Hinderer or CRK?

blades&wrenches

blades&wrenches

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Jan 11, 2014
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Recently, I came to the realization that the ZT 0562 is the perfect mid level production knife for me. I love everything about it. So rather than continue to buy more ZTs, BMs, and Spydies I've decided to begin the saving and searching for my first high end blade. I've narrowed it to an XM-18 3.5 non-flipper (slicer or spanto) or a sebenza 25. Obviously I love Hinderer designs but I also want to see what a CRK is like. I want to hear your thoughts on these two as a direct comparison. Thanks in advance!
 
Since you already own a 0562 you get an idea what a Hinderer is "like". Even if folks try to explain all the differences/similarities, you have to own a Sebenza to fully realize what it is. Very pocket friendly, refined & smooth.
I let my curiosity haunt me for years before I got a Sebenza. Even though I have traded/sold all of mine over the years I still have respect and admiration for the knives. In the end (for me) I find I like having some material such as G10 for scales.
 
Very different knives. I, like RetiredGuns, have had many of both. The Sebenza is like a BMW, it is refined and elegant, but not a bruiser, beater knife. I'm not saying that you can't use it hard, but it wouldn't be my first job for a Sebenza.

The Hinderer, of which I have had 6 or 7, is all day a tough knife. Think of the Hinderer as the Hummer. I don't think it has the "refinement" of the CRK, but it doesn't have to. It is a solid, working knife. You would feel comfortable going out into the woods with it as your only folder.

Both wonderful knives, just not for the same mission. :-)

Decide if you want elegance and refinement, or more of a "hard use" knife.
 
Crk is going to slice better, thinner in the pocket. If i was going to get another hinderer it would be the slicer grind xm18 3.5. Solid, grippy, flipper.

For me the deciding factor is ease of carry, i like thinner slicer knives, but i still buy thicker knives as well. I'm very sick, i know.
 
I agree with the other guys. If you have the ZT Hinderer design already, you should try the Sebenza. They are tougher than some would have you believe. At least as tough as you need for a folder, which it is...
 
Another vote for the venerable Sebenza. Fit/finish and the attention to detail on Chris Reeve Knives are second to none.
 
Having owned both, I would say the Hinderer has a higher coolness factor, but would still choose the CRK every time. I've carried both at work as a firefighter and used them for similar tasks without issue. In fact, I used my True North Knives Tanto Umnumzaan for harder tasks than my Hinderer and it performed flawlessly. My experiences with multiples from both companies have me believing the CRKs have a higher level of fit/finish, but they're on the same page. I prefer longer cutting edges relative to the overall length and all titanium handles, so CRK comes closer to delivering my ideal knife.
 
Crk is going to slice better, thinner in the pocket. If i was going to get another hinderer it would be the slicer grind xm18 3.5. Solid, grippy, flipper.
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+1 Well said. I have several of both. I carry a Hinderer at work (military) and my Sebenza when I'm doing civilian things. Either will work well, but the Sebenza is more comfortable in normal clothes for me.
 
Vegas Blade said:
The Sebenza is like a BMW, it is refined and elegant, but not a bruiser, beater knife. I'm not saying that you can't use it hard, but it wouldn't be my first job for a Sebenza.
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What? Not a bruiser? Not a beater?
My sebenza has seen things that most knives don't, it's my trusty companion when working construction. I think that whole "over-built" thing is Bologna, a Seb is one of the most durable knifes out there imo.
 
Both great knives but sooner or later you're likely going to get a Sebenza. I often carry a small 21.
 
Blues Bender said:
What? Not a bruiser? Not a beater?
My sebenza has seen things that most knives don't, it's my trusty companion when working construction. I think that whole "over-built" thing is Bologna, a Seb is one of the most durable knifes out there imo.
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I don't think anyone that has owned a Sebenza is going to argue it's toughness. Some of that thought might come from folks seeing the unique Sebenzas with mammoth ivory, exotic woods, inlays, graphics and even gems. These are often posted with super high quality photos and look like art. I always preferred the plain janes because I use the heck out of them.
 
If you have the 0562, you already have a 3.5" hinderer with a slicer grind. Plus a deep carry clip, ball bearings, elmax steel and a steel lock bar insert.

Why get the same knife when you are debating between two?
 
My vote would also be for the Sebenza I bought my first one 3 months ago and have enjoyed it ever since.
 
^ What Rolf said. The Hinderer is top notch but just a bit blingy. The two mentioned above are very simple and amazing. They are my two favorite higher end productions that will serve well.
Matt
 
I would say Sebenza also. Hinderer's are great knives but I feel I get more options with CRK.
 
Wow, overwhelmingly sebenza recs. I'm curious is the XM that much better than the 0562 to justify buying one.
Omgomgyouguys doesn't seem to think so. If that's the case then the decision is that much easier.
 
blades&wrenches said:
Wow, overwhelmingly sebenza recs. I'm curious is the XM that much better than the 0562 to justify buying one.
Omgomgyouguys doesn't seem to think so. If that's the case then the decision is that much easier.
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It's always nice to have the "real deal", but at 3x the cost in the secondary market? The standard XM is not a custom knife.
 
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