I'm getting closer....

338375

338375

Joined
Nov 4, 2006
Messages
19,374
I have been on the fence for a long time about ordering my first CRK knife, and am closer now than I have ever been.

As I get closer to ordering my first CRK, I have already decided on an Inkosi. I have always liked the 25, but prefer my knives smaller, so the Inkosi fits the bill perfectly. The size is almost identical to my favorite knife for the past 15 years or so, the Benchmade Mini Griptilian...

Before the release of the Inkosi, I was set on a small CF Sebenza, which is still a possibility after the Inkosi. I like the KnifeArt exclusives with a CF scale as well as the BHQ versions with CF inlays, but those aren't always readily available. As I spend time looking at pictures, I have become really interested in knives with wood inlays as well.

I like the inlays for the obvious aesthetic reasons as well as adding a little overall width. There are some very nice looking inlays that have a lot of character, but as is always the case with wood, there is a lot of variation...

Overall right now, I am really liking Box Elder, but there is a lot of variation in that wood too. I have noticed the Box Elder knives sell for more than other wood inlays which seems kinda odd. I'm guessing it is a wood that is harder to come by, and possibly more expensive than other woods ?

I guess I don't really have a point to this thread. I'm just typing out all of the things that are going through my mind lately :D
 
The carbon fiber sebenza is my favorite version! However, you can't go wrong with any of them:)
 
A small carbon fiber Sebenza is my first and I really like it. OK, I guess I should say love it since I haven't carried another knife in the 2 weeks since I got it. Size wise, it compares very closely to the mini-griptillian. I haven't held an Inkosi but based on the specs, it's smaller than the mini-griptillian.
 
knife talk...
go for it.
I'm on the fence for an Inkosi myself.
Wood inlays are nice. Especially during winter time it's a nice feature to have.
From what I understand box elder is a premium wood - just look it up at the CRK site.
red mag
 
Tough choice. I like the 21 for the classic bushing system. The umnumzaan style detent and lock up are nice too, though.

Enjoy the decision/hunt!
 
Just ordered my first Sebenza in October. It is a large with Box Elder Burl inlay. Cool thing is that is was made on my parents 55th wedding anniversary in September so it's one I won't part with. And while I do like the large, I'm 100% certain that if/when I get another CRK it will be a small Sebenza with an Insingo blade and Micarta inlay. The added width of the inlay makes a big difference in my book if you have larger hands or thick fingers. Any of his knives are very well put together and you can't go wrong from that standpoint. Good luck with your purchase and I'm sure like just about everybody here will tell you, there won't be any buyers remorse!
 
Just curious if you've held any CRKs? Saw you mentioning inlays for the extra width. While I have gotten used to the extra width of the micarta inlays on my Insingo, I was holding one of my plain janes the other day and man that bare titanium feels good too. It's great to have options.
 
Here, let me enable you. :D :D

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BE-LG2_zps5lovrpze.jpg


BE-Sm4_zpsylm6jars.jpg


BEsLargeL_zpsnlpcczzg.jpg


BEsSmallK_zps17xwedud.jpg


BEsBothLarge_zpsdv0sycfz.jpg
 
It's good for you to talk about this.
All good!
I've had all of the ones you mentioned(except Inkosi), but have found the Small Micarta Insingo to be a "always go back too" knife for me.
Carbon Fiber Slab one is nice as well.

Good Luck!
 
Damn you people are mean. Those wood inlay's are amazing.

I came really close to getting the spousal thumbs up to a unique/damascus that I've wanted. The conversation was going really well until her phone beeped with a new email. It was an order confirmation for a half dozen cheaper knives I ordered earlier in the day. So close! So very close. Will regroup a try again tomorrow.

Awe, who am I kidding? She will not know about it until the email lands. :D
 
Thanks everyone for the replies... I was going to multi-quote, but it would have been way to long :D

Good to see you Ken (unit)... LW, you are a lot of help lol :D

I have only held and looked at a Sebenza one time, and that was at a local shop a few years back... It was a large. They didn't have any smalls at the time, and
sadly that shop has closed down, so we don't have any local stores that carry CRK.

I knew after handling the large, I wanted a smaller version. I have fairly big hands, but I just prefer smaller knives. Always have.
 
I can't speak for the Inkosi, but one thing about the 21 though is you really can't go wrong with any configuration you choose.
 
Cool ramblings, Mike -

I have bee thinking about an Umnumzaan - maybe in Feb 2016 - I kinda like the slightly larger -

I had a bloodwood small Sebenza - fine knife all the way - loved it, just a little smaller than I like to carry -

Good luck with your decision!

best

mqqn
 
mqqn said:
Cool ramblings, Mike -

I have bee thinking about an Umnumzaan - maybe in Feb 2016 - I kinda like the slightly larger -

I had a bloodwood small Sebenza - fine knife all the way - loved it, just a little smaller than I like to carry -

Good luck with your decision!

best

mqqn
Click to expand...

Thanks Andy. The Umnumzaan is a great looking knife as well
 
My first CRK was a small 21 CF Insingo about 2 months ago and it's caused me to be on my 8th CRK already, luckily I had a decent collection of Spydies to fund a couple of these. I'd definitely go with the 21 over 25, after having a pivot with the bushing I I don't think I'll ever own a 25. It'd be nice if we had a new model like the 25 but with pivot bushing but I doubt that'll happen, i have a feeling Mr Reeve uses the "regular" 25 pivot to produce the knives easier and cheaper compared to the 21.

Anyway, enough rambling, get whatever catches your eye and feels good in hand. You won't be disappointed with performance of the knife.
 
338375 said:
Thanks everyone for the replies... I was going to multi-quote, but it would have been way to long :D

Good to see you Ken (unit)... LW, you are a lot of help lol :D

I have only held and looked at a Sebenza one time, and that was at a local shop a few years back... It was a large. They didn't have any smalls at the time, and
sadly that shop has closed down, so we don't have any local stores that carry CRK.

I knew after handling the large, I wanted a smaller version. I have fairly big hands, but I just prefer smaller knives. Always have.
Click to expand...

Hey, Likewise.

Let me know when you are ready to roll on this decision. I am curious what you choose.

I have been thinking lately that I want a left handed small of some variety (probably Insingo)....with my gimp arm, and all.
I NEVER thought I would want a small....of left handed...but here I am.

Anyway, I am interested to see what you go for.
 
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