CRK vs Others in 2024

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RBB2 said:
I get what you're saying, the designs are probably the weakest point, subjectively. But objectively, the knives are tremendous, and IMO they are equal to anything else in their price bracket and better than most.
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Well, a lot of what goes into the selection of knives I own, carry, and collect is both form and function. Even in knives designed to take a beating...such as a machete or golok. Though function is much more important in the latter two mentioned.

So far, none of the LG knives have tripped my trigger enough to lay down the cash. If and when one does...I may very well give it a try. But for now, the knives I own still have that "certain something". I don't doubt that his knives are functional. But that alone isn't going to carry the day...for me personally.
 
I have a large and small Sebenza, large and small Harsey, and a Les George ESV, and I like all of them.

I don't think it's as much about "vs" as they are all very different from each other and unique.

I like the Sebenza 31 the most from that group. It's slim, I love hollow grinds, and it feels great in-hand. I think the cutting performance is also the best from the group. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the pointy thumb-stud, but I'm "fine" with it.

I wish the small Seb had the same handle length of the small Harsey - I can barely get a full four-finger grip on the small, whereas the Harsey is perfect. The big Harsey is a completely different animal than the rest of these. It's a chonk and feels AMAZING in-hand.

The Les George has one of the best flipping actions I've ever felt. You can tell he cares about the details - it's a fantastic knife. Once again - completely different from the Sebenza. It's thick all over and substantial in-hand.

Even though you can't go wrong with any of them (and eventually, maybe just get them all...lol), based on what seems to be most important to you, I can't see you going wrong with the Seb 31. It's a classic for a reason, and I don't ever plan on letting mine go.
 
CHuynh22 said:
Any other suggestions if I like the look of CRK's ?
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McNees would be another option. I don't have any personal experience, but I've heard positive things and would buy one immediately if he ever starts making lefty versions.

Like others have mentioned I don't think there are better choices, just way more than there used to be and they are all a bit different. It just depends on what you're looking for. Can't really go wrong with CRK though.
 
What I own currently in the CRK "similar-ish" category:
- too many Hinderer XM-18 3.5" and Eklipse's
- Demko AD20's(full Ti custom and G10 version)
- Shirogorov Stellar
- iMamba in damasteel
- Grimsmo Norseman
- Grimsmo Rask
- Brown Mini FSD-i
- Koenig Arius Non-Flipper
- Les George VECP button lock
- Strider SnG full-ti
- Munroe Sigil NF
- Skiff Accomplice
- OZ Roosevelt
- Holt Specter
- Eutsler DUK
- Tactile Maverick
- TRM Atom full Ti
- Stang Pyrenees
- Chapman Lake Knives CLK-2D
- CRK Umnumzaan
- CRK Inkosi Insingo(large)

Why did I list all those? To show that I have a great basis for comparison. Yes, the knives with flippers and bearings are great and will last forever and I love them all. However, if I had to pick one knife(or brand) to carry "forever" or in the event of something catastrophic, I would choose the CRK Umnumzaan or Inkosi. They have slab scales(no internal milling) so they just have that solid "working tool" feel, while also being visually appealing in their simplicity.

I have tried to like the Spartan Harsey folder three times and every time, they have been duller than a rock out of the box(being generous here) and felt like they were lubed with heavy grease mixed with sand.

This is my opinion of course, and I hope it is helpful to you.
 
