Hard use Sebenzas

[Maven]

Does anyone use their Sebenza as their TRUE everyday work knife? You know... It comes out of your pocket/sheath a couple times an hour, works in an environment that may prove fatal to lesser quality/material knives?(dust,solvents, petroleum products)?

Ive decided a Sebenza Insingo is my next knife. It will pocket carried everyday, everywhere, live an work around salt water, solvents, petroleum based products and be used for everything from cutting breakfast bananas to plastic, carpet, wiring insulation, cardboard, rubber and more.

I used CRKTs for years and got tired of replacing them(and thinking about the amount of money Ive wasted on "cheap" knives), switched to a production Fiddleback Forge, loved it but had it stolen when I removed the sheath from my belt so I could contort into a position under a dashboard. So fixed blades were out....Now carrying a Minigriptilian which I do like, but for my purposes its essentially a higher quality CRKT in that it still suffers from the polymer handles, numerous small moving parts, and collecting dirt/dust in places that cant be easily washed out, and of course the issue of voiding the warranty if I were to disassemble it.


The CRK ticks all the boxes: durable essentially non-reactive construction, impervious to workplace liquids, no small moving/wearing parts, ease of disassembly, warranty not voided by self disassembly. And of course its beautiful, exceedingly highly well crafted, and feels amazing in use.


So after all that... Anyone have pics of truly work worn Sebenzas? Or want to opine on my thought process and choice? (Ive seen the few short "snail trail" threads) :thumbup:

 

[BellaBlades]

Wow its early. Perks of having days off usually. I use a ti lock doing everything you mentioned and it works great. Tons of sebbie users around here. Blues and kid have some hard used crks. That's what the sebbie is made for. These are a few months old almost. I will take close ups later. I might have pisc of my old sebbie as well.

Nothing can replace a fixed blade. But the sebbie is a tough enough for most things.

 

[gull wing]

The Insingo is a great shape for hard use, it SHOULD carry out most of the duties you describe. I say "should" because only fixed blade can handle ALL of these, but I see why you don't want to carry a fixed blade.
I think the Insingo is the best CRK for my uses, but have you looked at the Umnum?

Happy hunting

 

[Maven]

Thanks for the input gull wing

With the exception of the stint with the Hiking Buddy, Ive carried folding knives my entire 20+ yr career, and most of 30+ yr knife life. I loved the idea of the fixed blade edc, and would espouse the virtues of the choice to anyone but it just didnt work out for ME, as constantly having to dismount my sheath from my belt became tiresome.(not to mention the painful loss)

I have seen the Zaan. At first put off by the "rubber" o-ring absorbers as something to swell and disintegrate in my daily routine I was happy to learn they are actually polyurethane, so would be pretty durable. I honestly dont know how I feel about the addition of the lock stabilizer, and I think the blade shape just really isnt to my liking and dont see how it would benefit me.

 

[kidcongo]

Does anyone use their Sebenza as their TRUE everyday work knife? You know... It comes out of your pocket/sheath a couple times an hour, works in an environment that may prove fatal to lesser quality/material knives?(dust,solvents, petroleum products)?

Ive decided a Sebenza Insingo is my next knife. It will pocket carried everyday, everywhere, live an work around salt water, solvents, petroleum based products and be used for everything from cutting breakfast bananas to plastic, carpet, wiring insulation, cardboard, rubber and more.

I used CRKTs for years and got tired of replacing them, switch to a production Fiddleback Forge, loved it but had it stolen when I removed the sheath from my belt so I could contort into a position under a dashboard. So fixed blades were out....Now carrying a Minigriptilian which I do like, but for my purposes its essentially a higher quality CRKT in that it still suffers from the polymer handles, numerous small moving parts, and collecting dirt/dust in places that cant be easily washed out, and of course the issue of voiding the warranty if I were to disassemble it.


