional grip to me. Because of the double finger choil, grip in the blade up config is not as comfortable as the 21. The 25 is rock! I was a bit concerned about the pivot, but has proven to be just fine. No problems with the two(soon to be 3) that I have(had).
sebs-1_zpse2b00496.jpg
 
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