Acies vs. Sebenza

MVF

MVF

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Sep 2, 2005
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Ok, I posted this in the other thread about the Seb's value versus a Hinderer. I was actually trying to make a point that it wasn't an apples to apples comparison, but it got ignored.

The thing is, now that I mentioned it, to me the Acies is an attempt to improve on the Sebenza. My question is, did it succeed?

On paper it sure looks good. I have a small Classic Sebenza, and while I can see its appeal, it leaves me a bit underwhelmed for the price. I wish it had better steel or that the S30V had been left harder.

The Acies, as it stands, is a little larger than what I like in an EDC, so I'm waiting for the smaller version to come out. In the meanwhile, to those who have one, how do you think it measures up against a Sebenza?

I'm not looking to trash Sebenzas - they have obviously earned their place in the knife world - I just really wonder why something as similar, but apparently better, has gotten so little notice.
 
"Apparently better" is a purely subjective opinion.
Despite your intent of a clean thread you're going to receive bias opinions nonetheless, which may [probably] end up as a thread full of bickering.

If you aren't fully satisfied with the Sebenza, sell it for little loss [if any] and continue your venture for that "perfect" knife!
One of the joys of collecting. :D

As for as the Acies, it's not that attractive aesthetically in my opinion.
ZDP-189 sounds like steel I'd rather not have to sharpen.
 
The Acies is an amazing knife. When I first got it I thought it was a little large for edc as well but it quickly became my true edc. I reprofiled the edge and took it to mirror scalpel level. Trully great knife as is the Sebenza.As for better? I know AG took what he believed to be the attributes of several renowned knives and created the Acies. Some of those improvements have now started to be included on the Sebenza like the HindererLBS so the performance parameters have tightened between knives. Its all in what you like. Personally I like the more Austere utilitarian look of the Acies but that is merely an aesthetic. As for function, both will perform I might give the nod to the Acies for the steel but its splitting hairs;)
Forgot to mention what my favorite part of the Acies is, its the pocket clip. Once you get hooked on a low ride clip it is hard to go away from. I never thought it would be as big a factor as it is.
 
Ive never held an Acies but there is no way it is as good as a sebenza........just kidding, had to do it:D. MVF - Love the "shoe" by the way!
 
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The price of the Acies is $375, and thats almost as high as the real deal Sebenza. I'll pay a little extra for the sebenza myself, but thats just me. I'm sure the Acies is a great knife. I forgot to check it out at Blade this past year, but will next year.
I'm also not a fan of ZDP189 for tougher cutting chores. I really like the way CRK treats there S30V, as well as there older BG42. I haven't tried one with the S35VN, but I'm sure it will prove to be a good all around steel as well.
 
Might be just me but the ACIES slabs look ever so slightly thinner as well as not being radiused as nicely there or on the blade's spine as the Sebenza. I dig that tanto Sebbie look. I like tantos though. I do like the curved butt on the Acies for "in the hand" feel, but the Sebenza, though poking the back of the hand with it's upswept handle is something you get used to very quickly. Like the Acies lockbar stabilizer too and the big bellied blade. 2 very cool offerings - Id call it a draw, depends on which features or lack of - that you like most.
 
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I have Acies and small Sebs and a draw is a fair call based upon respective aesthetics, design and warranties.

I'm eagerly awaiting the small Acies promised for next year.
 
I have both - and they are different knives.

Anyone who likes or gravitates towards the sebenza owes it to themselves to also have an Acies in their collection. Plus - once they are all gone - AG said he isn't making any more of the large ones.
 
Toyz said:
I have both - and they are different knives.

Anyone who likes or gravitates towards the sebenza owes it to themselves to also have an Acies in their collection. Plus - once they are all gone - AG said he isn't making any more of the large ones.
Click to expand...

I've thought about getting another one because I like the one I have so much and once they are gone there are gone. I really am hooked on the knife and the pocket clip is the best I've ever had.
 
Thanks all for the replies, and especially for keeping this civil and rational. It's nice to see a thread where people really just stick to the issues and don't get all emotional about the brand name. A special thanks for the link to the very nicely done video, that was a real help!

