Recommendation? CRK Large Inkosi or Large Sebenza? (other recs welcome)

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nick21

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Feb 22, 2014
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I was hoping to purchase my first higher quality knife soon, and was torn between the large Inkosi and large Sebenza. I would have posted this in the CRK forum, but I'm open to recommendations outside of these two knives as well.

I've heard the oversized washers on the Inkosi are slightly exposed and can attract lint and dirt. Is this an actual issue or a nitpick?

Apologies if this topic's been done to death, but all the recommendations I've found were of the small versions of both knives.
 
You might consider the Insingo blade option. Everything I've heard tells me it is a better slicer than the standard blade.

Considering CRK's workmanship and attention to detail, the washer issue is probably more of a nitpick than something to worry about. I've never heard of it before. If it concerns you, use a sheath or a slipcase.
 
It's all nitpick, they're both great. You're choosing your particular nitpicks.

I love the 21 because of the single tool takedown, pivot bushing, and thinner stock.

I love the inkosi because of the ergos and the ceramic lock interface.

There is a tiny bit of exposed washer on both. I don't worry about it. I take them down and clean and grease them if they get really dirty or gritty, and that's usually because they got stuck in the dirt or something. No washer will solve that.

(The answer is always both.)
 
Either CRK is a good choice, the washers on the Inkosi are not an issue. Lint and dirt will get in the washer area regardless of the knife.
It's just a matter of personal preference to which one appeals to you the most.
ZT has some good models that is comparable in size. As does Hinderer, Lionsteel, Spyderco, Jake Hoback, Spartan Blades to name a few.
The choices are only limited to your budget and what appeals to you. Lots of good stuff to look at.
 
sabre cat said:
You might consider the Insingo blade option. Everything I've heard tells me it is a better slicer than the standard blade.
Click to expand...

I'm a huge fan of the insingo blade profile, but I'm also a confirmed sheepsfoot and wharncliffe junkie.
 
I'd get a standard sebenza 21 in either insingo or clip blade. I love my 25 (basically a inkosi) but the sebenza is the iconic knife to have. I do love my small insingo blade though too. You'll end up with both eventually but I would start with the sebenza 21.
5H0QT1n.jpg
 
Personally the Large Inkosi with micarta inlays is one of my favorite purchases of this year. It's more comfortable in my hand versus the standard Sebenza. I haven't had any issues with lint or dirt and the larger washers either, and it's been around the block a bit.

https://imgur.com/xNSFqaw
 
I have a small sebenza and a large Inkosi. I held both the large inkosi and large sebenza at my local knife shop, and the inkosi felt better in my hand. Honestly though I think both are quite nice and comfortable. If you get one I'd say there's a good chance you'll get the other in the future. Go with the one that looks/ feels the best to you right now. You can't go wrong either way. However, I like the idea of the increased tip strength from the flat/hollow grind used on the inkosi, the ceramic ball on the lock face idea, extra finger choil, and the lanyard pin used on the inkosi, the cord wraps around it, rather than going through a small hole so it's much easier to use 550 cord. With that said I have a 550 cord lanyard on my small sebenza and it has good ergos too. Don't know what to tell ya man I could go on and on about either, but both are great.
 
I have both. They're both great. Either way, you're making a good choice. Lately, I 've been carrying my Large Inkosi more than my Large Sebenza. This could change at any moment.
 
I am running into the same dilemma, I don't know if I want a Sebenza Insingo or an Inkosi Insingo.
 
I have the sebenza 21 and 25. I prefer the 25 because of the ceramic ball detent and it has better edge retention and edge stability then my 21. So my vote would be the Inkosi.

I recently was gifted a KW exclusive military frame lock in S90v with carbon fiber..It's kicked everything out of my pocket lol..
 
I think I'm going to take the plunge and get the Inkosi, and maybe get a 21 Insingo some time in the future. Thanks for the suggestions.

By the way, I know you're not supposed to flip Chris Reeve knives, but old habits die hard. Does the Inkosi have a larger stop pin for this reason?
 
nick21 said:
I think I'm going to take the plunge and get the Inkosi, and maybe get a 21 Insingo some time in the future. Thanks for the suggestions.

By the way, I know you're not supposed to flip Chris Reeve knives, but old habits die hard. Does the Inkosi have a larger stop pin for this reason?
Click to expand...
You're not "supposed to" but doesn't stop people from doing it.... Same goes for Medford's letter... It's probably just a distinct feature to help separate them as knives.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
....I don't know if I want a Sebenza Insingo or an Inkosi Insingo.
Click to expand...

Same here. The plan is to get which ever has the best ergonomics for my hand. Hopefully, it will be the 21.

Not in a hurry. No plans to have one in hand until this time next year.

I am really fighting the urge to buy a clone to test the ergos!
 
I've never owned an Inkosi, but I've had a large Sebenza (CF scales; Insingo blade) and an Umnumzaan (the Wilson Combat StarTac). I really liked the ceramic ball, which acts as both the detent and the lock face. It opened smoother and locked up with a dull clunk instead of a sharp click. Hard to explain, but there was a different feel that really spoke to me.

I sold the 'Zaan to fund the purchase of a custom folder from Bob Dozier. Frankly, I think I regret it a little bit!
 
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