BM750 vs. Large Sebenza

Brian_T · Oct 28, 1999

I am considering the purchase of a Large Sebenza based solely on what I've read here on Bladeforums.com. There isn't a dealer anywhere in Illinois so I have never had the opportunity to hold or see a real Sebenza. While in the knife shop today, I saw the Benchmade Pinnacle (BM750) and commented to the guy behind the counter that it looked a lot like the Sebenza.

What are the differences between the two knives other than the price? Also, what is it that makes the Sebenza worth three times the cost of the BM750? I don't doubt the value of the Large Sebenza but wonder why the difference is so large. Is it materials? finish? workmanship?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Brian.
brianthornburg@home.com

Daniel · Oct 28, 1999

I have both and the answer is--

Yes-materials
Yes-fit and finish
Yes-workmanship

NO COMPARISON>>>> Handle the Sebenza and the 750 side by side and you will see what I mean.

If you want to buy a 750- I will sell you mine NIB for $85!

Daniel

Brian_T · Oct 28, 1999

Daniel,

Thanks for the quick reply. The reason I have this question is because I can't handle the knives side by side. I did get to handle the BM750 today and it is an interesting knife. I've never owned a knife with that kind of locking mechanism and, being a southpaw, trying to unlock the blade and close the knife with my weak hand was a trick.

Do all of the little things on the Sebenza really make it THAT much better than the Benchmade? If so, I'll be in the market for one ASAP. The Benchmade was nice but it didn't blow my socks off. Cool concept though--and great looking.

Come on you Sebenza owners out there, I know you bought your first Sebenza for a reason and I'm just curious to know what it was.

Thanks again,

Brian.
brianthornburg@home.com

JoHnYKwSt · Oct 29, 1999

Brian,

If you liked the 750, you'll love the sebenza. I bought one because I wanted the best folder, I still believe it is the best folder around. Also you can get a lefty sebenza made.

If you haven't seen side by side comparison pics of the two knives you can find them at James Mattis' website http://www.chaicutlery.com/chrisreeve.html

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Johnny
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R.D.M. · Oct 29, 1999

Hi Brian
I can't comment on the large I have a small and Umfaan. I wasn't able to handle a small Sebenza before I bought it, but after reading about them on the forum, I decided to take a chance(It's not like you would be stuck with it if you didn't like it, you can always resell it). Well I haven't been able to put it down since then. I have handled a 750 and I think the big difference is the QC, alot more detail was taken putting the Sebenza together. I have a few Benchmade's that I've been lucky on, if you look real close you can see areas that could use alittle more detail but They all function properly. sorry for rambling.
Ray

Deon · Oct 29, 1999

With the Sebenza you pay for the quality of the blade steel (BG 42) the excellent Reeve heattreat on the blade (both of which the Benchmade,imo, does not even come close to), the superior fit and finish, a knife that the maker is so confident about that he gives you a tool with the knife so you can take it apart (BM does not want you to take their knife apart), a knife that you can have resored to original condition by the maker for $20.00,a finish on the blade that is better than satin or bead blast or mirror polish on a working knife, do I need to go on?. Imo there is no comparrison between the two knives. It's like comparing a Porche to a porche replica fiberglass with a VW bug flat four 1600 engine. I believe seriously that you get what you pay for, especially with the Sebenza.

You definately wont make a mistake in getting a Sebenza!

Brian_T · Oct 29, 1999

Thanks everybody.

This is EXACTLY the kind of information I am looking for.

Are you comfortable using the Sebenza for everyday duty or would you rather use something cheaper?

Thanks again,

Brian.
brianthornburg@home.com

PS. This place is great.

Brian_T · Oct 29, 1999

Some things I forgot:

How do you keep from losing your Sebenza?

JoHnYKwSt--thanks for the link to the pics. I see someone else has seen the similarities. (I wonder if it's intentional?

)

James (Chai Cutlery) if you're out there, I may be giving you a call SOON.

Thanks all,

Brian.
brianthornburg@home.com

Mr Blonde · Oct 29, 1999

also, with a sebenza you are also buying the most excellent service and customer care I have seen on the internet! In this respect they may very well be the most customer friendly knife company out there. The CRK care for your knife doesn't stop with you paying the bill!

the4th · Oct 29, 1999

I would probably own and carry the Pinnacle if I hadn't come across such a steal on my Sebenza. I do prefer the Sebenza's steel, but that doesn't make it worth the extra $200.00 in my opinion.

How do I keep from losing it? It's a $325.00 knife! That's how!

Marion David Poff · Oct 29, 1999

I was going through what you are a while ago.

