First CRK - Sebenza 21 or 25?

N

N Gremory

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Oct 21, 2013
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109
I finally managed to come up with the funds to purchase my first CRK! Looking at both the large Sebenza 21 and 25, I have been having trouble deciding which one to get.

I like the shape of the 25, compared to the 21, as well as the thicker blade.
I do like hollow grinds, and I don't dislike flat grinds, though I never tried a large hollow grind, like on the 25.
I do love how the 21's look with CGG or inlays, though I also don't dislike a plain look.
If I could afford it, I would like a small 21 with some CGG or inlay, as well as a large 25, but as I can only afford one, perhaps for another few years, which would you recommend?

Also, which do you prefer, in terms of performance and feel, between the large 21 and 25?

Thanks!
 
My preference is a 21 since they offer wood inlay.

other than that they are both fine knives. Also 21 has beautiful hollow grind that reflects light oh so beautiful that 25 doesnt.
 
I have small hands, so the small works for me and that means the 21.

I have two:

--an insigno with micarta inlays and a regular with cocobolo inlays.


I love the insigno and the micarta is grippier than plain or with wood inlays.

The cocobolo is just gorgeous.


Whatever you do, these are amazing knives.
 
The cocobolo inlays are very nice!
The 21 seems to be a lot more of a looker than the 25, both being just as functional. Going with the 25 will leave me with the start of the funds towards the next Sebenza, though!
Thank you both for your input! I think I'm leaning towards a 25 to begin with, then a small 21 with cocobolo inlays, whenever I can manage.

Do they plan on selling the 25 with CGG or inlays, in the future?
 
For someone New to CRK, I would recommend the 21. It's simplicity at its finest. Get either a CGG/UG or an inlay version. You can also get one with the insingo blade if that suits you.
The 25 is great as well and I have grown to love it. It's less maintainence and the blades cutting performance is amazing. I will buy more 25's once they start to do CGG on them way down the road.
You can't go wrong with either honestly. Whichever one your heart tells you to go with, you will satisified.... Trust Me...!
 
For someone New to CRK, I would recommend the 21. It's simplicity at its finest. Get either a CGG/UG or an inlay version. You can also get one with the insingo blade if that suits you.
The 25 is great as well and I have grown to love it. It's less maintainence and the blades cutting performance is amazing. I will buy more 25's once they start to do CGG on them way down the road.
You can't go wrong with either honestly. Whichever one your heart tells you to go with, you will satisified.... Trust Me...!
 
I have a large 21 and a 25. There isn't a bad choice. I like the 2 finger grip on the handle on the 25 better than the 21. I have big hands.

I heard some guys say that their fingers don't fit the finger grooves....maybe their hand isn't the right size for the finger grooves. The 25 seems more solid in hand than the 21 IMO.

The 25 has a simple elegance to it. No laynard hole in the scale helps with the clean look too. IMO the 25 cuts better than the 21.

Whatever you do don't baby it...' carry it in a pouch to keep it from getting scratched'. They both tools for cutting. Tools get scratched when you Use them.

My 25 has more scratches on it than my other CRKs.

Both the 21 and 25 can be found here fs in good-very good at a price more reasonable than retail. I got my 25 nib here for $25 under msrp.
 
25 by a mile. The 21 is a great knife, but the 25(IMO) is THE greatest CRK of em all.
 
I really appreciate everybody's help!

I think that the only time I really kind of 'babied' a knife of mine--very, very light use only--was when I first spent more than $50 on a knife, a long while ago.
Babying and not using a knife to its potential is, in my opinion, disrespectful to the knife. A knife created to be used should be used. :)

I think I'll go with a 25, and see how things go, as far as getting another is concerned. Most of the unique graphics that I saw were beautiful, and would be great to get.

I'll keep an eye on the forum to see if anybody puts one up for sale in like new to new condition (I like breaking them in, myself, if possible).
Worst case scenario, I'll just pay the MSRP and get it through a dealer! :D
Very excited!
 
If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go with the 25, but you really can't go wrong with either. I suspect that whichever you go with first, you'll end up with the other before too long. :D
 
I am a big fan of the pivot bushing system on pre-25 Sebenza's. Practically idiot proof and one of the features that to me means Sebenza. That said, there isn't a wrong choice here.
 
If you really want an inlay, the 21 won't leave you wanting. If its between a plain 21 and a 25, hands down go with the 25. Ive never had a maintenance problem with 21 or 25. Ill echo the above, no wrong choice.
 
I was considering the same question few months ago, and ended up with the 21. You need to experience the smoothness of the pivot bushing. It still baffles me why CRK decided to remove that unique bushing system :confused:
 
I think the 25 would be an excellent choice for someone torn between a Sebenza and an Umnumzaan but if you want a Sebenza, I'd go with the 21. I like the Insingo blade over the drop-point, I don't particularly care for finger grooves, and I dig the pivot bushing--all features offered on the 21. And if the 25 is the wave of the future, the 21 might be phased out at some point. I'd snag one while they're still readily available. YMMV.

Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
25 no doubt! You will never look back! It's my favorite CRK out of the one's that I've owned :)

The edge retention is better as well

I love my 25
 
For a first Sebenza, I'd go with a 21.

If you do not want a plain one, the new CGGs are amazing in person. I got to handle most of them while I was in Idaho last month. The "Tanked" would be my choice, but the bullet holes in "Riddled" are 3D machined, and are really just ridiculous in person.
 
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