CRK Wood Inlays and size

rye_a

rye_a

Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
874
Ok...I am ready to pull the trigger and buy a CRK Sebenza. I do still have a couple questions for the all-knowing members of the board:

First, I don't know much about the durability and longevity of the types of wood that CRK use for inlays. I live in Colorado and deal with a dry to very dry climate and extremes when it comes to temperature (up to 100 in the summer and below 0 in the winter). I will be using my knife for relatively gentle tasks like cutting food, rope, boxes, etc., and I expect this knife to last a lifetime of daily carry.

I am down to four wood types:

Desert Ironwood
Snakewood (costs $25 more)
Cocobolo
Bocote

Which of these will last the longest while maintaining its aesthetic quality?

Second, I am torn between the large and small size. I am leaning towards the large since I am 6'4" and have large hands. I plan on carrying the knive with the pocket clip rather than the pouch. Any thoughts?
 
I thought not that long ago you were asking for gent's knives suggestions under $125! :p

Not everyone thinks that a Sebenza or Mnandi is the be-all and end-all of all knives, you know. Not trying to be a douche, but you seem fairly new to BF and I don't want you to be one of the disappointed ones :)
 
Thanks, and I don't think that response makes you a d-bag in any way. My train of thought went like this...

a.) I want a gent's knife for <$125
b.) Hmmm, I do like that Kopa...
c.) I like that Nakamura too...
d.) It's not a gentleman's knife, but I also like the BM 745
e.) Which one should I get
f.) I will probably get all three, but which first?
g.) Should I get 3 good knives or 1 very good knife (i.e. CRK)?... http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486632
h.) I suppose quality is better than quantity...

And that is where I find myself. I seem to have caught some sort of terrible sickness.
 
Good choice with the sebenza. I have the small micarta one. It fits my hand perfectly but on the other "hand" my hands are not that large. If there are no size restrictions on blades where you live then maybe you should buy a large one to accommodate your size. Although, many people with large hands seem to perfer the small over the large because it is a better edc pocket knife for them- more portable thus more handy. I can't say anything about the wood choices so sorry about that. Any choice you make, you will love it.
 
At the risk of having all the CRK lovers lynch me, I'm going to tentatively put it out there that price doesn't necessarily mean quality and the 3 other knives you like are quality folders too. In the case of the Sebenza it's a matter of opinion ... it's a very well executed folder, yes, but there are 2 camps about whether or not it's worth it. I personally don't like the ergonomics. Perhaps you'd like to join the permanent Sebenza passaround?

You should try and see if you can find a knife shop in your area and handle all of them before you buy. Or, you could go and just buy all three from NGK or another reputable dealer online, see if you like them, and send it back if you don't (and get a Sebenza instead, maybe).
 
Oh, I should also mention that I've heard mixed reviews about the F&F QC on the Nakamura, although those who have gotten ones that "got it right" are very pleased with it, so that's another reason you should handle before purchasing :)
 
I have read that desert ironwood is a very resilient wood, and it grows in those kinds of temperatures, anyway, so I would think it would be the best choice.

Also, if you only want to carry one knife, I would recommend the large, as it's always nicer to have more blade than less, and I doubt you will notice it in your pocket, being of your stature.

Also, try to get to a gun/knife show or nice dealer in your area to handle one if you can, but don't worry too much about it, as you can easily return or resell the knife if it isn't for you.
 
All of the wood carried in Chris Reeve knives is stabilized so humidity or lack of shouldn't become an issue. I have been on the coast in fl. and have just moved to iowa (it's really humid today) and I see no change in the african blackwood scales on my small sebenza. By inlaying the inserts into the actual handle material if there were any problems they should be inherent and widespread. To date I have never heard of any such problems with Chris Reeve knives. Great knife, I love mine. I would recommend checking one out first. Have fun choosing and just move forward with the knowledge that sooner or later those other knives will come or be replaced anyway
 
What exactly is a "gentleman's knife"? And yes I am new to the world of knives but quickly becoming immersed.
 
Any of the wood inserts should be durable--they are all stabilised with epoxy or ?. I certainly like the feel of the wood handles better than the plain.
Greg
 
EvanBNW, gent's knife

I love the look of snakewood, if I were willing to spend that much I would get a mandi with snakewood as a gents knife.
 
Desert ironwood and cocobolo would make good choices for long term use. Realize that cocobolo will darken with age. Cocobolo has been used for knife handles for a long time; it was very popular for pocketknife handles a hundred years ago. I think bocote is also a very stable wood.

Snakewood is not as durable. Or perhaps it is better to say that it is prone to splitting.

Does CR stabilize all their wood handles? Cocobolo is usually not stabilized because it already has so much oil. I have cut cocobolo on a bandsaw, and it didn't drop any sawdust - I only got an oily gunky material coating the wood.
 
I've ordered a small classic Snakewood inlay and I can't wait for it.
Should get it in a month max.

I've been through a ton of knives from tactical to gentle, new mods and old school and I have decided that it'll be the small classic, plus a henckels stockman that will be my edc.

And if you didn't like it you can always trade and sell pretty much instantly.
 
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