Hey guys, I have been researching Chris Reeve knives for quite some time. They get some great reviews, but I want to make sure they are worth the money before buying, since I don't really have the option to hold one before buying. Sebenza owners claim they lock up like a bank vault and are built to last a lifetime. I know it's my decision, but I would like to know how some of you feel about your Sebenza or other knives from Chris Reeve. I own a few Spyderco's and a Benchmade AFO 2 and I really like them. Would a Sebenza be noticeably better than a Benchmade or Spyderco?
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How good are the Chris Reeve Sebenzas?
- Thread starter TheEdge01
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Not sure why you ask, as this forum is full of satisfied Sebenza owners & fans (those who dislike the Sebbie AND WHO ACTUALLY BOUGHT ONE seems to be in the distinct minority) - a few key strokes and a your search will reveal all.
Bottom line: CR makes quality knives. The Sebenza is a high quality tool for its intended use. Near custom quality in a semi-custom package. The knife has a big following - there is a reason for that. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Semi-luxury items have what ever value you attach to it. Its called Veblen goods. Some get a kick out of owning a well made product instead of a cheaper knife, which basically will do the same job; cut stuff.
The only downside to a Sebenza, is the harping on about the knife from the Sebenza fanboys. It can be a bit too much at times.
My advice; buy a Sebenza and see for yourself.
If you dont like it (unlikely), unload it on the sales forum. It will sell.
Bottom line: CR makes quality knives. The Sebenza is a high quality tool for its intended use. Near custom quality in a semi-custom package. The knife has a big following - there is a reason for that. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Semi-luxury items have what ever value you attach to it. Its called Veblen goods. Some get a kick out of owning a well made product instead of a cheaper knife, which basically will do the same job; cut stuff.
The only downside to a Sebenza, is the harping on about the knife from the Sebenza fanboys. It can be a bit too much at times.
My advice; buy a Sebenza and see for yourself.
If you dont like it (unlikely), unload it on the sales forum. It will sell.
ostanley99
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I also have an AFO 2. I'd just carry that if I were you. If you don't mind sharing, how did you get it? Was it from a dealer because I know that Benchmade can't ship across state lines
RetiredGuns
Basic Member
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- 2,399
Yes they are great knives. I've owned 4 and while I have none at the moment, they have afforded me the opportunity to trade for knives that I normally couldn't afford. Great knives to use for the "trade up" scenario. One of these days, I am going to hang onto one.
I live on the other side of the pond , and yes we have sebbies over here . I have two. Shame the are in £ , and you pay in $.
The first I got in 2000 , and was my EDC for years.
I found it did all I asked of it.
The latest is an Insingo.
Lovely slicer.
Quality money get you a quality knife.
Dont buy gas station knives and expect performance from them
Buy good stuff
The first I got in 2000 , and was my EDC for years.
I found it did all I asked of it.
The latest is an Insingo.
Lovely slicer.
Quality money get you a quality knife.
Dont buy gas station knives and expect performance from them
Buy good stuff
If you can't personally handle a Sebenza before buying, don't pull the trigger. Ever.
I have Kershaw $25 1987 RJ Tactical folder, an RJ Martin design, and I would always and forever choose this over any Sebenza: Being assisted it opens far more positively, and, once sharpened properly, cuts just as well, with (imo) a far better blade design. Not to mention it has a better more rounded section to its handle, and in addition the opening lever acts as a mini guard (like all flippers)... I also think the handle texture and all black color, plus discrete lettering, combine well to make it look like quite an expensive knife...
Unlike a Sebenza, the handle will never scuff up or take scratches, plus it has superb ergonomics, and the blade opens exactly like an automatic knife(!): It is also longer and pointier at 3 and 11/16". The knife is lighter than a Sebenza, yet the liner lock is steel on steel, so this has lower wear over time, and the discrete clip design is just brilliant. Grind crispness and symmetry was absolutely perfect.
This is by far the best folder I have ever owned, and I have owned some worth in the hundreds, including some high end Spydercos: They all seem clumsy and second-rate now...
The Sebenza is also said to have a weak detent: For that reason alone I would never even consider it...
