Ebony inserts... any one had ?

Rosh

Rosh

Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
220
Hi

After various years of fondling and thinking, I'm looking for get my first Sebenza; and I decided for a Small Classic with inlays... for pure color preferences; I want one with black inserts; but the only one that looks really black to me seems to be Ebony.

Unfortunately, this seems so hard to find it online... I've see lots of Macassar Ebony and African Blackwood, but none look as real black to me. Also, I don't really like the look of micarta inserts, because of the white treads.

So, any suggestion on where to get one with Ebony at regular price ?... Does anyone have one with African Blackwood or other material that is really black ?... any pics or suggestion ?... Do you know if I can order one directry from CRK and if so, how long it would take ?

Thanks a lot to all !
 
Give Neil a call at True North Knives. He always has a large selection of Sebenzas. You could also call Chris Reeve Knives. I believe it would be good to speak with somebody who can answer your questions with the knife in hand.
 
Hi Rosh,

I had a large classic Sebenza with jigged rosewood. I had bought it on line and when I got it I didn't like it. After about 6 months I sent it to CR to have the jigged rosewood inlays replaced with ebony inlays.

I really like the ebony inlays but my ebony inlays are not completely black. Maybe CR could find some pieces of ebony that are very black.

I suggest you phone CRK. Let them know what you want and see what they suggest.

I'll try to get a photo of the ebony inlays on my Sebanza.

Rich
 
Here's the large classic Sebezna with ebony inlays. Not long after I had the ebony inlays put in I accidently let the pocket clip of another knife rub on the polished Ti surface near the back of the handle. The scratches aren't too deep but don't look nice in the photo.

When I had the ebony inlays installed I also had the thumb lugs and back spacer replace. They were gold and I had silver ones put in. I like this knife. It looks good and it is one I don't mind using.




Rich
 
I have a Mnandi with premium buffalo horn that is virtually completely black. It is highly polished. Unfortunately, I keep thinking someone will think it is just black plastic.

In tha case of this Mnandi and the ebony inlayed Sebenza, how the inlays look depends on the lighting. In the average living room lighting both inlays look very dark. But, in direct sunlight
it is easy to see that the ebony inlay is darker down the center of the inlays and lighter on the edges. The buffalo horn in the sunlight shows subtle grey streaks running the length of the inlays.

 
Rich.... thanks for the photos... both are beautiful knives.

I realize that inserts being from natural materials will not be really jet black, but judging from pictures I've seen over the internet, Ebony is the one that generally looks the most black of all.

I didn't know buffalo horn was an option for inserts from CRK, really looks great. I have a cheap knife with buffalo horn scales and looks good... I believe that such material from anything that comes from CRK with be great !... I'll consider for an option.

BTW... how the Sebenza with ebony feels under use ?... a bit slippery or with good grab ?

thanks
 
Rich

Awesome knives, once again! I think in 2008 I will be going for dark woods. I have enough box elder and mammoth bark now.
 
Thanks!

I have an S30V Mnandi with African Blackwood inlays It's very dark.

I don't remember exactly how the Ebony inlays felt fresh from the factory.
I've put a little wax on them and they are pretty smooth. The inlays add width but
not much in the way of a more grippy surface. Even their black Mycarta isn't very
grippy.
 
I have an african blackwood and in my opinion they are not close to black. Don't get me wrong I love them but if you are truly looking for black ebony probably is your best bet. If I were you even getting an ebony I would either look at it myself before purchasing or ask a reputable dealer to personally check the color for you. Pictures can be very deceptive based on minuscule lighting changes.
 
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