Does Anyone NOT Love The Sebenza ?

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I like 'em, don't love 'em. The Sebenza is a fine, fine knife, but I've seen several cheaper folders that have great fit and finish, incredible lock-up, great ergos, durability, etc.

If I could find a deep carry clip, I would probably carry my small Insingo more...
 
I don't know if I would call the Sebenza my "grail knife," but I have owned one for about 15 years now. I have used it so much that I had to send it in to get a new blade, because I sharpened away most of the old one. I think the Sebenza has a very clean, utilitarian appearance, which suits its purpose. As far as it being "bland" or "boring," I think it's important to remember that it came out over 20 years ago. At that time, it kind of turned the world of folders upside down, as nothing else like it existed. Much of what is around today was very much inspired by what Mr. Reeve designed and invented.

Another point I think is important, is the difference between "initial quality," and "long-term." There are many production knives that initially lock up very tight, are very smooth, and work perfectly. Use those same knives hard for a decade, and that will not be the case for all of them. When I sent my Sebenza off to get a new blade, I had been using it regularly for well over a decade. It locked up just as tight as new, and there was no blade play in any direction. To me, that is a very important difference. I have used quite a few folders over the years, and personally have never had a production folder do that. YMMV.
 
I carried a small lefty for over a year and loved it. They carry so easy, the clip never stretched out, and I could get other stuff out of my pocket easily without knocking it out.

When I broke my left thumb, I couldn't open it with either hand so I let it go. If it had dual thumb studs I might still have it. That would be my only real complaint.
 
I think they are super hyped up, I mean really 400 and up for a sime frame lock knife that according to the warranty your are forbidden from flipping/flicking open???!!! Really that's absurd at that price you should be able to deploy it in what ever way you want, and yea for the record I have used both a small and a large my friend has them and they aren't any thing special
 
I appreciate what it is and how it's made. It simply doesn't feel that good to me, in my hand, which is a big criterion for me. The Mndandi, OTOH, floats my boat really well. :D
 
That's interesting, up until this thread I didn't know their warranty forbids flicking it open. I was considering getting one but after reading that it kind of sounds cheesy to me. Although they're touted for their extremely tight tolerances it would seem with their warranty that they really aren't a great hard use knife. Could be wrong though...
 
fetzer85 said:
That's interesting, up until this thread I didn't know their warranty forbids flicking it open. I was considering getting one but after reading that it kind of sounds cheesy to me. Although they're touted for their extremely tight tolerances it would seem with their warranty that they really aren't a great hard use knife. Could be wrong though...
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I may need to go to their site and read their warranty again, but, to be fair, flicking is more of a method of deployment, and less a method of use. That doesn't change how much cutting the knife can handle, it just means they want the knife to be opened the way it was designed, with a thumbstud.
 
I find that Sebenzas lack soul... plus the warranty and overall frame of mind of Chris reeve about sebenzas (ie. don't flick it open...) doesn't inspire confidence about hard use... Strider on the other hand doesn't give a shit about how you open your damn knife, or how it got broken when you send it in to be fixed or replaced 20 years after purchase...
 
I love and appreciate the concept of the Sebenza. The idea of elegant simplicity, tireless attention to detail, tremendous utility and fine craftsmanship coming together is something I applaud. That said, the knife does nothing for me. I've been lucky enough to have a friend, quite insistently, lend me one and it was a fine knife but, well, forgettable. I appreciated it in an academic kind of way, but one of the main reasons I like knives is that they're fun and it didn't have much fun factor for me. Precision engineering and tight tolerances are great, but when the end product feels antiseptic it looses me. Same reason I'd rather drive a Subaru WRX or Lancer Evo than a Mercedes, the Benz is undeniably higher quality, but a lot less fun to throw around a turn.
 
I never buy a new one, but I've had at least twenty. Down to three and a Zaan at the moment. I buy 'em off the Exchange here, and sell 'em the same way. I've had both sizes and a bunch of different Sebbie types, styles, inlays, graphics, plain slabs, etc.
Yeah, they're the best there is, in my estimation. CRK is my go-to...every day.
I admire fine machining and craftsmanship. CRK is my bag. Still haven't found anything to take their place...and I've tried.
 
I have a small insingo, great knife, but I don't love it. It does everything well, it's quality is outstanding, but it does nothing that really gives it a special place in my heart. There's nothing to really complain about(other than the blade steel, I am not a fan of S35vn), but there's also nothing that really wows people. I like many a Benchmade, Spyderco and ZT more.
 
I own two.
An inlayed 21 and a 25, both brand new this year and the best money I ever spent on knives.

Other knife companies offer the latest, most modern materials with average build quality and that's great, and very popular. Personally, I prefer proven materials with superior quality and will gladly pay a premium for it.

One thing that seems to be repeated countless times on the forum is how great other manufacturer warranties are , and that is fine, but folks seem to forget that you can't always take your warranty with you, and some might consider initial trustworthiness of a knife over how fast they can get stripped screws or broken blades replaced....or sticky locks....or blade play...or any number other issues.
 
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I miss my Sebenza desperately. Thinking about picking up a small Sebe again very soon. Love love love the Sebenza
 
They certainly are nice, but they no longer have that mystical quality about them. They are well made, and typically very good cutters, but I prefer a great deal on a used custom to a Sebenza. And I think the ergo's have long been surpassed by the SnG.
 
Well, I just got my first CRK a Sabenza 25 based on all the reports of quality and. Customer service. The money was not a huge issue- I have cheaper and more expensive knives. My 25 is very stiff and difficult to open one handed. And I can see how the anno on the thumb stub will get worn soon. Hopefully not before I get it broken in. All in all, I am happy with it but not ecstatic about it. My personal take is spend another $80 and get a Curtiss.
 
I have owned them in every possible handle config. There is no denying they are great knives, however, they just dont do it for me.
 
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