If the Small sebenza with micarta inlay had been the first knife I purchased...

Andya27

Andya27

Joined
Dec 26, 2013
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I've had this knife for several weeks now, and I'm having a difficult time finding a reason not to have it in my pocket at all times. The micarta is darkening with exposure to household products like salad oils, etc. And if I look closely I'll find a scratch or two. The clip is getting several wear scratches here and there. It is no longer pristine.

I've been accumulating knives now for around a year. The majority are slipjoints, and like many of you I enjoy the feel of traditional knives in my hand.

But...

Had I purchased this CRK first, would I have purchased all the other modern folders? Probably not. Would I have purchased as many traditionals? I'm thinking no. I'd probably have purchased a Mnandi by now, or a large Sebenza. And yes, I would have purchased a few GEC/Northwoods. But probably not as many.

For those who ask what is the first CRK I should buy - though I only own one at present, I can certainly recommend the Small Sebenza with micarta inlay as a great place to start. It is a perfect EDC knife. It has made me want to buy more CRK, and I can't say the same for any other modern marque.

There truly is something qualitatively different about this CRK than any other knife I own. So now I start the process of squirrreling away a shekel here and a shekel there until I have enough put aside to justify purchasing a Mnandi - which I think would make a perfect second CRK. Followed by a large Sebenza with some fancy graphics.
 
Sounds like you are really enjoying your new knife. The small 21 has really impressed me as well but I started with a 25. Both are great but the small 21 really is a great EDC.
 
Andya27 said:
Had I purchased this CRK first, would I have purchased all the other modern folders? Probably not. Would I have purchased as many traditionals? I'm thinking no. I'd probably have purchased a Mnandi by now, or a large Sebenza. And yes, I would have purchased a few GEC/Northwoods. But probably not as many.
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+1 - my thoughts exactly
 
Bravo....... bravo....... beautiful insight, and perfect description or should I say signs of a CRK knife addiction taking place. :)
 
I like variety, so yes . . . I probably would have purchased (and still do purchase) other folders besides Sebenzas. Nice thing about my Sebenzas is that they set the standard by which I judge all my other folders. If others don't stack up . . . and few do . . . there has to be a compelling reason to buy them. Perfect example for me is a knife like the ZT 0770CF. It's the only knife ZT has ever made and may ever make that I'd be willing to carry. I bought one so ZT could be represented in my collection. Is it as good as my Sebenzas? Nope. Am I glad I bought it? Yep. :)
 
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GuestWho101 said:
Bravo....... bravo....... beautiful insight, and perfect description or should I say signs of a CRK knife addiction taking place. :)
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Perhaps one of the things that I most appreciate about CRKs is that less is more. So many knives - especially the folders - are eye candy. Or at least that is my perspective. CRK takes a minimalist approach, and this works perfectly for my sensibilities. And even with a minimalist approach, you can always add mammoth inlay or graphics if you want eye candy.
 
That was an excellent place to start! After you buy the Mnandi you will have to get another small sebenza with the same inlay to match it though......and the addiction starts!
 
Andya27 said:
Perhaps one of the things that I most appreciate about CRKs is that less is more. So many knives - especially the folders - are eye candy. Or at least that is my perspective. CRK takes a minimalist approach, and this works perfectly for my sensibilities. And even with a minimalist approach, you can always add mammoth inlay or graphics if you want eye candy.
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I feel the same about them. A simple design with a great straight handle thats made better than any production knife(and most customs) is hard to beat.
I bought my first in the early 2000's, and have bought many other modern's since, and none stack up to the Sebenza. I only buy CRK and Spyderco now when it comes to moderns, and a CF Military is about the only modern I carry other than a CRK.
I'm pretty much set now, and don't plan on buying more moderns, but I've said that many times before.


Congrats, you started with a great one. I bought one like it at Blade 2005, and love it today as much as the day I got it. I got a large micarta soon after, and its a great one too.
 
I got an 08 Sm Micarta without the Idaho Made stamp and with the heavy stonewash finished blade on Monday. I love this knife. I literally have carried it every day since I've got it. I'm still going to carry my other CRKs but this one is very nice
 
I know for a fact if I purchased my two Chris Reeve knives first I wouldn't have bought my kershaws, ZTs, and HKs. I've carried my small 21 w/ carbon fiber scale for three days now and don't even think twice about carrying a non CRK.
 
My small micarta 21 is the only CRK I have owned, and is one of the only modern folders I have left. Enjoy it!
 
I also have a small micarta, but I have the insigno blade. I love it...I have another small sebenza with the clip point....hard to choose which I like better. The knife is so smooth!
 
Waiting on my first to arrive. A large sebenza micarta tanto. I'm very excited.
 
When people ask me which Sebenza to buy, the small micarta Sebenza is the knife I most often recommend.
Very glad you're enjoying it....that one is especially nice, I love the looks of your micarta.
 
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This will be my first Chris reeves experience. After hearing from the forum, my expectations are high. :)
 
The Small sebenza really is an amazing knife. It blows up in proportion when it's open and folds into nothing when closed. Great ergos, steel, solid lockup, and pleasing to the eye. I have the insingo and am constantly admiring how well it serves my purposes.
 
Congrats on the fine knife and that you really enjoy it is always great. May it serve you well for many years.
 
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