Get a Sebenza?

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darkdomino

Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Messages
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So bottom line, Christmas is coming up and I might be making a knife purchase. My question is fairly simple... Sebenza 21 or not?

I ask this question because for the money that I'd spend on a Sebenza, I'd almost be able to pick up two knives I've been eyeing for some time now: the Spyderco Domino and the ZT 0560.

What would you do? Get several nice knives, or sink everything into a Sebenza?
 
I'd get several nice knives. I'm sure many would disagree, but I don't find the Sebenza to be worth the price. But then, I don't find the ZT 560 with Ti and Elmax to be all that great either. I'm just not a fan of Ti framelocks in general, with so many other awesome locks and steels out there. I'd go with Limited Editions of knives with super steels, or go higher in price with a custom.

I'm sure that the fans will be along shortly to state the opposite case, but so far the only thing that has remotely drawn me to either knife besides the Domino is hype from other people. The Domino, I just find to be a beautifully ergonomic knife. It strikes a chord as I'm sure the other two knives do with many other people. So, my suggestion is to hold them, and don't try to convince yourself that they are what you want. If they are, you won't have to fight for the feeling.

If you can't hold them, I suggest you buy them in order of which you think you'll like most, and then return/sell at normal price if the knife is not a fit.
 
Are you going to actually use the Sebenza or is it going to sit in the safe because of how much you paid for it?
If you intend on using it, buy it and never look back, you will not be disappointed.
If it is going to sit in the safe, buy the two knives you are going to use.

Most people buy a CRK and then let them sit in the safe because of the price.
After awhile they begin to question the purchase and sell them, just look at any selling forum and they are packed full of CRK.
 
Since you don't have one I would get it. I was on the fence for a while about getting one, now I have three. I do use mine a lot. They get dirty, dropped a few times on cement so they are scratched up. I use them like all my other knives. getting two knives would be nice though. Do you want to open two presents or one?
 
Only those who can appreciate the little things will feel that CRK's products are worth the money. You need to be able to appreciate impeccable build quality, perfect fitment and function and finish, all the attention to detail, all the "go the extra mile" little touches nobody but you will ever notice, top of the line material quality, a design that has been constantly tweaked and perfected over 25+ years.... all those things add up. All those things require many times the amount of machining and production other lesser knives do.

Not everyone who buys a Sebenza thinks it lives up to the hype. All the praise you read on the forums can give you unreasonable expectations. In reality it's still just a knife, the same way a Rolex is still just a watch. Do you need to spend $400 dollars to get a knife that will last a lifetime? No, get a Spyderco Delica. Will it open a package any better than a Kershaw Skyline? No it won't. Does it have the best cutting edge (pun intended) super steel? No. But it is a damn good knife. Every time I pull out my Small Sebenza to use in a practical way I just can't help but marvel at its perfection. Its simple, elegant, and flawless design is just something I've never seen in any other production knife. They're built with the same care and precision that well known custom knife makers use in their products. The warranty and CS you get from CRK is second to none.

I say buy the Sebenza to satisfy your curiosity. Because if you don't, and you buy the Domino and the 560, you'll still be wondering about that Sebenza. Worst case scenario you don't like it, no biggy, sell it here on the forums. Even if it's a little used or lightly scratched you'll get 90% of your money back which you can then use to get something else. And at least at that point you know the knife isn't for you. I remember guys told me to buy a Bradley Alias II instead of a Seb. I don't know what that knife is deemed the Sebenza killer. Because it's a Ti framelock and has a blue thumbstud? That knife was junk for the money. The Sage II is excellent but still not on par. Just grit your teeth, get it, and carry it.
 
Sebbie and NEVER a regret. I've had many. I prefer the slightly used one that you find here on the Exchange. They may have a few worm-trails on the titanium slabs...not to worry. I love 'em.
Just make certain that you buy a "small" or "large" to fit YOUR hand. I can only use a Large.
Good day, sir.
 
