First expensive expensive knife, which one should I get?

A

AlkalineTitan

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Nov 27, 2009
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Ok, so I'm getting ready to buy my first pretty expensive knife, like $400-ish. So you probably already know what this is going to be, Strider SnG, or Sebbie? I haven't been able to decide, so I thought I'd make a post here. So please, anyone and everyone tell me, SnG or Sebenza.

Note: This is not supposed to be a topic just to pit the knives against each other, I need help making a purchasing decision.

Thank you.
 
I couldn't possibly tell you to buy something like that without handling them both, preferably within days of eachother.

I have an SnG DGG FFG. Love it to death, for me it felt better in hand than a Sebenza, and I loved the thickness, made it feel stupidly strong. Nothing wrong with the Sebenza, but the Strider was it for me.

So figure out a way to handle them.

Strider though does have a better warranty, if you can keep the knife in it's factory state, don't take screws out, take it apart. You can't do anything to the knife that won't be covered by the warranty. You break it they fix it/replace it.
 
Well for me, there's no way for me to be able to get a hold of either until I purchase them. There are no local knife shops that carry them, no one I know has either, so I'm in a pickle there. I love the design of the Sebenza, how simple it is, but to me it seems like it might not be as hard use as the SnG, but I don't really like the design of the SnG a lot, and it seems a little large to me seeing how you have the handle, then part of the blade to grip, but the PT is way too small for my taste and hands, and this is where my confusion steps in.
 
Why don't you go custom? For that kinda money if I had, i would go with something unique made to my specs.
 
I haven't really thought about going custom, but I'm kinda wanting something that's been proven to be an amazing folder, and I don't really have that certainty with customs, ya know?
 
I had a discussion about stop pin knives versus thumbstud=stop knives with a very knowledgable knifemaker. I have owned a SnG, and it is an awesome knife, but the Seb I handled won out. I won't buy a Seb tho, because I can't bring myself to wave it.
 
Do you want; rough and tumble = strider or glits and glam = crk

that's how I would make my choice.
 
I had never handled either until today when I went to the monthly gun show, which you should go to if they have them in you area and most likely someone there will have one or both so you can get a little hands on time with them to see which you like.
 
As of now, I think I'm leaning toward the Sebenza, but hell, I might just say screw it and just buy a Paramilitary or something. :P
 
maverick3981 said:
Why don't you go custom? For that kinda money if I had, i would go with something unique made to my specs.
Click to expand...

+1

there is just no way i would shell out US$400+ on a production folding blade (personal opinion only, the sebenzas are a lovely blade, but not for me tyvm)

if i was looking at dropping that sort of cash, it would be on either a very nice laminated bowie or i'd keep saving and get myself some sort of schmick custom damascus jobbie.
 
You might even try a Microtech Socom manual.
 
I've been thinking over the exact same dilema myself. If it was a choice between the two, for me, I would go for the SNG. Mainly because I would be too afraid to use a sebenza really heavily because they look almost 'too pretty'.
 
You could even save up for a Rockstead...
Or indeed buy the Paramilitary or the new Spyderco Gayle Bradley workhorse and do a weekend trip with the rest.

Anyway between Strider and CRK, I would go for the simple, no-nonsense CRK. Instead of the Strider I would rather save and buy a big ZT - I always thought they felt as tank-like as the Strider.
 
Sebenza hands down. IMO the better knife and more than strong enough to handle anything that's thrown at it. Better CS I have a PT that's been sitting at Strider way over a month and after a ton of emails a bunch of messages(they don't answer the phone) I was told they have it and I need to pay $15 when's it done, so I ask when it will be done and what payment they accept and get no response after leaving emails and calls so I just gave up. CRK returns calls and emails the same day if they're in the office. Plus Strider told me they don't warranty abuse. Better f&f which is important when paying that much. More user friendy comes with a tool and easily taken apart and put back together perfectly centered with no locktite or adjustment because of pivot bushing. They'll refurb it and make it like new for pretty cheap. Slim and very pocket friendly with great handle to blade ratio. The ergos are not the best but they're more than good enough for me. Great warranty. IMO the Sebenza offers far more than any other knife I've ever seen and I own customs and other highend knives. I have gotten a bunch of knives since my first Sebenza but the Sebenza always finds it's way back into my pocket as my main EDC.
 
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Whoops.I meant the ergos are not the best. I must say that Strider does have good design,Heat treat and ergos though.
 
You could "test-drive" a Strider by getting one of the (discontinued) Buck-Striders out there, that are almost a spitting image of the SnG; very well built for the money, worth searching out on the 'Bay. Don't like it? Just sell it againg for the same amount. I love my Buck-Strider 889's ergos, but just don't like the design enough to cash out $500 for.

I do own a small Seb with Blackwood, an excellent "dressy" knife that would still hold up very well if put to hard work. Build quality is striking, you need to handle one to appreciate this. And from what I've read, CRK after-sales is excellent (Buck's too, BTW!).
 
You could try a hundred different knives, but if you are thinking SnG or Sebenza then that's what you really want. Even if you buy one now you'll end up buying the other down the road. That's just the way it works. If you want an opinion, I'll give you mine. I had an SnG. I have a few Sebenzas. Both could stand up to tough work, but I ended up enjoying my Sebenzas more than the SnG.
 
I would either stay below 200$ and buy a Spyderco or a Benchmade, or buy a custom around 400-500$. I would consider Dustin Turpin, David Mosier, Brian Tighe and Greg Lightfoot. All these makers are very easy to deal with and order directly from, but you may have to wait anywhere between 1 to 6 months.
 
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