Blades with patterns . . . ? wear off

expidia1 said:
Haha, Good one . . . had to look up that quote: (Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it. . . This proverb resembles “What you don't know cannot hurt you.” It figures in a passage from “On a Distant Prospect of Eton College,” by the eighteenth-century English poet Thomas Gray: “Where ignorance is bliss, / 'Tis folly to be wise).

Sadly, I don't think this Subenza model is for me. It was born Jan18th 2018. It's built like a tank, so no issues there. Beautiful blade finish and shape. I picked it up here last week as I'm trying to elevate my collection into the realm of the custom knife world.
But I thought its action would be more flipper like. Being new to this hobby, I still lean towards models like the BM Osborns (I have 3 so far) I just like how easy they are to open. I already have 3 assisted opening models . . . A kershaw, a BM assisted 490 Arcane and my latest that arrived yesterday a BM assisted Emissary. I know the purists here dont like assisted and I can understand that. But I have stiff joints and knives like my two Spydercos I find hard for me to flip open as easy as the Osbornes etc.

I sent this small Subenza into Chris Reeve c/s today as I wanted them to center the blade and maybe loosen up the action a little ( I also told them not to sharpen it, since its so new). I've never handled one, so I was surprised that this custom knife's action was just not what I'm looking for.
I'll increase my membership to gold when it comes back in a week or two and then re-list it.

Thx for all of your responses to my original question.
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It is called a sebenza. It is not a custom knife. You're already sending it in? Might not be the knife for you.
 
You should have probably read up on the Sebenza before buying. They are not intended to be "flippers". You'd probably be happier with some nice Assisted Open knives. Check out the Kershaw Blur, Knockout, Link or Dividend. You might also like a ZT 0566 or 03XX series. One doesn't typically find AO in higher priced knives.
 
expidia1 said:
But I thought its action would be more flipper like. Being new to this hobby, I still lean towards models like the BM Osborns (I have 3 so far) I just like how easy they are to open. I already have 3 assisted opening models . . . A kershaw, a BM assisted 490 Arcane and my latest that arrived yesterday a BM assisted Emissary. I know the purists here dont like assisted and I can understand that. But I have stiff joints and knives like my two Spydercos I find hard for me to flip open as easy as the Osbornes etc.
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Maybe a SOG Flash 1? https://www.bladehq.com/item--SOG-Flash-I-Knife--913 ? Timeless design and this one is a numbered, limited run which will hold more value as a collectable.
 
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Hackenslash said:
You should have probably read up on the Sebenza before buying. They are not intended to be "flippers". You'd probably be happier with some nice Assisted Open knives. Check out the Kershaw Blur, Knockout, Link or Dividend. You might also like a ZT 0566 or 03XX series. One doesn't typically find AO in higher priced knives.
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Thx. I have a kershaw blur. Its great especially for a $42 knife. Ya, I should have asked more about the action of a Sebenza before I bought it, this is true. I’ll also have to check out ZT’s.
 
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expidia1 said:
as I enjoy using them for EDC. I'm sure I will trade or sell them eventually as I get deeper into custom knives. So I want to keep them pristine. But I do like the blades with a design, but not if they wears off with light use.

What say you?
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Ok, I can understand that folks just getting into the deeper end of the pool would want to try a Sebenza (or other CRK), as they hold their resale value, and are near a right if passage, if only for enough time to realize the brand is or isn't for you.
But that is not why I put the sections above in boldface type.

Once a knife is used, it is used. Yes, some folks will say lightly used or heavily used, but it is still used and the price normally reflects this. There are certain exceptions to the rule, since some will take less of a hit than others.

My point is, if you want to see if a knife is for you, buy a user, and don't use it to cut with. Just handle it and see if you like the pattern enough to risk taking a bigger loss on. If you do like it, sell it and buy an upgraded model (if you want to). If/when you sell, state why you bought it and be accurate with the condition. More info is always better (did you notice a scratch on the inside of the pocket clip, say so. This way a buyer knows exactly what they are getting).

