CRK vs Others in 2024

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CHuynh22

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**Originally posted in the Arno Bernard first**

Good morning everyone,

I've been a silent reader for a while and now seek advice for my first higher tier knife. I've been carrying a Spyderco Endura 4, that was gifted to me over 5 years ago and I never cared to look into knives deeper, until I recently got a Sage 5 and am now eyeing a titanium frame lock knife. Considering the CRK for its reputation, but curious if the Imamba is a better choice in 2024.



I appreciate clean lines, simple yet efficient design, and smooth, not necessarily guillotine, action and would probably prefer bearings as it's not hard use. For my first $400+ Ti Frame Lock knife, is the Imamba a worthy alternative to the CRK? Any other suggestions if I like the look of CRK's ?


Thanks for any insights!

p.s. if this makes any difference, my son is turning 1 this Sunday, and I would love to have a knife I can pass down to him.
 
I have to get this out of the way: The Spartan Harsey Folder is my favourite pocket knife and I think everyone who enjoys titanium framelocks should try one. Definitely worthy of being passed down in the family.

I'm also a huge Endura guy. The titanium/damascus variant is a real looker if you want to stay with that platform.

All CRKs are too small for my hand so I can't speak to them but they're extremely popular for a reason, I can say that.
 
el gigantor said:
I have to get this out of the way: The Spartan Harsey Folder is my favourite pocket knife and I think everyone who enjoys titanium framelocks should try one. Definitely worthy of being passed down in the family.

I'm also a huge Endura guy. The titanium/damascus variant is a real looker if you want to stay with that platform.

All CRKs are too small for my hand so I can't speak to them but they're extremely popular for a reason, I can say that.
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Thank you for the insight! I did a quick search of the Spartan and have to say it's not as attractive FOR ME.
 
I’m not sure what 2024 has to do with the decision to buy a Sebenza or not?
You want a Sebenza, as you should, buy a Sebenza. You want something else buy it.

New year or new knifes have no impact on what the Sebenza has been for 30+ years.
 
Kettleman said:
I’m not sure what 2024 has to do with the decision to buy a Sebenza or not?
You want a Sebenza, as you should, buy a Sebenza. You want something less but it.
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Well, in my train of thought, the Sebenza/CRK has been top tier and the baseline for such a long time. But it's 2024 and maybe there are better options out there. I suppose it being the specific year doesn't matter, but the fact that the Sebenza 31 has been out for over 4 years was a point that stuck with me.
 
CHuynh22 said:
Well, in my train of thought, the Sebenza/CRK has been top tier and the baseline for such a long time. But it's 2024 and maybe there are better options out there. I suppose it being the specific year doesn't matter, but the fact that the Sebenza 31 has been out for over 4 years was a point that stuck with me.
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I get that. Better options would be subjective I guess. If I wanted a flipper or a knife with bairings I’d look else where. For a TI frame lock utility folder the Sebenza is still the standard and I just don’t see that changing.

There are a bunch of awesome knives out there and everyone wants something different and that’s cool. However nothing made yet or later will diminish what the Sebenza is.
 
Kettleman said:
I get that. Better options would be subjective I guess. If I wanted a flipper or a knife with bairings I’d look else where. For a TI frame lock utility folder the Sebenza is still the standard and I just don’t see that changing.

There are a bunch of awesome knives out there and everyone wants something different and that’s cool. However nothing made yet or later will diminish what the Sebenza is.
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Indeed! The more I look into a new knife, the more I learn it is very subjective...just trying to gather as much data points from the experience of others as I can before I make a purchase. May be just me, but $400+ for a knife isn't financially ruining but still significant in itself.
 
scoobtay said:
I buy new stuff that’s priced similarly to the CRKs, but end up always preferring the CRK’s. My humble opinion is that you can’t go wrong with a Sebenza or Inkosi.
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Mind if I ask why?

Also, and I apologize if this is a bit blunt, but if CRK wasn't made in USA and didn't offer their spa package, would it still be revered? In your opinion.
 
There’s a reason the Sebenza is so popular and the bar to which all others are compared. I feel like if you went down a different path you’ll still be wondering what the Sebenza is all about and you’ll end up trying it at some point.

I bought a Sebenza in 2007 and didn’t buy another knife for 10 years which says a lot about how happy I was with the purchase and felt no need to chase the dragon … for awhile anyway 😂

I had Imamba and it was very nice, not quite to the level of overall design and execution of CRKs imo but a very good knife for the price.

I use a small Sebenza the most because I travel for work and it’s legal basically everywhere. I do recommend the large as your first Sebenza so you can see what it’s supposed to be.
 
Sagandavis said:
There’s a reason the Sebenza is so popular and the bar to which all others are compared. I feel like if you went down a different path you’ll still be wondering what the Sebenza is all about and you’ll end up trying it at some point.

