For those of you with a LARGE Sebenza 21 & 25

DrtyHarry

DrtyHarry

Joined
Jul 14, 2010
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367
I have really come to love my recent purchase of a Large polished Sebenza 21 with ebony inlays, I found the quality and the attention to every detail to be astounding on the knife. CRK really does make one heck of a knife and quality is just phenomenal to be honest. I have always collected knives when I was younger, but never came across a CRK. I've only read about them and noticed how often the all mighty "Sebenza" was compared to other knives or used as a standard or as an example in many articles I had read over the years.

With that said, I wanted to see what was "new and improved" on the 25, so I went ahead and recently ordered a 25 (Starbenza). I went with the Starbenza and not another kind of 25, because I own a few Wilson Combat pistols and I suppose it would be nice to have them match. Not only that, but it looks like the Starbenza might offer a slightly better grip than the flat titanium scales over a standard 25. Can't wait to see what the 25 is going to be like tomorrow when it arrives.

Anyway, for those of you who have both a LARGE 21 & 25, what do you prefer? And why? When I first decided to buy one...I was going to buy the 25 because I just assumed it was an improved version of the 21. But after a little reading and research, I found that many still prefer the 21 over the 25...while others prefer the newer 25 over the long time made 21. I also read about how the blades had a different grind and thickness.

This board appears to have the most CRK owners, so I figured it would be best to ask here what most people preferred....and why. So...if ya got both (and an opinion), I'd love to hear it. I do want to get one in damascus...just not sure yet if it's going to be a 21 or 25.
 
Hmmmm, that's really not an easy question to answer. When I think of a Sebenza 21, I think they are all around knives. Good for gentle use and suitable for work environments. The bushing system can't be beat and probably the best on the market. With the different inlays and graphics, it's the most desired knife CRK offers. It's CRK signature.
When I think of a Sebenza 25, I think they are more of a work knife than a gentle carry knife. I like that I can adjust the pivot tension to my liking. Later down the road when my 25 is getting worn and the blade free falls, I'll have the option to make an adjustment if I choose to do so. I like that the 25 does not have a lanyard hole drilled in the frame. It looks cleaner to me without the holes in the frame. I like the extra finger grooves in the frame. It gives a little more grip for me. I like the aggressive jimping and yes the divot in front of the thumb lugs appeal to me. I like that on the 25's double lugs are standard. Being left handed, I prefer double lugs on my knives.
I was instantly drawn to the 25 when it came out and have loved them since that time.
I don't think the 25 is better than the 21, just different. I really doubt the 25 can out perform the 21. The biggest difference for me is, I like the feel of the 25 in my hand over the 21. That's all.
 
I prefer the 25 to the 21 very much, mine has the micarta inlays. For me, it looks better and is more of a hard use knife. Love the detent on it, and the handle shape.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I prefer the feel of the micarta 25 in hand, vs that of the micarta 21. I want a starbenza 25; but I'm concerned that I won't like the feel as much without inlays.
On the other hand, I like the insingo blade...which is why I have a micarta 21
 
I prefer the 25 for use - more robust blade, better in hand feel - and the 21 for ease of disassembly/reassembly. Alternate each in carry rotation, along with a recently acquired Umnumzaan. Don't want any of them to feel neglected.😉
 
I've been edc'ing a lg dbl thumb-lug plain jane Sebenza 21 since before Christmas, and it's the best pocket knife I could ever imagine needing.
 
The reason CRKs become an obsession is they each have their own attributes which make them hard to sell for me. I never intended to keep all those in my small collection but to pick the 1 or 2 I like best but when the time comes I just can't decide even between the small and the large.
 
I like the changes the 25 offered in the way of finger groves, lockup mechanism, maybe this is going to sound weird but I like the screws in the 25 better. They are of a higher quality than those on the 21. I like the 25s cleaner scales and improvements to the blade.

All in all though I have more 21s than I do 25s.

I EDC a 25 most of the time. But all my Damascus knives are 21, the artistic side of CRK is in the 21, not the 25.

There are maybe 2 iterations of the 25 I want past the PJ but there are probably 20+ 21s I could list off right now I would take if they came up.

In fact this thought process has helped me decide to sell my micarta 21 and replace it with a 25.
 
OK....well, my 25 Starbenza arrived today....so I was actually able to compare the two. In a limited way, I cut some paracord and cardboard....it's not like I went hunting or out fishing with them or anything.

So this is my take from what I concluded. First I'll talk about the scales. I like them both....but I must admit I like the polished finish the 21 has. The inlays are nice, but the 21 feels more "elegant" with the polished handles. Than again...that doesn't say much because I can get the same finish on the scales on the 25. The 25 does indeed have a good grip, and the "star" like serrations certainly do help.

The overall grip...holding each in my hand, I can tell the 25 is beefier and is more of a work horse. I like the more aggressive jimping on the 25...some said it was too aggressive, I beg to differ. I like it. And as for opening it....well, I do like how the 25 opens just a wee bit better. It feels a bit more solid. Granted...I just got it today and it's a bit stiff. I'm sure by tomorrow it will have loosened up a tad and will be easier to open. I don't want to go messing around loosening anything without it breaking itself in just yet from the factory.

I will have to run some more cutting tests to see what I like better. I like the finger grips on the 25...I saw pics that the clip was a hot spot for some hands...fits fine in my hand so no need. I'm disappointed my Starbenza didn't come with a leather pocket slip like my 21 did....but, I just found out that it does not come with one. For $25 I can get one...might just pick one up to store it. The lanyard had a "Wilson Combat" ring on it that is really nice...I'm not a lanyard kind of guy, but am going to take it off and tuck it away in the box nice and safely...and if it ever needs to go back on, well....YouTube is my friend.

Overall...the 21 seems more like an elegant knife that would be great for minor EDC purposes. The 25 is more of a workhorse and it looks like it's more of a worker than an elegant gentleman's knife. Yes...the "Starbenza" is more on the working side. I do want to get one in damascus...I am not sure yet if I want it to be a 21 or a 25. CRK just told me they are only using Devin Thomas right now and his 3 patters. They will do a custom graphic for me, but there is a 6 month wait on that. Ouch. I suppose there is more "surface" on a 21 for more of a graphic. Whatever I choose, I do like the polished Ti scales more than the standard Ti scales. I'll be playing around with both for a while before I make my decision if my damascus version should be a 21 or a 25. I'm shocked some of you guys think the jimping on the 25 is too aggressive. I think it's perfect.

I do like the blade finish on the 21 a bit better...I believe it's a polished finish where as the 25 is a stonewash finish. They are not all that different, but I do like the 21 finish a little better. That point doesn't count as much if I am looking for one in damascus though. The 21 does have more of an overall pointed blade than the 25 does. The difference in thickness looks ever so small...but I can tell when it's in my hand after having played with the 21 non stop for over a week. The 25 feels a bit smoother opening up, the 21 is butter....don't get me wrong, but the 25 feels just a wee bit more solid and sturdy when opening it. I do like the fact there isn't a useless hole in the 25, give it a cleaner look.

I know some of you guys replace your clips after a while...my clip has a Willson Combat logo on it. Will I be able to get another one with the Wilson Combat logo in the future? If not...think it's best to purchase another clip...swap them out, and keep the Wilson clip hidden aside with the Wilson lanyard?

It's nice the 25 can be open with the left hand in case I need to carry a knife weak side, but I need 2 hands to close it that way. Not a huge deal. Part of me wishes I got the 25 with polished scales instead of the "Starbenza" scales....I only did that because I am a Wilson Combat handgun owner...I even swapped out the starburst grips for the other style straight line grips. That's OK though....next one, be it a 21 or 25 will have polished scales for sure.

Well that's my take thus far on the two. I will need a little more time deciding on what to get in terms of the damascus. I like that the 25 will have a thicker damascus steel blade, but there are a few more factors that I mentioned that have to go into this decision. Both are VERY well made knives....the 21 is like a "middleweight" where the 25 is light a "super middleweight". I can't call either of them "heavyweights"...but you get the idea. I would probably use a 21 to cut a cigar than a 25. It's going to be a tough call to make if I should go 21 or 25 on the damascus. We shall see....and I should get something different than ebony inlays....unless I do a UG. Decisions decisions!!! lol
 
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Glad to hear you have so much to say already. It looks like you fall in line with so many of us, they are different enough to want multiple varieties of each. Hahaha.

Good luck on your next purchase. May your search lead you to your Grail.
 
I'd be happy to get a graphic that has something to do with US patriotism in some shape or form with polished scales. Be it just a US Flag....maybe something having to do with the 2nd amendment. Being Greek and all...perhaps having "Molon Labe" written in English or in ancient Greek with a Spartan Helmet sounds like a nice graphic. I have one made for a tattoo I have been working on for ages....maybe put it on the scales of a knife instead of my chest. A few things to think about...any idea how much the custom graphics usually range from? Or how much "extra"?
 
There is a 25 with a patriotic theme but it's not completely polished:

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Custom takes about 6 months at this time, and you have to pay a few weeks ahead of time. No idea how much it would cost for something like that. I'm going to assume time on design = $$$.
 
hhmoore said:
I prefer the feel of the micarta 25 in hand, vs that of the micarta 21. I want a starbenza 25; but I'm concerned that I won't like the feel as much without inlays.
On the other hand, I like the insingo blade...which is why I have a micarta 21
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Well, seeing these are the only 2 that I have...the '"luxurious" feeling of the 21 with the micarta inlays does give a feeling of higher "quality" in a small sense. However, the grip advantage will have to go to the "Starbenza". And if you have a WC pistol, I guess you should really have a Starbenza...be it a 25 or 21 (standard). The inlays are nice, but they do add a LITTLE bit more width than I would like to have. Not enough to complain about, but it is a tad bit thicker. One thing I know I want for sure in the next one, is polished Ti scales.

Justin, that piece you posted is lovely....IMHO, I think it has a few too many stars for my taste, but that is something I would still consider. What I think I am going to have done is have two brass lines...one on the top and one on the bottom, have an image of my ancestor's helmet from Sparta on it, and have it read "Molon Labe" but in ancient Greek lettering. The "Molon Labe" became very popular after the 300 movie came out (and by the way, I actually own one of the 300 swords used during the making of the film).

In a few days, I am going to finish what I would want it to look like and share it here with you guys for your opinion. After I am happy with it, I will send it to CRK for an estimate and find out how much he would want for the knife.

I know I asked this before, but I didn't really get an answer. How much does a custom job cost? If I want a UG, I may not even want to do damascus. If you were to design a knife yourself...would you want it in polished/stonewash or would you rather have it in damascus? Ugh...so many options. I just don't want to past a a price tag where I wouldn't want to carry it around in fear of losing it or having it taken away from me by some LEO who doesn't know what's what.

(still playing with the 25....I "THINK" it's getting a little looser. lol)


Harry
 
Glad you got your 25. I'm really loving carrying mine right now. The only thing I have to add is that these "minor EDC purposes" you speak of for your 21. I've never heard of them! :D


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I don't think anyone will be able to give you a good answer on the custom pricing. Best to deal with CRK directly. They have awesome customer service.
 
JustinFournier said:
I don't think anyone will be able to give you a good answer on the custom pricing. Best to deal with CRK directly. They have awesome customer service.
Click to expand...

Oh I am, they want to see a concept/mode/idea first before they give me a number. Just curious what the norm is...

Nice pics by the way!! I almost went with micarta...but went with ebony instead because the finish on the ebony version's scales were polished....or more so anyhow.
 
Hmmm.....well, I found one thing I am not that happy with the 25. When I use one hand to close the 21, the inside of the lock-bar has a sharper edge where it's easier for my right thumb to engage the lock. On the 25, that part of the lock is more rounded and requires more pressure to get a good grip with the lock bar to drop the blade. I'm not sure if I'm explaining myself that well. Basically...it's easier to close the 21 than the 25 because the 25 has a rounded edge where the 21 has a more cornered edge on the lock for the blade to drop. IMHO, it's a minor design flaw that can so easily be fixed. Maybe I'm over examining...but this part is a fact. The edge should be cornered to get a better grip with the thumb. IMHO.
 
Most likely after you get used to carrying them, you won't even notice the difficulty difference. I was opening and closing my Damascus 21 and PJ 25 a bunch last night, (both have tons of pocket time), as I'm deciding which one is going in for spa next, while I could feel they were not the same, I couldn't tell you which one was harder.
 
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