Help me choose

freq18hz

freq18hz

Joined
Mar 4, 2010
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I'm sure this thread has been written a million times...

But I'm going to take the Sebenza plunge, and I can't decide what I want to buy...

It's been a daunting task just to find out what options are available, what they look/feel like, durability/scratches etc...

On one hand, I can't see myself using a $400 knife as an EDC blade, yet at the same time what is the point of owning a drawer queen?

I can't decide on the blade finish, handle etc. I'd like it to look really nice, yet perhaps spending the extra $$$ for nicer materials isn't the best idea for an EDC knife?

Does anyone have any recommendations for a first Sebenza?


-Freq
 
I'd recommend going with good ole basic plain Ti and stonewash as a first. As nice as some of the fancier versions are, you may be more willing to use the heck out of it if it isn't too pretty.;) That, and the initial cost of ownership will be a little lower and a plain version should be a little easier to move if you decide it's not for you.
 
If not a plain then get a wood inlay. I love the inlays. If you want more utilitarian instead of a prettier knife like the wood inlays then get the micarta inlay. Feels great in the hand and is tough as all CRK's are.
Describe yourself and we may be of more help.
 
Well you already sound like you would be reluctant to use it so I would look on the exchange and wait til you see one $270 or lower. I just saw one sell for $250 the other day.
 
Gotta go with just the plain Ti and Stone Washed blade.

Own one in Small and Large and use them both!

Once you get one and carry it you can't NOT use it.
 
stone washed: less visible scratches means more chance you'll use it.
small: always a good size to increase chances of carrying it (laws and less threatening)
no inlays: less expensive and you can pimp it with one of barry's or peter's scales :thumbup:
 
I had the same concerns as you when I got mine. I bought a dog paw one (Plaza Cutlery exclusive). Not too pretty not to use but not too plain either. I always end up wanting what I didn't get. So now I wished I would have gotten the Micarta because the plain slabs scratch pretty easy.
 
+1 on the basic sebenza
Another +1 on getting it second hand and saving some cash
 
I personally like the regular sebenza better large or small ( blade shape and handle ergo ), but they are hard to find. If you just want a user, I would definately go with a completely stonewashed blade. It will not show any scratches. The unique graphics are nice, but are sometimes too pretty to use. Plus the blades on the uniques have a polished hollow grind that does show scratches. I carried a large regular for a some time and loved it. I now edc a umnumzaan and use it for everything you can think of and there is hardly a mark on it. The titanium handles will scuff up on all of them. I dont have any with inlay or micarta, though I would like a black micarta someday. I look at it this way, every scuff on a plain sebbie tells a story, an adventure you had using your knife. It might be as little as cutting cardboard, whittlin a stick, etc. Get a plain 21 as your first, then down the road, go for a fancy one if you want. If your going to spend $400, the umnumzaan is hard to overlook, but it is bigger and to some people that matters....... I personally like the large sebenzas better because they are a little bigger and fit my hands better, but the small sebenza is nice also, especially if your in an office or such where sheeple are present. You cant go wrong with any of the knives from Chris Reeve. It just basically comes down to what you want to spend and your personal preferences.
 
Just got my first Sebenza, a small with Micarta inlays, as an EDC. This tumbled/sandblasted combination should last a long time without looking scratched or beat up.
 
Last edited:
Quoddy said:
Just got my first Sebenza, a small with Micarta inlays, as an EDC. This tumbled/sandblasted combination should last a long time without looking scratched or beat up.
Click to expand...

That would be my vote based on your wants/needs.

Although, even with small hands the Umnumzaan is THE knife for me. I have a Mnandi for office pocket carry.
 
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