Chris Reeve Sebenza or Benchmade

Bulldawg,
Go with BEMCHMADE (say, discontinued 750 Pinnacle, or 806 Axis AFCK or 710 or discontinued classic 800 AFCK or 550/551 Griptilian) if you want to have decent knife what wouldn’t let you down being used properly.

Go with Sebenza if you want... to have Sebenza.
Whatever you would choose – you but not your knife should do entire job. No one knife, no matter how good and expensive, will work in your place ;)
 
All I can say, is I have examples of both, neither has a serrated edge, and I don't feel the least bit under equipped with either knife. That being said, I think the Sebenza is noticably nicer, the action is super smooth, lockup super solid, and it feels better in my hand, but it also costs half again as much. The Sebenza finds it's way into my pocket almost every day. I'd carry the Benchmade more if I didn't have the Sebenza, but since I do, the Benchmade stays in the drawer most of the time. As far as BG-42, it's about the same as CM-154 or ATS-34 except it supposedly has Valadium added to make it more wear resistant or tougher. Personally, I can't really tell the diffrence, and don't care to, because it does what I want it to do. It's easy to sharpen, resists rust well, cuts and holds it's edge well for a long time. The Benchmade axis is a damn good knife, but I think the Sebenza is a better one, at this level it all comes down to a matter of taste anyway.
Hope this helps,
JDBraddy
 
I own both. Benchmade makes some awesome knives, so does Chris Reeves. If you're making a yacht payment, a Benzo payment and own a 7300 sq/ft house, you should get one of each. In fact, you should buy me a large decorated Sebbie for coming up with the only sensible answer. If you're really cuirious and interested enough in knives to have landed here, you'll probably end up with both in the long run anyway, so cut to the chase.

jmx

PS: What the other folks have alluded to is the fact that Sebenzas are so well loved by so many, that when someone critisizes them (I think it's called blaspheming) the critical person tends to get taken to task pretty severely.
 
heck, if money isn't an issue, then get a Carson M4. Best tactical knife ever made, You can get it in any flavor you like. My preference is for stellite and carbon fiber or micarta. I have an M16 in that configuration, and it's outstanding. Wouldn't trade it for 5 sebenzas.

JR
 
Opinions vary. IMHO, the Sebenza is the finest "production" folder made. It is not a knife for everyone. There are other knives that will out-perform it in certain circumstances. If the BM servrs your purposes better than the Sebenza, then that's the one you should get. If you are seeking the finest, go with the Sebenza.

Paul
 
How long have you been a knife nut? Do you intend to work your way up the "knife quality" ladder? Or do you just want the top of the line knife and have it done with?

I don't have a Sebenza. In terms of performance, I would guess (please don't crucify me here, guys) that the Sebenza would perform just about the same as production knives that you can get for $120+. There might be slight differences in fit and finish and other stuff, but as long as you choose a well-made model, you're probably not going to notice any difference.

The age-old argument here is that "you're going to buy one eventually". I agree. :)

However, I enjoy the planning that goes into buying a better-performing knife than what I already have. It takes a bit of research, but you end up with the satisfaction that you made a good knife choice. If I had started out with a very high-end production folder, I probably would not have found the same level of enjoyment in knife collecting as I do now.
 
I believe the last question asked was what size/style....for me, I have a small wood inlay for everyday carry, and it is PERFECT for my Monday to Friday uses, I carry mine in its leather slip sheath in my RH pocket of my dress pants. Its small enough not to raise eyebrows, plus it looks more utility oriented rather than tactical.

However if your planning on using it a lot around water i.e. boating, fishing, hunting etc..., you may not want a wood inlay... I plan on getting at some time after I save up some pennies, a large unique with some kinda gemstone inlayed in it, for my weekend carry, as I like to sail in the summer and I think I'd hesitate before pulling out my wood inlay, next time I get dangled over the side of the boat by my ankles to cut a lobster pot buoy out the prop. :D
 
I believe you will notice the BIG difference in quality from a Sebenza to a say a Benchmade. An outstanding choice in an EDC, the large regular Sebenza will do everything the small one will and more. If you really are a collector of higher end things, such as a Mercedes, and yachts then the Sebenza is for you. If you don't have a lot of money for one now......save! You're going to want one eventually. These knives are outstanding; plain and simple. The quaility of the knife, service and helpfulness of the people at the CR factory are second to none.

