Chris Reeve or William Henry for EDC?

T

th0m

Joined
Feb 14, 2007
Messages
71
I'm looking for the one EDC to end all others. I'm selling every knife I've got (except for a Spydie Kiwi MOPA that I just like too much) to get either a small classic Sebbie, a Mnandi or a WH Lancet B10 TZ from the new 2008 collection.

Which do you think would be the better choice?
 
You can't go wrong with the Sebenza. The size is exceptional for EDC either clipped to the pocket or carried in the pocket.
 
Really depends on your lifestyle, needs, and desire- what do you need the knife to do on a daily basis, how do you usually dress, what turns you on the most, etc.?

For me, I don't see a Sebenza as an EDC unless you wear jeans. The Mnandi can go from jeans to a suit, and the WH is more of a suit knife. This may sound like I'm waaay to fashion conscious, but if you think about it, your uses will usually vary by how you are dressed too- not too many guys working on the roof in a suit!

Personally, I like my Mnandi the best for EDC among my more expensive folders. I have much less expensive knives that will do what I would need a Sebenza for, and I paid too much for my WH to want risk it everyday. Not that there's anything wrong with my WH- I would love to get to the point where I was comfortable throwing a $700 knife in the pocket of my levis everyday, but for now, it's my "dress-up" knife.
 
Very good point MVF. Both the Mnandi and the WH looks so nice and delicate, I'm not sure if I'd really put them through the hard use they deserve. I'm starting to lean more towards the Seb because it looks so rugged that I probably wouldn't care so much if it got a few scratches.

Hard choice...
 
Save your money get a Delica or Al Mar Falcon for carry and then it ya want get a beautiful William Henry to stay safe in a drawer or safe. For the life of me i can't see paying that much for such a pretty knife to risk losing it or scratching it up with use, but maybe that's just me.
 
The WH was a gift. Both the Mnandi and WH are not as "delicate" as they look (especially the Mnandi). For true hard use, I personally would not go for S30V. For everyday and hard use I like my EDC- a Mini-Grip
 
th0m said:
I'm looking for the one EDC to end all others. I'm selling every knife I've got (except for a Spydie Kiwi MOPA that I just like too much) to get either a small classic Sebbie, a Mnandi or a WH Lancet B10 TZ from the new 2008 collection.

Which do you think would be the better choice?
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I'm with T.K.C. My small regular Sebbie goes everywhere with me 100% of the time. Works fine for all the EDC-type chores I have to do. Slacks, suit, tux, or BVDs, that Sebbie is always there... somewhere.
 
It depends what you want in an edc folder. I have and carry examples of both. Both companies offer VERY nice knives. I am without a doubt a Sebenza man, have been for years. For me, the Sebbie is what I carry when at play and on duty. When dressed up, or if I want a little flavor for the day, I'll carry a WHK. This probably doesn't help at all, does it :D Buy a Sebenza first, you can't go wrong. I know that's what everybody says but it is the truth. After the newness wears off, buy a WHK. You will be pleased with both.
 
Hey Thom and Welcome!
Do it buddy...I am in the same process now I am just waiting for a Lefty full size Micarta Sebenza. They are amazing knives.
 
I agree with MVF's first post. Mnandi is a terrific EDC, available with a good choice of handle materials, clip can go into shirt pocket or pants and the blade has enough size for light EDC tasks. I also have a couple Sebbys and a William Henry - all good knives so actually you can't make a 'bad' decision here! Good luck.
 
I'm experiencing this same dilema. I'm saving up a good amount of money, and will be purchasing the be-all end-all EDC knife. As I mainly spend my time in an office environment, I'm looking in the same places as th0m. I'm ready to move up from a Spyderco Kopa Gold pearl to either a William Henry with ZDP, or a Mnandi with some exotic handle material.

I've also been thinking about a custom, but I'm too much of a "gotta have it now" type person that I don't think I could wait for a knife to be designed and made for me.

Daniel
 
Daniel Dorn said:
.....I've also been thinking about a custom, but I'm too much of a "gotta have it now" type person that I don't think I could wait for a knife to be designed and made for me.

Daniel
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Funny you should say that.....own a few WH knives, and 3 Sebenzas....am not rich....just apply patience and work hard for what I want...IMO, the John W. Smith Evolution and RJ Martin Havoc are the best EDC's to date....price....around $475.00....pretty reasonable when you consider that you can have a TOTALLY useable knife that exists in quanities measured in hundreds or less, vs. thousands.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
same trouble just before x-mas time, i was able to handle both in a shop in san francisco.
got to say , outstanding experience, both excellent quality, fit and finish.
while the HENRY uses quality materials, jewels,accents and such, REEVE won out.
the owner of the shop carries the HENRY every day and says he's not afraid to use it for anything. however, for me personally, the REEVE just felt more solid over all.
cost was not the factor as this was a one time purchase for me. i bought the small regular and couldn't be more happy. a long time Benchmade carrier used to the axis lock so still getting used to the frame lock.
thanks for the opportunity to chime in.
good luck
 
MVF said:
Really depends on your lifestyle, needs, and desire- what do you need the knife to do on a daily basis, how do you usually dress, what turns you on the most, etc.?

For me, I don't see a Sebenza as an EDC unless you wear jeans. The Mnandi can go from jeans to a suit, and the WH is more of a suit knife. This may sound like I'm waaay to fashion conscious, but if you think about it, your uses will usually vary by how you are dressed too- not too many guys working on the roof in a suit!
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Good way to phrase it.

I have a older WH with Redwood Burl as my fancy gentleman's knife or Sunday Go to Church knife, however you want to call it. Of course back when I got it I only paid $275 for it. It's a very nice knife, but at today's prices, I would get the CRK Mnandi. WH still makes a nice knife, but most of their knives now are very ornate & cost more than I am willing to spend.
 
Spydiefan04 said:
Save your money get a Delica or Al Mar Falcon for carry and then it ya want get a beautiful William Henry to stay safe in a drawer or safe. For the life of me i can't see paying that much for such a pretty knife to risk losing it or scratching it up with use, but maybe that's just me.
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The way I put it to people is "Do you own a hand gun?" If they say yes I tell them "So you will spend $500.00 on a hand gun you hopefully will never have to use for it's intended purpose, but you won't spend the same on a knife you will use every day?" The knife may even have a better chance of your life depending on it holding up for heavy use. I will spend more for a knife I feel I can count on. Also a knife is like a watch or ring (A personal choice to express one's self):thumbup: Usually if you wear an expensive watch or other personal EDC items you will carry an expensive knife.

Pick what talks to you. All you mentioned are great choices. :D
 
I see that I am the minority, but I would get the William Henry 10 out of 10 times the chance was available.

Thankfully, I have not limited myself to single blade. :)

Cheers.
 
I own 2 WH knives and while they are exceptional quality I do have to agree with what has been said so far while they are wonderful they are not that great when anything much beyond plastic clam pack needs to be cut. On the other hand a CRK can handle just about anything you want to though.
 
I have to advise you to go handle all 3 if you can. Feel is a great part of a good knife.

For me, the basic Sebenza is a tool and while it's beautifully made, it is plain, and I don't enjoy the slab handles. A fancy Sebenza is something more, better to look at, same quality, and feels better in my hand.

The Mnandi is quite small, very sturdy and totally beautiful. I enjoy carrying and using mine whenever it's in my pocket. Neither of the CR knives will suffer from use marks.

I don't have a WH but I do carry one of my 'art' type knives most days, however they do get only light use.

Have fun choosing, you'll probably buy more than one in the end.

Greg
 
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