Chris Reeve Inlays - worth it?

Yes, it’s worth the extra money. I have several with micarta, in reality, the micarta is slightly wider for a better grip but not by much. I can’t really tell the difference between a plain and micarta CRK. For me, the micarta offers a better grip in wet conditions. Down here in the south, we don’t get many cold days, plenty of humid hot days that need a little extra grip to prevent a knife from slipping out of your hand.
 
Hmmm, I don't know man. I think it's just a person to person decision and persional preference type thing. My first Sebenza was a small Classic MM with micarta. I kind of wished I got a PJ instead at that time, however I also wished I got the large. Now days I don't really know. I have both PJ and inlays, and they both shine in different ways. I love the way a PJ gets a nice patina over time. The inlay models definitely don't as much patina throughout the years which can be good or bad depending on what you like.
 
PJ all day. There’s a reason you can readily buy inlays from any dealer. PJs are always sold out. I have both but definitely prefer PJ

Exotic inlays are pretty awesome looking tho
 
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Sagandavis said:
PJ all day. There’s a reason you can readily buy inlays from any dealer. PJs are always sold out. I have both but definitely prefer PJ
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You're assuming that it's not about the extra expense as opposed to it being a superior choice. Not everyone wants to pay the additional freight.

Not sure how you can ever know which is the overriding factor.

(I'm agnostic on the matter...I have and like both.)
 
I am partial since I prefer the plain Jain CRK over the ones with inlays
It is true for the Sebenza and the Inkosi as well ;)

The inlays have some advantages and depending on you , the small extra width can be an advantage

IMHO they are not worth it, at least for me

However if you really use your knives hard and do a lot of push cuts it may be a little bit more comfortable
 
Any CRK you have the ability and opportunity to purchase, is absolutely worth it!

That said, my small Sebenza 31 with black canvas micarta inlay, has been an unexpected little dose of perfection!

So, yes!
 
Alberta Ed said:
Gotta be mastodon ivory. Meanwhile I'll stick with my plain Jane Sebbie 21.
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That was my thought, somehow paying $400 more for mammoth ivory seemed more sensible than paying $100 more for common micarta. CRK has a knack for influencing people to reconsider what they would never spend money on, though... The inlays do fill the hand a little better and give you some traction, but I probably wouldn't use my CRK's for anything hard enough for that to make a critical difference.

Unfortunately, they stopped using mammoth ivory due to the dwindling supply of quality material. I think the Sebenza 21 and Mnandi were the last to use it; to my knowledge the 25, 31, and Inkosi have never been offered with that option.
 
I have one micarta Inkozi & a couple plain janes. I'm fine with either, but the plain janes seem to get carried more for some reason.
 
The micarta inlays aren’t worth it to me, I’ve sold both the 21 and 31 I had with them. The wood inlays have been worth it to me though due to the variation of the different species, grain, color, etc.
 
i own both, plane and inlays, but I like the inlays a little better, just feels right in my hand, is it worth the 100.00 extra! that would be up to you.
 
All things being equal I tend to prefer them. I live in an incredibly hot climate and it is actually quite shocking how hot a titanium slab can get if even left out for five minutes in direct sun.

I definitely prefer the split inlays like the 21 or Inkosi have, the way my fingers fall into them when wrapped around the handle is just about perfect.
 
Ajack60 said:
Yes, it’s worth the extra money. I have several with micarta, in reality, the micarta is slightly wider for a better grip but not by much. I can’t really tell the difference between a plain and micarta CRK. For me, the micarta offers a better grip in wet conditions. Down here in the south, we don’t get many cold days, plenty of humid hot days that need a little extra grip to prevent a knife from slipping out of your hand.
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I live in Florida, so this is applicable.
 
Kettleman said:
View attachment 2367236Another thing to consider in grippiness is that the older models classic, 21, 25 and Inkosi used edge cut micarta and the 31 uses top sliced. I thing the edge cut has more grip.

EDIT I think Im wrong. I looks like my 31 is linen not the canvas. Both edge cut it appears.
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Have you gotten your micarta wet and dirty, exposed to the sun and all that stuff? I wonder the likelihood of needing to get the inlays replaced over time due to wear from the elements.
 
Ive had micarta smalls that i put thru the ringer and they never flinched. Actually sent one thru the washing machine. When they get really dirty i just douse them with dawn liquid and scrub them off.

CRK will replace micarta on current production models only.
 
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