Advice for a clueless girlfriend...

H

Hunterleofinn

Joined
Jul 30, 2018
Messages
3
Hey y’all,

I am looking to purchase a Chris Revee sebenza for my boyfriend. The problem is my lack of knowledge on knifes, with all the different options/ choices it’s very intimidating. About two years ago I purchased a zero tolerance 0566 CF for him, which he loved and still carries today. What he loves about the knife is the large size (he has large hands), deep pocket clip, flipper and just the durability of it. I know the next step up is a Chris Revee and I know he likes the Sebenza model. Other than that I’m lost as to the different specs and what makes one Sebenza better than an other (steel?). He has wanted this knife for years and now that I’m finally able to do it I want to make sure and get it right. He has absolutely no idea I’m getting this for him and I don’t want to ask any questions and give it away. Any advice on what to go with would be amazingly helpful!

Thanks in advance!!!
 
Unless you know he wants a Damascus there is nothing to concern yourself with in regards to steel the choice is S35VN or Damascus and Damascus is just a patterned steel with a premium price its pretty to look at but functionally no better. The next choice past that it is Plain vs Pattern vs Inlay handle options. Plain is as it say plain just titanium with no fancy design or pattern and no inlays usually cost a little less iirc. Pattern or Design will have something etched and/or anodized into the handle and are nice to look at but personally not for me but I'm not your BF so I don't know what he prefers. The final is the Inlays to me this is the safe bet in something like this it adds something to the knife to dress it up. There are lots of options I would say my personal choices are Micarta and CF but the woods are nice too just imo better on the Mnandi.
 
Welcome to the Forums. We have a dedicated place for Chris Reese Knives to be found here: https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/chris-reeve-knives.703/
Although nothing wrong with asking here in my opinion.
I'm not an expert but from what I understand they use only two types of steel in current models: S35VN and Damasteel (Or Damascus), one is the standard satin finish the other is the fancy pattern steel which is considered more dressy.
You say he carries it, so I would personally go for the S35VN (Standard) Blade, and since you mention him liking the 0566CF I would assume he likes a bit dressy-ness to it so to speak, so my pick would be a Large Sebenza with Micarta Inlays.
 
Knowing nothing of him, you, what he does or what he wants the knife for, my first suggestion as a recipient of a good natured girlfriend's knife in the past, Ask him what he wants. I can't stress enough that you're better off by far to ask him what he wants so when he sees that priority mail box comin' he'll be even more excited anticipatin' what he knows to be inside.

That bein' said either get him a large 21 with micarta inlays or a plain Jane 21 with double lugs/thumb studs. if you're goin' all out than go large 21 with a Damascus blade and either some kind of burl or woolly mammoth bark inlays. If money's no object try for a large 21 with a unique computer graphic milled into the handles.

See why you should ask him? The prices where available could range from $450-$1,000 and beyond. Also beware of counterfeits and clones, it can be difficult for most to tell the difference, especially from just a picture. If you are determined to buy one as a surprise I highly recommend using one of our sponsored dealers, at least if there's a problem you could return it.

I wish you the best of luck.
 
Hunterleofinn said:
Hey y’all,

I am looking to purchase a Chris Revee sebenza for my boyfriend.
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Yes...

If your guy likes knives and has been eyeballing a Sebenza, then Pick out a design/style that you know that he'd love, buy it from a reputable source, and Win at gift giving by being a rockstar of a girlfriend...
 
Pirate covered it pretty well.
He is going to want the large Sebenza, if he likes larger knives and I would get the S35VN unless he loves damascus
The plain is fine, but my favorite is the Micarta inlay-fills the hand well and has some grip when wet.
If he is a wood lover, that might be a good choice-these will have polished blades while the micarta will usually be stonewashed.
I would stay away from the unique and computer generated graphics, unless you knew of one he really wanted-they are too much individual taste for someone else to pick IMO
My pick for a knife that will be used is the stonewashed blade, micarta inlay, since all varieties sell well others opinions will vary.
Good luck and great present
addressing the clone situation-just buy from one of the BF or CRK authorized dealers(list on their site) and there will be no problem
 
On thing about Chris Reeves knives is they have a birth date. If there's a date with any significance to him you can check for a knife with the match. Being a relativly expensive knife you'll find retail stores are willing to engage to make sure you're happy.
 
Hunterleofinn said:
Hey y’all,

I am looking to purchase a Chris Revee sebenza for my boyfriend. The problem is my lack of knowledge on knifes, with all the different options/ choices it’s very intimidating. About two years ago I purchased a zero tolerance 0566 CF for him, which he loved and still carries today. What he loves about the knife is the large size (he has large hands), deep pocket clip, flipper and just the durability of it. I know the next step up is a Chris Revee and I know he likes the Sebenza model. Other than that I’m lost as to the different specs and what makes one Sebenza better than an other (steel?). He has wanted this knife for years and now that I’m finally able to do it I want to make sure and get it right. He has absolutely no idea I’m getting this for him and I don’t want to ask any questions and give it away. Any advice on what to go with would be amazingly helpful!

Thanks in advance!!!
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I’ll make it easy for you which is what you came here for. The standard Sebenzas, the type he would want to carry regularly all come in the same steel. (Which is called s35vn) Only the very high end collector Sebenzas come in another type of steel called “Damascus.” I wouldn’t concern yourself with all of this; the standard Sebenzas are still considered among the best knives in the world.

As a knife he will carry every day and cherish and considering he has larger hands there are essentially 2 possible Sebenzas you could get him. (Either would make him extremely happy)

1. The Large Sebenza 21.
chris-reeve-large-sebenza-21-large.jpg


2. Large Sebenza 21 Micarta Inlays (the micarta inlays come in various colours)
CRKSEB21LMc.jpg


Each of these come in 2 additional blade shapes. I recommend you get him one with the blade shape that matches what is in the pictures I posted above. It is the most iconic Sebenza look.

BTW!!! WARNING... There are tons of fake Sebenzas out there. Do not buy a Sebenza from eBay, Chinese websites like Ali Express or DH Gate or anyone that is offering a price that is too low compared to what reputable dealers like BladeHQ, Knife Center, USA MADE BLADE.

BTW x 2: Don’t be surprised if he proposes to you once you get him a Sebenza.
 
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Really, though, just don't worry about it. The process of determining the absolute ideal sebenza for him is unnecessary, because he's likely to be blown away regardless. I'd just get him a large inkosi or 21, probably with micarta inserts, and call it good. Buy from a reliable website, as well. KnifeCenter, BladeHQ, GPKnives, DLT Trading, or even directly from Chris Reeves knives.

If you think it would be significantly better to know his exact ideal model, well, just ask him. Everyone is different, so, while that would slightly spoil the present to some to know it's coming ahead of time, it might actually make things more exciting to others to have that anticipation.
 
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Comeuppance said:
Really, though, just don't worry about it. The process of determining the absolute ideal sebenza for him is unnecessary, because he's likely to be blown away regardless. I'd just get him a large inkosi or 21, probably with micarta inserts, and call it good. Buy from a reliable website, as well. KnifeCenter, BladeHQ, GPKnives, DLT Trading, or even directly from Chris Reeves knives....
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Knives Ship Free also, and New Graham I believe carries them. That would be my advice as well and he will be a very happy camper!
 
First of all, you are NOT clueless or you would not be here. ;) Second, why not find an appropriate moment and say something like " you say you like that sebenza knife, what is so special about that one" (while looking clueless)? :confused: After this, just go with your instincts (which tend, as a female, to be pretty solid) and I assure you he will LOVE whatever one you select; though you may cause him to buy the one he really lusted after if you slightly missed. :eek:
 
Large with Bog Oak inlays would be my choice if i were to buy a second as a user.
Something just "down-home & humble" about old bog oak... Not too fancy, but still cool as $&%×...

*FWIW, my small gets carried & used now...
 
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Please don't get him one he won't use. That would be an injustice. There's been plenty sold because the person just couldn't bring their self to use it. Either a plain or micarta inlay will get him pumped up. The wood inlays have polished blades and are stunning knives, too fancy. The plain and micarta have stone washed blades, more practical for every day use. The good thing about the plain and micarta inlays is that he can send it back to CRK for a spa treatment and it will come back looking brand new.
 
Murphjd25 said:
I would go with a plain jane large 21. Can’t go wrong and he won’t feel bad about using it.
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I've owned "many" Chris Reeve knives and love 'em all. The plain-jane large 21 is a great choice...and one that I've carried for yrs at a time. The post suggesting the Umnumzaan is pretty good. I've carried one of these for several yrs also, and would have a rough time deciding between them. The "Zaan" appears more "tactical" if that's important.
You're a good lady. thanx for doing good for him.
Don
 
Murphjd25 said:
I would go with a plain jane large 21. Can’t go wrong and he won’t feel bad about using it.
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That is kind of how I feel about good ol' "bog oak" inlays...

When in doubt, the stuff survived the $%÷#+ darn bottom of a bog for how long?

Ain't nothing it's gonna face in my pocket much worse then that the next 50-75 yrs! Lol.
 
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