Grind Profiles: 21, 25, Large & Small Inkosi, Ti-Lock, & Insingo

Wavicle

Wavicle

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There has been some discussion about the new deeper grind of the Large Inkosi when compared to the Sebenza 25. I tried to capture some keyhole light shots (using an iPhone- not ideal) of a large Sebenza 21, the Sebenza 25, and the new large Inkosi. The differences are obvious. I also think the description of the large hollow grind has been updated on the CRK Inkosi web page to reflect the new profile.

Sebenza 21
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Large Inkosi
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Sebenza 25
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Interesting. Thanks for posting this, Wav. The new description on CRK's Inkosi page seems pretty accurate based on your findings!
 
You put my inquiries on this to rest. Thank you for posting this. I was waiting to see something like this but couldn't think of a good way to go about it. Great job on the photos.
 
It was said at Blade Show that they had just got new machines and that caused the grind that you noticed. I think the future production of the large Inkosi will have the same grind as the 25.
 
Driften said:
It was said at Blade Show that they had just got new machines and that caused the grind that you noticed. I think the future production of the large Inkosi will have the same grind as the 25.
Click to expand...

It would be preferable, to me, for the Inkosi grind to be closer to the 25 (like the original small Inkosi), but the updated description on the CRK web page states of the their Large Hollow Grind: "making it half way between a flat grind and our standard hollow grind".

So I believe the early released Inkosi has the final production grind, not a one-off made during the learning curve ramp on new equipment.
 
Having never handled a 25 before, I'm surprised at how flat the grind is. If they were looking for a 21 / 25 hybrid grind, it looks like they nailed it.
 
Anarchy84 said:
Having never handled a 25 before, I'm surprised at how flat the grind is. If they were looking for a 21 / 25 hybrid grind, it looks like they nailed it.
Click to expand...

The "hollow" of my 25 is almost imperceptible. Although it is a nice looking and robust blade, it's pretty thick behind the edge and mostly a wedge shaped flat-ground blade, while still having a shoulder like a hollow ground blade (arguably the worst aspects of both grind types). I notice a difference in the performance between my 25 and my Umnumzaan, which share the same thicker blade stock, with the Umnum actually being a pretty darn good EDC blade and slicer with its edge being so keen. The 25s thick wedgey edge doesn't really benefit my particular daily needs from a pocket knife, so for me at least, the Inkosi grind is a move in the right direction. I work in the trades so my pocket knife gets consistent and constant use during the day, and my CRKs are cut no slack....so my observations are not based on paper-cut tests, arm hair shaving, or guesswork, but I am sure there are other opinions out there too.

For sure the 25 had a good looking blade, that cut well enough, but I would say this Inkosi grind is an upgrade. I love how CRK continues to improve the 25 design. Looking forward to picking one up for first-hand experience someday (so I'm not just talking out of my hat!)
 
I completely agree, Kidcongo. From a usage standpoint I believe the new grind is a definite upgrade. I never purchased a 25, but as I type this I have both a large and small Inkosi on the way. Personally, I'm excited about the changes they've made, but there are sure to be differing opinions.
 
Great comparison pictures! I would never have thought to take a photo with a ruler like that, but it works great.
 
Anyone know if the latest small inkosi grinds are comparable now to the large inkosi grind? I feel as if my small inkosi, one of the earliest available, has a grind more similar to that of the 25. I like the slightly deeper high hollow grind of the large inkosi.
 
Untytled, I just received a small Inkosi born in May 2016. I'll be receiving a first-run Large Inkosi on Monday. If no one else answers your question I'll check it out and let you know.
 
Thanks for sharing. Anybody have a ti lock pic to add. That's my edc. But I don't have a camera that can pick up a shot.
 
Okay- I will add a few more for the curious. They include the small Inkosi (November 2015), Ti-Lock, and small Sebenza 21:

Small Inkosi
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Ti-Lock
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Small Sebenza 21
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All of them are in this Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskCUckox
 
Thanks for posting these, Wavicle. Very informative and clear to see the grind similarities and differences with the blade styles.:thumbup:
 
Its interesting the small Inkosi is not as flat as the 25, and does not look too different then the large inkosi you did.
 
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