Got my first CRK Sebenza yesterday. The Emperor's new knife.

[Scurvy092]

Second, the expense. People say CRK hasn't raised their prices in 20+ years. What does that really mean? That even through 20 years of inflation and increases in energy and material costs, CRK can still make a profit selling their knives for the same price. I am not saying the price isn't warranted - the subjective value discussion has been had many times. But justifying the knife's price with this particular argument doesn't really make sense, and calling attention to how the Sebenza might not be the most cost effective knife can't be dismissed by this fact.

Actually it does make sense. The initial outlay of everything that you need to make the knives is huge. The longer you make them, the more you ameliorate that initial cost. The total cost per unit goes down overtime as all of those outlays are spread out even further.

So that fact helps offset inflation, materials, energy etc.

 

[Sunyata]

I recently purchased my first CR knife.


I want sure if it was going to live up to the reputation and I was pestered by the reports that the steel was soft.


This knife is worth it's price. It's so smooth, designed to be used and so easy to maintain. Ive never had a knife (and I have a lot ) like this. I can take it apart, put it back together and it's like brand new. No silly was of recentering the blade (ZT and BM), no worrying about voiding my warranty and it's just timeless. Such a simple beautiful design. It's almost like a traditional in it's understated looks. It just works.

 

[ebidis]

I recently purchased my first CR knife.


I want sure if it was going to live up to the reputation and I was pestered by the reports that the steel was soft.


This knife is worth it's price. It's so smooth, designed to be used and so easy to maintain. Ive never had a knife (and I have a lot ) like this. I can take it apart, put it back together and it's like brand new. No silly was of recentering the blade (ZT and BM), no worrying about voiding my warranty and it's just timeless. Such a simple beautiful design. It's almost like a traditional in it's understated looks. It just works.

Which model did you get?

 

[d0nut]

I know that I really like mine. :thumbup:

Beautiful picutres, man. Well done :thumbup:

But, have you actually used it? It looks brand spankin new!

 

[Ankerson]

Beautiful picutres, man. Well done :thumbup:

But, have you actually used it? It looks brand spankin new!

Yeah, you could say I have used it.

Haven't had it long though to develop those pocket wear marks yet.

 

[d0nut]

Yeah, you could say I have used it.

Haven't had it long though to develop those pocket wear marks yet.

You've used it for something other than a photoshoot?

 

[Ankerson]

You've used it for something other than a photoshoot?

Yes, typical EDC stuff.

It's taking the place of my old Umnumzaan that I sold awhile back. :thumbup:

Had it about a month now.

 

[uofaengr]

Just have never understood these weekly CRK threads in General. The Strider threads are always about the politics, rarely that they're overpriced. Have had one and frankly think they're good at about $200. Rarely see the "this Hinderer sure ain't what I thought it was for $550, it's so overhyped". Luckily bought both my Hinderers at factory pricing, still have them, and think they are worth no more than that, that they're worth exactly what Rick feels they're worth. And you want to talk about CRK fan boys being defensive? Walk into a Hinderer forum and see what happens to anyone who speaks negatively on the product.

The reason I bring up these other two brands is because they are at the same price point and I've owned all 3. Seeing what else I can get out there for the same price, I'd say that CRK are pretty fairly priced. Or if the other 2 brands are setting the bar for the $400 price point, then I'd say CRK are underpriced. I'm also waiting for the threads on "Shirogorov: Titanium and S30V for $1000??". Not sure if it fits the narrative though.

 

[Ankerson]

Just have never understood these weekly CRK threads in General. The Strider threads are always about the politics, rarely that they're overpriced. Have had one and frankly think they're good at about $200. Rarely see the "this Hinderer sure ain't what I thought it was for $550, it's so overhyped". Luckily bought both my Hinderers at factory pricing, still have them, and think they are worth no more than that, that they're worth exactly what Rick feels they're worth. And you want to talk about CRK fan boys being defensive? Walk into a Hinderer forum and see what happens to anyone who speaks negatively on the product.

The reason I bring up these other two brands is because they are at the same price point and I've owned all 3. Seeing what else I can get out there for the same price, I'd say that CRK are pretty fairly priced. Or if the other 2 brands are setting the bar for the $400 price point, then I'd say CRK are underpriced. I'm also waiting for the threads on "Shirogorov: Titanium and S30V for $1000??". Not sure if it fits the narrative though.

The knives in that price range are always going to be a target for certain types.

