Decisions, decisions...

Cowboy1629

Cowboy1629

Joined
Dec 6, 2013
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Decisions, decisions... Have a little Christmas cash in my pocket and would like to pick up a second Sebenza. Currently I have the 25 and really like it but was thinking maybe a 21 since everyone talks about how smooth they are plus I read all the talk about the possibility of Chris Reeve replacing the 21s with the 25s and would like to get one before that happens.

I like the large but not sure which model. The plain 21 would be nice but I do like the double thumb lug on my 25 since I carry in my left pocket but I'm right handed. The double thumb lug allows me the option to open the knife with my left hand. Haven't seen too many 21's with a double thumb lug. The other one that really got my attention is the Star-Benza that Wilson Combat carries. That would go real well with the Wilson handguns I have plus has the double thumb studs. Another option is maybe a unique with double thumb studs but haven't seen a lot of them either.

What do you folks think? This knife will be a user but if I decide to trade or sell it later which would be the better one to have; 21, Star-Benza, unique, or maybe something else I haven't thought of?

All thoughts and opinions welcome.
 
In a perfect world I would get one of each.. you don't have to get them all at once of course.. lets see you have a 25 Great Knife. You want a 21 but cant decide on which one.. I can understand that. But you didn't mention my favorite the Umnumzaan!! Which ever one you chose it will be the right one. For now anyway!! :D
Sorry, I guess I have not been very helpful. But don't despair I doubt that the 21 is going to go away anytime soon. And there are a lot of very nice knives posted for sale right here on the Forum everyday. I'm sure you will find the right one for you.

Cowboy1629 said:
Decisions, decisions... Have a little Christmas cash in my pocket and would like to pick up a second Sebenza. Currently I have the 25 and really like it but was thinking maybe a 21 since everyone talks about how smooth they are plus I read all the talk about the possibility of Chris Reeve replacing the 21s with the 25s and would like to get one before that happens.

I like the large but not sure which model. The plain 21 would be nice but I do like the double thumb lug on my 25 since I carry in my left pocket but I'm right handed. The double thumb lug allows me the option to open the knife with my left hand. Haven't seen too many 21's with a double thumb lug. The other one that really got my attention is the Star-Benza that Wilson Combat carries. That would go real well with the Wilson handguns I have plus has the double thumb studs. Another option is maybe a unique with double thumb studs but haven't seen a lot of them either.

What do you folks think? This knife will be a user but if I decide to trade or sell it later which would be the better one to have; 21, Star-Benza, unique, or maybe something else I haven't thought of?

All thoughts and opinions welcome.
Click to expand...
 
If it were me, and it was to be my second CRK, I would look for a bit more difference than there is between the 25 and the 21 and consider the Starbenza or even the smaller knife (StarTac? - I lose track of the names) in either the CRK or CRK/Wilson variety. That is sort of what I did. The 25 didn't exist then, so I started with the Wilson version of the 21, then later the Starbenza, then again, later, the smaller Wilson version. I recently added the 25 (don't know if there is a Wilson version yet). I don't know that I could tell you the advantages of one over the other (the Starbenza model is a bit more heavy duty than the 21?) since I'm a pretty light user, except for the obvious differences between the large and small versions. I like and carry them all (one at a time). They're all great knives (in my opinion), and if you like the CRK line, I think you'd be happy with any of them.

I like the Wilson design, but it costs a bit more. Whether you get your money out of it if you were to sell, I can't say. I guess it depends on everyone else's perception and familiarity with the Wilson company and their design/collaborations. From what I've seen, they are pretty well liked and I do see want to buy requests for them from time to time in the Exchange here. Hope this helps a bit. Mike
 
Hi,

Obviously everybody looks at this differently but since I've owned all of the above and quite a few more I'll offer up my worthless opinion.
As great as the 25 is it sounds to me like you're looking for something just a little different from CRK, my suggestion is to buy an Insingo variant of either the Large or Small 21. You'll be getting what made the Sebenza famous, the pivot bushing, as well as one of the most useful edc blade designs that I've ever had the pleasure to own and use. The materials are ever so slightly thinner than the 25's but it's tougher than most anybody would ever need a knife to be. It doesn't have the ceramic ball interface, which I like, so you'll notice a difference in the feel of the action when the knife locks open that has addicted many CRK fans since it's invention- it's just superb.
If your looking for a little more of the same in a different package I'd suggest that you try an Umnumzaan/StarTac. It carries very well and in my opinion is more comfortable in the hand than the 25.