The CRK ticks all the boxes: durable essentially non-reactive construction, impervious to workplace liquids, no small moving/wearing parts, ease of disassembly, warranty not voided by self disassembly. And of course its beautiful, exceedingly highly well crafted, and feels amazing in use.


So after all that... Anyone have pics of truly work worn Sebenzas? Or want to opine on my thought process and choice? (Ive seen the few short "snail trail" threads) :thumbup:

Not meaning to sound condescending, but this question comes up at least once a month (maybe for good reason), and there are literally dozens of threads on the same subject. It would be interesting for you to use the search forum tool and check out some of the past responses. A query for Sebenza Hard Use, Sebenza User, etc will net you hours of reading and cool images. Again, not trying to come across jerky, just trying to point you to a good resource.

 

[Maven]

Not meaning to sound condescending, but this question comes up at least once a month (maybe for good reason), and there are literally dozens of threads on the same subject. It would be interesting for you to use the search forum tool and check out some of the past responses. A query for Sebenza Hard Use, Sebenza User, etc will net you hours of reading and cool images. Again, not trying to come across jerky, just trying to point you to a good resource.

Thanks for reading and responding kidcongo,
I am not uninformed about the use of the forum search tool or the preferred etiquette of searching before posting a new thread. A search of the phrase "Sebenza Hard use" does indeed yield over 35 pages of results, but in the first 4 pages (100 threads) going back to 12/2015 there was only ONE thread title that jumped out as relevant to my query. Ive seen the pictures only threads, and as mentioned even came across a couple short threads with pictures of snail trails and discussions of those who prefer a mint knife to those who prefer one that proudly displays its life as a user.

 

[cda555]

I think the sebenza is perfect for your needs. I met a guy who daily carried his for 15 years. The blade was pretty small from the years of sharpening, but it was still buttery smooth when deployed. That was enough to convince me to buy one.

 

[338375]

I just got my first CRK, so I haven't put it through hard use yet, an din all honesty I'm not sure I will this one because it is way to perrty....
That said, I bought it because of the workmanship, the simplicity, the reputation of the knife, and because of the reputation CRK has for taking care of their customers.

That said, in all fairness, I have to make a comment about the Mini Griptilian... I am a fan, and have been using them since they first came out about 16 years or so ago.
UP until yesterday I had 12 variations, but have decided to sell a few. Not because I don't like them, but because I really need a change after all these years.
I will always have several, and will continue to use them, but I am mixing in CRK knives slowly too...

The Griptilian knives are one of the strongest knives on the market. While many don't like the "plastic" scales, they are impervious to chemicals, and almost unbreakable.
There aren't very many parts to the Griptilians, the exception being the Omega springs which like anything, can break, but in all the years of using them, I have never broken one. The Axis lock is one of the strongest on the market and very easy to use as well... Top all that off with a very reasonable price tag, they are a great buy.
Sorry if it seems like I am ranting, but saying the Griptilians are basically a step up from CRKT is like saying the Ferrari is a little nicer than a Volkswagen

All that said, you need a CRK. At least one I wasn't sure how I would feel about them, but after getting my first, I wish I would have bought one years ago..
They are that nice...

 

[Maven]

I just got my first CRK, so I haven't put it through hard use yet, an din all honesty I'm not sure I will this one because it is way to perrty....
That said, I bought it because of the workmanship, the simplicity, the reputation of the knife, and because of the reputation CRK has for taking care of their customers.

That said, in all fairness, I have to make a comment about the Mini Griptilian... I am a fan, and have been using them since they first came out about 16 years or so ago.
UP until yesterday I had 12 variations, but have decided to sell a few. Not because I don't like them, but because I really need a change after all these years.
I will always have several, and will continue to use them, but I am mixing in CRK knives slowly too...

