First expensive expensive knife, which one should I get?

I have an Umnumzaan, which I like better than the Sebenza, and an Sng GG.
The design and ergonomics is really the biggest difference between these two knives.

I would suggest handling a similar knife in both forms and then decide.

The Sebenza is a classic shape. There are several metal handle knives by other makers that are similar in size, shape and ergonomics as the Seb. Try them out.

The Sng’s most similar design might be the Spyderco Para. Try one of those out.

If you really like one over the other, then you can make your $400 decision easier.

The other question you have to ask yourself is: Do you prefer a fine hunting rifle or an M-16? Both are capable of doing basically the same thing. Neither is better at putting a round downrange, they just go about it in different ways, and usually for different reasons.

If you are spending on the higher side of $400, I would suggest the Micarts scale version of the Seb. It is nicer and the handle feels better.

I would aslo suggest the GG or CC version of the Sng for the same reason.

 
Either a Sebenza or a Strider will make you very happy. Flip a coin and pick one. Both are extremely strong knives that will serve your cutting needs.
 
I really appreciate all of the input. I'm still leaning to the Sebenza, and I might try picking up a buck strider, just to check it out, but in the end, I'm thinking that the Sebenza is the way to go for me. Thanks again to everyone's opinion, and I'd appreciate some more.
 
Of these two I would pick the sebenza.

I focus alot on how the knife will carry. A knife can have the best feel in my hand but if it is a pain to carry for me then I am likely not to take it. I usually pick a knife by the type of pants I am wearing (dress v jeans v cargo/utility).

Knives around 2-3 in blade can just be dropped into my pocket (so what else is in my pocket affects what knife I am willing to throw in there). When passing 3 inches, I have to start thinking about how it will clip in my pocket. The Umnumzaan carries extremely well in my front pocket. I have the small seb but that just gets dropped in my pocket with the clip removed.

I like the knife to clip in my pocket like the seb- Blade against my pocket (away from my hand when reaching in) and when I reach into my pocket the knife does not hurt my hand in any way.

I had the buck strider knife but that did not carry as well for me.

Good luck!

Rob
 
I have a Strider SMF and a PT. I also own a Large and Small Sebenza and an Umnuzaan. I've never owned an SNG, but I did have the Buck version for a while, so I have a sense of its size.

The Sebenza is a better made knife than either of my Striders, but that may not mean anything to you. The Striders feel like they were made to fit your hand and have a unique look. That may not mean anything to you either.
 
The SnG CC is a much thinner knife, than a standard SnG. You already said that you do not like the design of the SnG, so buy a Sebenza.
 
There are plenty of customs in the 400 range. I've seen Lambert, Lightfoot, Nihisers and a few other well knows sell for 400. I've gotten a Lambert Spearpoint, a Lightfoot Suppressor and a Nihiser Jerico for 400.00 or less. I do have an SNG and Unzumnaan and the SnG wins for me. Good news is that any of these folders you buy, you can sell without loosing you shorts.
 
I used to respect Strider folders untill i had one and the stop pin fell out. I've had two (smf, sng) and neither openned smooth unless there was blade play.
The only Microtech I had that I would recommend is the Mini Socom Elite. I've had two and both were top notch. Any other Microtechs I had with the lock bar (liner-lock) would fail spine tests ever time.
I had a Sebenza and it was flawless in every way and I have no complaints to offer. I'd still have one if not for it's price.
 
Hi.

Rather than buying your first "expensive" knife just because it is an expensive knife, why don't you buy the knife that you need.

Do you need a folder? A hunting/skinning blade? A bushcraft blade? A bowie? A machete?

I would suggest you first focus on the type of knife that you need. That way you will actually use it and get your moneys worth.

Buying a luxury item just because it is a luxury item usually leads to buyer's remorse. After all, another luxury item is gonna come along soon that you are gonna wanna buy in a few months.

However, if you deer hunt alot (for example) and you use the knife alot to dress game with and can really appreciate the design and the aspects of the knife that make it so great first hand, chances are you will be happy with your purchase and the knife will mean more to you in the long run.

That said, for that kind of money I'd get a custom. :)
 
I am answering without reading but the first post. I say a large sebenza with wood inserts, or the micarta inserts. The inserts, while lookig good, also are practical because they give the handle a tad more thickness that feels good in hand.
 
wolv said:
look at rockstead knives
Click to expand...

Rockstead knives are way more than $400. The cheapest model I saw at NYCKS '09 was $650.

I understand making suggestions to the guy, but if he's asking about two specific knives why is everyone suggesting multiple other brands? This would make my decision a hundred times harder.
 
wolv said:
sorry, i'm not aware of the US prices
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity what are they costing you in Italy? At the show they were being sold by the manufacturer (owner?) himself and I figured that would be about the lowest price I would see them at.

I've been saving to buy one of these Rockstead knives at the next custom show. I know it will hurt when I first hand over the cash, but I'm sure I will enjoy using it. I was extremely impressed with their knives and demo at the last show.
 
I will admit I've never owned a SnG, but Sebbies are rock solid and will give you years of excellent performance. From what I've seen on BF both knives are really good, so either way, you're making a good decision.

- Mark
 
about € 700, but here all the knives (all brands) cost always a lot more than US.

at the show you have probably meet Mr. Hanada the CEO, i meet him every year at the EXA show.
 
I think you have already made your decision. If you don't like SNG design, then definitely go for Sebenza.

I don't know what hard use you have in mind, but sebenza is a pretty tough knife. If you plan to abuse your knife a bit, then go for SNG (warranty is better) or go for something cheaper (like ZT).

I wouldn't recommend Buck/Strider as a way to check SNG. It will be quite different from SNG. I had both and even though Buck looks the same, it feels different. Don't make your opinions about SNG based on Buck folder.

Paramilitary is a great folder, but the fine tip is not really for the hard use.

I wouldn't buy a custom knife as a first really expensive folder. When buying custom, you better know for sure what you want. Quality of $400 custom in most cases will match or beat the quality of Strider, but not necessarily match or beat the CRK.

I prefer Strider PT to my small Sebenza, but based on your replies in this thread I would recommend to get a CRK first.
 
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