Best CRK Years

Cheesehead_Slasher

Cheesehead_Slasher

Joined
Apr 21, 2016
Messages
533
Hey folks,

I'm interested in buying a Sebenza (Large) and am curious if there are better years than others? I have read that Chris stopped overseeing production a few years back. Has quality diminished since his departure? What would you recommend for me to focus on during my research/search for a Large Sebenza?

I'm leaning towards the plain version rather than any engraving/inlays. It's going to be a user so I'm after the basic version.


Thanks!
 
If its a plain jane version than any years would be fine unless u want the new hardness. Otherwise it doesnt matter imo


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Would you please elaborate on the "new" hardness? What was it and what is the current hardness? When did it change? They are still using S35Vn based on my research.
 
A couple of years ago it increased from 58-59 to 59-60. Thats all. Supposebly retains its sharpness a bit longer thats it nothing else is different. Some very minor changes on handle frame but nothing otherwise major


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Late 2007 :)
The best year is the year that yours is or will be.
If you like certain steels or as mentioned hardness that might lead you to certain time periods, but I have a large range of years and steels and I am fine with them all.
 
You might like to read the stickies at the top. And Peter Hartwig is right the year you get is the best. looking forward to pictures of what you get.
 
From the point of view of blade steel alone, I'd argue that you might seek out Sebenzas (and the rare Mnandi) from the BG-42 years. I have several and they hold an edge extremely well. (On the other hand, if you let one get dull, it's a lot harder to resharpen than S30V/S35VN - there is no free lunch in this life.)
 
JNewell said:
From the point of view of blade steel alone, I'd argue that you might seek out Sebenzas (and the rare Mnandi) from the BG-42 years. I have several and they hold an edge extremely well. (On the other hand, if you let one get dull, it's a lot harder to resharpen than S30V/S35VN - there is no free lunch in this life.)
Click to expand...

Not a bad suggestion, but there are a couple things a new buyer should be aware of with the BG-42 blades
1. they have been discontinued for some time and are popular= rather expensive & harder to find
2. being discontinued CRK can not replace the blades
 
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I only have two CRKs. Both are terrific. On difference in quality for me was sharpness which was not a big deal because I sharpen both on a Wicked Edge. These two provide lots of enjoyment and get lots of use. Get one, post pictures and enjoy.
 
Thin-Slice said:
A couple of years ago it increased from 58-59 to 59-60. Thats all. Supposebly retains its sharpness a bit longer thats it nothing else is different. Some very minor changes on handle frame but nothing otherwise major


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Click to expand...

Has anyone noticed an increase in the ease/capability of getting the "new" hardness sharp? I have the old hardness level on my insingo, and I find it a little more challenging to get a sticky sharp edge on it compared to other s35vn, and other non s35vn steel types.
 
Peter Hartwig said:
Not a bad suggestion, but there are a couple things a new buyer should be aware of with the BG-42 blades
1. they have been discontinued for some time and are popular= rather expensive & harder to find
2. being discontinued CRK can not replace the blades
Click to expand...

Also, related to #2, CRK will no longer convert single-lug blades to double.
 
Great choice on a sebie. After all the fancy knives I've had, my sebie is the knife I enjoy carrying the most.

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I'm surprised nobody has any comments regarding old hardness vs. new (Post #10 question above).

Usually crk is scrutinized on the finest of details, I thought it might spark more of a conversation.. or has it already been beaten to death in a thread I missed?
 
I appreciate the feedback all of you have provided. My question seemed from the fact that Mr. Reeve's no longer oversees production, which I thought may lead to quality issues post departure. If not, that's better yet.

I am still on the hunt for a large 21. As soon as I get my hands on one I'll be sure to post pics!!!
 
I am of the mindset that the more recent the production batch, the better. So the best year is the current year.
 
I don't think that Mrs. Reeves has let the quality slip at all, but if you want more information a quick search will bring up many threads:)
For you first I would recommend one of the newer models- they will be less expensive and easier to buy, and the modifications like the thumb studs will be a non issue.
 
Well, I found a used Large Sebenza 21 that is in mint condition. It was made in December 2015 and the owner purchased it new directly from CRK in March 2016.

I asked the standard questions (Blade centering, play, etc.) and he stated the knife was top notch. It also included the box and factory contents. I picked it up for a very good price so I'm more than satisfied.

I appreciate all of your help in my purchase. I will be sure to post pics mid-week when it arrives :P
 
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