I'm becoming more interested in CRK. And I have questions.

Wolverine666

Wolverine666

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Dec 7, 2009
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I'm just now starting to become a bit more interested in Chris Reeve designs. And of course I have questions :

1) Is it correct that the Inkosi needs Loctite applied to the pivot screw but Sebenza21's don't ? If so then why ?
2) Is there a clear "better performer" between the Inkosi and Sebenza21 ? Or is it sheer preference ?
3) Can you pinpoint what exactly has given Chris Reeve knives their stellar reputation ?

Just looking for info from people who actually own the knives and know first hand. Thinking about buying one over the next day or two.
 
#1 ) Yes......The screws on a sebenza 21 tighten down and when they are snug, everything is smooth and the knife it set. The tolerances are that tight. No need for lock-tite. Its how all the sebenzas were designed before the 25 came out. The 25 took the adjustable pivot of the umnumzaan and incorporated it into the sebenza. This is where the lock-tite came in as the pivot is adjustable. Just a small turn will either make the knife tight or looser. The inkoso is similar to the 25 and zaan in that regard. The 21 and what preceeded it is simpler in design and easier to take apart on the only needing one simple hex wrench........As a note, I bought my 25 when they first came out and still have yet to take it apart and I carry it OFTEN. No need to constantly take them apart. Many I have never even done so that were purchased new. I only do it initially when I buy used ones. But Yes, the inkosi uses the adjustable pivot like the 25 and the zaan that uses lock-tite.

#2.) Its just a personal preference.. I like the older original 21 design and the regulars far more than them even. Both the 21 and 25 ( very similar to the inkosi ) slice and cut very well, regardless of blade thickness and design. The insingo is a hell of a slicer though I must add. I DO like the thicker blade of the 25. But If I had to pick ONE, It would be a regular hands down followed by the 21. I do love my 25 though. As for zaans. I sold all that I had. Dont have an inkosi as I have a 25 and to me, they are the same, only a slightly different version of it.

#3.) Quality & Customer Service. Both go hand in hand and is what makes CRK who they are. Its what has kept me coming back for well over 100+ CRK's.
 
Excellent. Thanks for the answers. I like a nice strong/tight detent. So I guess I'd adjust an Inkosi so that it was nice and tight.

I assume the Sebenza21 can be tightened up just by snugging up the pivot screw with no other actions required (?)
 
Yes, the 21 has a bushing ("sleeve") around the pivot screw that assures perfect fit when tightened down.
 
I can't speak to comparisons within the CRK line, but I did just purchase a small 21 to carry regularly. I bought without ever handling one and was prepared to sell it if I didn't really like it. I really do like it, here's why:

The knife fits my hand well and even though it is a bit stiff, my hand has adjusted and I have a lot of control opening and closing the knife. The lock can slow down deployment and I've read of these complaints but it's a non issue for me after just a short time getting acquainted with the knife. My hand is already using more or less tension on the lock which adds some control.

Once open, it is solid. Now I get the bank vault reference. The titanium has a nice hand to it and the clip adds to the ergonomics. My scales are going to be all scratched up at some point!

I've not used it much yet but the blade is sharp, sort of. Just haven't tackled it yet; it will need a little bit of work on the sharp maker and overall it's plenty functional. Might experiment with a strop, which I've never used, save for using the back of my belt to finish.

The spine and jimping is buttery and a pleasure to handle. A good contrast to the Ti.

I don't get why they don't use two thumb studs standard, but I'm sure they have their reasons. It would be better with two IMHO. Especially since people struggle to open sometimes. I'll likely get an inkosi at some point and keep my favorite, or perhaps both. For now, this knife will do just fine. You can always sell, and can save by buying used here. Makes it easier to try these out if you can spare the $600-700.

The knife is a well built knife and I'm glad I went ahead and got one. It has no supernatural powers and perhaps not quite as much mystique for me than for other enthusiasts. Doubt I'll ever be a collector, but could easily see having several flavors. I value it mostly for its quality and tight tolerances, attention to detail, ergonomics, minimalist aesthetic, resale value and it is svelte in the pocket.

Same ole stuff that's been said before, but that's my take on it as a new owner.

cheers-


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Esav Benyamin said:
Yes, the 21 has a bushing ("sleeve") around the pivot screw that assures perfect fit when tightened down.
Click to expand...

That , to me , sounds like a more appealing design. Plus , I've been checking out a few real nice looking 21's with different kinds of wood inlays (and Micarta). Then there are some "CGG" designs that look cool too. Aside from not having a thicker blade , the 21 appeals to me more than the Inkosi (so far).
 
