Choosing a first CRK sebenza 31

HexY3co said:
Been considering a small 31 tanto magna. I have the inkosi tanto and would never change it for the other blades, I've had them all and the insingo and DP are limited in use. The tanto is just a more versatile blade by a long shot.
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I have them all and like them all...however, there are many reasonable folks here that would have a different point of view.

I don't think anyone can legitimately claim the superiority of one over the others without adding "in my humble opinion". A less divisive solution...imho.
 
Blues said:
I have them all and like them all...however, there are many reasonable folks here that would have a different point of view.

I don't think anyone can legitimately claim the superiority of one over the others without adding "in my humble opinion". A less divisive solution...imho.
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Not exactly true. It is easy to say that one is superior after having them all and being able to perform more functions with one over the others. The tanto has 2 distinct tips and edges that provide different functions, the insingo and dp only have one edge and tip. For someone that uses the additional functions the tanto is superior and easily proven during use. It's not a general statement. If a user doesn't need the extra functions it doesn't change the fact that they exist.
 
I have and like both, but find myself with a sneaking sort of preference for the small. Especially in regular work pants, it sits fine in my pocket unclipped along with a flashlight. Come summer, and with it the cargo shorts I wear, I'm sure the large is going to see more carry.

Never have I ever used the small and felt under knifed. It's also a bit easier to use in a subtle manner if unsure about how surrounding folk might react.

The large is a good choice for a "one knife" sort of scenario when you're not sure what the day might bring. If I didn't keep a sheath knife and machete nearby on the job, it would likely be my go to.

Side by side of when I had a large on loan from Kettleman Kettleman . It now resides with me permanently.
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HexY3co said:
Not exactly true. It is easy to say that one is superior after having them all and being able to perform more functions with one over the others. The tanto has 2 distinct tips and edges that provide different functions, the insingo and dp only have one edge and tip. For someone that uses the additional functions the tanto is superior and easily proven during use. It's not a general statement. If a user doesn't need the extra functions it doesn't change the fact that they exist.
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And vice-versa. The belly of the DP allows you to rock it. Which is a function missing with the Tanto.
 
HexY3co said:
Been considering a small 31 tanto magna. I have the inkosi tanto and would never change it for the other blades, I've had them all and the insingo and DP are limited in use. The tanto is just a more versatile blade by a long shot.
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I've had a tanto before and didn't really care for it. Maybe I was missing something but what makes it more versatile in your opinion?
 
Wild Willie said:
I have and like both, but find myself with a sneaking sort of preference for the small. Especially in regular work pants, it sits fine in my pocket unclipped along with a flashlight. Come summer, and with it the cargo shorts I wear, I'm sure the large is going to see more carry.

Never have I ever used the small and felt under knifed. It's also a bit easier to use in a subtle manner if unsure about how surrounding folk might react.

The large is a good choice for a "one knife" sort of scenario when you're not sure what the day might bring. If I didn't keep a sheath knife and machete nearby on the job, it would likely be my go to.

Side by side of when I had a large on loan from Kettleman Kettleman . It now resides with me permanently.
View attachment 2440528
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The small Inkosi has grown on me a fair bit (even though I love my large Seb as well). Since I often have a 3-4" fixed blade on me, the small Inkosi compliments it well and is handier for little tasks, where sometimes the larger folder feels redundant.
 
I’ve not only been where you are but have since owned a few of each.
For me the small is a fantastic all around edc knife without a doubt. I’ve owned it in both PJ and Micarta and with all 3 blade styles. I’ve carried and used it at work in the trades and around the house.
It’s a knife you will be completely happy with…until you handle and carry the large.
You cannot experience the real Sebenza in the small format ( in my humble opinion). It was designed as a full size knife from the beginning and you get that when it’s in hand. The small is comprise to allow people to carry a smaller perhaps legal and sheep friendly blade. Personally I let all my smalls go and replaced them with the Mnandi with is an exceptional pocket knife.
The Sebenza is a large knife that carries like a small. It is incredibly user friendly and pretty much sheeple friendly with its slow roll opening and simple looks.
As for blade style, well it was created as a PJ DP and could have gone on that way forever and been just fine.
The Insingo blade is amazing and the best upgrade the Sebenza ever received. It’s really the perfect EDC blade style of most users I would say.
The tanto, well the Tanto guys will work hard to come up with a legit reason to own it for more than looks. I’ve owned many and the only thing the Tanto can begin to claim superiority in is draw cuts. Cool but nothing I can’t adjust my wrist angle and do with the other two.

