Expert Opinion Please

[pce]

Folks
I am trying to decide whether to "Sebenza or not". I have read fairly widely here and elsewhere and now seek the forum's expert advice, relating to a small Sebbie, for general purpose use/EDC:
1 Which is the preferred blade shape Classic or Regular? Advantages and disadvantages of either? I must say to my untrained eye it seems a very minor difference.
2 Is there significant difference in the handle shape between Classic and Regular when using the knife and/or when closing the blade?
2 Is a dual thumb stud worth the extra cost? I routinely open knives with either hand.
3 Thoughts about the utility of inlay (micarta or wood) over plain Ti, in terms of grip (wet/dry) comfort and control?
4 There are many photos of immaculate knives here but very few that seem to do real work. From the posts, owners seem to be split into the lookers and users, but only the former post photos. Is this a correct view?
I look forward to your views and thank you in advance for your opinions.

pce

PS Any Aussie Sebbie owners? If so I would gladly note your thoughts on how best to purchase a Sebbie from Oz.

 

[J85909266]

Folks
I am trying to decide whether to "Sebenza or not". I have read fairly widely here and elsewhere and now seek the forum's expert advice, relating to a small Sebbie, for general purpose use/EDC:
1 Which is the preferred blade shape Classic or Regular? Advantages and disadvantages of either? I must say to my untrained eye it seems a very minor difference.
2 Is there significant difference in the handle shape between Classic and Regular when using the knife and/or when closing the blade?
2 Is a dual thumb stud worth the extra cost? I routinely open knives with either hand.
3 Thoughts about the utility of inlay (micarta or wood) over plain Ti, in terms of grip (wet/dry) comfort and control?
4 There are many photos of immaculate knives here but very few that seem to do real work. From the posts, owners seem to be split into the lookers and users, but only the former post photos. Is this a correct view?
I look forward to your views and thank you in advance for your opinions.

pce

PS Any Aussie Sebbie owners? If so I would gladly note your thoughts on how best to purchase a Sebbie from Oz.

1. People seem to like both blade shapes. The Classic is slightly longer and pointier, and the Regular is a bit stouter at the tip. Pretty minor.

2. The Classic and Regular handles feel pretty similar. The Regular is a bit grippier by design, due to the ridges, and some like the feel better, while others like the cleaner lines and smoother feel of the Classic. The Classic does have easier lock bar access for your thumb due to the deeper cut out.

3. If you open knives with your left hand, then you need the dual studs, period. You can't open the non stud side at all.

4. I firmly feel that the added Micarta inlay adds significantly to comfort, feel and control, certainly. Micarta is also grippy when wet.

5. Many collect these knives and many use them. Check: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=502514 for some pictures of a user. People post user pictures, but not as many as collectors do, mostly because users are less concerned with looks and don't really care about taking photos.

 

[Scott Dog]

I agree the Micarta inlay is best for everyday use. I have found that the double thumblug really eats through pants. That's something to think about if you plan to carry it in your pocket. I believe that the Sebbie is a very stout folder but as a city boy I use mine for light tasks. Lately I've using my 2006 LE BUckeye Burl. I'm just not comfortable using a $600+ folder to see how much abuse/hard use it can take. I'm sure it would function well if I used it more aggressively but I'll let someone else do the proving.

 

[Rich357]

Hi pce,

I like both styles of Sebenza, I'm happy with either style in the small Sebenza, however I prefer the Classic in the large Sebenza. I like the way my index finger fits into the handle of the Classic. The large starndard Sebenza is beefy and you feel like you can use it all day with a little touch up on the edge now and then.

The dual thumbstud makes opening with my left hand easier. You can use the middle finger of your off hand to start opening the blade with the stud and then carefully push the blade the rest of the way open with your thumb against the side of the blade. But, I'd not want to do it that way if I'm in a hurry or under stress. CR also makes left handed Sebenzas.

The inlay makes the handle a little wider. I have a large classic and small classic with the micarta inlay. I've not used them often. I usually use my plane handled Sebenzas.

I'm pretty careful about not abusing even my very inexpensive knives.

The Sebenza is a well designed, well made folder. I like the fancy Sebenzas because even though they are pretty, they are still a very well made knife.

Here is a pic of the standard and classic styles.
Both of these large Sebenazs get used frequently.

Hosted by ImageShack

All the best,
Rich

 

[Rich357]

Another point about the Chris Reeve Sebenzas, they are easy to take apart and (if you follow the directions on the CR website) they go back together beautifully, opening and closing just like it came from the factory.

Rich