Honest Sebenza Question

mattz357

mattz357

Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
873
I know you guys probably get tired of answering this, but I have to know. I have a Benchmade Mini-Skirmish and it is made of the same materials as the Sebenza. What does the Sebenza do that my BM doesn't, or what is better about the Sebenza? Cost is definitely an issue for me, and I prefer tip down carry, both of which are reasons why I picked the Mini-Skirmish, but I can't help but feel like I'm missing out not having a Sebbie. Any info or comparisons are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I've had both, the Mini-Skirmish is one of the few production knives I like. I think, for the money, it's one of the best deals out there and a superb knife in it's price catergory. That being said, the Sebenza is in another class. More solid lockup (I've seen more then one Skirmish with a less then perfect lockup), better pocket clip, bushing system that allows for easy assembly/disassembly and a mfg. that encourages you to take the knife apart. After having both, the Sebenza is what is in my pocket.
 
I have owned many Sebenzas and have only handled the Benchmade (which is a great value). IMO, the Sebenza has a tighter fit and better finish. Maybe this is a product of tighter manufacturing tolerances and more attention to detail. Both are great knives, but it takes more than the same materials to make the same knife.
 
i have always thought of the sebenza as the cadillac of folders. clean simple lines, super smooth opening/closing, comfortable in the hand or pocket, simple to care for and take apart, etc.

available in a wide variety of inlays and graphics. handmade. really one of the knives that "started it all".
 
I agree with all stated in this thread. The Benchmade does use quality materials and deliver them at a good price point, no fault there. This is one of those things that is just so subjective, that it's hard to express in words in a convincing manner. The sebbie just does what it does better than any other imitator can do what it does. It does it without looking out of place, no matter the task. And the audible click of the sebbie lock-up is like no other click in cutlery. Since you have asked about the sebbie on this forum, eventually the sebbie bug will likely be too great to resist, and you'll probably end up getting one (or twelve)...one never seems to be enough. I guess the real question might be: Could you see yourself owning multiple versions of your Skirmish?
 
mattz357 said:
What does the Sebenza do that my BM doesn't, or what is better about the Sebenza?
Click to expand...

The answer that you're probably going to get from everybody is "better fit and finish" and "better overall design" or something along those lines... which is true.. but it's really one of those things that can't be described. If you ever get a chance, you need to hold one in your hand and play with it for a minute. Then, you'll totally be convinced.
 
Just because two things are made of the same materials dosen't mean they are the same, just like men and women.
 
The Benchmade is a very good knife.If you will improve such a quality for 5% it will cost 50% more.A better fit is very expensive.Take a normal Porsche 911 and the Turbo.But you will be happy with both knives only you will allways regret that you haven't a Sebenza.So just buy it and enjoy it.
 
i just sold my mini-skirmish to help pad the cost of my next large sebenza purchase. to me, the big differences are: i LIKE tip up carry best, i DIS-LIKE the recurve blade shape on the skirmish line, and i felt the the mini-skirmish was a tad TOO SMALL in my hand, but the skirmish is TOO BIG for EDC carry.

still the mini-skirmish i had was a nice knife. not knocking it at all. just for me, the sebenza had more selling points that i agreed with :)
 
I am going through that same thing now. I love my Mini Skirmish, love a recurve. But my mini skirmish's lock is sticking today (BAD)? I kind of wanted to know the same thing. I think I would love a sebbie! I'm just not sold all the way because, of how they heat treat there s30v. I love Benchmades s30v, in fact I like it better than Spydercos s30v.

Not starting a flame war, I just want to know the same thing. Why is a sebbie 2 1/2 times the price of my mini skirmish? I know my sticky lock will be ammo for you, but I cleaned her up this morning before work and it was working fine before the cleaning. After=sticky lock. I have cleaned it a lot with no problems? I think I got some lube on the lock bar causing it to slide over to much, and sticking?

Should I stop, and just get a used Sebbie for a user? Heres the one I'd get if I did

CRCMSS.jpg


New Graham's picture
 
The BM mini has too much of a belly for my likin'......get the CRK micarta, wont be disappointed.
 
the cost, i imagine, is for several reasons:

1. crk is semi production, with blanks cut by cnc, but assembled, ground, and fit by hand. very time consuming, costly, and labor intensive.

2. the above results in limited production numbers.

3. crk is among the first to build a knife with the tolerances of a sebenza, everyone else is now trying to build a cheaper version.

4. 'better' is mostly subjective. bm sells a fine product, i own several. none compare to crk in fit, finish, ergonomics, and simplicity of design.
 
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