Decided not to buy Sebenza, so now what?

Les George VECP

 

Three Sisters Forge BEAST

 

Strider SnG

Neptune is a total whack job. Don't base your decision on him.

It's also interesting that Neptune and nutsnfancy both have negative views of the Sebenza.

 

There are YouTube videos that literally slam every product on the market. Flaws with BMW's, Wilson Combat pistols and every other premium product under the sun; yep, even CRK. I don't use YouTube as a reference to guide my purchase decisions. But, obviously folks can be influenced in a myriad of ways, so no need to debate that.

Back on topic ~ I really like the Benchmade 790 Subrosa as an alternative to my Sebbie. It's lighter, assisted, generous size blade and just a joy to use. I also think the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a great affordable EDC,; it's even lighter than the 790, feels great in the hand and seems surprisingly strong given its light weight. The CRK Umnumzaan is my overall preference though and gets the most pocket time. The Zaan's grip surface is exceptional, it locks up tight and is very strong. Wish I would have discovered the Zaan years ago.

 

I meant to mention in my first post - I was in my local gun shop today and was handling a ZT 0550 Hinderer design. I must admit, I had to put that knife on my want list. Butter smooth opening and closing, robust pivot, great blade profile and the frame appeared to be expertly fit/finished. Seems like almost a bargain at $200. Not suggesting that $200 is an insignificant amount by any means, but it sure seems like that knife could give more expensive knives a run for their money.

 

He's been banned from this forum for being a whack job. He posted here before the moderators became sick of him. The guy doesn't even know how to sharpen a knife so I wouldn't take stock in anything he says. If you want a good critical look at the Sebenza then jdavis does a much better job of it.

 

Oh an AG Russell Acies (large) or Acies 2 (small) is also a good choice. ZDP 189 steel, lockbar stabilizer, deep carry clip, Ti handles.

 

strider sng or smf

 

If you can wait, I would go custom/handmade - you won't regret it!

 

Another vote for the Les George VECP.

And another vote for Neptune being a knucklehead. Not just banned here on Bladeforums, but on other knife forums too. There is a reason the CRK Sebenza has the reputation & the following it does.

 

I have 2 sebenzas right now, and have had several others in the past so I like them a lot. However, if you are willing to spend up to $500 then your custom options really open up. Here are some great customs that I got for less than $500:

Bob Dozier large hunter in brown micarta. I bought this for 450 right here on the forum. 3.5 in D2 blade, great fit and finish, thick liner lock, very comfortable in hand. If you can find one in your price range, pick it up for sure!


Greyman satu. Tank like folder in s30v steel. Quite heavy with g10 and Ti handle. Fit and finish is good, rock solid and can be abused and come back for more. Under 400 brand new, highly recommend!


Greg Lightfoot Warhead. I bought this one for $400 right here. ats 34 blade, titanium and carbon fiber handle. Very smooth operating, unique design.


You don't hear much about Mike Irie on this forum, but he makes some great knives at even better prices. I had this one custom made for $360. Toxic green g10, CPM 154 steel, titanium liners. This one is smaller than what you are looking for at 3.25in, but he makes larger folders as well.

 

Contact Gareth Bull and get on the list for his new Warlock II. It's going to be fantastic, and just comes in under the size you want. There are some good threads if you do a search.

DJK

 

Yeah, don't let one person's review on the Sebenza turn you off. There are thousands of happy Large Sebenza owners who would disagree. I own both the Large Seb and the LG VECP 1.0 and I love them both. The Large Sebenza has no weaknesses from my experience.

 

While I can certainly understand the desire for a $400-$500 knife, the question I would ask is- Do you truly need a $400-$500 knife?

I hope you're not under the impression that only a $400-$500 knife will serve you well. There are many knives that can be purchased for a fraction of those prices that will provide you with a lifetime of good service.

It sounds to me that money is an issue for you. It doesn't sound like you are a rich man who can easily afford to spend $400-$500 on a pocket knife. As much as you might want an expensive knife, maybe you should find something less expensive that would serve your needs just as well and save yourself a lot of money. Credit card debt can really become a problem.

You say you want an EDC, I'm not sure what you cut during your day, but I for one don't cut anything that requires a $400-$500 knife, and I cut things all day long. Heck, my $25 Buck 110 is still going strong after 30 years. But don't get me wrong, I do have much more expensive knives, but when I bought them I had plenty of money and could easily afford them (cash not credit). And I only bought them because I wanted them, not because I needed them.

I say, if money is an issue, then save the money.

 

Do yourself a favor - get the Sebenza. Pick up a basic, pre-owned model for less than $400 and try it out for yourself. Hunt down a deal - it'll be part of the fun. Get it out of your system. If you end up not liking it, put it back on the Exchange. Everyone will find a "fault" with something and get attention by flaming it. The Sebenza has been around since '87... that in itself should give you enough rationalization for its continued popularity.

No place around for you to play with one at a store or show or something?