Custom to SEBENZA! What makes me run back?

OregonEdge

OregonEdge

Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
1,283
Just a little comment or two on the reliability and quality of a Sebbie vs. Custom. I have a big name tactical folder by a hot maker ($600) that I have used only for very light duty. Mostly paper and carboard. In fact the knife is virtually in the same condition as I got it new. Tonight I was opening a package of wieners to BBQ, and one of the carbon fiber inlays just fell f-ing off. I have owned everything from a custom Onion all the way down to production Benchmades and nothing like that has ever happened.

The key point I want to make here is what the first thing than ran through my mind was... (after 'WTF!)?:
This is a testimonial to CR because I kid you not!... the first thing I thought was

'Where is my Sebbie?!, I never have to worry about that knife"

I can't give a better review than that :thumbup::D
 
the sebenza represents the pinnacle of production protocols, fit, and finish. much of what we now expect in a folder, crk pioneered. the sebenza is an elegant, yet suprisingly durable knife.

that said, many custom knives, because they are hand fitted by one person, may have flaws that are virtually eliminated in a cnc process. the human element at times guarantees an imperfect product. it is this specialized individual skill that i admire in a custom maker, the talent to make a knife with flaws that i cant find.

that your knife was obviously flawed should not be a reflection, necessarily, on the maker. i am certain, without even knowing who it is, that should you contact him/her, it would be either repaired or replaced with little or no inconvenience to you.
 
I'm curious as to who the "hot maker" is? If this is a tactical folder I would think the inlays should be screwed or pinned to the frame. Were these inlays or overlays? Are you talking about an interframe or just slabs of carbon fiber between one or two bolsters. Again, I'm just curious as I've had quite a few customs with inlays and overlays and have never had a problem of one just falling out. Even if you have to PM me the makers name would be fine.
Very disappointing, sorry to hear. But glad the Sebenza was the next one you thought of for reliability.
 
they were carbon fiber inlays. would rather not post the maker's name as he was more than willing to fix. never had it happen to me either
 
I've gotten to the point to where the only customs I've been buying lately are Todd Davison slippies. The Sebbie does everthing I need and I have yet to find a custom the works as well for me as the Sebbie. Not to say that customs aren't cool or well made, but the Seb had a perfect combination of the things that I want in a folding knife. Why mess with a good thing?:thumbup:
 
Scottdog---Chris Pegged that folder. Welcome back! Oh, did Morimotom get a PhD??
 
Never have had a problem with any of my inlaid Sebenzas or Mnandis. CRK does an amazingly fine job making each knife.
 
stuff happens, I've known of CRK inlays coming out. It's how the company/maker deals with it that shows through
 
I'm trying to get into custom knives but it is hard to find makers that are taking order and/or have the folders I want in a lefty variant. Which brings me to CRK. Put the left handed Sebenza aside. I still like the their knives, look, feel, and the most important the fit hand finish. Add in the fact that I can just call them up and order any one model in a LH and have it to my door in a couple of months. Plus, I know if something goes wrong with one of them; it falls apart or I break it they will fix it in a timely manner. The high quality production concept just works!
 
Xcel:

That's why I like to buy CRK products. I'm also a lefty and find their Sebenza model to be just what I need. My current rotation is a large left hand Micarta Inlay, serrated with a Tom Krein regrind and a left hand plain Umfaan, BG-42. The umfaan is foe most small chores and the Micarta Inlay is for larger jobs. Due to the rarity of the Umfaan I was keeping it in the safe but it carries so well as a small back up knife, I figured what the heck I might as well carry and use it. It's such a cute little knife and a sturdy one at that!:thumbup::cool::p:D
 
I've only had experience with one custom to this point and my Seb was, without a doubt, better finished. Plus, it was less expensive and easily replaced should something bad happen. I just read that Rick Hinderer's knives are having work done outside of his shop to speed up the process. It would seem like he's looking to go the same route as CRK did some years back. And I think that's a good thing. To me, the concept of "custom vs. semi" is very gray. While it would be neat to have a one-of-a-kind-knife, I'll take consistent quality and ease of acquiring without the extreme waiting times right now.
 
It would seem that I'm nearing the end of my collection with the exception of CRK products. Have progressed from good quality factory produced knives to getting one custom from a highly regarded maker, which is a very nice knife, but it comes up short to the Sebenza standard for fit, finish, and value. To be fair the fitment of the scales and bolsters would be more difficult in my mind on my custom. My new large Trapeze however, is a better built knife in my opinion, and for the same money. Thus it was likely to be my first and last venture into the world of customs, and pretty much makes me only consider CRK for future knife purchases.
 
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