Finally buying a Small Sebenza 21; updated: Just got it.

[Zeta33]

I've been interested in owning a Sebenza for a long, long time now. To give you all a little bit of background, I have owned almost exclusively Benchmade knives up until recently. Last week was the first time I bought a new knife in 6 years. Over the years, I've gotten rid of many knives either via sale, gifting, or unfortunate losses. I sold mine in the past to make room for other hobbies (of which I have entirely too many, believe me). Long story short, I always wanted to get into CRK but the prices were keeping me away. Thats a much smaller issue now than it used to be.

So what I want to know from you all is, what do you recommend as my first Sebenza? I want a large Seb. at some point but right now need a small EDC. I do prefer the standard clip-point blade to the insingo variation, but am open to hear suggestions in favor of the insingo. My only gripe is that the tip might not be suited for some of the precision cutting I will be doing. I am currently most interested in

Small Sebenza 21
Small CF Sebenza 21

I feel like getting the plain jane Sebenza as a first CRK seems most natural. I'm going to be using this knife a lot. Does the Ti handle wear pretty well? How about the stone washed blade? I'm going to be cutting through radiator hoses, zip-ties, epoxy resin, HIPS (high impact polystyrene), and then also easier stuff like masking tape, occasional food, etc. The knife is going to get a wide variety of use so my personal opinion is that the regular Sebenza 21 might be my best bet. I do however really dig the CF scaled one. It looks very good, I like carbon fiber as a material in general, but I'm not sure how the handle is going to hold up? Any CF owners want to post some pictures or offer your experience with how the CF has held up? I'd love to pick it up, especially since my old favorite knife was a BM 705-401, and this could be it's long overdue CF handled replacement.

What do you guys think? Get the standard as my Sebenza entry? Spend the extra $ and get the cool looking CF small Seb? Why get the insingo blade for either of them? I'd be considering the CF even less if I were to anodize or stonewash the standard Seb.'s handle but from what I understand, any such modifications will void the warranty (and maybe for good reasons).

Thank you in advance for offering up any opinions, I know this one of those preferential things but, I'm definitely going to be getting more Sebenzas in the future. Preferential questions or not, advice from fellow enthusiasts helps aid in decision making! I hope to learn more about these great knifes through BF and share my own experiences with my future Sebenza with you all. Thanks for having me around and for reading my huge post:thumbup:

-Harris

 

[AllanC]

I've got both the standard small 21 and the CF small 21. They are both fabulous knives. The CF is nice and smooth and perfectly machined. It does scuff a bit (I don't take any particular care to prevent it) but really not bad at all, and the Ti slabs also get scuffed up with use. The CF is a smidge lighter than the standard and a wicked cool-looking tool. I think if you bought the CF you might be able to stave off CRK fever a little longer than if you bought a standard 21. But you're probably going to pick up the virus either way. Good luck!

 

[tchapman414]

Several weeks ago, I got my first CRK - a Large Sebenza 21. The only thing different from the normal version is that it has a polished blade, which, to me, seems more a polished/satin finish. I would be strongly in favor of the plain titanium handles, and the regular drop point blade. I myself absolutely love carbon fiber in every respect of the material, but I still wouldn't want to change the solid slabs of titanium that make up the handles. The way that it wears takes on character and personality, plus the warm grip of the metal is always nice pulled from the pocket.

For EDC use, I think the Large 21 is about the perfect size for myself, but if you need a truly smaller form factor, I wouldn't hesitate for the scaled down version that is the Small 21.

 

[Ernie1980]

The sebenzas hold up great, they are made for hard use! A lot of them end up as queens, but that doesn't change the way they are made. The finish on the plain handles will quickly develop character marks, but has a nice grip and personally I think they look better with "character marks". The blade steel will hold up well, and it's not too difficult to sharpen.
I myself am looking at the carbon fiber insingo version. I have a micarta insingo, the blade is very well designed. I can't speak for the wear on the carbon fiber, but the wood and micarta both hold up well.

 

[lumpy grits]

They are TANKS-
This knife will outlast you!
I have carried mine for over 12 yrs.
Used mine for cleaning/gutting game to scraping gasket material and as a steak knife.
LG

 

[Dwisner8]

I was in the same boat as you a few years ago. I have only ever owned 2, and still own a the same 2 CR knives, a small Sebenza CF and a Sebenza 25. The small CF is an awesome knife, will practically vanish in your pocket, but is just a little too small for my hands. I find the 25 is easier to open for me. I own many nice knives but the 25 has been my work EDC for over a year, there's just something about the combination of extreme simplicity, class and toughness. The CF does hide some of the wear, but Im the kind of guy that likes my tools to show their milage.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I waited over 20 years to get my first one and even then I couldn't bring myself to buy one but last year I traded for a gently used, well loved Plain Jane Small 21, I love it, I never leave home without it, it is the best EDC, don't be afraid to use it I use mine for all the things you describe. :thumbup:

 

[Zeta33]

tchapman414- You know, I'd love to go ahead and get the large Seb. but at the moment, it's like you said. I need something that rides easily in the pocket and won't scare modern day sheeple who can't understand that a pocket knife is an essential tool that pretty much everyone should have. I also just got a Microtech Ultratech D/E so, I already have one new knife I'm not likely to pull out too often in crowded areas lol.

