Can someone please explain the allure of Sebenzas?

chasden

chasden

Joined
Oct 5, 2004
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513
A great many people talk about Sebenzas in reverential tones around here. Maybe because I've never owned one I don't get it. :confused: Can someone please explain the allure of Sebenzas?
 
From what I understand, simple, reliable, good materials, and good form/function. Pretty much everything you'd want in an EDC folder. I have yet to own one but have been interested in checking one out too.
 
there have been lots of posts like this in the past. Pull up a chair, get some popcorn.

I don't have one either, but I'm very tempted.
 
I dont own one either, and I didnt get the allure at first. The more and more I look at them though the closer I get to purchasing one. It really does look like the perfect edc to me, clean look, simple, and functional. Now I just have to decide between large and small and if I want the regular, classic, or 21.
 
I don't own one either,but from what I've read it's supposed to be the folder of all folders.I hope to pick one up someday.
 
been lots of posts like this in the past.
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Hundreds probably.

Here's my favorite quote about the issue from Sal at Spyderco:

Hi Dulleddown,

More profit is usually associated with higher price. That's normal. Profit is usually a percentage of sales price. To think that a high priced auto should garner the same proft as a low priced auto is not in accord with business. It might be the same percentage, but being more expensive, it will be more profit.

Unless you are a manufacturer, familiar with close tolerance manufacturing of heat treated steel & Titanium parts, you are not likely to be able to see all of the differences between one of Chris' knives and others. For example; CRK keeps 0.0005 tolerance on surface grinding. That's one sixth the thickness of a hair. Do you have the knowledsge and equipment to discover that tolerance?

In the end, it's all about trust. CRK took many years to build and maintain their repuation. Built with consistent focus. Even those trying to make a "cheaper" version must "leave out processes" or "soften their tolerance", or they will cost as much.

Rarely do you pay for the "name". That's a bullshit sales pitch made up by the ignorant claiming to offer the same for less. Money valuation between countries might offer a "deal" for a while until the money value balances, but all in all, you will get what you pay for.
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I get 403 threads when I searched the main forum, here's a few:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513653

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=567125

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541180

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=509962

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=474043

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456378
 
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A man, Chris Reeve, designed one of the ultimate folders, ever. Research the features of the Sebenza. Then---you will get one. ;)
 
DaveH said:
Hundreds probably.

Here's my favorite quote about the issue from Sal at Spyderco:



I get 403 threads when I searched the main forum, here's a few:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513653

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=567125

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541180

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=509962

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=474043

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456378
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Dave

As usual, hits the nail on the head. A common theme from non "Sebbie" owners asking the owners to justify their purchase.

My only comment is - go buy one, use it, get it scuffed up and dull (may take a while) and then see the real value of a CRK Knife. Send it back to the "spa" at CRK and get it renewed. Their customer service are bar none the best in the business.

If you don't like the knife, simply resell it and most likely you will get your entire or close to your investment returned. If you do like it, guaranteed it won't be the only one you will own.
 
Dave, that's a great qoute from Sal. Two things come to mind. First, Sal is not a CRK cheerleader -- he's a competitor. For me, this makes his statements all the more credible. Second, to state the obvious, Sal Glesser is a class act.

My advice to the Sebenza-curious is to buy one used on the for sale forum. They show up there regularly. Then use it long enough to determine if you like it. Make sure you take it apart at least once to see how it's put together. If you decide it's not for you, you'll very likely be able to sell it for what you paid for it. No risk involved.
 
I hope to be able to fondle it in a shop one day. I must say that it doesn't particularly attract me but all the hoopla made me curious. The Mnandi however is something I see myself ordering as I think it's very pretty and in general I am more into "gentleman" type knives.
 
the first time I saw a Sebenza I loved the look of the knife, it was just one of those knives that hit all the right points for me.
However the price was way out of reach for a 13 year old.
I didn't care, I told myself someday I will get one.
I checked out a few at knife shows/stores to see if I wanted reg, classic large or small.
After my first deployment with a swollen bank account I went the first day I could to a store I knew carried them and picked up my large regular, it has been in a pocket everyday since then.
Through 2 deployments, many camping trips.
I absolutely love this knife, to me there is not another that compares to the design, comfort, utility, strength, fit and finish, and customer service.

And there are alot of people who look at me like I'm mad when they find out I keep a 400$ knife in m pocket and use it daily.
But is most defiinately a knife for me. And if you think it might be a knife for you, take the plunge if you can afford it and if you aren't happy sell it to me!
CRK puts alot of pride into thier blades and you can see thet when you hold one
 
RNST said:
Dave

As usual, hits the nail on the head. A common theme from non "Sebbie" owners asking the owners to justify their purchase.

My only comment is - go buy one, use it, get it scuffed up and dull (may take a while) and then see the real value of a CRK Knife. Send it back to the "spa" at CRK and get it renewed. Their customer service are bar none the best in the business.

If you don't like the knife, simply resell it and most likely you will get your entire or close to your investment returned. If you do like it, guaranteed it won't be the only one you will own.
Click to expand...

How much does it cost to send the knife back to the "spa"?
 
Dagon, a note on the incomparable Mnandi:

I was going out one day, grabbed my Spyderco Native, stopped, picked up the Mnandi and compared blades. Same length cutting edge. At least as durable a frame. Beautiful working jewelry. :)

Gentlemen, this thread started off with five posts by people who do not own Sebenzas, followed fortunately by DaveH with what is probably THE definitive answer to The Question. I think I'll save it to bring up again and again when people ask!
 
Antihero17 said:
How much does it cost to send the knife back to the "spa"?
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Sharpening is free. If your knife is really messed up and you want it to look like it's out of the factory you have the option to pay for that. I think it's $30 for that.
 
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