I can agree that appearance-wise I probably give it to the Seb, but it seems like everything else goes to the Acies for me. I am surprised more people aren't swayed by the steel. I know ZDP isn't the easiest steel to sharpen, but both of my CRK S30V knives give me fits with the burr wanting to flop back and forth (suggestions welcome!) and I know they would have better edge holding if they were harder. Also, as he mentions on the vid, the prices start out the same, but unless you get the most basic bare bones model Seb, you're going to pay a good bit more than the Acies. I also like the low ride clip and smoother action. My Seb is smooth, but at the same time, rather stiff - no flickability at all.

After seeing the video, I am definitely waiting for the smaller Acies. As much as I would like to get one of the current ones just to have because of the quality and limited production, there are other calls on the budget - Bud Nealy actually has my next couple of hundred dollars spoken for. I don't plan on selling my Seb, because I still kind of like it, and it almost seems like you can't really have a knife collection without one!


Tjc591- Yeah, that was a great car, wish I'd never sold it! Liked the reference too :D
 
Based on looks alone, I prefer the Sebenza - I have no idea how the Acies performs.

Sebenza is a great knife. Truly awesome.
 
I never use a pocket folder for anything except slicing. I don't pry with a pocket folder, or chop with it.
So, for me, I'd prefer the ZDP-189 of the Acies.
I sorta like the style of the Sebenza, but I like the Acies almost as much, and the ZDP-189 blade steel at 64-66 HRC wins out for me as a cutter.

Realistically speaking, both of those knives are more expensive than I really want to spend, so I'm keeping my extremely good Bradley Alias II, and calling it done.
 
I have always had luck just stropping my CRK S30V - and worst case I've had to touch up on the sharp maker on ceramic stones. Never really had problems with flip flopping burr.

Same goes for the Acies - just stropping keeps it sharp enough for me.

I am not as obsessive about my edges as some are - a good working edge is just fine by me.
 
After getting the edge where I wanted it on the Acies touch ups are very easy. Most of the time I strop it on my jeans leg OR a rolled up news paper.

IF I hand it to someone because they want to see it (amazing how people react to a nice knife) I warn them about the edge and repeat by saying "I'm not kidding, If you are not used to a really sharp knife that will cut you". About half the time it does. :eek: Whatta ya gonna do:confused:
 
I was considering an Acies, but was warned that the quality control is inconsistent. You may get an awesome one or a weak one.
 
Maddogg774 said:
I was considering an Acies, but was warned that the quality control is inconsistent. You may get an awesome one or a weak one.
Click to expand...

I bought three (3) no problems. AG's customer service is very good. Never had a problem. F&F was perfect, Blade centered, "Flicks" and Locks up like a vault.
IF you get one I believe you will be very pleased depending on what size knife you are used to this will recalibrate what you consider EDC size at least it did for me and my buddy(s) I gave the others as gifts.
 
Owned an Acies and have more Sebenzas than I'm going to mention here. Toyz had it right, I think. They are close but different. The Acies is an outstanding knife and the only reason it isn't still here is that I found it quite a bit less ambi-friendly than a DL Seb. The only real limitation I'd mention on the Acies is that ZDP bladestock is limited in thickness, if that matters (it wouldn't to me). On the other side of that, the ZDP is nicely hardened, where CRK has tended to run blades at lower Rc levels since the transition from BG-42. As Toyz said, the real answer may be both. I would be surprised if you were disappointed in either for any reason other than personal like or dislike for the ergos.
 
The Acies is a knife I've had my eye on for a while. I really like the looks of it and almost pulled the trigger a couple times now, but something always seems to come up at the last minute.

For full disclosure, I'm not a CRK fan. I'm more of a Hinderer guy but I respect the design. I'd like a similar knife to the Seb that I could use as my edc when I'm dressed up and something like an XM might be a little too much. The Acies might be just the thing. I didn't know he was going to quit making them. Maybe I'll have to get my butt in gear now.
 
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