High End Folder Recommendation

tas237

tas237

Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Messages
196
I'm going to be buying my first higher end folder soon ($400+) and I'm trying to get insight from owners on the following:
1) Strider SMF & SNG
2) CRK Umnumzaan
3) CRK Sebenza (Large & small)
4) Customs

First, whichever I choose is going to be used, not sit in a safe. I don't foresee a lot of hard use, more slicing type chores but I would like the ability for hard use if need be. Generally when hard use is necessary, I've got a good fixed blade and hatchet handy.

Second, I'm a suit during the week & jeans whenever possible kind of guy that enjoys the outdoors (camping, hiking, hunting). I'd like my purchase to fit equally well in either scenario.

Lastly, this blade is expected to last long enough to hand it down to my son, so warranty & service are important.

If you have experience with these knives or can offer other options from custom makers, I'd love to hear your opinions. I'm not interested in lower scale folders like ZT0560 , Spyderco, or similar.
 
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I recommend a CF Sebenza 21. It strikes a great balance between being practical in EDC slacks and sturdy for weekend carry. The fit and finish are perfect, it is very simple maintain, and will retain its value. It is very difficult to beat this knife in terms of pure functionality, versatility, and quality.
 
I have/had all the knives on your list. I love my SMF but I'm not sure about suit carry. The Umnumzaan is a great blade but the ergos just weren't there for me. Overall, the large Sebenza 21 should fit your needs nicely. It's very ergonomic, tough, and cuts very well with the hollow grind. I can't speak to any customs but I'd say you'd be better off going mid tech for your first high end knife then working your way up.
 
I am sorry but I wouldnt look anywhere other than Strider / Microtech / Reeves
They stand by their warranty. Microtech offers a lifetime warranty on all products and they are very meticulous.. Same with Chris Reeves products. Some people may tell you that it takes months to get a service done, I have also heard from my friends that it took less than 2 weeks for a warranty service to get completed.

I personally have 0 experience with owning any chris reeves knives. But I do like the looks of the sebenza.

I am absolutely in love with my Microtech select fire.
It flips smoother than anything ive ever felt. Its sharper than all other knives I own and its beautiful. (in my opinion)
I would pick something with a satin finish however. As the black coating may wear off over time and the satin finish will hold its clean look for longer.

Ooh an 1 more thing, I would definitely look at a microtech custom. They get crazy expensive, but holy crap they really do have some of the most amazing blades ive ever seen. :)

Good luck and post up when you make a decision!
 
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I had a strider sng, it was a good knife, but I really didn't need such an overbuilt knife, so I sold it. CRK's get a lot of good reviews here, though I've never been drawn to them, though I do fancy a bocote inlayed small sebenza. As far as customs, I really like Brian Tighe's designs. I have a mini Tighe-Rod myself.
 
The only one I have is the large Sebenza 21 and after owning it, the other knives on your list don't really appeal to me. I would like to have a strider but given the choice I would get another Sebenza. Definitely the large if youre thinking about getting one. I drool over the CF version. The Umnumzaan would be a close second.
 
I would get the Sebenza 21 micarta, I have to CF both inlaid and scale, they're just too nice to mess up. The micarta? Gives great grip and only gets seasoned with use, which will make you want to use it even more. Plus you could get the Insingo blade if you like which offers a pretty good utilitarian advantage some will tell you.

Now to put this all in perspective I haven't dabbled in any of your other choice categories but I have six Sebenzas large and small they're awesome indeed the small plain jane 21 is just too slim for a good grip IMO I would get some type of inlay for sure.
 
Thanks for all the advice & insights so far. Perhaps I should add I have large hands. I didn't even think about that info until the inlaid grips were mentioned for the Sebenzas.
 
My vote would be a small sebenza. I own a large and small sebenza along with 2 striders. I carry the small in slacks often. The blade is deceptively long for being as small and light as it is. The s35vn is very easy to keep hair popping sharp and is very usable.

Hard use in a suit is kind of strange concept to me and would probably be best suited by multiple blades. If you really want a 1 knife to do everything a sebenza 25 could be that I guess but I still think for carry in slacks you will be better served by a small sebenza.
 
tas237 said:
I'm going to be buying my first higher end folder soon ($400+) ...
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Why do you want one?
- Do you want to get all of them and you're just not sure which one to get first
- or do you just want an expensive knife
- or do you actually want a specific one (then why do you ask?)?

The (small) Sebenza seems to be the best companion for a suit but any knife clipped into the pocket of slacks feels somehow misplaced to me. All of them can handle some hard use. (but why use the folder if you have the appropriate tools at hand?)
 
There isn't a bad knife there. But of those I would stick with the Strider. It is built like a sleek tank. Sort of the Panther against Shermans.
 
s_f said:
Why do you want one?
- Do you want to get all of them and you're just not sure which one to get first
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No. I want to get one at the time being & want to choose the best option based off my expected use and requirements.

s_f said:
- or do you just want an expensive knife
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I want a knife generally consider as the best by fellow knife geeks, not for status reasons but rather the knowledge of owning one of the best of something I enjoy.

s_f said:
- or do you actually want a specific one (then why do you ask?)?
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I'm not sure which because each appeals to me. I ask for opinions based on experience and use from people who have owned these knives.

s_f said:
The (small) Sebenza seems to be the best companion for a suit but any knife clipped into the pocket of slacks feels somehow misplaced to me. All of them can handle some hard use. (but why use the folder if you have the appropriate tools at hand?)
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Hard use isn't the primary concern, as stated. I don't carry my fixed blade and hatchet everywhere I go though, so I'd like a robust knife that can take anything if needed.
 
I will pick 'other'

Go to the knifemakers section and grab the next knife Alan Davis puts up for sale....

His prices range from $400-650 depending on the materials.

Looking at your list, I have done my good deed for the day!
 
JR88FAN said:
I will pick 'other'

Go to the knifemakers section and grab the next knife Alan Davis puts up for sale....

His prices range from $400-650 depending on the materials.

Looking at your list, I have done my good deed for the day!
Click to expand...

I have been looking at his knives. They're nice for sure.

The only thing that concerns me about a custom is having a lasting warranty like the companies offer.
 
Don't leave out William Henry. They are slicy, perfect for suit wear.

Strider and Microtech would not be good suit carry knives.
 
hank_612 said:
Hard use in a suit is kind of strange concept to me and would probably be best suited by multiple blades. If you really want a 1 knife to do everything a sebenza 25 could be that I guess but I still think for carry in slacks you will be better served by a small sebenza.
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I don't expect hard use in a suit. Rather, I wear a suit for work but would like the knife to be capable of hard use if needed and also accompany me during hikes and camping (it wouldn't be a primary knife in that scenario though).
 
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