One more picture for good luck. I tried my hardest to get the beauty of the stonewash finish, but my photography skills are lacking to say the least
First impressions are very positive. As soon as I unraveled this sucka from the cloth I knew I was holding quality. Now this might be part psychological, and I'm trying to justify my purchase but who cares.
First thing I notice is a change in ergonomics and designs. Coming from a Spydie buying stint this is a change in knife. The sebenza looks like a knife. While naturally the ergonomics are not 'glove-like' they're very good, and I did not feel any hotspots. To my surprise the jimping is excellent. While I'm not a jimping fanatic I appreciate when it's done well. It's got excellent grip without tearing my fingers *cough* Manix 2 *cough*. The blade to handle ratio is something to adjust to but on the Sebenza it is executed very well. It's a change having so much blade in such a small package. The lanyard helps with the reduced grip; something I'm still acclimatizing to. The stonewash finish on the blade is drop dead gorgeous. I love it and the shape of the blade. As expected from a knife of this cost, it was razor sharp (anything less and I would have been severely disappointed)
The titanium handles have the sandblasted feel, and I enjoy the added texture. I also appreciate the placement of the pocket clip to prevent over-extension of the locking bar. Action of the blade is buttery smooth. Smoothest knife I own. Much smoother than the Sage 2, but a smaller increase in smoothness in comparison to the Sage 1, which has highly polished steel liners. Blade is centered and lockup is solid. Fit and Finish is SUPERB
The only thing on this knife I am not to fond of is the single thumbstud. I wish double thumb lugs was standard since I open my knives with both left and right (but only use the knife in right). This is something the Sage 2 really had over the Sebenza, ambidextrous deployment.
Overall my impression is VERY positive. It is elegant and minimalist. I see it fitting in with not only my jeans but also my suit. Presuming my impression remains the same there may be an Umnumzaan, or a Large Sebenza (double thumb lug) sometime in the future for my collection.
PS. Forgot to mention I love the rounded blade spine.
