Considering getting a small Sebenza. Blade finish? Edge?

M

mrdeus

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
909
I was disappointed with my latest knife order and sent two knives back for a refund (~$200 worth). What made me send them back was the lacking fit and finish. This left me with three options: 1) continue buying knives in the same price range and be prepared to be disappointed, 2) only buy cheaper (but still high quality) knives and be content with that, or 3) buy a Sebenza :)

I've pretty much settled on the small Sebenza, because I think there's a risk I won't carry the large one as much. I intend on carrying it clipless in a pouch that I put in my pocket (or possibly clipped to my coin pocket, depending on how it fits) for EDC use.

I'm deciding between the "plain" small Sebenza and one with wood inlays for that more "exclusive" look. I was close to buying a small "plain" Sebenza in a knife store in France two months ago, but the price was too high (compared to private import) so I didn't pull the trigger. I'm leaning towards the one with the wood inlays, but I'm a little concerned that I will think it's too pretty to use :).

I understand that the wood inlay version comes with a polished blade that will probably show wear more than the stone washed blade. Does the polished Sebenza blade scratch/show scratches more easily than, say Benchmade or Spyderco satin finished blades? Do you feel uneasy using it because of the finish?

How about the handles? I figure the sand blasted handle scratches more easily than the satin one.

I read somewhere (here, I think) that the edge on a new Sebenza is convex, but that CRK recommends the Sharpmaker for touchups. How do you, personally, maintain the edge? I have mostly V-edges and one full convex fixed blade. The sharpening equipment I have is an Edge Pro, Sharpmaker and strops.


TL;DR
Does the polished blade scratch easily? So much that you think twice about using it?
Is the edge convex? Do you strop it to keep it convex or do you put a V-edge on it?
 
The polished blades have a high grit belt finish and will scratch up when used, but if your using the knife any way then that shouldn't really be a worry. The stone washed finish just seems to look new for ever, the little scratches we get from use just add to the finish. The handles while blasted do seem to hide scatches and wear quite well, in my experience scratches have to be quite deep to be obvious. The little dings and marks from carrying and using the knife actually make the handle look better IMO. The edge is "slightly" convexed and is easy to maintain using a number of sharpening methods, stropping the blade regularly will be the way to go and that is what most people here will do, I know that's what I do any way.

I would go for a plain Ti Sebenza with stone washed blade if the choice was mine, but I'm sure you will be happy with what ever you decide to go for. :):thumbup:
 
Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. I'm still on the fence about which one to get. As you say, I'd probably be happy with either one. The plain one doesn't look as expensive, but in a way that's the charm of it. Non-knife people will still say "you paid how much?" (or the classic "who are you going to stab with that?").
 
"Yes, and it cost that much for a reason" and "you" would be your respective answers of course. :p
 
Hi MrDeus,

I understand your dillema, and as Ihad the exact same problem, I might be able to shed some light on this issue!
For me, the small Sebenza wasthe exact same option as for you! The large one is just toolarge for edcing.
It would simply scare to many people.
I opted for a small Sebenza plain with polished blade. The polished blade was only opted because I really like the esthaetics of it!
I carried it as edc for 6 months, before buying a large Sebenza, just for the kicks of owning one.
This is a preloved Sebenza I bought at the Dutch forum, and it has the stonewashed blade.
To my findings, I tend to use the stonewashed blade easier!! As in pleasantly unworried about scratching my blade.......
In the meantime, I ordered a small Sebenza Insingo, also with a polished blade!
I own and use 1 wharncliff type blade(benchmade940) and I was immediately impressed by how great this bladeshape is for use!
Therefore the insingo is the onvious knife I want to own!!
Anyways.....
A few weeks ago Heather mailed me that the polished blade is not an option on this batch of small insingo's. The polishing of the blade would thin it out too much, and they will not polish it!

Because of my experience with both blades, I wasnt even dissapointed. I actually enjoy the fact that I will eagerly use my Insingo, without worrieing about scratching my blade up!

The inlay options, my preference lies with a 'clean&functional' look! I quicky decided on a plain titanium version.

Hope this helped a little?!
Enjoy choosing your knife, and prepare fr a pleasant addiction
Niels
 
@Haze: haha! :)

@NvG79: Thanks for the input. I think that we think alike. I'm still flip-flopping between the two choices, but I have the feeling that I'd throw a plain stonewashed Sebenza straight into the pocket and start using it, while I would be a little more hesitant with a "fancy" one. I'll just have to decide not to baby it.
 
