Considering the Wilson Combat Starbenza model

JJ_Colt45

JJ_Colt45

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Im thinking about buying a small and a large Wilson Combat Starbenza model. My question is are the starburst pattern scales on the WC models as comfortable as the plain Ti or Micarta inlay Sebenzas? I appreciate any input you all may have.
 
I had a plain 21 and sold it and got a starbenza. That's one knife I will never sell. The plain is really plain and the star has just that little extra that makes it awesome. Grip is perfect on it. Never any hot spots using it hard. You will love it!
 
All about personal preference, and I think most go for the aesthetics rather than performance with these. I prefer plain jane to the Starburst pattern, but I've a close friend who prefers the opposite, and he has a large and small Starbenza. They're nice, no doubt, and one could argue they might give a little better grip, but they're not my preference. The micarta Sebs aren't really a good comparison since inlayed Sebs are quite different in hand than plain ones.
 
I like the look of the plain Ti and agree the Micarta inlays feel good but its apples to oranges to compare them. I have been looking at the Starbenzas and not sure I can say I like the look of them or the plain better then the other ... but wasnt sure if the Starburst gave a better grip or were maybe less comfortable ... but I want to get a matching set large and small of either plain or the Starbenza so just wondering what those that had handled both thought of the Starbenza.
 
They feel different, but definitely not less comfortable IMO. Hard use, I wouldn't know. I wrote a detailed post several months ago about using a large plain 21 hard, and it was much more comfortable than I expected.
 
The only time the star pattern will benefit is if you have sweaty hands or if it gets a little slippery from soap/oil. But other than that, no, it doesn't make a difference.
I like the star pattern because it looks cool as hell!!!!
My micarta CRK's do have better grip when they get wet. They get a little tacky, but a good soap/water cleaning gets them back in order.
 
The WC models are just as comfortable as the plains. Can't compare either to inlays.
 
thanks for the replies ... I think I'll give the WC Starbenza a try ... will give me something a bit different from my current Sebenzas.
 
I like the WC models, mostly for the aesthetics. I do think they provide a little extra grip, but mostly they just look nice. I have the large 21, the small 21, and the 25 with the starburst, and they are all great. WC goes on sale direct from time to time too, but even then, you can't usually beat exchange prices. Good luck with the hunt!
 
Can't stand the WC Sebenza's myself. Oh, wait! Damn! Wrong thread. Thought you were talking about the Chinese models.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1450141884.752545.jpg
 
I like them because you can polish the handles a bit and still have more than enough grip when wet.

BTW, I have an extra NIB large WC / CRK Star-Benza. PM me if interested.
 
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wtlj said:
The WC models are just as comfortable as the plains. Can't compare either to inlays.
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I knew that I recognized that family photo:

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And to the original thread poster- note the beauty of the machining is on both sides:

20722790980_51f3bb253e_b.jpg
 
wtlj said:
The WC models are just as comfortable as the plains. Can't compare either to inlays.
Click to expand...

That's an awesome group; notice that once you get one, you will probably get one more, and another, and another.....and notice how the pattern is tighter on the StarTac and the 25 than the Starbenza 21. They were on sale at Wilson's site a few days ago for about 437 or something like that, maybe they're still are, but I'd take GhostWalker's offer and PM him, he is a very generous member of this forum, as well as wtlj, maybe he'd want to sell one of his? :D ...I like the Starbenza better than the plain though, the machining is amazing in my eyes; I have seen pictures of some where the flats have been polished and they look awesome.
 
That is a nice family ... I checked the CRK sale area but no luck ... so I ordered from WC they are on sale there ... then I came back and saw Ghostwalkers offer ... if I hadnt been rushing with Holiday stuff I would have caught that ... thanks for all the replies and your offer Ghostwalker
 
My mistake though for making the offer in this thread. That's a rule I knew and I should have PM'ed you. That's what working long hours with too little sleep gets you. Just the same you won't be disappointed with your purchase. For me it's the best of the non inlayed Sebenza's. Looks nice with improved grip due to the starburst cuts.
 
I've never had a plain, so I can't compare grips with those models, but I recently picked up a StarTac 'Zaan and am just in love with both the look of it as well the feel in hand. I only got started on CRKs last summer but now also have a small coco Seb, large bocote 21, KA CF large 21, and snakewood Mnandi. I've got quite a few other knives, but none with plain metal handles, so I don't see myself picking up a plain Jane. After the StarTac, I could go for a large StarBenza--maybe a 25, as I don't have anything in that model. I'm also wondering about the Insingo blade on the 21s. Any comments on those, as I'm having a hard time figuring out the usefulness of that almost straight cutting edge?

To answer the OPs question, though, I find both my inlaid and CF CRKs very comfortable in hand and the StarTac every bit the same and really solid to hang onto. Really like the look of it, too.

BTW, wtlj and Ccc are spot on about buying from the exchange--I've picked up all my CRKs and plenty of blades at BF and you can't beat the prices and honesty of the forum members here. Whether buying a safe queen or a user, you'll eventually find what you want for a decent price and have a good experience to boot. Gotta say, you can't go wrong with either the quality of the merchandise or individuals here at BF. Good to be a part of this community...
 
Ghostwalker54 said:
I like them because you can polish the handles a bit and still have more than enough grip when wet.

BTW, I have an extra NIB large WC / CRK Star-Benza. PM me if interested.
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It would be nice to see a Sebenza made with handles twice as thick or double thickness (maybe even a bit more really) , the sides belt sanded to not be so blocky, with checkering or contouring. I noticed Sabenzas are a bit slick to grip, especially with damp or sweaty hands (when necessary) A stonewashed or cerakote/parkerized blade that is twice as thick as well, with a nasty clip point like on a buck 119 or an Emerson sheepdog.. Perhaps some pivot screws that are twice as wide in diameter as well for added strength. A knife like that would last you your life. Maybe some sort of way to add replaceable/removable aftermarket grippy plastic sleeves on the handle as well? Like how cold steel puts thin handles on their' fixed blade tangs. (their' signature tanto or kobun) Maybe there would be just enough room between the pivots on either side to use a material like industrial black rubber bands (the large kind that some folks put on Glocks to add grip; like Hogue but smaller diameter) Some use tire inertubes (called GI bands). I am looking for small diameter but tough; like grip pads for opening bottles but back and checkered and perhaps a bit thicker. Sabenza and Wilson combat make some good stuff. I am not trying to hijack the thread here,,,, Just an idea..
 
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