First impressions-Stretch and Sebenza!

[WalterDavis]

Well, after a long rough year I decided to treat myself I've been looking for a long time for a knife the same size as my old Benchmade Stryker, and little while back I noticed some pics comparing a Sebenze to a new Stryker, and I was sold! Then, a deal on the Stretch came up that was too good to ignore, and I jumped on it, too!

The Sebenza is my first 'high end' pocket knife, and I'm not dissappointed! It's also my first Titanium framelock, and it won't be my last I know it's not necessarily considered a 'tough' knife, but I can't imagine expecting a folding knife to be stronger! This thing is the perfect middleweight-it's got speed, and enough power to knock you out

The Stretch is everthing I've come to expect from Spyderco. Top-notch all around, great ergonomics, f&f, and sturdy as all get out, too.

Here's a couple of quick pics, with my old 910 included for a size reference.

 

[zvir]

congratulations!
for me, my sebbie is a rough-girl and stretch is a cutter-boy

 

[DavidZ]

That is a sweet trio. You have chosen wisely!

 

[Guyon]

Some great knives Walter. That burlap makes a great backdrop for the pics too.

 

[WalterDavis]

Thanks for the good words, guys! I've use the Sebenza a bit, I really like it. It's almost like it was designed to fit my hand:thumbup: I was a little concerned because it doesn't appear to have great ergonomics, but they work for me! And it truly is a tank, too Best lockup on a knife I've ever had Now I'm really wondering how the Unmumzaan could be tougher, because I just don't see how

Some great knives Walter. That burlap makes a great backdrop for the pics too.

Thanks, I can't seem to find anything solid around for backdrops, but I've found that the cutoffs in the fabric department work well. They're cheap, too:foot: You just want to stick with medium to light colors, the darks seem to really kill a picture. Multi-colors seem to work well, too!

 

[lava_lamp]

Congrats and good luck. I had the carbon fiber Stretch and ended up selling it and buying the FRN version. The liners felt sharp to me and the hump/horn at the choil dug into my hand a little much. The FRN feels much better, but I have large hands.

 

[WalterDavis]

Congrats and good luck. I had the carbon fiber Stretch and ended up selling it and buying the FRN version. The liners felt sharp to me and the hump/horn at the choil dug into my hand a little much. The FRN feels much better, but I have large hands.

I debated between the CF and FRN, but when I caught a good deal on the exchange my mind was made up for me You're right about the liners being a little sharp, though. I just drug the corner of a ceramic stone down in-between them and it cured it right up:thumbup: I think the FRN version would be the perfect Spyderco user-good ergonomics, useful blade shape, but not so pretty you'd want to keep it clean

 

[gunning]

is the sebenza the large or small version

 

[WalterDavis]

gunning, this is the large 21 Sebenza:thumbup:

 

[cgmblade]

Thanks for the review. I especially appreciate your comments regarding the comfort/ergonomics of the Sebenza, that's something that has concerned me as well as I debate buying one.

 

[WalterDavis]

Thanks for the review. I especially appreciate your comments regarding the comfort/ergonomics of the Sebenza, that's something that has concerned me as well as I debate buying one.

One thing I should point out is that I have wide hands (xl glove), and the butt of the Sebenza nestles into my palm nicely. The most comfortable folder I've ever used is the Benchmade Stryker (which is very similar ergonomically), so if you like that you'll probably like the Sebenza.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Hi Walter,

Thanx for the support on the Stretch. An "Afi" design. We hope you enjoy using it.

sal

 

[mrpinkbullets]

You just want to stick with medium to light colors, the darks seem to really kill a picture. Multi-colors seem to work well, too!

I used to be afraid of dark backgrounds too. Turns out, my fears were baseless!

 

[cgmblade]

Very nice pictures mrpinkbullets.

 

[mrpinkbullets]

Thanks for the review. I especially appreciate your comments regarding the comfort/ergonomics of the Sebenza, that's something that has concerned me as well as I debate buying one.

The Seb has very good (not great) ergonomics. Keep in mind that as a framelock with no scales on top of the titanium slabs, the Seb has very slim handles. This is especially apparent in the Small- due in part to the fantastic blade-to-handle ratio, the handle is much smaller and slimmer than you'd think. If you have large or even average-sized hands, you may not be able to get a full four-finger grip, though you should still be able to get a good purchase on the knife.

Aside from that, I do like the ergos. The titanium slabs have a very "raw" feeling to them- a little bit sandpapery, a little bit soapy, but with quite a bit of grip for smooth pieces of metal. If you've never handled bare titanium before, this will be a little different for you- you'll love it or you'll hate it. The shape, however, you will probably love. It's deceptively simple- straight, clean lines and gentle curves, with none of the crazier finger grooves or sweeping swashes that most people associate with "ergonomics". However, the shape is very effective. The index-finger choil serves its purpose adequately, the handle flares subtly towards the butt. Jimping atop the blade is absolutely gorgeous- jewelry-grade- but is not the most effective. Still, it helps a bit. The highly pointed, conical thumb lug will take some getting used to. It's not my favorite design, but I've learned to live with it.

Also: The Classic and 21 are the "real" Sebenzas (the closest to Chris Reeve's original custom design, way back when) and they also, in my opinion, are the most attractive and most ergonomic. I also prefer the slightly more pointed blade shape. The Regular is, of course, a fine knife, but it's just not for me, and the scalloping just seems to take something away from the spartan beauty of what a Seb is supposed to be.

 

[cgmblade]

Appreciate that, mrpinkbullets. I have a Spyderco Sage 2 which is a titanium frame lock w/ 3" blade so I'm planning on getting a large Sebanza as a compliment. I love the simple open frame construction and frame lock. In that I've become so accustomed to Spyderco ergonomics w/ the curves and choils I wasn't sure how I'd like the straight handle of the Sebenza. In truth I can't really know till I try one, so I've reduced my knife purchases this year so I can save up enough for one.

Based purely on seeing pictures, I have a slight preference for the handle of the 21/Classic, but the blade shape of the Regular appeals to me much more. When the time comes I'll try to find a used lg Regular. Thanks for your help.