T. Erdelyi- Thats great to hear! This is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to hear. I know the knife is super tough and can handle most of anything but if you're cutting through lots of resin too, and it's holding an edge, I'm impressed! Btw, are you also on the Benchmade Community Forums? Your avatar looks so familiar. If you are, I used to be on there years ago under the handle "GTR".

Ernie1980- Glad to hear they're easy to sharpen. I've been using a Spyderco Sharpmaker for many years now and that is apparently what Chris Reeve suggests for easy sharpening so, I don't expect there will be any issues in that regard. Thanks for the input!

Thanks everyone else for chiming in as well. Now, my only question left is, why should I choose the insingo blade? Is it a superior cutter to the clip-point in exchange for a less usable tip?

 

[Krav]

Small snakewood inlay, absolutely beautiful. Perfect EDC for me. Only other knives I want is a large, and a cf, and a insingo, and a umnumzaan.

 

[Nikkogi]

Now, my only question left is, why should I choose the insingo blade? Is it a superior cutter to the clip-point in exchange for a less usable tip?

I would definitely recommend the Insingo blade shape for a Sm Sebenza. I much prefer the Sm Insingo over the clip point Sm 21. It's literally the perfect blade shape for EDC tasks.

 

[lathrop]

My suggestion is to go with the plain with a drop point blade. It's the "factory" sebenza, it's what started all the fuss. Start there and then work up to the variations.

 

[Ajack60]

Welcome Zeta, there is a wealth of info here and everyone's input is valuable.
I'd suggest the clip point first since you're familiar with that style of blade, the CF has the cool factor and takes abuse well. I find that it doesn't get scratched up as easily as some think. On the flip side, the Ti slabs keep the scars from use and that's what makes it yours. If it gets too ugly for you, you can send it in and CRK will make it look like its new again. I prefer the scars that make it mine.
No doubt the insigno blade is a great EDC style, I have a large and small and have not warmed up to them yet. I do more piercing and tip cutting with my sebenza's. Try not to over think it and go with what you know and you won't be disappointed. I have two with CF and when I carry them I get more attention since I work around folks that think I'm crazy for spending that much money on a knife.

 

[tchapman414]

tchapman414- You know, I'd love to go ahead and get the large Seb. but at the moment, it's like you said. I need something that rides easily in the pocket and won't scare modern day sheeple who can't understand that a pocket knife is an essential tool that pretty much everyone should have. I also just got a Microtech Ultratech D/E so, I already have one new knife I'm not likely to pull out too often in crowded areas lol.

...

Thanks everyone else for chiming in as well. Now, my only question left is, why should I choose the insingo blade? Is it a superior cutter to the clip-point in exchange for a less usable tip?

I am fortunate enough to work around people who find my collecting/carrying more entertaining than anything. I can carry pretty much any cool knife I want, with no true fear of scaring anyone for the most part, so a Large 21 is nothing for me. With that Ultratech, though, I can completely understand why you'd want a smaller, sheeple-friendly knife.

As far as blade shape, it's a toss up. I myself quite enjoy wharncliffe-style blades for EDC, but I never end up keeping them. I have found the drop point Sebenza blade to be a near perfectly well rounded blade style, and would personally go with that. As others have said, it will be nice to have the true "classic" Sebenza experience, in that, too.

 

[Zeta33]

Thanks again for weighing in guys, just ordered my Small Sebenza 21. Should be here within the week. The next one I get will probably be a Large 21 Insingo with inlays. Lol I don't even have my Small 21 in yet and I'm already thinking about it's big brother.

 

[HwangJino]

It's begun.

 

[Krav]

Thanks again for weighing in guys, just ordered my Small Sebenza 21. Should be here within the week. The next one I get will probably be a Large 21 Insingo with inlays. Lol I don't even have my Small 21 in yet and I'm already thinking about it's big brother.

This is normal behavior, your fine.

Post some pictures of your small when you get it.:thumbup:

 

[TX_planes]

Zeta33,

Congratulations. I started with the small 21 Insingo and have since added a drop point. I later acquired a large 21. I find the small 21's much more comfortable to EDC. There just isn't anything I will face that the small 21 can't handle. I bet you'll be happy with your decision.

 

[BmoreJeff]

Insingo for a small, was my first crk and hands down my favorite knife and the most perfect edc. Went for a plain ti, I stonewashed mine because scratched up bead blast looks like crap. Best production knife to date

 

[sgt244]

I would definitely recommend the Insingo blade shape for a Sm Sebenza. I much prefer the Sm Insingo over the clip point Sm 21. It's literally the perfect blade shape for EDC tasks.

+1 to this, and I'd even recommend the insingo blade shape for a large as well... the clip point just isn't as good for EDC tasks as the insingo is IMO...

I own (2) Sm. sebenza's 1 is an insingo plain jane.. the other is an insingo micarta... I sold my all (3) of my clip ploint sebenzas (2 sm. and 1 large) the same week I got my insingos... the insingos are amazing... simply amazing!....

So now, the only other knife I am trying to get is the Large sebenza 21 with micarta inlays and insingo blade...

Goodluck with w/e you do! all of C.R. knives are great... but man am I telling you.. the insingo blade shape is amazing..... however again, the clip point is also a capable design... I just much prefer the insingo..

 

[sgt244]

Ah just saw your post...

Congratz on your purchase you will LOVE it!...

others and I are all telling you the Sm. is the perfect size for a reason... because it is!... haha

Although, I now am trying to get a large 21 with micarta/insingo ... since I already have 2 smalls... it'll be nice to have ... however I honestly couldn't think of a task that the small couldn't do....