The Griptilian knives are one of the strongest knives on the market. While many don't like the "plastic" scales, they are impervious to chemicals, and almost unbreakable.
There aren't very many parts to the Griptilians, the exception being the Omega springs which like anything, can break, but in all the years of using them, I have never broken one. The Axis lock is one of the strongest on the market and very easy to use as well... Top all that off with a very reasonable price tag, they are a great buy.
Sorry if it seems like I am ranting, but saying the Griptilians are basically a step up from CRKT is like saying the Ferrari is a little nicer than a Volkswagen

All that said, you need a CRK. At least one I wasn't sure how I would feel about them, but after getting my first, I wish I would have bought one years ago..
They are that nice...

Thanks for the time and thoughts.... Im sure I need a CRK too

As for the BM comments, to be clear I love my 556. I have a Ritter 558 on its way. They have better steel than any folder I carried previously. And after 2 or 3 weeks of use its only gotten stropped on my pants a few times and needed nothing else. (except for daily air shower and a weekly hot bath and a few drops of krytox.) BUT.....the handles dont do it for me. they are comfortable and grippy, but they arent holding up to my use. The "gimping" at the butt end of the handle is worn rounded. Wear and character is fine, wearing out quickly is not. Most seriously upsetting is the burn mark I got in the grip last week. They are not as heat resistant as other knives I have used. Theres a nice 5mm square by 1mm deep burn on one scale, after I only briefly placed the knife on an engine. I was PISSED. It was then that my purchase of a CRK was cemented. A coworker retorted that a $350 knife was too expensive, and the titanium while un-phased by the heat wouldve just burned ME when I picked it up. Well....I pick up hot tools all the time firstly, and secondly if you think molten NorylGTX (or whatever a Grip is scaled with these days) doesnt burn youre mistaken. LOL

My Grips are going to remain well loved, and live a happy life in the house, play on weekends perhaps and in camping bags as backups, but they arent gonna make it in the shop.
Blade still in great shape

Handle....not so much

 

[Gizler00]

Oh yes!! I am an Auto Instructor and use my CRK daily for everything. Pics to come

 

[338375]

Thanks for the time and thoughts.... Im sure I need a CRK too

As for the BM comments, to be clear I love my 556. I have a Ritter 558 on its way. They have better steel than any folder I carried previously. And after 2 or 3 weeks of use its only gotten stropped on my pants a few times and needed nothing else. (except for daily air shower and a weekly hot bath and a few drops of krytox.) BUT.....the handles dont do it for me. they are comfortable and grippy, but they arent holding up to my use. The "gimping" at the butt end of the handle is worn rounded. Wear and character is fine, wearing out quickly is not. Most seriously upsetting is the burn mark I got in the grip last week. They are not as heat resistant as other knives I have used. Theres a nice 5mm square by 1mm deep burn on one scale, after I only briefly placed the knife on an engine. I was PISSED. It was then that my purchase of a CRK was cemented. A coworker retorted that a $350 knife was too expensive, and the titanium while un-phased by the heat wouldve just burned ME when I picked it up. Well....I pick up hot tools all the time firstly, and secondly if you think molten NorylGTX (or whatever a Grip is scaled with these days) doesnt burn youre mistaken. LOL

My Grips are going to remain well loved, and live a happy life in the house, play on weekends perhaps and in camping bags as backups, but they arent gonna make it in the shop.
Blade still in great shape

Handle....not so much

If you have never had a Ritter before, they are an awesome knife, and the different blade shape gives the knife a totally different feel.
The M390 is a great steel, but even the older Ritters in S30V are very good. I've put my Mini Grips through hell, but I never thought about melting the scales before lol
Not trying to derail your thread, but here is the one I have been carrying off and on for awhile. It made a huge difference changing to the Wilkins Grips...

In keeping with the CRK theme, this is my first. I just got it last week and I love it...