I have the small insigno and love it. I much prefer the blade shape. I have one on order with the micarta inserts.
 
plain small sebbie, have a clip and and insingo
no problems with use, no scratches on the blade or any pits/patina due to food (ok It's stainless I know :D )
for the handle scratches I carry it in a slip sheath in my pocket

I never had problems with satin blades, it's not like with coated ones, some light scratches are fine, as long as you edc it and use it like an edc knife it will be fine after all it's steel not plastic

as for resharpening/mantaining just use strops and sandpaper and you'll be fine, it has a nice convex edge from the factory when you get it

Maxx
 
I'll put in a vote for the polished blade with inlays. I just sold a large with a stonewash blade and I have a small with African Blackwood inlays and the polished blade. I bought the small Sebenza used--I think it's a 2009 and has been carried and used. There are a few light scratches in the blade and I've added a few but I still think the polished blade looks nicer. The inlays fill out the grip too, on what is a fairly small knife. The inlay seems very durable--I'm certainly not worried about dinging this one up.

One thing I really like is the satin finish on the scales of the small with inlay. The large plain that I just sold has the blasted finish on the scales and feels fairly coarse. I prefer the feel of the satin and if I would have kept the large I probably would have given it a scotch-brite to take the edge off the blasted finish. Of course, I kind of have to grit my teeth when I hear styrofoam rubbing together (like nails on a chalkboard) so maybe that's why I didn't like the sand-blased finish as well. The sand-blased finish does provide a secure grip though.

One thing is for sure and that's that most of these other posters have TONS more experience with the Sebenza than I do.

sebbie.jpg


sebbie2.jpg
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. It doesn't necessarily make my decision easier, but it makes it a more informed one :)
Nice photos jwrussell.
 
Last edited:
I went with the wood inlay one :).

If I were getting the plain one I would've bought it from a domestic (Swedish) online retailer who had it in stock and the inlay one from a US retailer who had that in stock. I was unsure until the very end. I thought I'd go by whichever company had the best customer service, but both were great lol.
 
For me the Micarta is the best of both options, filled out handle, lighter, and the more durable sandblast handle that seems to 'wear in' instead of 'scratch up'. Any scratches on my blade are very hard to see. CRK says they are designed for hard use, which made using it while brand new easier for me. Now using it is an everyday simple pleasure, felt with much gratitude.
 
I finally got the knife today :D

The wood's a bit darker than I expected, but I love it. The size is perfect. I planned on carrying it clipless in my watch pocket or in the pouch, so I thought I'd remove the clip to see what it would be like (would've ordered a clip insert if that's how I'd use it). I put in the tool and *striiiip*, the screw is completely stripped :eek:. I had no idea any screw could strip that easily. So that's a bummer.

bdb04297.jpg


2ab8b977.jpg
 
Congrats on you new baby!! You love it quickly!!

As far as the screw goes.... Dont worrie too much. That particular screw look stripped for a good reason!! This acts as to lock the screw in place, and doesnt cost any effectiveness of that screw!!
 
Thanks. I'll just keep the clip on. The stripped screw isn't really noticeable unless you look closely. It did freak me out a bit when it happened though. The only downside I see so far is that the polished titanium shows finger prints. I'm surprised at how much cutting edge you get. Haven't decided how to carry it yet. I usually have a knife in my watch pocket, but I think I'll start by having it in the pouch in my front pocket.
 
I carry it with a clip in my righthand frontpocket when i can, or with the clip in the leather pouch.

With some warm water you can mould the clip silhouette into the leather!!
 
I have always loved CRKs polished blades and find that they do not scratch as easily as people seem to think. PLUS, crk will re-polish a blade that is already polished for a nominal fee. Best of both worlds, great looking knife and can keep it that way for pennies on the day. I also love the micarta inlays, can't be beat. My line up is One Large Regular, one Micarta polished 21, one micarta Insingo, and one micarta Tanto. Love them all and they are all Larges. I once had a Large Regular with a swedge and a Polished blade but had to sell it when the price was too good to be true. Miss it a ton as the swedge is next to impossible to find on a Large Reg. and the combination with a polished blade as well made for one hell of a package.
Anyways, hopes this helps. Plus, with CRKs you really can't go wrong. Just buy a few and by then you will know what you really like and don't like and then you are good for life. Best regards, Ryan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top