If you went to sell this knife after carrying it for a month (or even 10 minutes), in the process it has gained a few snail trails, or it was sharpened (even by CRK themselves), and you list it as LNIB, I would see that as disingenuous at best, and lying at worst. That would be a used knife. Even is CRK themselves sharpened the knife, it is not the original factory edge, and should be stated.

Honesty will get you a lot further than $15 on this forum. I have lost plenty on knives, and I have a few friends on here that are worth more than 10 times the amount I have paid to try a knife. Earn your reputation with honesty. Supposedly, there are few things worth more than peace of mind, but I have yet to find a single one of them.

You should want to be that peace of mind.
 
expidia1 said:
Thx. I have a kershaw blur. Its great especially for a $42 knife. Ya, I should have asked more about the action of a Subenza before I bought it, this is true. I’ll also have to check out ZT’s.
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Is a "Subenza" like a "Rolox"?:p
 
NJBillK said:
Ok, I can understand that folks just getting into the deeper end of the pool would want to try a Sebenza (or other CRK), as they hold their resale value, and are near a right if passage, if only for enough time to realize the brand is or isn't for you.
But that is not why I put the sections above in boldface type.

Once a knife is used, it is used. Yes, some folks will say lightly used or heavily used, but it is still used and the price normally reflects this. There are certain exceptions to the rule, since some will take less of a hit than others.

My point is, if you want to see if a knife is for you, buy a user, and don't use it to cut with. Just handle it and see if you like the pattern enough to risk taking a bigger loss on. If you do like it, sell it and buy an upgraded model (if you want to). If/when you sell, state why you bought it and be accurate with the condition. More info is always better (did you notice a scratch on the inside of the pocket clip, say so. This way a buyer knows exactly what they are getting).

If you went to sell this knife after carrying it for a month (or even 10 minutes), in the process it has gained a few snail trails, or it was sharpened (even by CRK themselves), and you list it as LNIB, I would see that as disingenuous at best, and lying at worst. That would be a used knife. Even is CRK themselves sharpened the knife, it is not the original factory edge, and should be stated.

Honesty will get you a lot further than $15 on this forum. I have lost plenty on knives, and I have a few friends on here that are worth more than 10 times the amount I have paid to try a knife. Earn your reputation with honesty. Supposedly, there are few things worth more than peace of mind, but I have yet to find a single one of them.

You should want to be that peace of mind.
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Thanks, I appreciate your taking the time for that response. All good points.
 
As another poster had mentioned . . . For my current tastes I should have done more research. This review by Nick Shabazz is almost to the letter as to what my opinion was after handling this model for only a few minutes:
 
91bravo said:
I think you should have done more research before dropping $400 on a knife you knew nothing about!
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Yeah, I think the OP got that. He seems good natured, happy to learn, not angry about his newbie error, and he doesn't need a dogpile.

OP, I think you're on the right track with ZT. That's a brand that seems to be more like what you're looking for in terms of action. Chris Reeve Knives are fantastic, but the action is more hydraulic, and they can't be opened the same way as an Axis lock Benchmade or a flipper opener.

If you're interested in knives in the same price range as CRK but which are good flippers as well, check out Reate.
 
I kn
91bravo said:
I think you should have done more research before dropping $400 on a knife you knew nothing about!
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I know about it now. And still feel of the same opinion. Im not ready for the big time arena of the custom knife world yet. So far Ive accummulated 8 production knives and for what I paid for the small sebenza I could add 3 others decent models to my collection.
How else is one to learn about this stuff? Maybe go to gun shows and be able to handle some custom ones in person or buy one in the forum and resell it like I will probably do with this one. Shabazz the reviewer actually liked the large Sebenza more than the small one as the larger one fit his hands more ergonomically. They both still had the same opening and closing stiffness yet he said they were extremely smooth for such a simple two washer design.
madcap_magician said:
Yeah, I think the OP got that. He seems good natured, happy to learn, not angry about his newbie error, and he doesn't need a dogpile.

OP, I think you're on the right track with ZT. That's a brand that seems to be more like what you're looking for in terms of action. Chris Reeve Knives are fantastic, but the action is more hydraulic, and they can't be opened the same way as an Axis lock Benchmade or a flipper opener.

