I may be sinning here

Way back on post #35 I asked "Why you would carry tip down? Wouldn't that require you to turn over the knife every time you take it out to use it?" Is it because you might reach in the pocket and the blade is open? Is so would it be any worse to have it open with the blade down?
 
jnanson said:
Way back on post #35 I asked "Why you would carry tip down? Wouldn't that require you to turn over the knife every time you take it out to use it?" Is it because you might reach in the pocket and the blade is open? Is so would it be any worse to have it open with the blade down?
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Some people just prefer it. Can't say I know why they would, but each to their own. Perhaps the tip down means there's less of a chance of stabbing yourself?

I know with Spydercos that some people like to spyderdrop them, where tip-down carry facilitates this.
 
Tip up or down both have strong points, and are both natural once you get used to them. It is difficult to switch, but once you get used to it you're golden. Each one requires a little different technique to work well, however.
 
jnanson said:
Way back on post #35 I asked "Why you would carry tip down? Wouldn't that require you to turn over the knife every time you take it out to use it?" Is it because you might reach in the pocket and the blade is open? Is so would it be any worse to have it open with the blade down?
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When I pull the knife out of my pocket I pinch it and pull it out and it puts it in my hand just right.
 
i used to carry a camillus something-or-other tip down, and with its weird opening disc, it worked great. after it went treasure hunting in the bottom of lake eufaula, i got myself a benchmade 940, and i've been hooked on tip-up carry ever since.
 
Hm, this is an interesting thread for me.

Ok. I was looking to buy an "unbreakable" (I know, I know..) EDC knife. Was actually looking at Sebenzas. Great reputation, but can not afford them. Was looking at Striders - same thing - can not afford their folder's too.

Then I thought - why carry a stainless folder if you can have a small fixed blade in carbon?

Thus I bought first Izula. It is a carbon steel knife heat treated by one the best in the industry, fixed blade AND at excellent price point.

Now reading this discussion I am curious - can somebody who used and carried both please tell me how tough and strong Sebenza is comparing to Izula? Is my logic flawed somehow?
 
I agree with the previous posters that we can get used to either way. I usually prefer tip up carry myself. But that's with knives no longer than palm width, ~4", and for carry at waist or below. If the knife's longer than that, or carried chest high, a tip down carry is easier for me. The reason is that my thumb is closer to the Spyderhole, thumb stud, slot, etc. on a long knife, and on chest high carry (shirt/vest pockets) it's awkward to pull out a tip up knife. The guys I know that prefer tip down carry don't have to reposition the knife as much as you might think. They seem to drag the knife on the edge of their pocket, which pushes it into their hand. Let me see if I can describe it. Assuming strong side, back edge of front jeans pocket carry for this example, they pinch the knife with index finger and thumb near the blade pivot, with palm facing in. As they pull the knife part way up, they push it forward against the front of the pocket and twist to a thumb on top grip. Their grip ends up being virtually the same as my tip up carry draw, with the knife held sideways in the hand, and the thumb near or on top of the blade pivot.
 
Now reading this discussion I am curious - can somebody who used and carried both please tell me how tough and strong Sebenza is comparing to Izula? Is my logic flawed somehow?
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O have carried both. IMO the Seb is the closest folder to a fixed blade you can get when it is locked it feels one piece. I don't know of a task tho that the Izula could do better than the Seb or vice versa unless you are batoning which I think neither is intended for but I would give a slight edge to the Izula.

The Seb is not a "need" knife it is a "want" knife
 
I love my Sebenza. Great edge, simple design, easy to clean/maintain. There is no perfect folder, or knife for that matter, but the Sebbie comes close in my book. I didn't like the clip so I took it off and now carry the Sebbie on my belt in a sheath. Fantastic knife...at least for me.
 
stokka said:
Now reading this discussion I am curious - can somebody who used and carried both please tell me how tough and strong Sebenza is comparing to Izula? Is my logic flawed somehow?
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Totally different knives for differnt uses IMO

1)I find the izula carries big in the pocket while the seb basically dissapears to me. I always prefer a folder over a fixie for ease of use. Lots of people swear by Fixed blades but I find them too honking for EDC. Plus find them not a people friendly...most people around my parts feel they are a camping tool and they seem out of place in the office or in a lunch room

2) Izula aint very good for food prep because it is thick and short.

3) I would consider the izula better for heavy work. It is relativly cheap to buy and has carbon steel. The s30v on the seb is great for holding an edge, but I think it could chip pretty easy on hard material. I feel the izula can take a hell of a beating.

