First Sebenza, slightly underwhelmed...

Brandonsc

Brandonsc

Gold Member
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Feb 7, 2011
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153
So a couple hours ago I began a new chapter in my life as a Chris Reeve knife owner with a small Sebenza 21. I do like the knife. It is sharp and a perfect EDC size for me personally. For some reason though, I was slightly disappointed. I don't have plans to return it or anything. I am going to use it as intended as a work horse EDC. But I think after spending a couple weeks researching, reading, and watching YouTube videos I had a immense expectation. After all, it is just a knife. It's hard to put my finger on one thing I don't like. While it is smooth to open, it does require a little more effort then I expected. I'm sure it will break in a little.

Am I the only first time Sebenza owner who's expectation wasn't quite met? I read some owners post that after handling a Sebenza they sold most of their collection to go exclusively CRK. This is a fine cutting utensil, but I have a few $150-$250 Spyderco and Benchmades that are on par with this. Is it because I got a small and not a large size? I'll update this after a few weeks of use, maybe my opinion will change.
 
Sebenzas are definitely a knife you need to carry and use a while to really appreciate. They're fantastic at being what they are, which is a superbly-engineered and well-crafted tool. They aren't really a whiz-bang "blow you away" kind of knife (the basic models anyway). The large is a bit more impressive, just because it's bigger, but the smalls have a subtle elegance to them that very few (if any) knives can match.
 
It's a very precise tool.
You're right, it is still just a knife; the hype sometimes gets a bit over the top.
I've got a large 21 and I disagree that there are spydercos and benchmades that are on a par with it.
Not intended as a cut, I have many more benchmades and spydercos than I do my one Sebenza,
and I enjoy owning all of them.
 
The blade grind is one of the most perfect blade grinds I've seen on a production knife. I really like the feel of the rounded spine when I close the knife.
 
The longer you have it and use it, the more you'll notice how perfect and well thought-out it is. They also look much better once you get a little wear on 'em. The more beaten up they get, the better they look.
 
Take time to get to know the knife....alot of time. Then go fondle your $150-$250 knives and you'll have a greater appreciation.

Btw...i felt like you did for a short while:)
 
David_Parker03 said:
What's the birth date on your Sebenza? Maybe it needs to be cleaned and re-lubed....
Click to expand...

March 5th, 2012 She's still just a baby. I did disassemble and reassemble. It had a deep lockup and I remember reading sometimes a tear down can get back to 50-60%. Which it did.
 
In my opinion, nobody ever said it better than this guy!

[video=youtube;towXlXl4nLY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=towXlXl4nLY&feature=plcp&context=C44fd607VDvjVQa1PpcFNtaLwxCO0bGNGxeD2xJhjt IvixUzi3sC0%3D[/video]
 
The way I look at it is there is so much hype over a sebenza that people think its the end all knife. When they get it they realize its just like every other blade but the tolerances are just better.

They then feel underwhelmed as you are.

The knife is designed to be simple which I find is a sexy design. Some people think its plain and are turned off by the knife or dont get the hype at first.

Then the knife is used and then is truely appreciated.

I found my first experience with a sebenza was kind of like yours but the knife greatly grew on me and it hasnt left my pocket in over 2 years.

Since then I have bought 2 more and am looking at another.

In the end the knife just is meant to do work (Sebenza means "work" in Zulu). Its meant to be used. It a very functional piece of art.

If it doesnt grow on you sell it and youll get your money back.
 
I'd say that you're not alone. I felt the same way as first. Then, as many above have suggested, I started carrying and using my CRK knives. This definitely helped me appreciate them more. The real revelation came when I sat down one afternoon and did a full disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication of my CRK's.

Give yourself some time, and you may find yourself sold on these knives.
 
Brandonsc said:
So a couple hours ago I began a new chapter in my life as a Chris Reeve knife owner with a small Sebenza 21. I do like the knife. It is sharp and a perfect EDC size for me personally. For some reason though, I was slightly disappointed. I don't have plans to return it or anything. I am going to use it as intended as a work horse EDC. But I think after spending a couple weeks researching, reading, and watching YouTube videos I had a immense expectation. After all, it is just a knife. It's hard to put my finger on one thing I don't like. While it is smooth to open, it does require a little more effort then I expected. I'm sure it will break in a little.

Am I the only first time Sebenza owner who's expectation wasn't quite met? I read some owners post that after handling a Sebenza they sold most of their collection to go exclusively CRK. This is a fine cutting utensil, but I have a few $150-$250 Spyderco and Benchmades that are on par with this. Is it because I got a small and not a large size? I'll update this after a few weeks of use, maybe my opinion will change.
Click to expand...

I disagree, and I'll tell you why. :D This is what you get when purchase a Sebenza:

- A precision cutting tool manufactured to the TIGHTEST tolerances in the industry. So 99 times out of 100, you get a knife that has perfect fit and finish. I have 6 Sebenzas and all of them came perfectly centered and with no blade play.
- A knife made with the highest quality build materials. Solid titanium handles. Titanium pocket clip, spacer and thumbstud. Stainless screws. Perforated bronze phosphorous washers. Crucible S35VN stainless steel blade.
- Every Sebenza comes with an allen wrench and you are actually ENCOURAGED by CRK to take it apart for maintenance on a regular basis. Because of the tight tolerances and the simplicity in design, I can disassemble, clean, lube and reassemble a Sebenza in just a few minutes. Try that with a Benchmade or a Spyderco!
- You can, at any time, send your knife back to CRK to have it re-conditioned. They will clean, tune, and sharpen your knife for free. For a moderate fee, they will sandblast the handles and replace any parts. You can even buy a replacement blade if needed. When you get your Sebenza back, it will look brand spankin' new! I don't know of any other production knife company that does this.
- The Sebenza has a lifetime warranty. If your knife should ever fail you (highly unlikely) due to faulty workmanship or materials, CRK will fix it free of cost. Of course, this not include failure due to neglect or abuse on the owner's part.

At the end of the day, a knife is just a cutting tool and there are plenty of knives out there that will do just that. But when you're talking about the Sebenza, you really have to look at the whole package. I can't think of any other production knife that offers the overall combination of quality and performance that the Sebenza does. :thumbup:
 
Oldboy said:
I disagree, and I'll tell you why. :D This is what you get when purchase a Sebenza:

- A precision cutting tool manufactured to the TIGHTEST tolerances in the industry. So 99 times out of 100, you get a knife that has perfect fit and finish. I have 6 Sebenzas and all of them came perfectly centered and with no blade play.
- A knife made with the highest quality build materials. Solid titanium handles. Titanium pocket clip, spacer and thumbstud. Stainless screws. Perforated bronze phosphorous washers. Crucible S35VN stainless steel blade.
- Every Sebenza comes with an allen wrench and you are actually ENCOURAGED by CRK to take it apart for maintenance on a regular basis. Because of the tight tolerances and the simplicity in design, I can disassemble, clean, lube and reassemble a Sebenza in just a few minutes. Try that with a Benchmade or a Spyderco!
- You can, at any time, send your knife back to CRK to have it re-conditioned. They will clean, tune, and sharpen your knife for free. For a moderate fee, they will sandblast the handles and replace any parts. You can even buy a replacement blade if needed. When you get your Sebenza back, it will look brand spankin' new! I don't know of any other production knife company that does this.
- The Sebenza has a lifetime warranty. If your knife should ever fail you (highly unlikely) due to faulty workmanship or materials, CRK will fix it free of cost. Of course, this not include failure due to neglect or abuse on the owner's part.

At the end of the day, a knife is just a cutting tool and there are plenty of knives out there that will do just that. But when you're talking about the Sebenza, you really have to look at the whole package. I can't think of any other production knife that offers the overall combination of quality and performance that the Sebenza does. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Do all come like that?
i have a small plain 21 that has normal bronze washers!
I was always intrigued by it!
 
mantzao said:
Do all come like that?
i have a small plain 21 that has normal bronze washers!
I was always intrigued by it!
Click to expand...

It must be something new. My large Sebenza 21, born in 2009, has the normal solid washers. But my new micarta large Sebenza 21, born this year, has the perforated washers.
 
Brandonsc said:
I am going to use it as intended as a work horse EDC. This is a fine cutting utensil, but I have a few $150-$250 Spyderco and Benchmades that are on par with this.
Click to expand...

I have to eat my words, or at least clarify them. I do not believe these $150-$250 are on par with this Sebenza as far as attention to detail or overall fit and finish. I think my expectation was for this to be the best at everything. Tightest lock-up, strongest, sharpest, smoothest, most comfortable knife ever made. I have a Condor knife with a scandi grind that is completely uneven, but it is probably the sharpest knife I have ever used. Nothing is stronger then a fixed blade. I think my BM 740 is smoother. However, I still think the CRK is a better knife then those.

I think the point all these CRK fans are making me realize is the knife is plenty sharp, plenty strong, very comfortable, and super smooth, all while being amazingly simply and elegant. We paid the big bucks for a piece of art we carry around in our pockets and cut stuff with. It's like how I'm completely satisfied having "prints" of famous paintings hang on my wall. However some get joy from owning the originals that someone put their hard work and passion into.
 
mantzao said:
Do all come like that?
i have a small plain 21 that has normal bronze washers!
I was always intrigued by it!
Click to expand...

perferated washers just came about within the last 2-3 years. my 2008 s30v sebenza has solid washers but my 2011 s35vn sebenza has perferated washers.

The perferated washers are hands down smoother in my experience.
 
Brandonsc said:
I have to eat my words, or at least clarify them. I do not believe these $150-$250 are on par with this Sebenza as far as attention to detail or overall fit and finish. I think my expectation was for this to be the best at everything. Tightest lock-up, strongest, sharpest, smoothest, most comfortable knife ever made. I have a Condor knife with a scandi grind that is completely uneven, but it is probably the sharpest knife I have ever used. Nothing is stronger then a fixed blade. I think my BM 740 is smoother. However, I still think the CRK is a better knife then those.

I think the point all these CRK fans are making me realize is the knife is plenty sharp, plenty strong, very comfortable, and super smooth, all while being amazingly simply and elegant. We paid the big bucks for a piece of art we carry around in our pockets and cut stuff with. It's like how I'm completely satisfied having "prints" of famous paintings hang on my wall. However some get joy from owning the originals that someone put their hard work and passion into.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: now you getting it :)
 
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