I have other more expensive folders than the large 21/umnumzaan, but either it is heavier or less edc-able than a crk. These crk are straightforward design and have less parts and made with such close tolerences that it eases in maintenance and assembly/disassembly. Its an edge tool and meant to be used as such. I got into crks just sometime last year and I regret it. I should have saved up long time ago and gone straight to crk rather than investing in cheaper brands which imo does not compare to a crk. It is by no means a tool that can do everything, but if used and maintained properly, would provide great service for many years.
 
In response to question #3. I've had folders that developed "play" in the blade after 3 to 5 years use. Not so with the sebenza they are still tight. Although this is highly subjective in my opinion a sebenza is just getting good and broken in during this time. (3 to 5)
I like a good strong detent myself and the 21s have got em. This has what has sold me on their knives.
I hope you purchase one and enjoy it. Good day
 
willard0341 said:
In response to question #3. I've had folders that developed "play" in the blade after 3 to 5 years use. Not so with the sebenza they are still tight. Although this is highly subjective in my opinion a sebenza is just getting good and broken in during this time. (3 to 5)
I like a good strong detent myself and the 21s have got em. This has what has sold me on their knives.
I hope you purchase one and enjoy it. Good day
Click to expand...

I'm happy to hear this. A strong detent is what I love. Sometimes when I'm trying to decide a knife to buy , I give myself a deadline in order to prevent excessive obsessing online . Monday morning I'm placing my order. I've narrowed my choices down to five knives. But from what I've been hearing so far , I doubt I could go wrong with any of them.
 
My Inkosi has never needed loctite so far. The pivot screw has never backed out on me at all. Infact despite lacking the bushinf my Inkosi is extremely smooth. CRK knives are not smooth like a knife on bearings which have blades that sort of fall closed or even a PM2 which flies open out the handle. They are more of a hydraulic smoothness. Almost feels like my very smooth Emerson in that as I open the blade there is still some resistance, but absolutely no grittyness. Like a snowboard going down a hill.
 
If you don't clean the locktight off the screw, the factory stuff will last through a few dis assemblies.
 
I own lots of 21's both large and small, and one large inkosi. No doubt in my mind I would recommend the 21 to anybody; such an amazing knife for the money. However, my large inkosi gets more pocket time then any of them. In my opinion it is a up to date version of the Sebenza 21.

The inkosi has better jimping, a thicker blade stock, Double thumb studs, better washers, better ergonomics, better pocket clip placement, a better lock face and it also doesn't have that pesky lanyard pin and placement hole in the handle. All of course are better in my opinion.

Sure, the 21 is easier to take apart and service. But, if you have any sort of background in knives; and I'm assuming you do if you're willing to buy a Sebenza. Then you'll have no trouble at all cleaning and maintaining a inkosi. It's not hard, it's not overwhelming at all. Sure, you have to use two different size Allen wrenches to take it apart verses the Sebenza 21 only needing one size. But they provide all the appropriate wrenches when you buy the knife so it's not really that big of deal.

I'm not bashing on the 21, in fact I love all of my 21s. Just like my inkosi better for edc and use. Want to know what I think you should do? Get both. Try them both out, figure out what one you like and sell the other. You'll get back most of what you paid for it here on the forums. CRK'S hold their value extremely well. If you're like 90% of us CRK nuts, you'll end up keeping both and selling other knives.

Inkosi hands down. It's the updated 21 in my opinion.
 
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Also, don't forget to check out the Sebenza 21 Insingo. The blade shape is a little odd and not for everyone; but you get the Sebenza 21 handle with a better blade meant for everyday use and a better slicer. That's of course if you choose to go the 21 route.

Now, the Large Regular Sebenza is an amazing knife too. Totally different handle shape and blade shape then the 21. Also they're discontinued and the mark up people are charging on them is ridiculous. Anyway, I would suggest the Regular as well.
 
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Thanks W_cole , I was under the impression that Loctiting the pivot and getting it set to the desired level of tension was a big pain in the ass but after reading these posts and checking things out on YouTube , it seems like it's really a piece of cake so now I think I'm leaning toward the Inkosi.
 
I love them because my CRKs require less compromise than most of my other knives. They are simple, functional and beautiful in their precision. I occasionally try to carry one of my previous favorite Spydies or Benchmades and normally have swapped back to the Sebenza by the end of the day.
You'll have lots of variations to choose from. Can't go wrong getting a gently used one from the forums to decide which you like best as they tend to retain their value well on resell. I went though many versions before I decided that the small 21 Insingo is the best EDC for me. YMMV. Enjoy.


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