This is not to say the $25 Kershaw is necessarily the knife for you: I just used it as an example to illustrate how the Sebenza is probably the most over-hyped piece of cutlery in the history of cutting things (besides Busse maybe)... It is absolutely drowning in the stuff, so keep that in mind whenever someone advises such an expensive purchase...
Gaston
I have Kershaw $25 1987 RJ Tactical folder, an RJ Martin design, and I would always and forever choose this over any Sebenza: Being assisted it opens far more positively, and, once sharpened properly, cuts just as well, with (imo) a far better blade design. Not to mention it has a better more rounded section to its handle, and in addition the opening lever acts as a mini guard (like all flippers)... I also think the handle texture and all black color, plus discrete lettering, combine well to make it look like quite an expensive knife...
Unlike a Sebenza, the handle will never scuff up or take scratches, plus it has superb ergonomics, and the blade opens exactly like an automatic knife(!): It is also longer and pointier at 3 and 11/16". The knife is lighter than a Sebenza, yet the liner lock is steel on steel, so this has lower wear over time, and the discrete clip design is just brilliant. Grind crispness and symmetry was absolutely perfect.
This is by far the best folder I have ever owned, and I have owned some worth in the hundreds, including some high end Spydercos: They all seem clumsy and second-rate now...
The Sebenza is also said to have a weak detent: For that reason alone I would never even consider it...
This is not to say the $25 Kershaw is necessarily the knife for you: I just used it as an example to illustrate how the Sebenza is probably the most over-hyped piece of cutlery in the history of cutting things (besides Busse maybe)... It is absolutely drowning in the stuff, so keep that in mind whenever someone advises such an expensive purchase...
Gaston
- Joined
- May 24, 2011
- Messages
- 251
If you can't personally handle a Sebenza before buying, don't pull the trigger. Ever.
I have Kershaw $25 1987 RJ Tactical folder, an RJ Martin design, and I would always and forever choose this over any Sebenza: Being assisted it opens far more positively, and, once sharpened properly, cuts just as well, with (imo) a far better blade design. Not to mention it has a better more rounded section to its handle, and in addition the opening lever acts as a mini guard (like all flippers)... I also think the handle texture and all black color, plus discrete lettering, combine well to make it look like quite an expensive knife...
Unlike a Sebenza, the handle will never scuff up or take scratches, plus it has superb ergonomics, and the blade opens exactly like an automatic knife(!): It is also longer and pointier at 3 and 11/16". The knife is lighter than a Sebenza, yet the liner lock is steel on steel, so this has lower wear over time, and the discrete clip design is just brilliant. Grind crispness and symmetry was absolutely perfect.
This is by far the best folder I have ever owned, and I have owned some worth in the hundreds, including some high end Spydercos: They all seem clumsy and second-rate now...
The Sebenza is also said to have a weak detent: For that reason alone I would never even consider it...
This is not to say the $25 Kershaw is necessarily the knife for you: I just used it as an example to illustrate how the Sebenza is probably the most over-hyped piece of cutlery in the history of cutting things (besides Busse maybe)... It is absolutely drowning in the stuff, so keep that in mind whenever someone advises such an expensive purchase...
Gaston
......
Nice assumptions and hearsay.... Have you ever handled owned one??
Yes they have a large fanclub, and yes, they are hyped.
That hype is based on the fact that it has been one of the highest quality folders for about 25 years.
They oldest one l own is a '97 small regular, that has been used intensively. That shows, and l love it. But it still handles almost like a new sebenza.
I fell for the quality, and its the only folder that will get pocket time.
Can other knives do everything a sebbie can?? ofcourse...... A pinto will get you most places, a mercedes will get you there in more style and quality
To the Op:
Find yourself an opportunity to handle one, maybe think about buying one on BF
If you buy one, it'll hold value, and will sell here quick
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
sharp_edge
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lmao we have a $25 Sebenza killer.
vwb563
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My thoughts exactly! Lol
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- Feb 28, 2011
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Meh. The main claim to fame the Sebenza offers is the ridiculously tight tolerances it's built with. And therein lies the problem. There's no particular reason to build a folding knife with such exacting tolerances and they simply aren't much of an asset to the end user, but they do dramatically increase the price.
