Best knife besides CRK?

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
I would like to know what you think is the best production folding knife next to CRK? I have a Microtech and a couple of Benchmade’s that I am very fond of, but what do you think is the best. To keep is simple, let’s say one hand openers with locking blades and blade lengths between 2 ¾” and 4”.
 
I don't have one, but I hear very good things about the Mayo/Buck TNT. It looks great too (just like the real thing).
 
Got one! Love it! It's "the one". (for now anyway;) ) Actually, it all depends on what you are looking for.
 
Best is a very broad term, but I'll give it a shot.

In terms of strking a great balance between looks, function, quality, and overall execution my vote goes to the BM 690.

It works as well as anything else out there and has more character than a box full of the standard "black tac" folders.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I am not looking for a knife for a specific use, just what do you think has the best workmanship. Best fit, finish, accuracy of primary and secondary grinds, lock fit, best materials used, etc. Doesn’t matter if it is a stainless blade or non-stainless. It seems as though the Sebenza has the largest following, which is why I said besides CRK. The CKT Brend is an interesting thought, I have not seen one yet. What about Lone Wolf or William Henry? It also doesn’t matter if it is a stout knife like Greco’s Falcon or a gentlemen’s knife like Moki. Just the finest production or semi-production knife you own or have seen. Thanks again.
 
I held a Sebenza once and it appeared to be a wondeful piece of work. I am compelled to consider that knife very high on the list of BEST. To a person,I have never heard a Sebenza owner regret their ownership. Pehaps when a folding knife costs so dearly there is an incentive to justify it's purchase with accolades beyond reality. However, I understand this thing called "pride of ownership".....and then there are collectors who want to have this finely crafted work of art in their possession. Me....I'm a "user" and personally just think that a Shebenza would be out of line for me. The top of the line folders I own are the Al Mar SERE and the Spyderco Military....both very well executed production knives....nothing wrong with these! Nonetheless they are not hand made Shebenza's....whom every owner I know of, takes personal "pride in ownership".... it's hard to argue with their claims. But do listen to others opinions....particularly those who own custom models....as will I....who knows....perhaps some day I will be able to see myself "in" something beyond a high quality production model!
 
I would not call it "pride of ownership." I think it's just knowing that you nave made NO compromise in your (afforded) "choice" knife. A Sebenza is one of those things that you understand or you don't. The proof IS in the pudding, and to those who have a taste for it, justification of cost is written all over it's PERFECT fit, finish and performance if you plan to use it. Cadillac of knives??? no. It's the Sebenza of knives!
 
The Microtech Amphibian and the BM 710 come to mind...I haven't handled the Buck/Mayo yet, but it's reportedly comparable to customs when it comes to fit and finish.

But asking for the "best" knife is like asking for the "best" car, it all depends on what you want to do with it (opening packets vs. chopping thick tree branches or off-road vs. Formula 1).
 
Call me crazy, but I like my stainless plain-edge Spyderco Delica BETTER than the CRK Sebenza.:).
 
Originally posted by glockman99
Call me crazy, but I like my stainless plain-edge Spyderco Delica BETTER than the CRK Sebenza.:).

:eek: Crazy bastid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:
 
i've heard from a really good friend of mine (and i KNOW you're reading this!!) that CRK have really really great quality control and every knife's quality is always consistent. but in terms of the tacticality of it, your BM's and Spydies will serve you better

aXed

and my dear friend, if you are reading this, reply, since you have first hand experience
 
I love my Sebbies but there are many fine production knives out there that offer similar performance for a lot less cash.

IMO, William Henry probably makes as nice a knife as anyone and I would easily take one of these over a Mnandi or small Sebenza if the desire was a nice gentleman's knife.

Microtech, Benchmade, Al Mar and Spyderco all make fine knives as well. While I don't personally consider them the equal of the Sebenza in build quality, some models come very, very close. They also offer some designs you may feel are superior to the Sebbie. My favorite "other" is a BM 730CFHS.
 
I've had both sizes of Sebenza's. Nice knives. If I could have only one folder for a jungle survival knife it would be the large Sebenza for it's reliability and maintainability.

However, I think it's priced too high and that part of that price is it's myths and legends.

I have chosen a knife for urban survival, the Microtech Amphibian, which I find superior to the "Benza" in cutting capability, ease of opening and closing, ergonomics, and looks. The Microbar lock is the equal of the frame lock in strength. On the downside there are more parts and taking one apart is much more difficult but those are not much of an issue in the urban jungle.
 
You sebenza addicts are a trip. The guy specifically requested the best knife outside of sebenza, but you all still got to beat your drums...sebenzasebenzasebenzasebenza. What a bunch of dorks. Get a life, try a different knife, you may actually have some fun.

Any knife is a trade off between a variety of things. My choices for best all around pocket knives, would be:

- David Boye prophet or companion. Unfortunately only available now in cobalt. Zytel lockback, dendtric steel, leaf shaped blade but not as wide as a Lum, light weight, clip, artistic designs for the blade opener or hole if you need ambidextrous. Just an all around great package for $50.
- Spyderco Shabira. A bizarrely shaped knife that is suprisingly functional and great fun to look at. Also now discontinued.
- Benchmade Balisong - Either the small or large regular versions. Great design and execution.
- Victrinox Soldier - A classic with all the necessary tools but slim enough to fit in your pocket plus Al scales.
- Cold steel Voyager - A robust design that has been improved and perfected over the years. Never found one with a problem or manufacturing defect. The AUS8 has a great heat treat. Comes in multiple sizes and tanto too.
 
Back
Top