A $350 Decision

D

dennisb1975

Joined
Dec 13, 2003
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I have decided to jump up in quality of the knife I carry (currently a BM720, a spyderco ti Salsa, and BM551). Figuring $350 is about my limit, I have been searching for the best knife for me. I think for this amount of money I should be able to get a knife which will last me many many years. So far I have narrowed it down to a large Sebenza or possibly the Microtech MTX2.

I am guessing the majority here are going to recommend the Sebenza, but would love to hear opinions one way or the other on both knives. Is microtech’s quality as high as everyone says CRK is?

I would also like to hear if anyone has any other suggestions in this price range (ideally I am looking for a high quality folder with approximately a 3.5 inch blade -- an edc for random cuttings of rope and boxes, opening mail, or anything else that gets in my way). Are there any customs or mid-techs available at this price range which will handle relatively heavy use?

Thanks in advance and I will make sure to write up my opinions on whatever knife I end up buying.
 
Microtechs are nice, and so are Sebenzas. Of the two,,the Seb is a much nicer knife.
At $350 however,,you can afford a number of nice Custom knives so I wouldn't limit my shopping to just the 2 you listed.

:)
 
SEBENZA...all the way. If your looking for flawless fit and finish; and a knife thats as tough as they get; then the sebenza is your baby. I could go on and on but the sebenza is flawless , why look anywhere else?
 
I would go with a large classic Sebenza. It is more practical than the Microtech. The Sebenza is an amazing design with no extra, unnecessary parts. It is made of the finest materials. The manufacturing is as perfect as you can get. The main advantage of the Sebenza is that it is designed to be easily taken apart for cleaning, by the owner. Three screws are all that holds it together. I also like the bushing blade pivot that needs no adjustment. The fit and finish of the Sebenza is better than almost any custom knife. They are a steal at $345!
 
For a custom knife I would suggest a Rick Hinderer Firetac. The design, fit and finish, and materials are great. It should stand up to heavy use. They are about $400. I think they look really cool! The Firetac was not designed to be repeatedly disassembled for cleaning.
 
For that price, I have seen lucky people get either Strider SnGs, or Carson C2Os. I would equate either of those knives with the Sebenza myself. And there are plenty of others right in that range.
 
ask nitrox - you can get a decent custom from Eddie Baca for less than $250. S30V steel too.

If you're not putting the folder to hard use (prying, stabbing through hard materials, etc), a lot of customs can be had for around $350 mark.

BTW, you can get a new large sebbie for only $320+ from some dealers and $300+ for the small sebbie.

good luck.
 
I think the Sebenza is a great choice. I keep coming back to that (though I just got a Mnandi today that may find it's way into my pocket a lot) no matter what else I try, customs included. I just really like the Sebenza as an EDC knife.

That being said, you should deffinetly explore some customs. Check out Obenauf, JL Williams, Chris Smith and Rick Hinderer. All will offer knives around that price range and all offer excellent quality.
 
I second the Rick Hinderer Firetac. The basic model sells for $325/$350. The fit and finish should be at least as good as a Sebenza, and Rick offers a better warranty. CRK doesn't officially warranty the Sebbie against abuses like prying or flicking the blade, while Rick makes his knives for heavy use. Think of the Firetac as a Strider in a dress. Looks good on the outside, with a whole lotta toughness inside. :)

http://www.rhknives.com/Rhknives/Rick_Hindererx.html

Chris
 
Well, I've handled or owned almost every production knife under the sun (or so it seems anyway!) and my Sebenza Meltdown ends up in my pocket more than anything. That is saying a lot.

However, I would really like a nice custom folder to EDC. I have been considering getting a framelock version of the R.W. Clark Pelamus like the one I've alredy got:

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I was in the same situation a little while back. I sold a lot of my knives in order to buy one or two really nice ones. I ended up buying a small regular Sebenza for $250 from a member here and I had enough cash left over to get a Buck Mayo ($140) that I have been wanting to check out. I would strongly recommend a Sebenza. You could find a good deal on one, and have a little of your money left to play with.
 
R.J. Martin Avenger recurve would be on top of my list. Too bad it is $100 more than the budget. That would be one of those times where I would be thinking "hmmmmm, can I just go $100 more for complete knife bliss?".

That knife just makes me weak in he knees....
 
I would second the Obenauf. I am currently waiting for my large model 2 framlock. He does outstanding work.
 
If you get the Sebenza, you will be sure of quality, and have a standard against which you can measure any other knife thereafter. There are many great custom knives out there, and some day you may be interested in them. Let it be a Sebenza they match up to and not a lesser piece of work.
 
Yet another vote for the Sebbie. I recommend a small Sebbie which makes an excellent EDC. With any CRK you get top drawer materials, excellent fit/finish, perfect ergonomics and an industry leading warranty/customer service standing behind the product. Get a small Sebbie and don't look back. ;) ;)
 
You won't be disappointed with the Sebenza. If you want a heftier knife, there's Strider, or DMKnives has a few folders in the Exchange in that range. And he makes darn good knives.
 
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