4) The sebenza is a very expensive more executive style knife. It can take work, but I think its more a knife of style than a beater imo. Its more a knife you enjoy than a knife to beat on IMO. I lov my seb and think its worth the cost but I dont feel its the end all be all knife. Anyone that does has very much disposable income, or doesnt beat on knives:P
 
Thalestin said:
The sebenza is a very expensive more executive style knife. It can take work, but I think its more a knife of style than a beater imo. Its more a knife you enjoy than a knife to beat on IMO. I lov my seb and think its worth the cost but I dont feel its the end all be all knife. Anyone that does has very much disposable income, or doesnt beat on knives.
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I agree that the Izula is a different type of knife than the Sebenza. I like 'em both. They both have their place.

But I will disagree that the Sebenza is an "executive style knife." To me the Sebenza is a worker. No frills. No fuss. Worker. I've had a couple of "dress knives" and the Sebenza ain't one of them. Now I don't beat on any of my knives. In my world, knives are precision made tools designed to cut or chop. And folders are definitely not beaters. Doesn't matter if it's my Buck 110, Lone Wolf Harsey, or Sebenza. These are cutting tools, not prybars. I've never seen the need to beat on a folder. However, the Sebenza is so well made that I'd beat on it before any of the others.

I don't know that the Sebenza is worth the money; it's a pricey knife and you can get several Buck 110's for the price of one Sebbie. But I do know that I'm glad I've got one. ;)
 
Personally, I never cared for framelocks to begin with. It's an aesthetic issue for me. On the other hand, there are a select few that I wouldn't mind carrying. IIRC I believe Kirby Lambert makes some framelocks that have scales covering the frame. I can do that. I also like the Mnandi for the same reason. For my every day use, a linerlock is more than adequate and looks better IMO.

There are two framelocks I wouldn't mind having, the Kershaw Speedform and the Izula folder. I like the Speedform because it just looks symmetrical despite being a framelock (link here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6879042&postcount=1 ). I actually don't know why I like the Izula folder, but I do, and it looks damn beefy.
 
I just picked up my first Sebenza this week, and I've got to say-I'm a believer:D I've been really trying to downsize my collection, so I figured why not? Now I'm kicking myself for waiting this long. I can see how they might not flip everyone's skirt, though. They're not light, not discreet, and not really 'pretty'. Kind of like me;) But they are plenty tough, simple, and just real 'nice'. Kind of like, well..., me;)

I'd say that if you're a knife-nut, it's worth at least checking one out:thumbup:
 
WalterDavis said:
I'd say that if you're a knife-nut, it's worth at least checking one out:thumbup:
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well said Walter. :thumbup:


Ill one up ya and say its a must that any "knife knut" check one out. Kinda "required reading" so to speak.....Everyone who loves cutlery deserves to experiance a Sebenza. Kinda iconic....
 
wow.. I thought all all folders were tip down.. looks like ive got alot to learn... Atleast im at the right place for info.
 
A little late coming into the party, but I'll add my two cents:

I was fortunate enough to get in on the BF Sebenza passaround earlier this year. Obviously the first thing I did was flick it open. "OH MY GOD!!" So smooth.... I EDC'd the knife for about a week, showing it off to everyone, using it for EDC-type stuff. Didn't beat on it at all, didn't sharpen it. Hell, I didn't even take it apart. I know that's part of the appeal of the Sebbies, but I don't see the point in doing it more than every so often.

Anyway, my impressions were good overall. I think it is a very well made knife, good materials, excellent company and warranty. But after a week of carrying it I was happy to go back to my Spyderco Manix. I do like tip up carry and also carry in my right pocket if anyone is keeping score.

My chief complaint was that I had a hard time with the frame lock sticking. I don't know if that was a problem with the knife, or if it was a problem with the user. It almost always took me two hands to close it though.

Would I buy a Sebenze? Maybe. I don't feel like dropping $400 on a folder right now though.
 
I quite like mine, I've been carrying now for a couple of years, it's in a rotation my Spyderco Paramilitary, new Spyderco Manix 2, and Bladetech Pro Hunter Magnum.

I have a large regular with a plain handle, I would like to compare it in-hand to a similar model with micarta inlays. I would say this is my only gripe... that with the clip installed it's not the most comfotable in my hand, I think the added thickness of the inlays would improve this. Can anyone with both models comment on this? Jeff, the one you are testing, does it have inlays?
 
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