I will not buy a Sebenza. I will not buy a Sebenza. I will not buy a Sebenza!!!!!

ryanh121

ryanh121

Joined
Nov 3, 2009
Messages
325
So what happened when I saw this? I bought a freakin Sebenza. It has a lot of competition in my collection. So far, I am underwhelmed.

 
Well, hopefully you can get most of your money back if you sell it. They are fantastic knives that hold up to use very well, but they aren't everyone's cup of tea.
 
Not everyone is ready for the 'benza...

[video=youtube_share;zKbdl5-oFC4]http://youtu.be/zKbdl5-oFC4[/video]
 
If it were me, I would put my hands on one before I spent big $ on a knife. To me....a $350 knife is something you really need to handle and really look at before purchase.
 
I have many great knives by custom makers and some very good production folders to compare to Sebenzas. IMHO the Sebenza is an excellent knife, effective, tough, solid, reliable and easy to carry without shocking the sheeple. That may be underwhelming to some, but not to me. I think it's an outstanding knife that i return to time and time again. Over time, you might come to the same opinion. If not, I'm sure you'll have no trouble selling it for a good price, which is another advantage.
 
I've always liked the simple look of Sebenzas, especially the Insingo, but I don't actually like the knife itself, nor the framelock, nor the price tag. I can see why it appeals to some people, but personally I like flat grinds and stronger locks. I honestly haven't seen many popular midtech knives that DON'T have a framelock, or titanium, or both. I'd actually rather spend my money customizing my Ritter Grip. To each their own, and agreed on handling the knife first if possible.

I'm still on the hunt for a mid tech or custom that really catches my eye. :/
 
It's really not all that special. It's just a simple frame lock and the beauty is in the simplicity. I doesn't have fancy flipper or innovative locking mechanism, but it still works. Everyone should experience a Sebenza at least once to decide if they like them. I'm with you, it's underwhelming. I've tried 5 CRKs and I only have the Umnumzaan because I like the design.
 
I own 2 Sebenzas, a 21 and a 25, both full sized basic models. I like them both, but have not had the cathartic experience some seem to have with these. I am underwhelmed as well. Good knives, great F&F, but would not spend the same $ for either again. Same with my Strider SnG, again a good solid folding knife, but not worth the price tag IMO. It is such a subjective measure though, to me the Spyderco Gayle Bradley is the best EDC i have ever owned. A very close second would be the Grayman Dua.

Just my $.02
 
My sebenza 25 is a well made knife. I m giving it some time to try to develop a passion for it.
 
Money well spent on the two I own and can't wait to buy my next.
I'm thinking Insingo with CF inlays.

Love that knife,
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
It's really not all that special. It's just a simple frame lock and the beauty is in the simplicity. I doesn't have fancy flipper or innovative locking mechanism, but it still works. Everyone should experience a Sebenza at least once to decide if they like them. I'm with you, it's underwhelming. I've tried 5 CRKs and I only have the Umnumzaan because I like the design.
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Mr. Reeve essentially invented the frame lock mechanism. So when they were first produced it was a very innovative locking mechanism, and though the years there have been many subtle changes to improve on the locks performance. Even though it seems like the simplest type of lock to make, in my opinion, it's the most difficult kind to get right. Shave X amount of material off the lock face and the lock up moves orders of magnitude further. Lock rock, blade play, % lockup, lock bar tension, over-travel protection, lock surface material or treatment... all those have to be considered. It requires very innovative manufacturing processes to produce such a delicate mechanism consistently. Only CRK and Spyderco's Taichung plant, in my opinion, have been able to produce excellent framelocks consistently. With all other makes I'd rather personally hand pick the best specimen when I visit my local Cutlery shop.
 
Moxy said:
Mr. Reeve essentially invented the frame lock mechanism. So when they were first produced it was a very innovative locking mechanism, and though the years there have been many subtle changes to improve on the locks performance. Even though it seems like the simplest type of lock to make, in my opinion, it's the most difficult kind to get right. Shave X amount of material off the lock face and the lock up moves orders of magnitude further. Lock rock, blade play, % lockup, lock bar tension, over-travel protection, lock surface material or treatment... all those have to be considered. It requires very innovative manufacturing processes to produce such a delicate mechanism consistently. Only CRK and Spyderco's Taichung plant, in my opinion, have been able to produce excellent framelocks consistently. With all other makes I'd rather personally hand pick the best specimen when I visit my local Cutlery shop.
Click to expand...

I guess I should rephrase it to "new innovative" such as Axis or Triad. I know that back in the day, frame lock was the newest, coolest, and strongest lock. Now, I don't think so anymore. I would like more makers to go toward other locks, but there aren't that many options.

I do agree with your state about the consistency with frame locks, the most amazing would be the Taichung plant consider they are breaking the sterotype. I am also quite impressed with Hinderer's frame lock, Dauntless's frame lock, and Benchmade frame locks.
 
well, since you posted up with Osborne & Shoki, I'm curious. Ryan, How do you like your Sabenza in comp to Shoki or Osborne? (peeps, I'm not asking Ryan which is better, but just curious how he likes the Saby in comparison to other 2)
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
I guess I should rephrase it to "new innovative" such as Axis or Triad. I know that back in the day, frame lock was the newest, coolest, and strongest lock. Now, I don't think so anymore. I would like more makers to go toward other locks, but there aren't that many options.

I do agree with your state about the consistency with frame locks, the most amazing would be the Taichung plant consider they are breaking the sterotype. I am also quite impressed with Hinderer's frame lock, Dauntless's frame lock, and Benchmade frame locks.
Click to expand...

Well according to your signature you want to keep things simple. A locking mechanism doesn't get much simpler than a good ol framlock.
haha, just messin with ya. :D
 
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