I love AG Russell Featherlite styles knives.. so now, Sebenza, Mnandi...

A

Applejacks

BANNED
Joined
Dec 9, 2006
Messages
548
I like the Featherlite.. super thin, super light, and simple. I disliked the Native cause it is the opposite.. bulky, wide, not so subtle. With that in mind, what would you gentlemen recommend? I am very close to picking a Small Sebenza or Mnandi. But I have not handled one, nor even seen one in person as they are tough (near impossible) to in my area. Thoughts, other recommendations!? Thanks for helping me always.
 
Without having handled any of those knives barring the Native in person, the Mnandi looks more like it'd fill the role of a Featherlite closer than the Sebenza.
 
The seb is more subtle then a native, but a mnandi is very slim and sophistiacted. Essentially the polar opposite of a strider. If you where looking for subtle why would you even consider a strider?

Before you sepnd you money you should slow down and think about this some more, I feel like you just don't know what you're looking for.
 
edit Oops. Sorry Dave. Didn't see the other thread hanging around in broad daylight.

Anyways, a Mnandi with gold hardware and bark mammoth ivory (and maybe a damascus or Damasteel blade) would be as refined and elegant as could be in my limited imagination and arrogant opinion.
 
DaveH said:
The seb is more subtle then a native, but a mnandi is very slim and sophistiacted. Essentially the polar opposite of a strider. If you where looking for subtle why would you even consider a strider?

Before you sepnd you money you should slow down and think about this some more, I feel like you just don't know what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

I saw the Strider AR and I thought it just looked amazing.

Well, I am looking for something thin, simple. A edc that isn't massive in pocket. For me I considered a Native too big for edc. I also like the notion of buying some 'high end' TO ME. I just don't know enough knives, or makers. I read this forum everyday, and it seems like Sebenza and Strider are the two names that come up most often.
 
quote Applejacks-
Well, I am looking for something thin, simple. A edc that isn't massive in pocket.

Sounds like a small sebenza might be just right for you.
I actually just bought a small sebenza. My first one. I can tell you that it rides extremely well in my pockets. Honestly clipped on to most pants you don't really even know that it is there. If you can get your hands on a BM 905 ministryker they are very similar in size. The blade thickness is more on the sebenza and obviously the shapes are different but in size and weight they are very close. If you want some pics to compare the two let me know.
I do believe that the sebenza can be a hard use knife and would serve anyone well. I can't comment on th mnandi other than to say it is a beautiful knife.
 
Applejacks said:
I saw the Strider AR and I thought it just looked amazing.

Well, I am looking for something thin, simple. A edc that isn't massive in pocket. For me I considered a Native too big for edc. I also like the notion of buying some 'high end' TO ME. I just don't know enough knives, or makers. I read this forum everyday, and it seems like Sebenza and Strider are the two names that come up most often.
Click to expand...

From all accounts, the AR is a brick with a razor blade attached. A great knife and great looking, too, but much thicker than the Native. You might want to try an SnG or PT if a passaround comes up to see if they're thin enough for you.

Come to think of it, the Mnandi, with extra handle material on both sides, might be too thick for you as compared to the small Sebenza. Please allow me to change my recommendation to Small Sebenza.
 
TLR said:
quote Applejacks-
Well, I am looking for something thin, simple. A edc that isn't massive in pocket.

Sounds like a small sebenza might be just right for you.
I actually just bought a small sebenza. My first one. I can tell you that it rides extremely well in my pockets. Honestly clipped on to most pants you don't really even know that it is there. If you can get your hands on a BM 905 ministryker they are very similar in size. The blade thickness is more on the sebenza and obviously the shapes are different but in size and weight they are very close. If you want some pics to compare the two let me know.
I do believe that the sebenza can be a hard use knife and would serve anyone well. I can't comment on th mnandi other than to say it is a beautiful knife.
Click to expand...

Great post! Thank you. I was hoping someone would tell me that the small Sebenza fits the mold of what I wanted. haha Any pics of a sebenza are appreciated as it makes me cement the desire for it even more.
 
thombrogan said:
From all accounts, the AR is a brick with a razor blade attached. A great knife and great looking, too, but much thicker than the Native. You might want to try an SnG or PT if a passaround comes up to see if they're thin enough for you.

Come to think of it, the Mnandi, with extra handle material on both sides, might be too thick for you as compared to the small Sebenza. Please allow me to change my recommendation to Small Sebenza.
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thank you very much. GOod advice that I will graciously accept. I think the small Sebenza is the way to go. I was fearful of the extra material on the Mnandi.
 
Applejacks said:
I like the Featherlite.. super thin, super light, and simple. I disliked the Native cause it is the opposite.. bulky, wide, not so subtle. With that in mind, what would you gentlemen recommend? I am very close to picking a Small Sebenza or Mnandi. But I have not handled one, nor even seen one in person as they are tough (near impossible) to in my area. Thoughts, other recommendations!? Thanks for helping me always.
Click to expand...

If you are carrying the Featherlite and love it, why are you looking for something else?

The Mnandi is a great knife but heavier and way more expensive. If money is no object then look at the William Henry knives, the button lock is awsome.

good luck,

A. G.
 
AG has a very good point, if you want REALLY slim and REALLY lightweight (at least on some models) you could consider William Henry. However they lack a pocket clip if that is important to you.
 
I actually agree with AG and Dave. I don't own any but have handled some of William Henry knives and they don't get much slimmer or lighter. Honestly they are stunning knives. I am not knockin CK knives at all. I just bought one. But if you are looking for ultimate lightweight and quality don't pass by William Henry knives without at least checking them out.
Do you have any gun/knife shows that come near you?? That is where I have gotten to handle a lot of knives mentioned around here without the money to buy them.

Oh and for Dave. I am not saying that the Sebenza isn't heavier. I just know that in my pocket it is perfect for me and while the Mnandi may be lighter the sebenza in my opinion is pretty light in the pocket as well. Plus with blade shapes and sizes I think that i would tend to use the sebenza a little tougher than the mnandi.
 
Pat crawford sells a custom version with the same lock, nice and slim, with stainless steel handles and premium steele blade for about 300 - 400. Try him.
 
Any additional info. on where you plan to use this (e.g., office, warehouse), how much abuse it will need to take, preferred price range, what the maximum preferred weight is (these knives range from < 1 oz. to 4-5 ounces). Any addiitonal info will help us to give better input. I have to admit that the posts so far are the same onces I'd recommend.

- Mark
 
A. G. Russell said:
If you are carrying the Featherlite and love it, why are you looking for something else?

The Mnandi is a great knife but heavier and way more expensive. If money is no object then look at the William Henry knives, the button lock is awsome.

good luck,

A. G.
Click to expand...

I recently lost my Featherlite after having carried it every single day for the last five years. Thats the longest I have ever carried anything.. including the same car keys. haha

I have strayed and purchased other brands since.. Spyderco, Benchmade, SOG... and they have all fallen short of what I wanted in comparison to the Featherlite. I am not quite sure why I am looking for something else, to be completely honest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top