Do Inlays improve grip/ ergonomics/ usability of Small Sebenza 21 ??

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EvilBoffin

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Feb 3, 2017
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I now have 2 large 21’s - one with carbon fiber inlays (BladeHQ special ed), and one with full carbon fiber show-side scale (KnifeArt special ed). So far, I feel a slight ergonomic difference between these two, due to their relative handle thickness and grip. But it’s not enough to alter my desire to use or carry either one.

However, I’m considering purchase of a SMALL Seb 21, as a more acceptable, less imposing EDC’er than these large blades in this insanely ‘PC’ world… Unfortunately, I’ve never even been in the presence of a Small 21, and the common complaint about the Small 21 in many online reviews is related to the ergonomics of the smaller design.

SO - is there consensus amongst the experts here -

Do inlays (wood - not micarta) actually help with the ergonomics of a ‘user’ Small 21 ??

I’m most interested in the small Wilson Combat Starbenza vs. inlayed Small 21 (Cocobolo, Thuya, Snakewood or Macassar Ebony) …

Worth noting - I am a Lefty, so my purchase options are severely limited by stock-on-hand at dealers, shear luck on the Exchange or direct order from CRK.
 
I may be in the minority, but I actually prefer the plain Ti, or Wilson Combat slabs in the small. The inlayed smalls are a little to "busy" looking, and feeling to me. I like the inlays in the large size, but not my first choice in the small version.
 
BTW......the small 21 has great ergonomics for a knife of its size, regardless of what Nick Shabazz might say (no offence). If you want a knife with bad ergos, buy that sharp,n,pointy Spyderco Slysz Bowie he raves about. I bought one.....fit and finish is amazing, handle design is terrible, even with the contouring........but that's for another post.

Chris Reeve is no dummy.......he got it right with the small 21. Great knife.
 
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I do like the micarta inlay on my small 21. Seem like it gives the knife just a bit more grip for me. And looks nice as well!
 
In my opinion, your experience with the small will match that of the large. The feel is different, but one is not markedly better than the other. They're both great.
 
I've had both the plain and inlayed small 21. Both plain janes were sold when my micarta version arrived. If they never made the inlayed version I would have been perfectly happy with it just the way it was. No complaints at all. But in my experience the micarta inlays have been fantastic and looks great as well.
 
JITDC said:
I've had both the plain and inlayed small 21. Both plain janes were sold when my micarta version arrived. If they never made the inlayed version I would have been perfectly happy with it just the way it was. No complaints at all. But in my experience the micarta inlays have been fantastic and looks great as well.
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well said...agree 100%
 
I have plain tis, CGGs, micarta and wood inlay smalls. I like the ergonomics on all of them. I think the inlays do add a little girth that is appreciated sometimes but it's not earth shattering. I bought the wood inlay for the wood and the micarta because I got a deal on a used one.
 
In my experience, only the micarta inlays add extra grip, and even then the difference isn't profound. What I do like, however, is the feel in the hand that the extra width of the inlays provide, and this goes equally for my small micarta Insingo and wood-inlay Classic.

My Wilson Combat Starbenza has the best grip of them all.

Regards,
Adam
 
If you have difficulty with slipping in the hand (not a problem for me), I would agree that the Micarta Inlayed ones reduce that possibility(as would the Wilson Combat Edition). If you need more width for comfort, any of the inlays are essentially the same in my experience.
 
craniotes said:
...the feel in the hand that the extra width of the inlays provide, and this goes equally for my small micarta Insingo and wood-inlay Classic.

My Wilson Combat Starbenza has the best grip of them all.
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well, Adam - you mentioned the two main reasons for my post - "extra width of the inlays" vs. "Wilson Combat Starbenza has the best grip of them all"

So, if the Starbenza is as comfortable to use as you say, is not just decorative or too skinny in-hand, then that sounds like a great option, given my current collection. It can also be fully refurbed in a CRK spa treatment, while the wood inlayed versions cannot - that's important to me.

Further experienced opinions still welcomed !! :)
 
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The inlays, while not being massively wider, do give a slight advantage with grip. IMO, it's more of a sense of security than anything else.
The micarta inlays are the only inlay that CRK will reblast. Of all the inlays, I'm partial to the micarta. I have a few smalls and they're plain jane's.
I used to think the same thing about the smalls until I got one in hand. You'll be pleasantly surprised how normal the small feels in your hand.
Both versions of the smalls you mentioned are available in left handed models. WC has them in stock and there are authorized dealers on evilbay that have the micarta inlays in stock.
 
As usual in life, you have to agree upon compromises. Inlays in general add width and can be a benefit particularely with a small Sebenza. Inlay material like micarta may ad a little grip and is very robust. Wood inlays may be less grippy but look great and feel "warm", as a natural material. But the polished presentation scale "attracts" scratches .

As an alternative you may consider the new cross hatch?

http://www.chrisreeve.com/sebenza-21-cross-hatch.html

But most important for me, before worrying about width and slick inlays, I would check first whether the general ergos while opening the blade fit well for you with a small Sebenza. I have large hands and the ergos of a small seb just do not fit for me. Opening the blade via thumb stud is much less smooth than with a large Sebenza. That has do with smaller dimensions of the knife in general and particularely shorter measures between the position of the thumb stud and my hand. Hope you are getting my point. It just feels exerting/stressful to open the knife, having to "bend" my thumb more than with a large Sebenza. I think this is much more important than the handle belly and the grip. Because if the opening action is not really comfortable for you, the fun of using it will be much less. Just my 2 cent.
 
For me it depends on the weather.
Summertime finds a decorated small in my pocket, while during winter the wood inlay's make it perfect.
 
I could never warm to the grip of the small until I snagged a Micarta inlay - then, instant perfection for me. This is my most used CRK (my Large Inkosi hasn't been here long enough to overtake it, however it will). Speaking of the Inkosi, I actually like it in plain as the finger grooves give me the positive grip purchase I didn't feel in the plain small sebbie.





 
Officer's Match -

I like the 'scotchbrite' finish you applied to that micarta inlayed 21...
Almost looks like the more fancy wood-inlayed versions that have polished handles.

I'm still torn between a small 21 with inlays and a Starbenza, but will eventually dump the bucks on one or the other... :)
.
 
bvo85 said:
I saw that on their website! When does it come out?
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I believe it is available now from several authorized dealers, but at least for ordering direct from CRK otherwise.

Just confirmed - a small Paisley CGG is in-stock at KnifeCenter right now, in case you're interested......
 
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