Once people gain more experience and with that more knowledge (Hopefully) they tend to develop more appreciation for these types of knives and what goes into making them.

Some people however can't get past the price point and target them.

Personally I never recommend buying any of them unless the person can really afford them in the 1st place, that means they won't miss that $400+ that they will have to spend. That removes the buyers remorse and anxiety that comes with buying knives in this range in general, but that goes for any knife really. If a person spends more than they can really afford to part with that can cause problems.

I wouldn't expect someone who is used to spending $40 on knives and thinks that's expensive to understand what CRK is all about, or even $100 for that matter.

The interesting and typical thought process of some is that a knife in this price range should move mountains or something or some how work miracles because they cost that much.

That's not going to happen.

 

[Sunyata]

Which model did you get?

Small 21

I've penciled in a Zaan or a 25 for the future

 

[uofaengr]

The knives in that price range are always going to be a target for certain types.

Once people gain more experience and with that more knowledge (Hopefully) they tend to develop more appreciation for these types of knives and what goes into making them.

Some people however can't get past the price point and target them.

Personally I never recommend buying any of them unless the person can really afford them in the 1st place, that means they won't miss that $400+ that they will have to spend. That removes the buyers remorse and anxiety that comes with buying knives in this range in general, but that goes for any knife really. If a person spends more than they can really afford to part with that can cause problems.

I wouldn't expect someone who is used to spending $40 on knives and thinks that's expensive to understand what CRK is all about, or even $100 for that matter.

The interesting and typical thought process of some is that a knife in this price range should move mountains or something or some how work miracles because they cost that much.

That's not going to happen.

You hit the nail on the head. Good post. Knives in that range will always be a target, but from what I see, CRK is the main brand to get the pitchforks out for. Perhaps all the awards they've won for their plain, boring knives? I just rarely see the fervent hate for the other brands in regards of "are they worth it?", "What's the big deal?", etc. I wonder if the "Sabenza" had a flipper if it'd still get the same degree of hate? Something tells me no.

 

[Ankerson]

You hit the nail on the head. Good post. Knives in that range will always be a target, but from what I see, CRK is the main brand to get the pitchforks out for. Perhaps all the awards they've won for their plain, boring knives? I just rarely see the fervent hate for the other brands in regards of "are they worth it?", "What's the big deal?", etc. I wonder if the "Sabenza" had a flipper if it'd still get the same degree of hate? Something tells me no.

CRK designs look understated at 1st glance so they may look boring compared to some other more what I call over engineered designs out there.

There is something about a knife that has everything one really needs and nothing that it really doesn't that appeals to me.

Personally I don't like flippers, rather have a thumb hole or a well designed stud.

I doubt a flipper would make a difference for them as a target though, it's that $400 or more price range that's most of it.

They are are one of those knives that one really has to own to really get it, just looking at one for a few seconds or a minute isn't really going to be enough for most people to understand.

 

[ebidis]

You hit the nail on the head. Good post. Knives in that range will always be a target, but from what I see, CRK is the main brand to get the pitchforks out for. Perhaps all the awards they've won for their plain, boring knives? I just rarely see the fervent hate for the other brands in regards of "are they worth it?", "What's the big deal?", etc. I wonder if the "Sabenza" had a flipper if it'd still get the same degree of hate? Something tells me no.

At least the OP actually bought a Sebenza, and after getting it in hand, said it didn't do it for him. I can respect that. What I cannot respect, are people who hate on a knife/brand and have never even actually held one. I think there is too much of that going around.

If you are unable/unwilling to spend the money for a knife in a certain price point, that is your business. However, just because a knife costs $xxx.xx, don't be hating the knife, or the people who buy them, that's just sour grapes. I am not anywhere near rich, it took me a long, long time to work up to CRK, literally years of scrimping, scraping and trading. Now that I am finally there, I would just like to enjoy the moment.

 

[Ankerson]

At least the OP actually bought a Sebenza, and after getting it in hand, said it didn't do it for him. I can respect that. What I cannot respect, are people who hate on a knife/brand and have never even actually held one. I think there is too much of that going around.

Exactly, he actually has one, that's something.

Personally I never liked the 21 as much as the Umnumzaan and the now the 25.

 

[Sunyata]

Exactly, he actually has one, that's something.

Personally I never liked the 21 as much as the Umnumzaan and the now the 25.

What are the big differences for you?