I bought a Sebenza in 2007 and didn’t buy another knife for 10 years which says a lot about how happy I was with the purchase and felt no need to chase the dragon … for awhile anyway 😂

I had Imamba and it was very nice, not quite to the level of overall design and execution of CRKs imo but a very good knife for the price.

I use a small Sebenza the most because I travel for work and it’s legal basically everywhere. I do recommend the large as your first Sebenza so you can see what it’s supposed to be.
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Thank you!

Do you mind if I ask why the large? My hands, according to the CRK's "How to choose a knife size" page, are average at 7.5" long and 3.5" wide. I was leaning towards the small, but really only because it seemed it would be easier to carry.
 
CHuynh22 said:
Mind if I ask why?

Also, and I apologize if this is a bit blunt, but if CRK wasn't made in USA and didn't offer their spa package, would it still be revered? In your opinion.
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What a strange hypothetical. That adds huge value and CRKs wouldn’t be the gold standard without being a US company with incredible service.

If you’re implying you can get a reate or other Chinese knife that is very well made for a couple hundred bucks less, you’re correct. Doesn’t seem like that’s what the OP is after.


Edit: you were the OP! My bad hahaha.
 
Just my opinion - any CRK plain Jane titanium with the blade shape of your choice will strike the perfect balance between a looker and a user, especially if you’re partial to thumb rollers (thumb stud vs flipper tab vs thumb hole vs whatever). CRK’s also are extremely smooth, but not ‘drop-shutty’, which sounds like what you’re looking for. I would highly recommend one, since that seems to be your first preference. If in time by some very strange coincidence you find you’re interested in something else, like an Arno Bernard, you’d have no problem selling a CRK to fund it. But I honestly think you will not be disappointed with a Sebbie. And you’ll likely find all flavors here in the exchange for less than brand new and a lot shorter wait. Good luck whichever way you go.
 
CHuynh22 said:
Thank you!

Do you mind if I ask why the large? My hands, according to the CRK's "How to choose a knife size" page, are average at 7.5" long and 3.5" wide. I was leaning towards the small, but really only because it seemed it would be easier to carry.
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I say get both haha. But start with the large. If you like either one you’ll probably end up with both regardless, I just think to start with the icon. If you don’t like it you won’t take much of a hit on resale. Which can’t be said about most
 
I used an M390 Spyderco for years. It was, and is, a great knife. But then I bought a small Sebenza 31 drop point in Magnacut. Everything about the Sebenza seems better than the Spyderco. It just feels more solid and confidence-inspiring. It is 2-3x better than the Spyderco, which is in line with the price difference? No. But that's the way of the world. The final bit of incremental improvements are usually the most expensive. If you can afford it, buy one. If you don't like it, you'll get all or most of your money back out of it if you sell it. But I bet you'll end up keeping it and making it your primary.
 
The Sebenza is a very solid knife, usefull, easy to maintain, with great warranty and customer service. I don't think there is anything better, but there could be something you like better.
I own and have owned many Sebenzas over the years, and highly respect the knife and the company, but my daily carry is something else( Pena not a ti frame lock), but certainly would not suffer much if my edc was a Sebenza and have edced them many years in the past..
 
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CRK has stood the test of time for decades. Few, if any, rival this record. Even great custom makers I have known have used it as a standard of excellence to aim for.

We are fortunate to have the option to purchase many high end knives from many different corners, but CRK still has a very loyal base, and new devotees daily.

Where it is built is important to many of us, but few would extol its virtues simply on that factor alone.

Buy what you love. There are options out there for pretty much everyone at virtually all price points.

Let's not let this discussion get sidetracked by geopolitical considerations lest it be cut short.
 
CHuynh22 said:
Mind if I ask why?

Also, and I apologize if this is a bit blunt, but if CRK wasn't made in USA and didn't offer their spa package, would it still be revered? In your opinion.
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They are easy to service, easy to sharpen, non-assuming, and only get better with age. Perfect lockup, the correct detent, usable blade shape, and a simple, sturdy pocket clip make me put it in my pocket more than anything else.

Also, phosphor bronze washers on a frame lock equals peak usability for me.
 
Last summer went through the Sebenza vs iMamba and the only thing that really appealed to me on the iMamba was it's size over the Sebenza, sweet spot for me are knives with an AOL of 7.5"-8", everything else favored the Sebenza, blade steel, being able to send the knife in for warranty issues living here in the US and maintaining it's value incase I wanted to sell it.

Purchased a lightly carried Sebenza L31 with S45VN blade in excellent condition on the Exchange for under $400 in Aug, decided I didn't want to keep it and just sold it a few weeks ago for what I paid for it, definitely do not regret the purchase it is a great knife just not something I'm going to carry on a regular basis. Not interested in the iMamba anymore have a SHF 3.25 and QC Drift-L that scratch my Ti Framelock itch.
 
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