CRKs are cool but don't buy too much into the hype, I got my first one (a 25) and its amazing and the fit and finish are pretty much top notch and all that, but imo unless you have tons of money to throw around I doubt it will feel worth the $400+. At the end of the day it cuts stuff, it gets dull, shows wear and needs to be sharpened just like every other knife. Nothing life affirming about it like some would have you believe, plus considering the price you probably won't even want to use it that much. The good thing is if you buy it and don't care for it you can resell it for basically what you paid.

Just my .02, hope it was helpful.
 
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I'd say do whichever feels like less of a trade off to YOU. Are you missing out on owning two new knives if you buy the Seb? Or are you missing out on the Seb if you buy the other two? Personally I'd rather have a Sebenza and an Opinel or SAK than have two $200 knives.
 
It sounds like: you are young, and you like flippers. So I recommend the domino and ZT. Sebenzas are generally not knives for those who like to flick their knives open - they open with more of a hydraulic feel.

Deciding between flippers and a Sebenza makes no sense. The real question is, do you want a flipper or thumb stud opener? You should get a flipper if that is what you want. Buy a Sebenza down the line.
 
Moxy said:
In reality it's still just a knife . . . Will it open a package any better than a Kershaw Skyline? No it won't.
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I hear angels singing. Thank you.

I own 3 CRKs, and they have smooth pivots and plenty of machining. But for $450, I'd rather have 5 entry level Kershaws at $20 each, a Para 2 (black on black) and a Benchmade 710. With $50 left over for a rainy day. I just have a real hard time cutting up a piece of sod or a shingle with a blingy $450 knife. I'm sorta jealous of you guys who love your Sebenzas so much that you carry nothing else. I just can't do it. I'll take seven from Spyderco, Benchmade and Kershaw for the same money.
 
hazy said:
CRKs are cool but don't buy too much into the hype, I got my first one (a 25) and its amazing and the fit and finish are pretty much top notch and all that, but imo unless you have tons of money the throw around I doubt it will feel worth the $400+. At the end of the day it cuts stuff, it gets dull, shows wear and needs to be sharpened just like every other knife. Nothing life affirming about it like some would have you believe, plus considering the price you probably won't even want to use it that much. The good thing is if you buy it and don't care for it you can resell it for basically what you paid.

Just my .02, hope it was helpful.
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Where have you seen anyone ever state that having a Sebenza is life affirming? Silly nonsense.

The Seb is an excellent cutting tool with appeal to both users and collectors alike. No, you don't need a ton of money to throw around to afford a Seb--just like anything else--save a few dollars here and there and you can buy one.
 
Get the Sebenza if you care about a knife that you can use hard and it will last longer than you. If you plan to use it a lot that is.

The tight tolerances is why they last longer than the knives you mention. Both good knives, but they won't last as long as a Sebenza.

This talk of "I could buy five for the price of a sebenza" is said by people that doesn't realize the Sebenza will last longer than all of them because of its tight tolerances. You get what you pay for, and only you can decide if you want to go with the knife that will hold up the best in the long run.

I have a 1997 Sebenza that I've used hard and often. Its still tight as a drum. Looked bad, but when I got it back from CRK for a spa treatment it looks and operates like a brand new Sebenza. I like Spyderco and Benchmade, but they don't hold up like a Sebenza.
 
Before I could answer this question, I would like to know your current experience with Knives. Have you had some spyderco, kershaw/ZT, benchmade, etc? I ask that because I think I wouldn't have appreciated my first sebenza without first experiencing knives from the other manufacturers. To me a Sebenza is an acquired taste for lack of a better term. You may not fully appreciate it until you have enough experience with other knives to compare it to. That is when it shines IMO.
 