I had owned an S-2 but lost it and was thinking that it and the Pinnacle were comparable to the Sebenza.

They are not, the Sebenza is the hands down winner.

Phororous Bronza thrust washers. Pivot Bushing. Etc

My Sebenza is wonderful.

I tightened the clip up.

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Marion David Poff aka Eye, one can msg me at mdpoff@hotmail.com If I fail to check back with this thread and you want some info, email me.

My site is at: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/1770 Including my review of the Kasper AFCK, thougths on the AFCK and interview of Bob Kasper.

"We will either find a way, or make one." Hannibal, 210 B.C.

Ryan Meyering · Oct 29, 1999

Like you, there is no Sebenza dealer anywhere around me (of which I am aware), so I bought one over the internet. It was a great buy... Reeve's 100% QC check gave me a lot more comfort buying sight unseen than I would have with any other production knife.

About a week after I bought mine, I used it to carve a sword for my son from a fairly hard piece of wood, and was amazed that the knife held up so well after so much chopping and carving; it still sliced free-hanging paper cleanly. I was really expecting it to be dull!

So, I decided to see what it would take to dull it. A few hundred hard chops into a hardened oak fence post did the trick, but it was amazingly easy to resharpen... took a couple of minutes on my Sharpmaker.

And no, I did not chop up anybody's fence... just a scrap piece of fence post.

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

JoHnYKwSt · Oct 29, 1999

Brian by all means use the knife!!! You will never fully appreciate it until you use it and use it a lot. I remember when I first got my sebenza and people told me that if I used it I would like it even more. Well they were right. You really have to use one to fully appreciate it.

I just recently acquired a Benchmade 705. While it's fun to play with, it just made me appreciate my sebenza even more--mostly the design and placement of the thumbstud vs the 705. The sebenza still goes into my pocket everyday.

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Johnny
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Brian_T · Oct 29, 1999

So, it sounds like the overwhelming opinion here is that I should save the extra dough and buy the Sebenza.

Did I get that right?

It sure seems like Sebenza owners have strong feelings about their knives.

Now, since I will have to save up to get one anyway, Plain or Decorated?

Thanks all,

Brian.
brianthornburg@home.com

stjames · Oct 29, 1999

A left-handed Sebenza. Order one now and start saving.

Get a plain handle, so you won't hesitate to use it. Think hard about large vs. small. A lot of people tend to get the large, thinking more bang for your buck, but the small is more versatile, going from hard work to a suit pocket with ease. The large is a surprising amount of blade on a 3.5 folder. If you think you will carry a small Sebenza more, then it is a better buy.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA

JoHnYKwSt · Oct 30, 1999

For your first sebenza Brian (notice I said first) get a plain for sure. You can get the decorated ones later on.

-Johnny

RGRAY · Oct 30, 1999

Welcome Brian, I see this is your 8th thread. James said it best. There is no comparison if you want to spend the money. The Sebenza will last you FOREVER. You can pass it to your kids. If you just want a very good knife, have you considered a BM Axis? I am left hander and love the Axis. I see you are left handed. If you get a chance post to the "Lefties Forum" thread here.

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RICK LEFTIES UNITE

[This message has been edited by RGRAY (edited 30 October 1999).]

Eric R · Oct 30, 1999

Save for it. You'll appreciate it. Use it.

This has been said before, but I think it bears repeating. In addition to a phenomenal knife, you're also buying customer service second to none. I can't say enogh about how much the Reeves care about their customers, and how often they demonstrate that. They really, truly, want you to be happy and to have the best knife in the world. Period. You won't go wrong, and if for some reason you don't want the knife you can always sell it in a heartbeat.

Also, buy with confidence from the dealers here. James Mattis, Murray Haday, Shannon Lew... and most of the rest (oh no, now I left someone out... I know it). Don't waste your precious time and energy chasing all over Indiana. Give one of these worthy individuals the order. You'll be happy you did.

Eric

Rene E. Roy · Oct 30, 1999

Do you know if the Sebenza is available for left handers...I have been cursed!!! So many knives I want and can't use!
Rene

www.geocities.com/roy_knives/blades.html

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If at first you don't succeed, buy more knifemaking equipment!

Daniel · Oct 30, 1999

Yes, the Sebenza is available in left-handed models in every size.

If you want one without the need to close it one-handed, you could also consider having a dual stud mounted by Reeve. This would reduce your search. It took me a while to get my lefty, but well worth it. Now for a decorated one and an Umfaan.

Daniel

BM750 vs. Large Sebenza

Sebenzanista