info requested about used sebenza (w/ pix)

P

phes

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
114
SebenzaClassic.jpg


here's a pix i just took of my new EDC.
a good buddy back east just traded it to me.
he got it new in the 90's and used it a lot.
at some point he radius-ed the edges of the handles and bead-blasted it.
lock up is nice and tight.
i have no paperwork, lanyard or box.
there is nothing else stamped on the back side.

questions for you experts:
-what does the P stand for?
-am i correct that this version has ATS-34 steel?
-any way to tell what year it was made?
-was the value totally ruined by the work he did?
-is it still a "collectable"?
-will my using and carrying it decrease it's value any further?
(is it permitted to ask what something is worth in this forum?)

any other info about it would be greatly appreciated.

thnx,
phes
 
You are VERY lucky yo own that Sebbie!! The P stands for Prototype my friend!! You can send it back to CR for a refurb, they will make it look brand spanking new.I would sendf it back to CR for a refub, but that is just me. That is a VERY early Sebenza. YES, it IS collectible. I do not know what the going rate it for Prototype Sebbies. I am sure some one else will be a long shortly, that can answer more of your questions.
 
Sorry to say it TKC, but you are incorrect. The P does not stand for prototype, it marks the difference between very early Sebenzas, which were considered handmade (therefore they had an H) and somewhat newer Sebenzas, which were considered production (therefore they had a P).
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"We introduced the large Sebenza in 1990. These early Sebenzas were pretty much hand made - in so far as each handle and blade was cut out individually and profiled by hand on the grinder. They were all marked H followed by a serial number.

In mid-1991, we entered the rather scary world of computer controlled machines and bought a CNC machining center. At the time, it was a major step financially and we were not sure whether it would do what we wanted it to do! The rationale behind this was to enable us to produce more knives (and keep the cost reasonable) and to ensure that our tolerances were kept very tight. Machining on the mill ensures that the holes are in exactly the right place, the profile is exactly how we want it.

We reduced the thickness of the titanium for the handle and altered the blade shape slightly. These knives were marked P as in production to distinguish them from H as in handmade. There has been quite a bit of misrepresentation that the P stands for prototype.

The blades were then, and are still today, hand ground, even though the outline (or profile) is machined on the CNC. Two years ago, we progressed to a larger machining center and are constantly reducing our tolerances!

The "H" or "P" is engraved into the titanium handle next to our CR logo."

– Anne Reeve, 10/26/98
 
If it is any consolation, those early Sebenzas were handground by Chris Reeve himself (up through around 1996, I believe, when the "new" style Sebenza was introduced). The first "P" marked Sebenzas were numbered as well (example: P 144) up through around 300, followed by the "P" only, like yours. Not sure when the P was dropped, but it was sometime between 1993 and 1996, when CRK decided that it was no longer necessary to distinguish production Sebenzas from the very early handmade ones. Like any collectible, however, condition is everything in determining desirability, and the fact that your handle has been modified will detract from value, as compared to a knife in original condition. The blade in your photo appears to be original finish, exhibiting the higher degree of polish that these early Sebenzas were given, and has the original design of the thumbstud with serrations on one side only. It is still a great knife, one that should serve you well for a lifetime! Oh, and yes, your Sebenza blade is ATS-34. In my opinion, your knife has far more value as a user than as a collectible, given its present condition. Take care of it and she will take care of you!
 
Concerning the P-topic I'd like to add a question:

I am currently offered a P-Sebenza, which has no clip nor a possibility to attach one, the blade is polished.

Does anyone know, when this Sebenza probably was manufactured? Which steel was used for the blade? Any more information on this type of Sebenza? Every information is welcome! :)

Thanks alot
Kai
 
kaimi72 said:
Concerning the P-topic I'd like to add a question:

I am currently offered a P-Sebenza, which has no clip nor a possibility to attach one, the blade is polished.

Does anyone know, when this Sebenza probably was manufactured? Which steel was used for the blade? Any more information on this type of Sebenza? Every information is welcome! :)

Thanks alot
Kai
Click to expand...

Your knife is probably pre-1993, and the blade is definitely ATS-34.
 
Django606 said:
Sorry to say it TKC, but you are incorrect. The P does not stand for prototype, it marks the difference between very early Sebenzas, which were considered handmade (therefore they had an H) and somewhat newer Sebenzas, which were considered production (therefore they had a P).
THANK YOU for correcting me!! I truely appreciate it!!! I learn something new everyday!!
Click to expand...
 
You're welcome TKC. That is what a forum is about: people gathering knowledge to enlighten everyone.
 
and i thank everyone who responded!

great information from a great bunch of folks.

stay sharp!
-phes
 
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