Inkosi Blade Longevity

B

Baretree

Joined
Oct 19, 2022
Messages
9
Hey all, I am looking forward to only carrying one knife for the next several years, hopefully longer. I am debating between the Inkosi and Sebenza having sold my Umnumzaan recently (I did like it, but was offered a considerable sum above what I paid and prefer the looks of both the Sebenza and Inkosi).

My debate has come purely down to the grind. I like the idea of the more durable Inkosi, however I am worried that the flatter ground blade will have a shorter sharpening life than the Sebenza and was hoping for some insight.

Thank you,
Geoff
 
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B Baretree , welcome to BF!!!! You picked a great knife to carry for several years. You’re probably concerned over nothing and over thinking the difference between the two bladed. Unless you’re using a grinder to sharpen with, the life of the blade will serve you beyond your expectations.
 
I have a 21 and I wanted an Insingo Magnacut blade even though the knife is discontinued. To CRK's credit they offered that service and i was really impressed. If you would happen to wear out a blade due to over sharpening I expect you could get another one at that time. CRK does not make a lot of models that are quickly discontinued or models overseas they don't wish to support them after being discontinued like some companies. If you were really worried about it get a knife and a replacement blade right away. I don't think you need to do that but the option is there if you want it. Buy with confidence with CRK.
 
The blade should hold up fine if you don"t do a lot of needless(every day) and aggressive sharpening( diamond stone when not needed and grinders). If that sharpening in your situation is needed, do to your use, you are likely getting your moneys worth from the blade. I am sure you could wear it out if you try hard enough, but unlikely you will.
 
Thanks everyone! For my use as a facilities tech, field dressing/ field processing a few elk and deer each year and gutting a stack of trout I’m going to go with the Inkosi Insingo, probably a PJ. I like the idea of the thicker blade stock since my use is on the heavy side of EDC. Thanks for the reassurance, it is a big purchase for me. I mostly just strop with diamond compounds as needed with the occasional sharpening on my old Worksharp Precision Adjust as well.

-Geoff
 
CRK recommends using a Spyderco Sharpmaker on their website to sharpen. If you use one you are not going to remove a lot of material like a guide system with diamonds. If you get a Magnacut blade they are easier to sharpen than some of the more exotic blade steels out there today. CRK are very easy to maintain due too their simplicity. Enjoy!
 
I have used ceramic sticks for years to bring the blade back to the desired sharpness and rarely ever find a need to use stones to sharpen. I think the trick is to use them more often and not let the blade become too dull. Been using a set from Lansky for many years. They come in a slim wooden box with 4 sticks and 2 different sets (2 for each angle) holes. They seem to remove virtually no metal. It’s self contained and easily transported. I don’t worry at all about wearing out a blade.
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dialton said:
I have used ceramic sticks for years to bring the blade back to the desired sharpness and rarely ever find a need to use stones to sharpen. I think the trick is to use them more often and not let the blade become too dull. Been using a set from Lansky for many years. They come in a slim wooden box with 4 sticks and 2 different sets (2 for each angle) holes. They seem to remove virtually no metal. It’s self contained and easily transported. I don’t worry at all about wearing out a blade.
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Is that the Lansky turnbox with the diamond and ceramic rods? I have so much sharpening gear I’ve been hesitant to buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker, but the turnbox is very tempting for the price. I’ve been mostly honing my current knives with diamond compounds on balsa wood which seems to be very light on removing steel as well. I usually only use diamond plates or the precision adjust when I have nicks or chips in the blade which I haven’t had happen to any magnacut blades yet.

Also I ordered a PJ Inkosi Insingo last night and can’t wait for it to arrive!

Thanks,
Geoff
 
The box contains a set of white ceramic rods and a set of gray rods as well but I’m not really sure what they are made of.
Yeah, anticipation is part of the buzz.
 
Carried my 21 large in the softer S35VN since late 2016 up until the last month when I picked up a 31 large in Magnacut.
That 21 was made in A-11 and I was probably the second or third owner
Longevity is not an issue with the Sebenza.
If any issues come up, you can always send it in and they'll take care of you

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I would never worry about Chris reeve blade longivery! I carry a sebenza 21 small . It was made during 2012 of s35v. I normally use a sharp maker not much wear .
I just got a umnumzaan in the excellent magnacut. I was a little worried about magnacut , i getting more impressed every day around it. I believe they do their own heat treat. My sebenza was made when they upped the heat treat a little. 13 years not much wear at all . It was great pleasure I got to show my sebenza to Ann and Tim at blade shoe 2025 . They both smiled enough said . Hope it's my pocket on my last day
 
The Sebenza 25 and the early Inkosi used a much larger diameter grinding wheel than the large Sebenza. Later it was changed to a smaller diameter wheel. If memory serves me, the large Sebenza and the large Inkosi use the same diameter grinding wheel, so they should have the same grind. Of course, that's going off memory, I'd need to dig up an old file I have that documented what I found.
 
Don M said:
I found the file, with a statement from Tim Reeve, copied from the FB fan page. The early 25s had a 36 inch simulated radius. The later 25s and the large Inkosis have a 20 inch radius. The large Sebenza and Umnunzaan have a 10 inch radius.
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Thank everyone for the replies!

Don, this was my main consideration in which I went with especially since I do use my edc knife for more than just cutting cardboard and usually strop/ hone weekly with a full hand sharpening when necessary. I actually ended up ordering the large PJ Inkosi Insigno since I got a bit of a discount from an authorized retailer on the big auction site and it should arrive today!
 
buckeyejake said:
I would never worry about Chris reeve blade longivery! I carry a sebenza 21 small . It was made during 2012 of s35v. I normally use a sharp maker not much wear .
I just got a umnumzaan in the excellent magnacut. I was a little worried about magnacut , i getting more impressed every day around it. I believe they do their own heat treat. My sebenza was made when they upped the heat treat a little. 13 years not much wear at all . It was great pleasure I got to show my sebenza to Ann and Tim at blade shoe 2025 . They both smiled enough said . Hope it's my pocket on my last day
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The hardness was bumped up a point mid 2013
 
Don M said:
The hardness was bumped up a point mid 2013
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I believe you are correct. My 2012 was one of the very rare cracked blades. Mine was sent back for a new blade . I was hesitant to loose it during this time. And as soon they made some . i got a replacement one this one now lives with my grandson. The blade cracked at thumb stud , it wouldn't have broken out . But to QUOTE chris I don't want anything with my name on it to be substandard ! ! I was told very few had this issue. Slightly smaller hole or a oversize pin . Made me a life time fan boy !
 
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