CRK Inkosi vs. Bugout

I

itsafire

Joined
Aug 18, 2022
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68
Hi,
I'm currently struggling with a decision and some opinions might help.
What I learned about my EDC is that I really only need two blades.
One is the Manly Wasp. It has a decent blade (S90V), is legal in most (if not all) EU countries and is quite cheap, so it's not the end of the world if it gets lost.
The other is a finer piece of cutlery, a bit more expensive and the knife I would want to carry (opposed to the one I am allowed to carry).
This spot is currently taken by a Benchmade Bugout, the carbon fiber version with the S90V blade.

I like a lot of things about it - the blade size and shape are perfect, the S90V is a beast to get into shape, but keeps an edge once done. It rides the pocket nicely with the deep carry clip.
However, it feels quite fragile. It's not the blade you hammer into a tree and then step on it.
My knife dealer just received a small stock of CRK and there's a plain small Inkosi that has caught my eye. I'm wondering if this would be a considerable step up from the Benchmade or if I'd be disappointed by an overpriced piece of cutlery that performs no better. I'm not a collector by any means. I have two knifes. So I would sell the Benchmade if the Inkosi becomes my companion.
 
My only CRK is the Sebenza 25. Was entirely worth the purchase, which became evident through carry and use, along with ease of takedown, cleaning & reassembly as well as pride of ownership.

One tangible way in which CRK is unquestionably an upgrade over Benchmade is build quality, and because of that, the knife will last a lot longer. I very rarely carry my Griptilian anymore, but my Sebenza is in my pocket a lot.
 
As the owner of a Large Inksoi and a Bugout, I would definitely say it is a considerable step up from the Benchmade. I have everything in my collection, from $100 Benchmades to $2500 custom Demko's, and the Inkosi design is probably my favorite. The profile, ergonomics, and true lifetime warranty make it very hard to beat in my opinion. I say go for it!
 
I have a small Inkosi and while I would say it's a tough little folder I'm not sure I would trust any folder to hammer into a tree and use as a step. And as said above it's a smaller knife. I favor 3" blade knives and I don't know what it is about the Inkosi but it seems smaller. Yes, it's listed as 2.8" which is smaller but it seems smaller still. You would definitely want to hold one in hand if at all possible first.
 
Two different worlds completely. I like Benchmade but I’m not a fan of lightweight knives so the Bugout isn’t at the top of my list.

The Inkosi is very much up my alley. An outstanding knife all the way around. Same goes for the Sebenza. I vote CRK.
 
Odd comparison, given price point difference. Zero competition in my eyes. I'll never love the Axis lock, or any crossbar lock. The springs suck, get gritty with pocket lint easily as it's exposed, and I just don't trust the mechanism at all. Their grivory scales suck also, unless you get an upgrade version that's still overpriced for what you're getting. You can also upgrade with aftermarket scales. I still have 2 bugouts (regular with aluminum frame & M390 and a mini). I'll likely key the standard size.

I also prefer the hollow grind of CRK blades. Benchmade Bugout M390 Doc.jpgBenchmade Mini Bugout S30V - Frostbite.jpgCRK Small Inkosi Black Canvas Insingo Magnacut.jpgCRK Small Inkosi Insingo S45VN CCC'd.jpgCRK Small Inkosi Insingo S45VN.jpg
 
I've been carrying (and using) Benchmades for almost 30 years and have never had one fail or break. I also have a couple of CRK's. I don't think anyone needs a CRK but they're certainly very nice knives. In 30 years of wildlife field work and 12+ years of homesteading/living off the grid remotely I have never hammered a knife into a tree or used one as a step. Nor have a batoned or done any of the the other silly bushcraft things that urban fantasists seems to think are important.

If you want a CRK go ahead and get one.
But be aware that a lot of Knife Bros have never actually used their knives (except maybe to open a new knife box) so their advice is based on collecting and enviability, not use. Also if you are anything like me when it's time to beat on a knife it won't be a CRK, it will be something that didn't cost $500.

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So you have an issue with legality on blade size, correct? Is the CRK mini legal to carry? If so, I would go for what is legal because if they take away your knife, it’s definitely not worth it.
 
Inkosi or small seb all day if it’s in the budget. Bugout is nice but still feels “fragile”. Standard is s30v which is great but not as tough as magnacut which is the new standard for CRK. Also take much less of a hit if it’s not for you.
 
I say start with the Inkosi because you'll lose way less money reselling it if it doesn't work out. The bugout you'll lose a pretty good chunk, unless you can get it for a song.
 
SharpBits said:
A Cold Steel knife with at least a tri-ad lock would be a better choice for the type of abuse mentioned. Not only less expensive, but better suited to possibly abusive use.
Click to expand...

As someone who's been carrying Cold Steel for over a decade....yeah. This. Most of them are designed to be great slicers, too.
 
I know this isn’t any help but this thread is making me want to get a CRK.

I had a Small Sebenza about a dozen+ years ago. Can’t remember the exact name but it was one of the graphic models with an American flag on the handle.

I didn’t give it enough time and I sold it too soon. Sure wish I had that knife now.
 
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