A New or Different Sebenza Thread.

M

Mike45ACP

Joined
Nov 29, 2014
Messages
811
I've made up my mind I'm going to try a Chris Reeves folder. Been listening to all the opinions *for quite awhile now and while I've got my own opinion it's unfounded as I've never owned one. *I don't want to get into the value or lack of value of a CK. We've all heard enough of that already. My question for you is which CK. I'm going with the larger size but which model, 21, 25, or the*Umnumzaan? Im not really even sure of the differences between the three of them. Please tell me which model I should buy and why. Thanks much in advance.

Mike
 
Subscribing, simply because I'm going to be having the same question very soon.....
 
You can learn a lot about them in the CRK forum, and you may get more replies there also.....
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/703-Chris-Reeve-Knives

I prefer the 21 of the one's you mentioned. I like the older Regulars and Classics the most, and they are all I own.
I much prefer the bushing system on the 21, Classics and Regulars. Also prefer the handle and the .125 blade stock.

Many like the thicker blade, and other things about the other two.
All three are great knives.
 
I'm a Zaan man but I love the 21s, 25s and Mnandis as well. I just prefer the thumb studs on the Umnumzaan and how smoothly it deploys. You'd be happy with any of them, but that's my recommendation. Find an original pivot Zaan if you can.
 
I love the large. I tried out handling the small and it was a bit too short for me in my sizer foul hands. Wish they had an in-between version so I could use it more openly around the office.
 
Thanks Ken....found the "Unofficial Sebenza FAQ" especially helpful.

Mike

Ken44 said:
You can learn a lot about them in the CRK forum, and you may get more replies there also.....
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/703-Chris-Reeve-Knives

I prefer the 21 of the one's you mentioned. I like the older Regulars and Classics the most, and they are all I own.
I much prefer the bushing system on the 21, Classics and Regulars. Also prefer the handle and the .125 blade stock.

Many like the thicker blade, and other things about the other two.
All three are great knives.
Click to expand...
 
No one can tell you which to buy.
My first CRK was a large 21, then the others came. Even though I'm a 25 fan, I'm glad my first purchase was a 21. I carry the 21's I have when I'm not working. I prefer the 25 and Umnumzaan for work.
I feel more compelled to use the 25 and Umnumzaan herder than the 21, but that's just me. I have enough CRK's that I can choose which does what. I'm more than confident the 21 will work aside the 25 or Umnumzaan without issue.
The 21 has a bushing system which makes it more user friendly, you really can't over tighten the pivot due to the bushing system, where as you can over tighten the 25 and Umnumzaan. The 21 does not come with locktite, the 25 and Umnumzaan do. The 21 has one allen wrench to take down the entire knife, the 25 and Umnumzaan have three.
I view the 21 as more of a gentleman's knife and the 25 and Umnumzaan as a working man's knife.
There really is no bad choice.




21 with CF
25
Umnumzaan
 
I would try to steer a new CRK owner towards the large 21. It is "the Sebenza" and gets a lot of rave reviews. There really is no bad choice though.

I would also be very interested in hearing your honest opinion after carrying and using it for a month or so.

Best of luck.
 
IMHO... Go with the 21 large if your going to put it right to work. The simplicity is outstanding for exceeding performance. The first reaction of pocket carry people that I have shown it to is that it is a bit on the big side and ask to check out my 21 small. However, once they use the large and realize how nimble it is and change there mind and are sold on the large. The 25 is awesome, but in my experience I just prefer to make the 21 my edc and use the 25 for more brute force cutting. It may help to know I have the 21 large in carbon fiber and the 25 has both scales titanium (plain Jane) so the 25 is a bit heavier so maybe that determines my application.

I have no experience with the umnumzaan.
 
I recently purchased my first CRK; and the choice was simple. I got a 21 because I wanted the Insingo blade; and I went with the large because I usually carry knives in that size range. (The small would be too small.)
I could be wrong; but I believe the pivot is different on the 25 and Um (at least with the current generations)
 
My first was a large 21 WC. Then quickly get a Zaan and a small 21 micarta. I carry my small most of the time because it carries very well with dress pants and I love the added grip of the micarta. My favorite of the three is my Zaan but is a little too heavy for dress pants so it has become my weekend knife. I wouldn't recommend the umnumzaan as your first only because there is a "technique" with opening that some people find very frustrating. If you decide on the large 21 and are looking for a daily carry I would recommend the micarta inlay version.

Good luck!

-Steve
 
I would buy a Large 21 with Micarta inlays.

That knife is the perfect blend of size and weight, has the bushing system, looks both interesting and functional with the totally bulletproof Micarta, has the amazing CRK full hollow grind (a wonder of manufacturing) and is a complete exercise in "less is more", without being too boring.

You will likely buy others, but that particular knife hits on all points in my opinion. I am going through a phase where I am preferring the smalls, but if I had to give them all away I'd probably keep a large just for the pleasure of ownership
 
kidcongo said:
I would buy a Large 21 with Micarta inlays.

That knife is the perfect blend of size and weight, has the bushing system, looks both interesting and functional with the totally bulletproof Micarta, has the amazing CRK full hollow grind (a wonder of manufacturing) and is a complete exercise in "less is more", without being too boring.

You will likely buy others, but that particular knife hits on all points in my opinion. I am going through a phase where I am preferring the smalls, but if I had to give them all away I'd probably keep a large just for the pleasure of ownership
Click to expand...

Excellent advice, I have a small micarta 21 and dearly love it.



 
kidcongo said:
I would buy a Large 21 with Micarta inlays.
Click to expand...

Officer's Match said:
Excellent advice, I have a small micarta 21 and dearly love it.
Click to expand...

Fantastic advice! This is my large and my favorite CRK by far. The only inlay that they will rehab. Truly a users inlay.

IcsQB1hh.jpg
 
My opinion is to get the plain 21 as a first CRK (double stud if possible). It is simplicity and function at its best! The knife is stout enough to handle heavy duty work. I prefer the plain to an inlayed large 21 - it feels better in my hand (I do prefer an inlayed small 21). Having said that, if you are really going to put this knife to task, maybe the Zaan.
Plain Jane Lg Seb 21
IMG_1852 by brw713, on Flickr

Zaan and a Micarta 25
20150316_220047 by brw713, on Flickr
 
kidcongo said:
Blade-to-handle ratio anyone?
Click to expand...

I suppose I could do the math. From what I understand, one of the best ratios out there which is why I believe some say the large is "large". It certainly doesn't feel too large in the pocket. Compare pics of a Large Sebenza and a PM2 side by side. The Sebenza ratio is impressive for sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top