 

[Ankerson]

What are the big differences for you?

The 21 never really felt right in hand to me, it's a personal thing.

Never was big on the bushing system as I like to adjust the pivot how I want it.

Just personal stuff really.

Nothing that's really a big deal.

 

[uofaengr]

At least the OP actually bought a Sebenza, and after getting it in hand, said it didn't do it for him. I can respect that. What I cannot respect, are people who hate on a knife/brand and have never even actually held one. I think there is too much of that going around.

If you are unable/unwilling to spend the money for a knife in a certain price point, that is your business. However, just because a knife costs $xxx.xx, don't be hating the knife, or the people who buy them, that's just sour grapes. I am not anywhere near rich, it took me a long, long time to work up to CRK, literally years of scrimping, scraping and trading. Now that I am finally there, I would just like to enjoy the moment.

This is true and good point. I, myself, prior to my foray into the $300+ realm stated that it would be hard for me to carry and use a knife that expensive. Well, there was also a time when I couldn't fathom paying more than $150 for a knife and that was my absolute limit. With time, experience, and curiosity you begin to understand why things are what they are and you find your own reasons to justify owning them.

It's true that many who have never handled a particular knife like to give their opinions with nothing but Internet anecdotal evidence to go off of. Many just like to troll. Many are a lot of cases of sour grapes because there are surprisingly many out there that like to hate on anything "nice".

 

[uofaengr]

CRK designs look understated at 1st glance so they may look boring compared to some other more what I call over engineered designs out there.

There is something about a knife that has everything one really needs and nothing that it really doesn't that appeals to me.

Personally I don't like flippers, rather have a thumb hole or a well designed stud.

I doubt a flipper would make a difference for them as a target though, it's that $400 or more price range that's most of it.

They are are one of those knives that one really has to own to really get it, just looking at one for a few seconds or a minute isn't really going to be enough for most people to understand.

I agree. There was a certain level of sarcasm in my post. Flippers aren't my favorite either, I wish my Hinderers were non-flippers. With the knife industry and marketing increasingly skewing towards the tactical side, more and more are becoming enamored with doobers like flippers and bearings on their knives. The cool factor (not to me) of blades flying out with a loud thwack at the press of a fingertip and being extremely and unnecessarily overbuilt has a heavy influence on some in the knife hobby. Some can't understand the slow, deliberate, hydraulic like opening of a CRK with its initially painful thumbstud. It's an old man's hoity-toity knife to some, not having the whizzbang of a lot of the other high end production and midtech knives out there.

Just an opinion from a casual observer, though I saw this argument a lot when the Benchmade 761 came out.

 

[Converge]

It's all about opinion and I think that is definitely a good view to consider if you're on the fence concerning a product that expensive. He wasn't bashing it, just saying he thought it was over hyped. I'm glad he made this thread and it's something I will remember if I ever want a sebenza.

I can relate a little when I got my PM2. Everything about the knife I love except 1 thing, the weight. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a little heavier. I felt that the knife should have some extra weight too it for sure, and that's one thing I never read anyone else mention about the knife. I'm sure some people see its lightweight as a plus and maybe even people who want it to weigh less! It's all about opinion. Even if I had held a Pm2 first, I still would have bought one. The weight thing wasn't enough of an issue to not buy it, just a slight dissappointment that's all. So with a $400+ knife, the more people that weigh in with their opinions the better.

 

[justsomedude]

HYPE
informal

noun
1. Extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion. A deception carried out for the sake of publicity.

verb
1. Promote or publicize (a product or idea) intensively, often exaggerating its importance or benefits.

Origin
1920s (originally in the sense ‘shortchange, cheat,’ or ‘person who cheats, etc’): of unknown origin.


According to that definition I would not say CRK knives are over hyped at all. I think there's a lot more exaggeration in negative comments about CRK than in positive ones.

Positive arguments for CRK are often tempered by warnings that they aren't perfect and to not expect anything earth shattering. On the other hand I rarely see negative CRK sentiments tempered by reminders that several very prominent makers including Sal Glesser respect and admire CRK and attest to the fact that Chris's prices are fair for what he puts into them.


I only bother writing any of this because I think there's a lot of talk out there that could dissuade someone who is on the fence about CRK. In fact the OP says on the first page that he started the thread to tell people who are on the fence that he doesn't think they're worth it. Well it's my opinion that if you've gotten to the point of seriously considering one then it is absolutely worth trying.