My opinion is buy a L31 PJ DP and experience as close to a true Sebenza that can be purchased on the retail market. Use the piss out of it and break it in naturally and you will be in awe. Once you realize you have assented to the pinnacle or the Ti Frame Lock folder, do yourself a solid and pick up a 21, you will thank me later.


Edit to add, others have mentioned the Inkosi and they are not wrong. I believe it’s the best knife CRK makes and the finish to Chris Reeves work on the Sebenza. It is just amazing and the only reason I no longer own and carry one exclusively is my growing admiration and passion for the evolution of the Sebenza which has steered my collection to just those( and I have a couple 25’s)
 
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Qball45jr said:
I've had a tanto before and didn't really care for it. Maybe I was missing something but what makes it more versatile in your opinion?
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The tanto has a curved belly that works just like the dp. The tip pierces like either the dp or ins. The tanto however allows the second tip to be used for cutting at a much lower angle giving better control in some applications like box/tape cutting and the small edge I use for things like chiseling and fine work that neither of the other can do at all. It's not just opinion it is a fact in daily application that the tanto provides more options for use. I am surprised you didn't find a need or use for the other functions because I use mine quite often. To each his own.
 
HexY3co said:
Been considering a small 31 tanto magna. I have the inkosi tanto and would never change it for the other blades, I've had them all and the insingo and DP are limited in use. The tanto is just a more versatile blade by a long shot.
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Isn't the tanto usually considered the least versatile of the CRK blade shapes?
 
jmgruber said:
Isn't the tanto usually considered the least versatile of the CRK blade shapes?
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I don't personally think it matters. What matters is what matters to the owner. That said, making sweeping statements as to what's "best" and painting it as objectively true...certainly seems a bit of a stretch.

He did say "to each his own" in his last post...so that seems to have solved that issue.
 
Blues said:
I don't personally think it matters. What matters is what matters to the owner. That said, making sweeping statements as to what's "best" and painting it as objectively true...certainly seems a bit of a stretch.

He did say "to each his own" in his last post...so that seems to have solved that issue.
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I shouldn't even weigh in until I have at least tried all the blade shapes!
 
I have both and am happy with both. My only piece of advice is to buy here on the exchange where you can usually get a great deal on one that’s barely been used and it will hold its value. I have found the CRK community here on bladeforumns to be great guys that are happy to offer great deals to fellow enthusiasts. And as previously said, don’t fret to hard on this decision because you will quickly have both and many more!
 
mitchnola said:
I have both and am happy with both. My only piece of advice is to buy here on the exchange where you can usually get a great deal on one that’s barely been used and it will hold its value. I have found the CRK community here on bladeforumns to be great guys that are happy to offer great deals to fellow enthusiasts. And as previously said, don’t fret to hard on this decision because you will quickly have both and many more!
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And you might as well start looking at Zaans as well 😂
 
Qball45jr said:
I've been into knives the last couple years. My typical carry is a Benchmade bugout or a 940. Been eyeing getting a sebenza for awhile now and can't make up my mind on large or small. There are no dealers close to me so not like I can go check them out. I've watched tons of videos and read through threads on forums. Is the small going to be too small? Or the large to large? I had a PM2 for a bit, but didn't like the way it sat in the pocket. Thanks for any insight.
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The small is far to small for me. I have a small 21 black micarta that is otherwise a great knife, but i just cant bring myself to carry it! I find the large to be perfect size for me. For reference i wear an xl glove
 
I’d urge you to try a large Inkosi before any 31. 31s require a personal investment in patience, initial disappointment, cleaning/washer polishing, and cracked finger tips. They ARE NOT fidget friendly!

Are you going to open this knife once or twice each day to cut things? Or, are you going to sit on the couch and fidget with it? That’s really the only question here. Nothing wrong with fidgeting. But, if that’s your goal, a 31 is the wrong choice.
 
jacobconroy75 said:
I’d urge you to try a large Inkosi before any 31. 31s require a personal investment in patience, initial disappointment, cleaning/washer polishing, and cracked finger tips. They ARE NOT fidget friendly!

Are you going to open this knife once or twice each day to cut things? Or, are you going to sit on the couch and fidget with it? That’s really the only question here. Nothing wrong with fidgeting. But, if that’s your goal, a 31 is the wrong choice.
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This is the way
 
Qball45jr said:
I've had a tanto before and didn't really care for it. Maybe I was missing something but what makes it more versatile in your opinion?
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He REALLY wants it to be true, so it must be. Its practically a swiss army knife buddy.
 
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