One of great advantages to the Sebbie is the fact that you can take it apart for cleaning which is also encouraged by the factory. Heck, they even send an allen wrench to do so. If you have the opportunity to check out some regular production shelf knives before purchaseing the Sebenza, do so. You will no doubt see the difference.;)
 
I warned ya it was a very controversial topic but these guys will help you out...

And as a side note to those reading...don't worry he isn't a Troll, just new to knives...honest injun...so helpful hints is handy...

G2
 
Originally posted by Bulldawg
Just checked my bank account and I can probably buy at least 1 and still make my Benz, yacht, and 7300 sq ft house payment. Now with the money problem out of the way, where, which one, design, small, large?
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Bragging makes you look dumb. People would respect you more if you just said money wasn't an issue to you. This is the internet, so nobody knows what kind of car you drive or house you live in. For all we know you could be some 16 y/o high school drop out. Now, I have to go catch a ride on my Leer jet to Vegas. I'm planning on buying a casino this weekend. Since I just sold my 30,000sq ft mansion, there should be enough left over for a plain Sebenza, but not one of those fancy ones.:rolleyes: Hey, paramedics make a lot of money, you know. At least I can wish.

Mike
 
honestly....I would go with the sebenza...since money is not an issue. If you are really not sure, there is another thread in this forum for a passaround. You contribute 30-35 bucks towards the purchase, someone buys the knife, keeps it a week, then sends it on to the next person in line...insured and signature required. I'll post a link in a minute..

Regards,
Steve
 
Originally posted by Bulldawg
I apologize, just was pissed that one guy said to save up. He doesn't know me and yes I am honest. I shouldn't have said that and I am sorry. Just wanted help about a knife, not to discuss finances. Just give me your opinion and let me decide if I should and can buy one.
Click to expand...

If you are referring to Esav Benyamin's response, there isn't anything there that should insult you or your financial situation. Like I said earlier, nobody knows if you are rich or poor. Both kinds of people can take an interest in knives. And for most of us normal people, cost plays a big issue in deciding which knife to buy. You have asked us to give suggestions on two brands of knives that are in two totally different price points. He was just stating that if you are young (which nobody here knows) or if you are saving for money or food (again, how are we to know you eat off the good china plates) or if you are new to knives (that one we are pretty sure of) then you might be more inclined to purchase the cheaper brand, which for general utility is pretty hard to beat. I'm sure he had no intention of making you feel poor. BTW, since you have so much money, why don't you buy one of each kind, and decide for yourself which one you like better? After all, I'm sure that someone with a yacht, Benz, and 7200 sq ft house isn't going to miss $500-$600 by buying a couple quality knives. To answer your question about where to get one, try www.1sks.com. They support this forum that allows you to ask your questions. Welcome to the forum. Can I borrow a couple hundred to try out a Sebbie of my own?:D

Mike
 
Originally posted by Bulldawg
Is the Chris Reeve's Sebenza a nice knife? Do you get it in serrated? So many styles, which one is right? Or stick with a Benchmade that is cheaper?
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I don't think anyone will disagree that the Sebenza is one of the best knives you can buy. I owned one for a while and was very pleased with it. I finally replaced it with a custom.

Like most of the folks around here I prefer plain edges to serrated. Serrated blades do cut more aggressively, but they are less versatile.

Which style is right for you is a matter of personal preference. The differences between the new and classic Sebenzas are small enough that you should pick whichever looks better to you.

Large blades are generally more versatile than small. Small blades are generally more comfortable to carry than large. How much the size matters depends on your daily usage, style of dress, activities, etc.

Benchmade makes some outstanding knives. Their quality control is less fanatical than CRK's, but still very good. And if you get a "lemon" either company will make it right.

I think the real choice between CRK and Benchmade should be based on what style of knife you like the best. If the Sebenza is it that's simple. If you like the looks of Benchmade's offering better go with them. You will not end up with a bad knife whatever choices you make.

--Bob Q
 
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