Well, I own both the classic and the standard. The classic is out for re-blading at Chris Reeve Knives. So right now I am carring the standard. I honestly can't tell the difference between the two. I have one of each so that I do not do without a knife when one is being repaired or sitting on the sharpening bench. If I could only have one, I would take the standard as I like the scalloped finger choil. But it's really a matter of preference for the appearance. They both function the same.
So, maybe the best way to answer your question is like this. I called Chris Reeve Knives and spoke wituh Lisa (Lisa's Picks) before I bought my knives. She said that in their shop they all carry the standard Sebenza, except for one guy who is stuck on the classic. So there you have it from the horse's mouth.
But most importantly, and confirming a post from an earlier thread, get dual thumb studs so you can open with either hand. All three of my Sebenzas have dual thumb studs. They cost $30 more but worth it. If you can't find one, CRK will do it for $30. And they hog out the lockbar for thumb access. On the Internet, Midwest Gun Exchange and Plaza Cutlery generally have some dual thumb studs in stock. If I had to choose dual studs over single stud, I would definitely pick the dual stud, regardless if it was classic or standard. Hope this helps.