It's a very well made, classic knife with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic but, IMO, not worth the money. Plenty of other knives will perform as well or better for significantly less cash.
It's a very well made, classic knife with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic but, IMO, not worth the money. Plenty of other knives will perform as well or better for significantly less cash.
A-MAC
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A decent search would have revealed the showing that this thread will have. Fanboys are all over BF, some justified and some not. I have owned several and gotten rid of all of them, in my opinion they are overrated and I had a horrible customer service experience with Chris Reeves Knives. That was the nail in the coffin for me. When I think about picking another one up I remember it. Like others have said, buy one and try it, no amount of Internet research or YouTube watching will replace that. They are well made that's for sure.
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Sebenzas are expensive but they are in a league of their own.
I love my Spydercos, ZTs and BMs.
But CRK has something different.
It is not about fancy steels, special locking mecanisms or ball bearing things.... it is more about a simple pragmatic folding knife built with high quality standards.
You can have titanium, framelock, better blade steels and funnier/smoother opening mecanisms at Spyderco, ZT or BM than in Sebenzas.
So if you are please with you 100-200$ folders you won't find any revolution in a Sebenza.
However if you can handle one, some things may catch your attention.... it is just about having everythng "in place".
Actually it happens that I like that... ther eis just something pragmatic and basic in the CRK that I appreciate.
If you are at a stage where you want to experiement/test something new or uncommun, I am not sure Sebenza will satisfy you more than lost of other (and cheaper) knives at good brands.
But if you are more at a stage where you are satisfied with what you tried, and you are getting back to the basis, then maybe it is tie for a sebenza
IHMO Sebenzas are nothing new, they are just with nothing wrong in them.
I love my Spydercos, ZTs and BMs.
But CRK has something different.
It is not about fancy steels, special locking mecanisms or ball bearing things.... it is more about a simple pragmatic folding knife built with high quality standards.
You can have titanium, framelock, better blade steels and funnier/smoother opening mecanisms at Spyderco, ZT or BM than in Sebenzas.
So if you are please with you 100-200$ folders you won't find any revolution in a Sebenza.
However if you can handle one, some things may catch your attention.... it is just about having everythng "in place".
Actually it happens that I like that... ther eis just something pragmatic and basic in the CRK that I appreciate.
If you are at a stage where you want to experiement/test something new or uncommun, I am not sure Sebenza will satisfy you more than lost of other (and cheaper) knives at good brands.
But if you are more at a stage where you are satisfied with what you tried, and you are getting back to the basis, then maybe it is tie for a sebenza
IHMO Sebenzas are nothing new, they are just with nothing wrong in them.
I bought a small insingo with micarta inlays after I had the chance to handle it in a store. Three years ago and not selling it because I still enjoy the quality end ergonomics. But the blade looses edge so easily that I just gave up with any kind of use other than opening boxes and envelopes. I dont understand that choice of S35VN, really.
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This has been my hold up really. I understand that it is easier to sharpen but man, I have some knives in m390 and one in m4. The m4 knife i have been carrying for about two weeks is great so far. It's great not having to touch-up my knife every few days. For the $350 entry fee, S35vn doesn't get it done anymore for me.
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Never mind the Knife.....how about that great box...and it comes with, hold on to your hats, a birthday card! And I think those hex wrenches are made of kryptonite, and probably some impossible size to find anywhere else. The lanyards are spun from gold, and the cloth is made from the finest silk. It comes with this amazing stuff called locktite (a rare element), and a small tube of what I think is Chrism from the Pope's personal stash. And the super tough bead blast finish will never ever scuff or scratch!!...and who cares about steel performance when you can find one with a special date! And rumor is there is one out there floating around with inlays of gopher wood from Noah's Ark!
Just some levity not about the knife as much as the fanboys! The Sebenza is a great, well built knife that exceeds expectations in form, function, and fit. I've owned many! A true marvel for a knife produced on the scale that they do at CRK. Meant by Chris himself to be used as a worker, it has lost much of its blue-collar aesthetic in recent times. Try one for sure!! But when reselling I would list all the accoutrements and then throw the knife in as a bonus!