MostMenAreRuthless said:
Where have you seen anyone ever state that having a Sebenza is life affirming? Silly nonsense.
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Mr. Hazy was employing the literary technique of hyperbole, which is exaggeration to emphasize an underlying truth. Whenever there is a "should I buy a Sebenza" thread, inevitably its advocates contend that only those with a fine appreciation for detail and a discerning eye will understand the Sebenza, the implication being that if you aren't on board you must be a toothless, inbred hillbilly (< that's hyperbole too, btw). That mild but pervasive snootiness causes a backlash, which I think precipitated Mr. Hazy's responsive usage of hyperbole. Its also why I heard angel singing (< a metaphor) when Mr. Moxy acknowledged that Sebenzas don't actually cut things any better than other knives.
 
powernoodle said:
Its also why I heard angel singing (< a metaphor) when Mr. Moxy acknowledged that Sebenzas don't actually cut things any better than other knives.
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Have no idea why you would here angels sing after seeing a post stating they won't cut better than other knives. I thought we all knew that already. You post almost the same thing in every CRK thread, and I have a hard time understanding why really.

What they will do is out last the less expensive knives because of their tight tolerances, and thats the main reason I like them.
I also love the design, but longevity is what I love most about them.
I have to watch my money, and the longevity of a Sebenza saves me money in the long run.

I've never heard anyone state they cut better.


edit- OP, wanted to add that all three are great knives. Only you can decide what you want at this time, and you won't go wrong with either.
Good Luck !
 
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darkdomino said:
So bottom line, Christmas is coming up and I might be making a knife purchase. My question is fairly simple... Sebenza 21 or not?

I ask this question because for the money that I'd spend on a Sebenza, I'd almost be able to pick up two knives I've been eyeing for some time now: the Spyderco Domino and the ZT 0560.

What would you do? Get several nice knives, or sink everything into a Sebenza?
Click to expand...

As a Sebenza owner (and proud of it) I say get the knives you've been eyeing the most. If the Spyderco Domino and the ZT 0560 have been in your sights for some time, then get them. Carry them. Use them. Enjoy them.

Later on, when you're ready to invest in a Sebenza you'll really enjoy what a precision instrument it is compared to your other knives.
 
Every knife enthusiasts should experience at least one CRK. I've had 5 coming and going. I only have the Zaan now. Personally, I don't find them to be as impressive as some people have especially with the quality of some of the Spydercos and ZTs within the past few years. Are Sebenzas well built? I think so, but are they worth the price? I don't think so. Since you haven't experienced a CRK yet then I would recommend getting an used one to decide if they are for you. I would go with the ZT and Spyderco because I think they are just tremendous value for the price. Tolerance aside, there's not a lot of difference in quality and honestly tolerances aren't that important if you'll use it day to day. I find the ball bearing washers to be more impressive and fun than good old PB washers.
 
I've had Sebs over the years that WERE my Every. Day. Carry. knife & for lack of a better term, certainly "beaters." They are the bees knees, so why carry anything else? I have owned several other nice folding knives since then & one thing or another pulled them from my rotation & out of my personal "selection." In 2008 I began rotating in Strider SnGs... a much more "fun" knife, IMO. Hard use & slips can really dick up the G10 though, so back I went to the Seb for harsher use. I've always kept a fixed blade around for more abusive tasks but I've never really enjoyed carrying them. I carry different knives for different tasks. I suck it up and carry a FB if I'll definitely be using a knife. I carry an SnG if I just want to be "prepared." IMO, nothing falls in the middle better than a Sebenza though. The one place it does not belong is in a situation where loss is likely. That is why I have a BM Griptilian, a KoA folding Hunter & a Hogue EX01, of which again, I'll choose circumstantially . The Seb is a ready and willing jack of all trades knife. If I owned one and only one knife it would be a Sebenza.

What Ken44 is saying about the tolerances = longevity is no BS though. It is certainly my experience that the Sebs lockup is second to none with taking a lot of knifesurbating wear. I've never been displeased with a Sebenzas lock wear where all else I've used has left more to be desired.
 
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