I wouldn't pick a unique graphic if you think that you may use it and sell it one day, if they're not mint they don't retain there value as well as a plain will, not do they look as nice all scratched up from use as a plain does.

Merry Christmas
 
Thanks for the suggestions and ideas. The Umnumzaan is something I may look at later because I really wanted to try one without the ceramic ball interface so I could get the original Sebenza feel. Hadn't really considered the Insingo blade either which could be interesting. Also good point about the unique, at least with the plain titanium handles I could always send it in for a spa treatment if they got real bad. Would they be able to refinish the handles on the Star-Benza too since it is just a starburst pattern in the handles?

I have been keeping an eye on the exchange and I'm sure one will pop up that I'm interested in if I can wait long enough. I can see this fondness for CRK getting pretty expensive.

Thanks again for all of the ideas and suggestions.
 
My all-time favorite is the small Plain Jane 21 Insingo; however, as BBQBoy has suggested--the inlaid models have something special about them too! The good news, is that you really can't go too wrong with any CRK.
 
The small Insingo is the ultimate edc imo.

I sold mine off a few months ago only to have another show up today.

It went straight into my frp where it belongs.
 
Yes they can refurbish the Starbenza just the same as any other plain model. They're great knives but they have to be pretty special if I'm going to buy one with a regular blade profile, I'm an Insingo or Tanto kind of guy.

As said many times before the Small Insingo is one of the best EDC blades ever made, I also feel that way about the Large model.

It is a very addictive hobby, and very enjoyable. Thank God CRK puts out so many different knives for us addicts to collect and use. I hope that your significant other is as understanding as my Wife, though I suspect that one day she'll pull an intervention on me.
 
I have to disagree with my friend Rich on one point.. I don't think collecting the many different varieties of Chris Reeve Knives is addictive at all... at all.. at all.. I AM NOT AN ADDICT!! I AM NOT AN ADDICT!! :D But I do find it strange that my wife told me if I buy one more CRK she's going to leave.. Oh wow another Umnumzaan!!
I'm sure going to miss her..

1AbominAble1 said:
Yes they can refurbish the Starbenza just the same as any other plain model. They're great knives but they have to be pretty special if I'm going to buy one with a regular blade profile, I'm an Insingo or Tanto kind of guy.

As said many times before the Small Insingo is one of the best EDC blades ever made, I also feel that way about the Large model.

It is a very addictive hobby, and very enjoyable. Thank God CRK puts out so many different knives for us addicts to collect and use. I hope that your significant other is as understanding as my Wife, though I suspect that one day she'll pull an intervention on me.
Click to expand...
 
the only negative towards the Insingo is the swedge. It makes it impossible to clean out my fingernails.
 
My vote is for the large 21 - Normal or Wilson. A very comfortable size that carries well and with the pivot it's just sublime. Small Insingo is a fantastic EDC as well and would be my second.
 
The Insingo gets my vote.
A small one would be a nice complement to your 25.
Try to handle one before you buy - it depends on the size of your hands and which one is more comfortable to you.

hope this helps.
red mag
 
I'm in the same boat.

I have a 25 which I love, and was thinking of something smaller.

If you get a large, isn't that pretty similar?

I'm obviously a newb, so that's why I'm asking.
 
I bought a small 21, and thought a large 21 would be better. I still love my small.

I'd say get a small insingo.
 
Birch said:
I'm in the same boat.

I have a 25 which I love, and was thinking of something smaller.

If you get a large, isn't that pretty similar?

I'm obviously a newb, so that's why I'm asking.
Click to expand...

Size wise they would be similar but the 21 has the original pivot system the Sebenza is famous for. Plus I want to make sure I get one before they quit making them which may not be real soon but like the regular and millennium I'm sure they will be a part of history some day. I've had my eye on one of the Wilson Star-Benza which looks fantastic in my opinion. Just too many choices...
 
OK, I couldn't wait any longer and not fast enough when a good pops up on the exchange to I ordered this one from Wilson it's the large one... Hopefully it's is stock like the website said. I will call them tomorrow just to verify. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions everyone offered.

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