Decided not to buy Sebenza, so now what?

C

cutitout

Joined
Aug 12, 2012
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Let me start by saying that I have been coveting a Large Chris Reeves Sebenza for awhile now, but putting it off because I decided to buy a Wicked Edge Pro 2 first which has put a wicked dent in my credit card for now. So, even though I decided to put off the Sebenza until now, I still have been admiring it from afar, meaning, I watch a lot of YouTube video reviews. So in my idle time, I came across this review which was kind of negative for the Sebenza. I should say, that Chris Reeves seems to have a very loyal and well deserved fan base and I get it, he makes beautiful knives. But after seeing this video review, I have decided not to spend the $400 plus upgrades for inserts that I would have on a Sebenza. Here is the link to the YouTube review if you are interested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_aGtrPUbUA&feature=related

So my question here now is, for between $400 and $500, you should be able to get a pretty good folder. What might be a better choice for a folder, something around 3.75" and 4" drop point blade for EDC? By the way, I am not really looking for criticism of Sebenzas or defense of Sebenzas as much as what a great alternative knife might be now that I have decided against the Sebenza. I should mention that I have a Zero Tolerance 560 which I love and a ZT 350 which I also love among others. Should say, I don't want a coated blade, other than that, I am open to any suggestions. Thanks guys, appreciated.
 
Maybe if it's not too much to ask, with your suggestions, you could say why you might prefer it to a Sebenza or what features your suggestion might have that are missing from Sebenza if that is the case. I still think the Sebenza is a very nice knife but if you look at the video review, you will notice that the reviewer has pointed out that the Sebenza while a nice knife is not a $400 knife (he is referring to a small Sebenza so it is more relevant for a large Seb). So, if I am going to spend this kind of money, which I will do if it is a good value and a good knife, but it should actually be worth the money, so what makes your suggestion worth the money? I would be interested and hopefully others might.
 
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 really like that 3 Sisters Beast. Very interesting, thanks for the suggestion. For Severedthumbs, I don't know the reviewer and I really want to like the Sebenza, which I still do, but he makes some valid points it seems regarding the value. When you break it down, maybe it is worth looking beyond the Seb for a high quality folder EDC. I am not sure why you refer to him as a whack job. He seems to be pretty logical in his presentation. Like he says, he will probably anger some loyal CR admirers, but that is always going to be the case when you put something under a microscope and see the flaws in a public forum like YouTube.
 
cutitout said:
All great suggestions, thanks very much, keep them coming, this is very helpful.
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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.
 
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!
photo 1.jpg

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!
photo 2.jpg

Greg Lightfoot Warhead. I bought this one for $400 right here. ats 34 blade, titanium and carbon fiber handle. Very smooth operating, unique design.
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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.
photo 4.jpg
 
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.
 
Killgar, thanks for your response and it is appreciated. My post was more about finding a great knife which is also a good value. The key here is value. I think the Sebenza is a great knife, but I am not so convinced now that it is really a great value, that is am I getting $400 to $500 worth of knife in comparison to what else is available in the price range. Based on some of the great knives being suggested here, the decision is getting a little more difficult. I am not in any way putting down the Sebenza or any Chris Reeve Knives or their owners. I am just saying that prior to watching that video, I thought this was at least as good or better than any other knife in the same price range. I see that it may not be and agree with the post saying that you can fault BMW's, Mercedes or anything even though they are considered to be the best. It may be that the best for one person is not the best for another and I am anxious to see what else my money will buy me.

Regarding the cost, that is also an individual thing. while I can afford a $400 knife, I do not want to spend money frivolously. I am not rich, but I don't have money to burn either, so that is not the issue here in this post. If I can get as good or better folder than the Seb for less, then Hell yeah that would be the knife I would buy. I have not completely ruled out the Seb yet. Just keeping it interesting and investigating options of which there seem to be many.
 
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?
 
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