Help me pick my 1st sebenza

M

mtrunner

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
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I've wanted a sebenza for years...finally have the loot. But now I can't seem to make a decision. I've spent hours reading and looking at pics here. So, I need some help. I already know I will be buying more than one, but where to start? I will EDC and use this knife. I know it will be a small classic. I like the wood inlays...but are they good for EDC? Are they much thicker than the plain classic? Also, is the handle polished on the inlays? They seem shiny in the pictures I've looked at. Lastly, if I go with wood, is there one that is nicer than the rest? Ok sebenza experts, help me join the club. Thanks
 
I have not seen the wood inlays in person, so I don't know about the polishing thing.

Other inlay knives I have had are not much thicker at all. My recommendation is to buy the knife you want. It will hold up to EDC without a problem.
 
Yes, the inlaid models have polished titanium slabs, and blasted edges. It is not a mirror-polish though-if I recall correctly they use a 1200 grit to create the finish.

EDIT : TRICKER is right, the lockbar and the clip are blasted as well-I forgot about that. It really adds to the appearance of the knife though-the polished and blasted parts are good for some nice contrast.

I own two Ivory inlaid Large Classics, and the scales make the knife about 3-4 millimeters thicker-compared to the plain models. I think it doesn`t make a big difference in terms of carrying them in a pocket or something.
 
I currently own and use a small sebenza w/ micarta inlays. It is a great edc, paired up with a SAK of some sort. My plan is to get a large Sebenza with micarta inlays to have a bigger knife. The small is quite handy and non threatening, but over all I think if a guy just had one, the large would be prefereable.

My recommendation will mirror Derricks. Get the one you want. I can't speak to how well the wood will hold up, but I'd imagine it will wear for a longtime. I went with the micarta inlays because it is grippier and looks more utilitarian. What ever you choose, you can't choose wrong...it'll still be a Sebenza!
 
For an all-around EDC folder, the sebbie with micarta inlays is definitely the way to go. Just my opinion, of course.

I have a small, and it works great as an around town EDC folder. When I wander away from home, however, I often times wish that it was a large. Which is why, one of these days, I'll pick up a large -- when I can bring myself to stop shopping and start purchasing that is. :D
 
Thanks for your replys...very helpful. I'm leaning towards the small classic with desert ironwood inlay. My plan is to buy a large sebenza later this year...that will be another big decision...so many great models to pick from. So, I agree, there will be times I will want carry a large. But, for EDC, I think the small is the way to go. Now to pull the trigger and join the sebenza club...finally.
 
On a Small classic? Go with micarta. Best choice by far. Think about the acreage, it's going to be that much hard to find a good piece of wood (hehe). If you do want wood I say find one with lignum vitae.

As for worrying about scratching it up... Don't worry about it. It's called Character.

If your a prima donna about it or really F it up. I'm sure CRK will take care of you, just like they did me. I've been nothing but 100% happy with CRK service as I'm sure many others are.
 
I just got my first Sebenza ( a large classic unique graphic) this week. When I placed the order I suspected that I would be hesitant to use it because of its price. However now that I have it, I cannot wait to use it! Hell, I am looking at getting a small classic now, for EDC purposes.
Like many of you, I cannot look at my other folders the same way now. All the talk about the tangible and intangible qualities of the Sebenza are right on. The knife just feels right.
 
One thing I have noticed about all wooden handled knives--they do get dull with use--especially blood. (I mean like deer blood!!!) :)

No mall ninja here.
 
I'd choose: Small Classic with African Blackwood inserts... and being EDCing it from day 1 to now...

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knifeart_1980_24523813.jpg
 
I can highly recommend the small micarta classic. I prefer it over my large Lisa's Pick actually, I guess because it was my first sebbie and I've broken it in pretty good.
Because the micarta's are bead blasted and usually come with stonewashed blades they don't show smudges/fingerprints as easily and I think they wear a little better. The same could be said about the plain sebenza's.
 
mtrunner said:
How long is day 1 till now? and does it still look like new? Thanks for replying.
Click to expand...

That was about one and a half month ago only. :D

I'd to admit it's starting to show some very, very minor scratches... the kind you could get away with a scrub using Flitz... only 1 mid noticeable; but is because I keep mine clipped to the same pocket with change (coins), car keyring and sometimes an Atwood pocket tool.

At the first I was affraid of it get scratches; but I bought this intended to be my EDC and to really use it, not to be a safe-queen. So, after that first noticeable scratch I just relax, and consider anything as "character" marks.

Probably in a blasted frame, like plain or micaryta inlay you'll notice light scratches a bit less, but titanium is softer than steel so it WILL get scratches, unless you carry it in a sheath or pouch. (I have a Buck/Mayo TNT that used to be my EDC for 1 year or so and get a lot of marks and scratched... and somehow, it looked fine on it... character, as said).

In the end, you could always sent it back to CRK for get it refurbished; if turn too bad damaged... I wish I could do that with all my others !

Good luck with your choosing.
 
I started out with the small regular then almost immediately purchased a small classic with ebony inlays. After a couple of years now I find myself EDCing the slimmer regular most of the time. It is fractionally slimmer which is a good thing in Levis while the blasted finish gives enough "grip" for what I tend to use it for.

I like the look of the inlays and may eventually get another with the Micarta inlays but I keep coming back to the plain design as an EDC.
 
Think about going with a plain Sebenza to start off with. There is beauty in the simplicity of the plain Sebenza. Then graduate to an etched or an inlay. FWIW.
 
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