Holy crap!!
The size and blade length are great on the SNG. I think the blade is a little thick, but it isn't an issue because I don't cut paper or produce with pocket knives.
I was under the assumption that the 21 had a thinner blade than the 25 and Umnumzaan.
As far as lefty knives, I'm ambidextrous, plus I'm used to using right hand frame locks.
What is your personal favorite out of their lineup?
I found this on a California lawyer's site. Might be accurate:
"Folding knives are knives that opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position . All folding knives are legal. California Penal Code Section 17235. As long as they are in the folded position they can be carried in a concealed manner. There is no blade length restriction per the penal code."
On that note, anything we are discussing should be fine.
I didn't like my Striders, as they were overly thick and heavy, the pocket clip was super stiff but had little traction, the lock was sticky and too stiff. The pivot action felt like someone used the knife to dig a latrine pit. The frame would get worn by the push fit thumb stud which doubles as the stop pin and it looks awful when they do it this way. Both mine had a bad bevels, the better of the two was the Z-Wear. It was OK, came fairly dull and cut like crap. I was super not impressed and sold them off quickly.
I went and tried the XM, they were a lot better than the SnG. I figured the 21 and the SnG had a baby and it was the XM. The machining was not as good as what CRK puts out, and at that price point I expect a high level of attention to detail. Between these two, if you favor the sharpened pry bar, super over built knife, go with the XM.
When the Sebenza 25 came out, I had high hopes. It didn't disappoint. The 21 is a much more elegant, high tolerance piece of craftsmanship, but it is not as hard use as the XM. I recently sold a small micarta 21 that was literally perfect. Beside a XM, it feels light and dainty. With my uses the Sebenza takes all I can give it and I prefer the quality of the CRK so I went that way. When you look at them side by side, the 21 though capable felt small and light. But as it was perfect, it was a joy to pour over the details of. The XM was like a tank, compared to it. 3.5" BTW. Lots of little imperfections on it. Not a joy to examine. Just a tool. It was almost like, Uhhh. Both seem too far to the extreme in a sense.
After going through all those knives, I carry a rotation of Sebenza 25s, but my collectibles are 21s.
My favorite user folder of everything I have owned across probably 35+ knives that cost me $500+ CAD is the Sebenza 25. I have one coming back from the Spa soon and when it gets here, I will be selling it. It's a Plain Jane 25. I also have a TNK edition 25 so silver hardware, a serialized carbon fiber 25 which is probably going for sale, and my hands down fits me like it was made for my size 10 hands is the micarta inlay 25.
I had a Zaan but for many reasons, primarily the lockbar I sold it. I prefer the Sebenza there.
One knife you may look into, is a Inkosi. It's too small for me, but if they made a larger size, maybe a bit smaller than a 25, it would probably replace all my folders. See if you can try one somewhere. If so, and it works for you, they can be bought at a great price on the exchange.
Before I had the micarta 25 I was super happy with the standard 25 size and fit so I had 3. But now after using the micarta, I don't like the normal ones as much. I might actually pick up a second as a spare and sell all the other 25s. I also rock a Damascus 21 from time to time, but it's going for retirement soon. It's beautiful, but I can't use it on acidic foods, abrasive materials etc because I am afraid to damage the blade so I prefer a plain S35VN as a user.
If you get some research in, and try some in your hand at a local store, and do decide the 25 is worth it, PM me and I will give you a smokin' deal on the 25 when it comes back from the Spa.
Hope this is somewhat useful.