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I'll add my two bits. I have a minor collection of 80+ knives, though only the CRKs at the level we're discussing. In the collection are a few at the Civivi, CJRB, and Kizer level. Most are Spyderco or Bucks. Five (so far) are CRKs. Of those, I have a small wood inlay Sebenza, a tanto 'zaan, a tanto Inkosi, and an insingo large Sebenza. All are magnacut. My favorite of these is the Inkosi, which is why I recently added a second Inkosi, a drop point to go with my tanto. The extra finger groove on the Inkosi fits my hand well. That may be a consideration in choosing between Sebenza or Inkosi. Other than the 'zaan, the larges I have are all micarta inlay. A PJ may be more rugged and a wood inlay more dressy, but I wanted micarta for a bit of balance between the two, hard working, but can pass for dressy if needed. Of all of my knives, I think the Inkosi is at or near the top of my favorites list. I like the slightly heavier blade on it vs the others. It may not be as slicy as some of the Spyderco, but it has a ruggedness I really like. I can trust it to get the job done in just about any situation. I also like that CRK encourages you to get familiar with your knife. They even include the tools and maintenance items to help you do that. As others have mentioned, it is hard to go wrong choosing a CRK.
 
mitchnola said:
I’m a big fan of crks and have a few. As said you can’t go wrong with one.

However, I would strongly recommend you take a hard look at Les George! He’s the most underrated maker out there which the lack of mention in this threads prove. I wouldn’t dare say He’s better than crk but here’s a few things I prefer over my crks.

The finish on LG’s is excellent! It hides almost all signs of use. The majority of mine are second hand and I can find very few signs of use.

They’re extremely easy to disassemble and clean. Crks aren’t exceptionally difficult but the LG’s are significantly easier.

The action is probably the biggest, you mentioned bearings, well you would think LG’s are on bearings. It’s that good and you get the durability of having pb washers.

Finally, like reeves, you would be supporting a very small American company where Les does all of his own work and is very accessible.

The negative, they’re harder to find, but worth the effort. Pm me and I’ll be more than happy to help.

All Hail King George!!

Disclaimer:
This all just my opinion so take it easy on me my crk homies!😂
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Does LG have a pivot bushing?
 
Blues said:
I've been curious about Les George's work for years...but I have to admit that I'm still waiting for a pattern (and handle) that really grabs my attention. So far, not enough to make me jump. But there's still hope.
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Exactly..

For me too it just stops with the pictures.
 
For those that have other brands at this level, do they include the tools and maintenance items as CRK does? Or, do they expect you to use your own or send it in for maintenance? I'm curious if the other brands actually encourage you to take the knife apart and get really familiar with the workings of the knife like CRK. It's something I appreciate, but don't know how common it is.

For those that don't know what I'm referring to, this cloth and other maintenance items were included in the box with my new Inkosi.
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TimButterfield said:
For those that have other brands at this level, do they include the tools and maintenance items as CRK does? Or, do they expect you to use your own or send it in for maintenance? I'm curious if the other brands actually encourage you to take the knife apart and get really familiar with the workings of the knife like CRK. It's something I appreciate, but don't know how common it is.

For those that don't know what I'm referring to, this cloth and other maintenance items were included in the box with my new Inkosi.
53496566079_114281a640_b.jpg
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Some you can use fairly normal tools on, some special tools you would have to buy, but often the knives are not easy to get back together with a centered blade.
 
LG’s come in a nice taco case with his logo patch velcro’d on and that’s it. The pouches are also made in the us which I think is a nice touch. There’s 3 screws to disassemble most of his knives. He uses torx bits, a t20 for the pivot and either a t8or 10 for the body screws. I much prefer the torx screws cause they rarely strip. Also has a pressed in pivot.
 
Modernflame said:
Hollow grind, sharpening choil, pivot bushing. Heat treated stop pin. Ceramic lock face at 97 hrc. Precision fitting, perfect centering, easy maintenance. Top tier warranty, available spare parts. Reasonably priced reblades.

Stunning. Awe inspiring.

Sebenza 31. Accept no substitute.
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Can’t argue with that!! 😂
 
JRRsix7 said:
I love the Seb 31 as well, but the Inkosi is just so much more comfortable than the Sebenza or Umnumzaan, though I adore my Zaan.
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Going by handle comfort my preferences are, in order, Inkosi, Sebenza 31, and Zaan. While I like the Zaan also, the handle isn't quite as comfortable for me. (all larges for these). My small Seb is only a three finger grip.
 
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