I guess I'll add my opinion in here, for what it's worth.. I mean, we all have these opinions, and to appease every single knife nut on this board would be impossible.
My CRK experience is limited to the Classic Sebenza I purchased three and a half years ago.
To sum it up, the Sebenza is a rock solid knife of exceptionally high build quality. If it were but that, the price would not justify it. Where the Sebenza, and CRK as a whole, shines, is in the details. These are the things that get passed by on such knives as Benchmades, Spydercos, Kershaws, and the like. For example:
-The spine of the blade is rounded. This, although not that novel, is remarkably rarely done on any other production folder. It's an added bit of comfort and class, but is also an extra manufacturing step that most companies pass by because it would raise production prices.
-The pocket clip is not just screwed to the side of the handle, but instead a channel is actually milled into the titanium so that only one screw is needed, and it yet does not wiggle around.
-The edges of the handles are beveled, not once, but twice. Two distinct bevels are created in the 90 degree transition between the flat of the handle and the spine of the handle to create a more comfortable grip. Most folders are simply rounded, but to actually take the time to bevel it separately is novel.
-The blade grinds are symmetrical. Take a close look at 95-99% of any production folders out there and this will not be the case.
-The finish is well thought out and attractive. Mine's a wood inlay model, which has polished flats on the handles with bead blasted spines and lockbar. The blade has a satin finished grind with a stonewashed flat above the grind. These details are never done on production knives, with the exception of some higher end folders (ie SOG Fatcat)
These items are what I could come up off the top of my head. I could go on and probably raise half a dozen more points without working too hard, but I think you get the picture.
To answer your question, Nozh, I would prefer the steel behind the edge thinner than what it is, but for a working knife, which the Sebenza is, I would say it is reasonable. I also did not find the Sebenza that sharp out of the box. It's a convex edge that they leave on it, which is nice and durable, but fairly thick. I've rebeveled mine to make it work better for me.
These are my observations of CRK. It's the little details that makes the Sebenza what it is. Sure, there are knives out there that will perform just as well or better for many tasks, but you will not find another production folder out there for the price of the Sebenza that is as detail oriented.
Will I buy another Sebenza? I can almost guarantee I won't.
Will I ever sell mine? No.
YMMV.
Travis
