Comparison Sebenza/ Elishewitz Persian

I own a Large Sebenza and I'm very pleased by it's strength and very tight tolerances.
Now I would like to buy a custom folder, and the one I have in mind is the Elishewitz Persian with titanium handle and monolock system. Unfortunately I can't have a direct access to them because I live in France, so I must rely on expert's comments and the photos I can get on the web. The question is: how does this folder compare to the Sebenza in terms of strength, precision and smoothness of the lock system and general feeling of quality ? I have a 400-500 $ enveloppe for this buy,if you can suggest me one folder in the same category that you find superior I'm interested to hear you too.
Thank you for your replies.

François.

------------------
 
J

Jackal

Joined
Oct 5, 1998
Messages
1,830
Well, I would suggest the Apogee...it looks, and feels much better than the Ti. Persian, IMO...but those new Oricles look nice too.
wink.gif
Check out some of the more recent pictures of the Apogee in the Custom knife section...my fav.'s are Greg & Mark's.
biggrin.gif
Mine should be here in a few weeks.

-AR
 
Francois,

I have a cortex by Allen. It is extremely nice and smooth. No blade play in any direction. The lock up is tight. I have one of the inlay models and it really nice. Allen also heat treats the lock bar so it is not that hard to try to unlock and close the knife. I have heard that the Apogee is harder to close because the lock bar is not heat treated. I don't know if it is true now. The knife is extremely sharp and really fits well in the hand. That is one thing I like about Allen's knives. The fit and finish is great. I think you should try one for yourself.

Liong
 
I used to have an Elishewitz Ghost with Mokume bolsters,very smooth attractive knife.I couldn't see myself use it as a workhorse though,to good looking.I have a plain Sebenza now,and plan on adding a decorated sebenza soon.Either one you choose you should be happy with,but if it was me I would get both.Which one first,thats a toss up,both are great knives.Chow,Ralph
Duh! I guess I should read more carefully,you already own a sebbie.Well then you should be happy with any choice of Elishewitz you decide.
biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by TOMBSTONE (edited 07-02-2000).]
 
I've seen and handled quite a few of Allen's knives and just don't care for the quality and the price tag that goes with them. My opinion (and just that - an opinion) from what I've handled and owned would be something from Carson, Lightfoot, or Terzuola in a custom. Even those knives aren't as tight in tolerances as CRK's. Reeve knives are much more simple, and they use "state of the art" machinery and are able to achieve tighter tolerances. The customs are hand made, therefore will have minor human imperfections. Another idea might be something from Microtech! Good Luck with your decision.
 
The Mono Lock and Bolster Lock Elishewitz knives that I own compare favorably with the folders I own from CRK. I think you will be happy with the quality and design of Allens knives, I have become a fan of his work.

------------------
James Segura
San Francisco, CA

[This message has been edited by stjames (edited 07-03-2000).]
 
Having owned a Sebenza and a Elishewitz Persian, I can definitely say the quality of the Elishewitz is on par with the Sebenza.

I would go with the Elishewitz! For about the same price your getting a true "custom" instead of a production Sebenza. CRK should drop there prices on their production models about 15-20%. When your paying that much, get a custom!
 
I have finally ordered an elishewitz knife and i'm very impatient to handle it.
Thank you for your input.

François.

------------------
 
I think you'll be very happy with your decision, Francois. The Sebenza is an excellent working knife but Allan's knives, at least all of mine, are at least comparable in quality and, as fully custom knives, somewhat superior artistically, although chacun a son gout. I find the Persian particularly attractive, especially the blade. I have an all damascus custom with that blade shape and the monolock or integral lock. The lock is very solid and a considerable improvement over the liner lock. Some people have had quality problems with their Elishewitzs. and there was a thread on this recently. I never had any such problems and if you ever did I would be very surprised if Allen and Valerie didn't give you satisfaction.
There certainly is nothing wrong with a sebenza, but I think of it more as a working knife and the Elishewitzs as tacticals or dress knives, depending on the configuration.
 
When I went by the Elishewitz table with my check book at the Blade Show, picking up inventory, I found I had been "spoiled" by the Sebenzas when I looked at the pure frame locks - and I don't think anybody with a three-digit price tag does anodized graphics in titanium like the Chris Reeve shop.

On the other hand, I was seriously impressed by his liner locks in carbon fiber or carbon fiber and cocobolo wood. Very well made, practical sizes and shapes, comfortable grips, smooth operation, easy on the eyes too.
smile.gif


And I'll have more to say about his wood-inlay frame lock, a.k.a. "bolster lock" after I've gotten a couple and spent some time with them.


------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top