If you're interested in knives in the same price range as CRK but which are good flippers as well, check out Reate.
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will do. thx for that brand name. since I use all my knifes for EDC I like an action that I can flick open instantly. The Sebenza is not of that design. But it is nice to be able to handle one. Seems many here are enamored with the CR’s so when I saw one come up I grabbed it figuring I could always resell it. I sent it into CR for their spa treatment as their C/s rep suggested if the opening and closing was overly stiff it might have a pinched washer. The blade was definitely off center, so I wanted them to adjust that before I re-list it here.
 
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My two cents, one of CRK's biggest selling point is the ability to disassemble and reassemble yourself and they include the wrench. It centers it's self with no fuss. There is no "open it half way, tighten this screw, then this screw, loosen that screw" schinanigan's. There's no 75 dollar special tool for the pivot. There's no red Loctite. With the hydraulic opening and closing, you won't find any side to side or up and down, CRK won't do that. Customer service is the top of the group. You can definitely wear the finish on the handle. It's build strong but it's not "built like a tank" and "murdery". We all find what works for us one way or another. I've done my circles of what works.
 
Roikyou said:
My two cents, one of CRK's biggest selling point is the ability to disassemble and reassemble yourself and they include the wrench. It centers it's self with no fuss. There is no "open it half way, tighten this screw, then this screw, loosen that screw" schinanigan's. There's no 75 dollar special tool for the pivot. There's no red Loctite. With the hydraulic opening and closing, you won't find any side to side or up and down, CRK won't do that. Customer service is the top of the group. You can definitely wear the finish on the handle. It's build strong but it's not "built like a tank" and "murdery". We all find what works for us one way or another. I've done my circles of what works.
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Ya, i found it super easy to take apart as the rep instructed me to do so and check the washers. they looked ok to me, but i sent it into CR anyway for them to check it out.

* I shipped it to them yesterday by my office overnight fedex. I just got an email from them saying they received it and it will be a 4-6 week turnaround. Good thing I have others to tide me over!
 
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madcap_magician said:
Yeah, I think the OP got that. He seems good natured, happy to learn, not angry about his newbie error, and he doesn't need a dogpile.

OP, I think you're on the right track with ZT. That's a brand that seems to be more like what you're looking for in terms of action. Chris Reeve Knives are fantastic, but the action is more hydraulic, and they can't be opened the same way as an Axis lock Benchmade or a flipper opener.

If you're interested in knives in the same price range as CRK but which are good flippers as well, check out Reate.
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Thx for the tip on Reate. Those are definitely more my tastes . . I can see they are built similar to the Sebenza quality wise https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Reate-Knives--1838#
They have similar styling to two of my current production type favorites: The BM 477-1 Emissary and the 490 Arcane:
BM490.jpg BM4771a.jpg
 
expidia1 said:
As another poster had mentioned . . . For my current tastes I should have done more research. This review by Nick Shabazz is almost to the letter as to what my opinion was after handling this model for only a few minutes:
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I caution you to follow knife reviews with a bit of reserve. Nick Shabazz is probably my favorite reviewer, but I also find that I disagree with him often. The only person who can evaluate a knife for you is YOU! Read, watch but ultimately get the knife in hand, use the knife and let your own senses decide. Nick often likes or dislikes knives for "personal" reasons; ergonomics, appearance and perceived value. Knife reviews are a great place to start but I'd suggest you spend some time using the knives you've bought rather than buying more. If your funds are truly unlimited, get the heck away from production knives and move on to customs!

Try watching knife reviews first with no sound and then with sound. The reveal might be surprising.

In reference to the review you posted; I find it a bit disingenuous to critique the CRK for it's simplicity at a $400 price tag where elsewhere he hails the Grimsmo Rask which starts at $1000 for RWL-34 steel. But that's just me. I REALLY am a jackass!

Also, when you go Gold to sell your Sebenza, make sure to include it's no longer LNIB as it's been disassembled by you and sent back to CRK for service.
 
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