Back to the Basics: 1992 P Sebenza

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pjmaxm

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Nov 29, 2005
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Well my apartment was broken into a few weeks back and a lot was stolen (TV, laptop, Ipod, camera) including a carrying case with 15 of my folding knives; one of which was my prized Small Classic Sebenza. I loved that Sebenza and carried it a lot. It also had some custom holes cut into the handle; it made it a little different and broke up the front slab well.

I am really missing that one and it hurts to loose it.



After the break in I decided to streamline my knife collection and had a revelation of sorts. Many of the folders in the case were ones that I carried every once and while and had collected over the years. I liked them enough to keep them but not enough to knock other knives out of my pocket, such as the Sebenza. This also means that I don’t really feel the need to replace many of them. I liked them and was glad I bought them when I did, but my tastes and opinions have changed in knives. I also have come to the realization that I would enjoy 5 really amazing knives much better than 15 pretty good knives. For me, my wants are basically Sal Glesser designed Spydercos (Military, Calypso, and Stretch to be specific) and Chris Reeve knives, specifically the Sebenza. I think I will try out a Mnandi or Mountaineer sometime though as the entire CRK line appeals to me. I just appreciate the quality, fit, finish, design and engineering. It took me 15 years to figure out exactly what I wanted in a folding knife and I am glad to have figured it out.

Recently I have been trading knives and other items that I don’t use or like as much to rebuild my folding knife collection; and the Sebenza was one that I was most definitely going to replace. I traded a nice Swiss automatic watch that I didn’t wear for an amazing numbered P Sebenza.

I now am the proud caretaker of #138 of the original Production Sebenza from 1992 .It was almost like opening a time capsule for me.






Born on July 20, 1992



And with everything else it came with
 
It is really interesting to see how the Sebenza was when it was first introduced. As much as they are great; I think the decorated, Lisa’s picks, and inlayed Sebenzas has made some forget that at its heart the Sebenza is a hard working straightforward folding knife. For me the classic straightforward design of the P makes it seem more of a working knife to me and I love how it has everything you need and nothing you don't. The minimalism mixed with incredible strength and performance is amazing.

I like the lack of clip and actually carried my small classic loose in the pocket with the clip insert. I feel that many folding knives ergonomics are better without the clip getting in the way. It also really highlights that the Sebenza is ergonomic contrary to what some detractors say.

It also feels like it does not have a ball detent. This Sebenza takes smooth to another level; it is almost shocking how smooth it is. The only marking on the whole knife I can find are the simple CRK symbol and the “P 138”. It is great to have a Sebenza back, and especially such an early example; but it only makes me want to get a small classic to compliment the P even more. A small classic for the work week and large P for the weekends is sounding great.







The blade on this Sebenza is amazing and the ATS-34 takes a very sharp edge. It seems to have a deep hollow grind which is beautiful. It is hard to show it with the camera I am currently using (more than a few years old), but here are few shots of the grind





Now there are just two things that I need to figure out.

First it has a newer style thumb stub on it right now, but I also got what seems to be the original stub. Instead of the stepped cone design of current Sebenza thumb stud this one is a smooth cone except for the bottom which has small jimping. How do you exchange the thumb stud? Is that something to send it back to CRK to do?

Secondly is that without the clip I am thinking about belt carry. What is a good horizontal sheath for the Sebenza? I see the sheath offered on the CRK website and was wondering how is it? I like that it has the snap closure as I think this Sebenza will become my outdoors or working folder.


Now I will follow the instructions that came with the knife:

“This knife will be your most trustworthy companion, helper, defender. Look after it and it will look after you"
 
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clearytja said:
Great story! I love old school!! Looks really strange without the clip.
T
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Yeah it does look a little odd with no clip or cutout for one, but I like it.







Another thing that I have noticed; because of the clipless design I am carrying it in the leather pouch and the lanyard really makes itself useful in pulling it out:


 
That is sweet!! Congrats on scoring it. It does look weird with out a clip or insert.

The sheath from CRK is of most excellent quality. It will hold a large or small Sebbie.
 
T.K.C. said:
That is sweet!! Congrats on scoring it. It does look weird with out a clip or insert.

The sheath from CRK is of most excellent quality. It will hold a large or small Sebbie.
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Ditto on Suz's comments -- what a great score. I really like the sheaths from CRK. The way it accommodates the small and the large is that the flap can connect to one of two snaps.

I know what you're talking about relative to the hollow grind. Chris almost assuredly ground your blade himself, and he spent a lot of time getting the hollow to a near mirror finish.

Unfortunate that a previous owner replaced the thumbstud. I don't know if you can get an original, non-symetrically ground thumbstud from CRK, but I would encourage you to try. That's part of the original Pxxx look.
 
Fooj said:
Unfortunate that a previous owner replaced the thumbstud. I don't know if you can get an original, non-symetrically ground thumbstud from CRK, but I would encourage you to try. That's part of the original Pxxx look.
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It actually did come with the original thumbstud which I was thrilled about, you can see it in the top left corner of the bag of parts in the pictures.

Actually I was wondering if this was something that I should send back to CRK for them to switch the stud or if that was something that was easy to do myself?
 
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i've been on the search for a p sebenza, but sadly no one is selling/trading one.

just realized that's the one i was eyeing a few weeks back :(
nice catch!
 
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pjmaxm said:
It actually did come with the original thumbstud which I was thrilled about, you can see it in the top left corner of the bag of parts in the pictures.

Actually I was wondering if this was something that I should send back to CRK for them to switch the stud or if that was something that was easy to do myself?
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Ahhh . . . very nice! The thumbstuds are press fit. They are not too bad to replace yourself. Another option would be to send it it in to CRK to have it done, let them ooo and ahhh over an old one visiting home, go for the spa treatment (or at least one of those legendary complimentary CRK sharpening jobs), and get a nearly new knife back in your pocket, ready to go.
 
Sweet pick up!:thumbup: Sorry to hear about the loss of your other stuff, though.:(
 
Fooj said:
Ahhh . . . very nice! The thumbstuds are press fit. They are not too bad to replace yourself. Another option would be to send it it in to CRK to have it done, let them ooo and ahhh over an old one visiting home, go for the spa treatment (or at least one of those legendary complimentary CRK sharpening jobs), and get a nearly new knife back in your pocket, ready to go.
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I actually had sent the small Classic that was stolen into CRK for a refurb, and I was amazed with the job they did. It was a little worn and beat up when I sent it into them and it was literally like a brand new knife when I received back. That has to be one of the great attributes of the Sebenza and CRK, the ability to have it repaired and refurbished by the manufacturer.
 
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