 

[kidcongo]

Here is a thread with some good "hard use" going on. Making a fire a couple weekends ago:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1381478-Making-a-small-fire-with-a-Large-21-photo-heavy

 

[unit]

Many of us use our knives quite a bit. Personally, I quit taking photos of it a while back because it prevented me from doing as much, and it's hard to take a photo while working with a sharp knife one handed (and distracted)

I have split/reduced/feather-sticked numerous sticks and limbs. I have stripped more wires than I care to recall. I have cut thousands of zip ties, and more hoses than I can count while setting up pumps. I'd speculate that I have probalby cut over a mile of cardboard in the process of making liners for my sons' animal cages. My favorite task is opening bottles. I use my CRK to open bottles of beer or soda...and trust me, I have opened more than a few.

All with the same knife.

[video=youtube_share;xCUcnWkCHvw]http://youtu.be/xCUcnWkCHvw[/video]

 

[338375]

Many of us use our knives quite a bit. Personally, I quit taking photos of it a while back because it prevented me from doing as much, and it's hard to take a photo while working with a sharp knife one handed (and distracted)

I have split/reduced/feather-sticked numerous sticks and limbs. I have stripped more wires than I care to recall. I have cut thousands of zip ties, and more hoses than I can count while setting up pumps. I'd speculate that I have probalby cut over a mile of cardboard in the process of making liners for my sons' animal cages. My favorite task is opening bottles. I use my CRK to open bottles of beer or soda...and trust me, I have opened more than a few.

All with the same knife.

[video=youtube_share;xCUcnWkCHvw]http://youtu.be/xCUcnWkCHvw[/video]

Looks good Ken. I remember when you got that one

 

[unit]

Looks good Ken. I remember when you got that one

Thanks, Mike. It is a special victory for me.

My wife brought a very special treat to me tonight and reminded me, "you are worth it". So I made a little video. (Same knife...always the same knife).

[video=youtube_share;BFHmM9ZHWNk]http://youtu.be/BFHmM9ZHWNk[/video]

 

[coldmrk]

Thanks, Mike. It is a special victory for me.

My wife brought a very special treat to me tonight and reminded me, "you are worth it". So I made a little video. (Same knife...always the same knife).

[video=youtube_share;BFHmM9ZHWNk]http://youtu.be/BFHmM9ZHWNk[/video]

Nice I been doing that with frn and g10 for quite a while, learned how to do it with a lighter so I figure any knife will do
Never thought to try it with a titanium handle though! Props.

 

[Makael]

So no hard use sebenza?

 

[jleephoto]

I rotated a Wilkins Ritter MiniGrip with a few different Spydercos for many years before I went all in with the Sebenzas. Now I carry one version of the Insingo almost every day only occasionally delving into the old knife drawer. I can't bring myself to sell them the Grips or Spydies but have a hard time picking one over the 3 Insingos I own.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Corytr]

I have a 21 that I use the living piss out of. I use it as hard as any other knife I've EVER owned. It has scratches down the entire length of the blade, dings in the titanium, and I have replaced the clip once. It has opened concrete bags, skinned countless electrical wires in the dirt and mud, pried numerous things (not with the tip - duh); and yes, I flick the hell out of it.

I have had numerous benchmades and treated them exactly the same. Every one of those benchmades has developed blade play at the very least. My 21? Not a bit. It is smoother than the day I bought it. Still perfectly centered, zero blade play, lockup hasn't changed a bit, and it can shave the hair off of a gnat's ass. This 21 was also born on the same day that I met my wife.

 

[Maven]

I have a 21 that I use the living piss out of. I use it as hard as any other knife I've EVER owned. It has scratches down the entire length of the blade, dings in the titanium, and I have replaced the clip once. It has opened concrete bags, skinned countless electrical wires in the dirt and mud, pried numerous things (not with the tip - duh); and yes, I flick the hell out of it.

I have had numerous benchmades and treated them exactly the same. Every one of those benchmades has developed blade play at the very least. My 21? Not a bit. It is smoother than the day I bought it. Still perfectly centered, zero blade play, lockup hasn't changed a bit, and it can shave the hair off of a gnat's ass. This 21 was also born on the same day that I met my wife.

Cool. :thumbup::thumbup: