Counterpoint to a Sebenza?

Not a flipper but I will agree with the suggestions of the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 or 2. Very nice and tough knife. It’s also not really the best knife to just fiddle with if that’s your thing.
 
Sheldon N said:
I actually bought a Wayfarer thinking the same, but it ended up being not quite what I was looking for.
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Could you tell what were your issues with the Wayfarer? I am thinking about purchasing a flipper and it's seems to be almost perfect for a midsize flipper, not too heavy and good action. That's only from what I have read. I have a Sebenza and thought I might sell it for this.
 
JMaher said:
Could you tell what were your issues with the Wayfarer? I am thinking about purchasing a flipper and it's seems to be almost perfect for a midsize flipper, not too heavy and good action. That's only from what I have read. I have a Sebenza and thought I might sell it for this.
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I got the one with the sculpted handles and all black PVD coating, with the harpoon blade shape. I think that's the shadowfarer? Anyhow, the action is super nice and the flipping is really snappy. Overall though for me it was a bit more of a visually striking knife rather than a "tool" knife begging to be used. I need to buy the full membership here so I can get rid of a couple knives on the buy/sell forum.
 
lieferung said:
Is it really considered a tactical knife? Having eyed it and never owned a CRK knife I thought it looked like a much better workhorse than the sebbie.
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Eh I dunno, depends what you mean by tactical. It's definitely got a thicker blade, and the ninja quiet o-ring opening, and the glass breaker. I've stabbed open many (like 5, maybe 6) a coconut with it and its held up like a champ. I've never taken it apart and its still nice and tight and smooth. I have also dropped it a lot.
 
Another vote for the ZT 0562, in CF. Another plus is that there are a lot of 3rd party vendors offering high quality titanium hardware so you can customize the look, and custom scales are available too. I have a number of higher end knives in this class, but the ZT0562 still remains one of my top favorites.

If you want something beefier take a look at the ZT0220 designed by Jens Anso. A lot of people overlook this model due to it's weight and relatively unadorned appearance. But get this in your hands and you'll start to appreciate Jens' genius. It's weight magically disappears in the pocket. The overall shape design, from tip to heel, is one of most refined in it's class. Then flip the blade and you'll quickly appreciate's ZT's execution of their flipper and ball bearing pivot system. This thing flips like a dream. Don't let it's plain titanium scales and stonewashed blade fool you. While it's plain when new, it starts taking on character with regular use...like your favorite pair of faded and torn Levi's jeans. Yup, on this one YOU have to add the bling thru use. I've seen some beaters that look great. I passed on the ZT0220 for a long time until one day I was encouraged to give it a try. Now I have a hard time putting it down. Dare I say I even like the ZT0220 better than my custom Hinderer XM-18.
 
I'm going to echo the Freeman 451. It's awesome. If you want a knife that is just as much fun as a flipper (maybe more so), try the DLT Griptilian. M390, thick slabs of carbon fiber, and the ever entertaining axis lock.
 
Seriously, the sebenza can take more abuse than many knives out there, don't be fooled by it's classy appearance as a gents folder. If you're worried about the hollow grind or the tip then grab a Large Inkosi, the hardware in terms of pivot, massive stop pin and enormous washers give it more lateral strength than almost any bearing or standard style pivot i'd wager, regardless of many knives and their "overbuilt appearance" a weaker link is a weaker link.. But it all depends on what you like in the fondling department. If you want to flip stuff then grab a flipper. There are stronger locks out there for abusive hard work than framelocks but if you're just doing sensible hard work there is nothing that will hurt a Sebenza or Inkosi, or most knives really. Seriously tho, show me another knife with a better old school pivot, washer and stop pin setup than this below.
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Southern Grind Spider Monkey.

Not a flipper, but mine had super smooth action that flicked open quick and solid.

Design that seamlessly blends workhorse/tool with a splash of tactical? Check.

Cosmetics well suited to a beating. The scales are beautifully done carbon fiber over full titanium liners. The blade is S35VN done right, and I can vouch for the tumbled satin finish and its ability to stay handsome even after hard use.

Working it hard doesn't diminish the cosmetics of the piece at all, so your pride of ownership stays firmly intact.

Price is right in your wheelhouse. Go get one from Whitty over at USA Made Blade.

southern-grind-spider-monkey-drop-point-carbon-fiber-20.jpg
 
Man get you a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter or American Lawman, sand the G-10 to your liking, and enjoy yourself!
 
Surprised no one has mentioned the ZT0450. Great flipper and blade. The blade is 3.25”.

I have one as well as a Small Sebenza 21. Due to the deeper lockup on the CRK I’d say it’s a bit better for long term hard use. They use identical steel for the blades.
 
i would say the grind on the tip of the knife will play a huge factor in how tough you feel the knife is. Some of my knives that I feel most willing to “hard use” have thicker ground tips. Knives with very thin tips I naturally am more careful with. I don’t do any serious prying with my knives but with thin tipped knives in particular get babied. (I won’t even pry a soda pop tab up with them)
 
I like my Spider Monkey better than any of my ZTs. I do carry my 0450 quite a bit too.


Velitrius said:
Southern Grind Spider Monkey.

Not a flipper, but mine had super smooth action that flicked open quick and solid.

Design that seamlessly blends workhorse/tool with a splash of tactical? Check.

Cosmetics well suited to a beating. The scales are beautifully done carbon fiber over full titanium liners. The blade is S35VN done right, and I can vouch for the tumbled satin finish and its ability to stay handsome even after hard use.

Working it hard doesn't diminish the cosmetics of the piece at all, so your pride of ownership stays firmly intact.

Price is right in your wheelhouse. Go get one from Whitty over at USA Made Blade.

southern-grind-spider-monkey-drop-point-carbon-fiber-20.jpg
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OP: A while back I had some similar thoughts...I always ended up selling hinderers (too big or too small or too limp flipping), briefly thought about a Bradford guardian flipper (couldn't find enough reviews, but I may still buy one one day..everything else by Bradford is top notch).

I ended up with a CRK Large Inkosi Insingo. Haven't bought a folder since...
 
I have bugged CRK for yrs to come up with a "mid-sized" Sebenza. I've had lots of CRK's, both small and large, and neither quite fit my wants.
So, I discovered the Spyderco Slysz Bowie. It's a great folder. I'm wearing it right now. Not a flipper, but great quality and construction. Prime quality steel...CTS-XHP. Pretty well nails it, in my book.
 
Check out Wander Tactical. They use .25" D2 steel, the blades end up being .2" at the spine. The Mistral Ti flips nicely after break-in, using either thumb studs or the tab. Everything about this knife begs to be used hard, IMO - from the rough Micarta slabs to the large hardware to the screw-in pin for making it somewhat of a fixed blade. I like the locking system on it: it employs both sides of the frame, and a huge pin; at the same time, it is relatively easy to use the lock, and it is extremely intuitive. You can pick up the Mistral Ti for $300.
 
Thanks again everyone for all the input. To close the loop on this thread I ended up getting a used Hinderer XM-18 3.5" with Spanto blade for just under $300, it's exactly what I was looking for. I'm keeping the Sebenza too. :)

Appreciate all the replies!
 
A lot of the Kizer line will fit you IMO. But IMHO, it really is hard to find a good analog for the same price point as a sebenza. You're probably right about getting an XM-18 and being super happy, but-
3 knives for your consideration
1 for your criteria: +1 Kizer Ursa Minor
1 for analog: Kizer T1
1 yin for yang, tit for tat, faternal twin: Spyderco Slyz Bowie (Sorry I know that it's discontinued)
 
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