Just some levity not about the knife as much as the fanboys! The Sebenza is a great, well built knife that exceeds expectations in form, function, and fit. I've owned many! A true marvel for a knife produced on the scale that they do at CRK. Meant by Chris himself to be used as a worker, it has lost much of its blue-collar aesthetic in recent times. Try one for sure!! But when reselling I would list all the accoutrements and then throw the knife in as a bonus!
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- Jan 26, 2012
- Messages
- 29,050
If you can't personally handle a Sebenza before buying, don't pull the trigger. Ever.
I have Kershaw $25 1987 RJ Tactical folder, an RJ Martin design, and I would always and forever choose this over any Sebenza: Being assisted it opens far more positively, and, once sharpened properly, cuts just as well, with (imo) a far better blade design. Not to mention it has a better more rounded section to its handle, and in addition the opening lever acts as a mini guard (like all flippers)... I also think the handle texture and all black color, plus discrete lettering, combine well to make it look like quite an expensive knife...
Unlike a Sebenza, the handle will never scuff up or take scratches, plus it has superb ergonomics, and the blade opens exactly like an automatic knife(!): It is also longer and pointier at 3 and 11/16". The knife is lighter than a Sebenza, yet the liner lock is steel on steel, so this has lower wear over time, and the discrete clip design is just brilliant. Grind crispness and symmetry was absolutely perfect.
This is by far the best folder I have ever owned, and I have owned some worth in the hundreds, including some high end Spydercos: They all seem clumsy and second-rate now...
The Sebenza is also said to have a weak detent: For that reason alone I would never even consider it...
This is not to say the $25 Kershaw is necessarily the knife for you: I just used it as an example to illustrate how the Sebenza is probably the most over-hyped piece of cutlery in the history of cutting things (besides Busse maybe)... It is absolutely drowning in the stuff, so keep that in mind whenever someone advises such an expensive purchase...
Gaston
I bought one without handling and it turned out just fine. Lots of people do the same. Many folks have no opportunity to handle before they buy. That is why a gold membership here is so valuable. Besides supporting this forum you can test drive lots of knives you would never have a chance to hold before you buy. If you don't like them you can sell them at little to no loss. Further, if you buy used on the exchange you can mitigate a lot of cost on a sebenza. I got mine for about $100 off new.
Lastly, to argue that a $25 kershaw's handle won't get scratched is ridiculous and puts the rest of your arguments in question.
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- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,686
If you can't personally handle a Sebenza before buying, don't pull the trigger. Ever.
I have Kershaw $25 1987 RJ Tactical folder, an RJ Martin design, and I would always and forever choose this over any Sebenza: Being assisted it opens far more positively, and, once sharpened properly, cuts just as well, with (imo) a far better blade design. Not to mention it has a better more rounded section to its handle, and in addition the opening lever acts as a mini guard (like all flippers)... I also think the handle texture and all black color, plus discrete lettering, combine well to make it look like quite an expensive knife...
Unlike a Sebenza, the handle will never scuff up or take scratches, plus it has superb ergonomics, and the blade opens exactly like an automatic knife(!): It is also longer and pointier at 3 and 11/16". The knife is lighter than a Sebenza, yet the liner lock is steel on steel, so this has lower wear over time, and the discrete clip design is just brilliant. Grind crispness and symmetry was absolutely perfect.
This is by far the best folder I have ever owned, and I have owned some worth in the hundreds, including some high end Spydercos: They all seem clumsy and second-rate now...
The Sebenza is also said to have a weak detent: For that reason alone I would never even consider it...
This is not to say the $25 Kershaw is necessarily the knife for you: I just used it as an example to illustrate how the Sebenza is probably the most over-hyped piece of cutlery in the history of cutting things (besides Busse maybe)... It is absolutely drowning in the stuff, so keep that in mind whenever someone advises such an expensive purchase...
Gaston
LOL this was an awesome post. Your attempt at humor this morning was greatly appreciated! A $25 garbage Kershaw being in the same universe as a Seb in quality, function, or usability LOLOLOL
Excellent trolling, good sir. :thumbup: