Buying My First Sebenza.... Which One?

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Krissig12

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Sep 11, 2013
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Hey CRK forum!

I'm looking for opinions on which version of the small 21 I should get.....

I'm tempted to just get a plain Jane version, as it would save me money and encourage me to use it more. But then again, I'm probably just getting this one sebenza, so I really feel I should get the 'perfect' one (for me)

I like a few of the computer generated patterns, and the cf inlay version, but I'm just not sure which one I should choose.... Which ones do you guys like, and why? Pics would be great as well! Thanks to everyone in advance
 
I was originally torn between the plain Jane and CF versions as well. I went with the plain Jane first and now have a CF one as well (full CF not inlayed though). If I had to do it over again, I'd still get the plain jane first. The way it wears, you tend to be able to bond with the knife very well (if that makes any sense).

The plain jane is just such a cool knife. It's so simple but so beautiful in it's simplicity. Since you don't see yourself buying another Sebenza soon, I'd recommend getting the plain jane even more, because if it's going to be a user, what better look for a user than worn out blasted ti??

2014-07-30%252017.55.23.jpg

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My first small seb was a full cf scale. I love it its light as a feather and carries nicely. I personally just like the cf on any knife.
My first seb was a plain 21 regular. I have no problem carrying it or using it. My seb 25 is also plain and I use it pretty hard actually.
The cf seb only sees pocket time on Sunday. Its real sheeple friendly.
All of the sebs are going to perform the same as well as have top notch quality.
So really it comes down cosmetics. A plain seb has a great user look. The inlaid sebs look like art.
You can't go wrong with any of them to be honest.
This will be your first seb for sure, but doubtful will be your last.
You will probably contract sebitus. There is no cure, currently known for this condition.
Happy hunting!
 
Thanks guys. I'll probably get the plain version for now. You're right anout the elegant simplicity of the plain small 21. Just an amazing knife!

I think if I had the cash, I would get a plain , a cf inlayed, and a gold leaf. That would be the perfect trio in my mind :thumbup:
 
What is your preferred blade finish?
While I like the plain jane version, I like the polished blade - that goes with the embelished handles - more.
I compared a CF scale version with the CGG handle version.
I prefer the polished blade and love the weight of the CF scale. Since I'm used to the weight of the Ti version, the CF feels kind of strange.
Like I'm missing something, I guess this is all about anticipation. If this is your first you could safe weight more easily.
This may also be an indication, that CRK sees the CF scale more as a hard use variant than embelishment.
If they put a polished blade in the CF handle, that would be my favorite.
Only you can deceide; this is just food for thinking.
red mag
 
Between my standard bladed version, and the insingo, I'm partial to the Insingo. It's just a very useful blade shape and does everything I ask of it very well. I'm fond of the micarta insert models as they make the handle feel a little fuller to me and seem easier to grip.

But truthfully, you can't go wrong with whichever model catches your eye. The hard part is trying to buy just one. ;)
 
Joe58 said:
Between my standard bladed version, and the insingo, I'm partial to the Insingo. It's just a very useful blade shape and does everything I ask of it very well. I'm fond of the micarta insert models as they make the handle feel a little fuller to me and seem easier to grip.

But truthfully, you can't go wrong with whichever model catches your eye. The hard part is trying to buy just one. ;)
Click to expand...

What he said. My first was a small plain 21 and I loved it. My favorite now is a large micarta insingo 21.
 
Im loving my large 21 with micarta inlays but id also be happy with a plain jane. I have a plain jane 25 coming in today, i love how the plain janes look when they get used.

My first was a plain jane 21 insingo, great blade it was great for slicing, I regret selling it.
 
The truth of the matter is that there aren't any Sebenzas that are lemons. So, whatever you pick will be a high quality, well-made, beautiful piece. It really boils down to personal preference as to whether you like embellished graphics, inlays, polished blades, stonewashed blades, carbon fiber, Ti, etc. Regardless of what you choose you will end up with one of the finest pocket knives known to man. Imagine that, you could pick randomly and blindly, hit the order button, and whatever gets delivered to your mailbox will be a fine choice!

As for me and my house? We serve the small plain Jane 21 Insingo:


 
I've kinda ruled out the insingo blade at this point..... Not that I dont appreciate its advantages (I have a ZT 0770cf with a similar blade shape). It's more about aesthetics to me, and in terms of looks I think it's impossible to beat the standard blade shape.

As to which blade finish I like...... Idk yet. I would have to see them both in person to decide whether the polished was "too nice to use". I definitely like the idea of a polished blade, but I think I can settle for the standard finish if it means that I'll be more willing to use it.

Another thing I've noticed is that certain versions have a sort of satin finish on the Ti, rather than the blasted finish of the standard version. Anyone care to describe the differences in grip, fingerprint-ability, etc? Does it look good? What's the story?

As far as inlays go, Ive ruled out wood and micarta, but the cf is still an option if I can find it in stock at blade hq. Otherwise, I'm just going with a plain Jane small 21 with the standard drop point blade.

Thanks for the help guys! Much appreciated:thumbup:
 
Small plain jane ==> exellent choice.
You will love it. The more you use it, the more you will love it.
red mag
 
I have wanted a CRK knife for the last 20 years. I finally got my first one a month ago- a small Sebenza 21 plain. As far as I am concerned it is the perfect EDC knife.

The first thing that drew me to CRK is the blade shape. I used to work in the custom home automation business and through trial and error discovered the blade shape that worked best for me. I like a blade with a good belly and the Sebenzas just looked good to me. There was an elegance to the shape that really resonated with me. Unfortunately I could not afford one at the time and made due with a first gen Spyderco Native which is still with me.

Fast forward to now and I have the knife I have wanted for a long time. And I love it. If I were still working on a construction site every day I would have gone for a Large, but since I spend much more time with non-knife/tool people these days the Small is perfect for me. It fits my pocket and hand well and the plain scales age well. I like the scuffs and marks it gains over time. When it goes in for a spa treatment, one of these days, I will not get the handles blasted.

TL,DR: I suggest the Small Plain Sebenza. It will get used wihout concern of messing up an inlay or design and the wearing in will tell your knife's story. If you choose to get another later on, you can decide on a fancy one.
 
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I didn't start with a plain one and probably won't ever own one. I knew from other knives I had owned that I didn't like completely plain metallic scales on the presentation side of a knife and therefore didn't have an interest in the "plain jane" Sebenza. So I started with with a small micarta insingo and was hooked. I also like CF scales so my next one was a large KnifeArt CF insingo. Since then I've added a small CGG "Geometric" and a Mnandi.

Also, don't fool yourself into believing "I'm probably just getting this one sebenza"... like Lay's potato chips, you can't have just one!

14E68618-2C65-4DA7-A90A-87CE5485DC16.jpg
 
TechDoc said:
I didn't start with a plain one and probably won't ever own one. I knew from other knives I had owned that I didn't like completely plain metallic scales on the presentation side of a knife and therefore didn't have an interest in the "plain jane" Sebenza. So I started with with a small micarta insingo and was hooked. I also like CF scales so my next one was a large KnifeArt CF insingo. Since then I've added a small CGG "Geometric" and a Mnandi.

Also, don't fool yourself into believing "I'm probably just getting this one sebenza"... like Lay's potato chips, you can't have just one!

14E68618-2C65-4DA7-A90A-87CE5485DC16.jpg
Click to expand...

I'll try my hardest! I think the money will be a serious deterrent, so I might just be able to keep this resolution! :)

Btw, nice collection you have there :thumbup:

As much as I love cf, i just cant bring myself to like the version with the full cf slab on the one side. I don't really like the asymmetrical look, and for whatever reason I feel like I'm compromising a little bit of strength. Probably not true, but still.... For me, it's full Ti or die:D
 
Realistically, I am probably never going to put a knife to enough "hard use" to worry about breaking CF, especially a Sebenza. That being said, I love the ones with carbon fiber inlays and think they look even better than the CF scale. However these are even more expensive and are currently sold out as a BladeHQ exclusive.

I know you mentioned that you weren't considering micarta, but this is going to be the "grippiest" of all of the scale choices.

chris-reeve-large-sebenza-21-black-carbon-fiber-folder.jpg
 
TechDoc said:
Realistically, I am probably never going to put a knife to enough "hard use" to worry about breaking CF, especially a Sebenza. That being said, I love the ones with carbon fiber inlays and think they look even better than the CF scale. However these are even more expensive and are currently sold out as a BladeHQ exclusive.

I know you mentioned that you weren't considering micarta, but this is going to be the "grippiest" of all of the scale choices.

chris-reeve-large-sebenza-21-black-carbon-fiber-folder.jpg
Click to expand...


I'm with you. The cf inlay would be my dream sebenza:thumbup:
 
Don't buy no ugly knife and a plain sebenza is ugly and once it is scratched up it is uglier. The blasted blade is ugly as well. There is a lot better ways to finish titanium and steel than the way CRK does for the basic sebenza.

This kept me from buying a sebenza for years until if foud a ccg that I could see, pick up and handle. It was pretty, it was shiny and had a shiny blade. I waited a full year until I could go to a B&M and pick out a cg one in person. It was worth it.

Don't buy no ugly knife.
 
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