Finally got a chance to hold some high end knives (sebenza) in person

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knifeatagunfight

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I'm a relatively new knife enthusiast. I've had some cheap pocket knifes over the years, but it's been about a year since I got more serious. I have a small collection of knives now. My newest being a zt 562cf which I'm really liking as well as a couple of pm2s including the cts-204p sprint and a blur. Anyway, today I took a trip to recon 1. It's the only knife shop really around me that carries high end knives and has a big collection including customs. If your in the LA area definitely check it out. The guy at the counter was super nice and patient. I went there primarily to check out some Sebenzas in person. I have to say that knife both small and large felt incredible and was nicer than I though it would be (expected hype) and for me definitely lives up to what I'd heard. I also held a few Hinderers. They are well built knives but I have to say I was a little bit dissapointed given their cost. None of them opened anywhere near as nice as my 562cf in fact I couldn't even flip the 4 I tried all the way open with the flipper unless I put alot of wrist into it, which was suprising to me given their cost. I realize they come before, but the zt562cf is definitely a good value. The few Striders I held were nice but nothing I'd spring for. I really liked the zt0900 for an edc and i'll definitely be getting that one. The benchmades were a letdown. I feel like they are overpriced and cheap feeling compared to other knives in their price range.

These are just my opinions for the sake of discussion. Not trying to offend anyone. Definitely will be picking up a sebenza 21 plain.
 
Glad you're looking at a Sebbie.
Be careful, though. There is ALL the difference in the world between a large and small Sebbie. Choose wisely.
...and you might wish to check out more Spydercos... I'm a huge fan of so many of their models...particularly the Sage 2, the Techno, the Southard, the TUFF, the Caly series including ZDP and SuperBlue steels.
But yeah, I'm glad you're seeing some good stuff. I'm a big fan of ZT's also, although I like to stay under five ounces in a folder.
 
Congrats. It's awesome that you were able to handle all those great knives in person.

And even better that you chose the sebenza after doing so:D
 
yah fondled the southard really liked it. Preferred the large sebenza to small. I really wish the zt 566cf wasn't assisted after holding that knife I think it would be perfect otherwise. a few things I figured out I didn't like pretty early on. Serrations, tanto blades and assisted opening.
 
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Funny.....I am about 20 minutes from Recon 1 (I am in Studio City).....Bought an Emerson CQC-7 Mini there last weekend. Shop has changed a lot since I first went there 20+ years ago. Always price check their website and they will match it....The store tags are full retail. Also they will match major online dealers.
 
Great you guys have a chance to handle knives before commiting, I wish I had a good knife store around me. Anyone know of any in driving distance from Lapeer Mi?
 
I'm definately going to check out Recon 1 sometime soon. I'm in Pasadena so it's not too far.

I had no idea it existed until now. Thanks guys!
 
I recently bought a Sebenza after fate ( I rolled a a twenty sided die) commanded me to.


It's just so simple, so well made and designed that it's hard to beat.


Looks like we were in the same boat:
Its%20up%20to%20Jah_zps43uzmtbw.jpg
 
Sunyata said:
I recently bought a Sebenza after fate ( I rolled a a twenty sided die) commanded me to.


It's just so simple, so well made and designed that it's hard to beat.


Looks like we were in the same boat:
Its%20up%20to%20Jah_zps43uzmtbw.jpg
Click to expand...

hahah funny this would have been hilarious if all the knives in the list on the paper were a sebenza. even if just for the shot!
 
knifeatagunfight said:
yah fondled the southard really liked it. Preferred the large sebenza to small. I really wish the zt 566cf wasn't assisted after holding that knife I think it would be perfect otherwise. a few things I figured out I didn't like pretty early on. Serrations, tanto blades and assisted opening.
Click to expand...
The 0566 can easily be de-assisted. Many people do it. Several you tube vids to show you how.
 
I know it can be De assisted. I'll never buy another assisted knife. They have blade play and centering issues once de assisted. My blur sucks de assisted.
 
I have a 0566 and other assisted Kershaws and never had an issue. Even my original Whirlwind is still working perfect.
 
It's great it worked for you. I'd just rather buy a knife I didn't have to modify to make better. There are plenty of people with issues after de assisting myself being one. Don't wanna spend 150 bucks on a knife with the hopes things will be fine. My blur doesn't stay closed reliably and rubs once deassisted. i can adjust pivot but it's a compromise. I'm aware kai said the 566 can be deassisted. I just won't buy another assisted knife.
 
knifeatagunfight said:
It's great it worked for you. I'd just rather buy a knife I didn't have to modify to make better. There are plenty of people with issues after de assisting myself being one. Don't wanna spend 150 bucks on a knife with the hopes things will be fine. My blur doesn't stay closed reliably and rubs once deassisted. i can adjust pivot but it's a compromise. I'm aware kai said the 566 can be deassisted. I just won't buy another assisted knife.
Click to expand...

Your blur is also not a ZT....

There's a difference
 
I agree with that. I still stand by my statement that the 566 would be perfect if it came with bearings and engineered that way from factory.
 
I just think it's a shame you're skipping out on a knife you say would be perfect if it weren't for an easily remedied preference. I've never heard of an issue with a 0566 after deassisting. Other knives, yes. Oh well, it's your decision and I respect that.
 
I really disliked the assisted open on the 566. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to remove the torsion bar under the scale and make it manual open. After removing the spring assist, it has become one of my favorite knives.
 
Mine flipped like crap after the de-assist. Polished the washers, tried frog lube and fire clean (which is outstanding by the way) and it flipped absolutely terribly. Sanded the blade around the pivot, sanded the washers a little and re-polished, and nothing worked. I put the torsion bar back in and it'll stay assisted. On the plus side, though, even without the torsion bar the detent was good and no blade play developed. Sat centered and locked up fine.
 
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