Inlay question

[Lo/Rez]

How do the inlays affect the feel of the large and small 21s? More ergonomic or less? Do you notice much of a difference in the pocket? Aesthetics aside, which would you prefer if they were the same price (with or without)?

 

[RobertK]

If you can handle them, do. I've had a small in plain and micarta, and a large in micarta only (handled a large plain once).

I really like the micarta; it feels and looks great. Aaaaaaand, I really like the plain. It's thinner, cleaner-looking and slimmer.

I just can't make up my mind. As of this particular moment, I *think* I like plain on the small and micarta on the large. But that might change by the time you read this.

Micarta is cool. The inlays are nice and feels great. The plain is so clean and minimalistic looking, though, it's hard to play favorites—and that's touch for those of us who have a collection of 1 knive, hah.

 

[BlackEnd]

I prefer the feel and girth of the inlays both small and large. I carry a large Tanto micarta and more recently a large carbon fiber inlayed 21. That being said, once the 25 came out I've changed tune a bit, at least on that knife. Only because of the wider blade. Granted its not a huge difference but noticable to me. I'm still craving a one piece inlay for the 25 some day in the near future. Bottom line for me is the inlays are sweet both ergonomically and tactfully.

 

[daisy cutter]

Same price I'd get one of each. They're both great in their own way. Not the answere you're looking for I'm sure but if there's any way for you to handle both you owe it to yourself to do so.

 

[SwimmingBird]

I think I like the inlaid models better, both large and small 21. I don't notice a difference in pocket either. I like the grip and the warmth they give the handles. I also think they look cool

 

[HuntBomb]

I think the large plain sebenza looks and feels like it's missing something...
Oh yea, it's missing inlays!
They add everything to the large IMO.
The small can go either way, but inlays just make the knife complete for me.

 

[red mag]

Inlays definitely change the feel.
For me it depends. During the cold months I prefer inlays, while in summer plain is the way to go.
II had to choose I'd go without inlay with graphic.
As stated above try to handle each, as it depends on your hand-size.
red mag

 

[nyefmaker]

I have always been a plain/UG/CGG sebenza guy, so have not experienced the inlays until recently. Though they do not add a ton to overall thickness of the knife, they do make you feel like you have much more to hold on to and give you extra grip. If your able to get one, I highly recommend it.

 

[JNewell]

YMMV, but I agree with the post below. The inlays really do make my grip on the Sebenza much more secure and "ergonomic." The micarta inlays in particular seem to add to "gripiness."

I have always been a plain/UG/CGG sebenza guy, so have not experienced the inlays until recently. Though they do not add a ton to overall thickness of the knife, they do make you feel like you have much more to hold on to and give you extra grip. If your able to get one, I highly recommend it.

 

[TTTis]

I prefer the feel and girth of the inlays both small and large. I carry a large Tanto micarta and more recently a large carbon fiber inlayed 21. That being said, once the 25 came out I've changed tune a bit, at least on that knife. Only because of the wider blade. Granted its not a huge difference but noticable to me. I'm still craving a one piece inlay for the 25 some day in the near future. Bottom line for me is the inlays are sweet both ergonomically and tactfully.

Not to derail this thread, but you really need to post some pics of the Carbon Fiber Inlayed 21. Unless I've missed it, I have yet to see an actual picture of that knife. Just the ones on BladeHQ.



Me personally I like the plain Starbenzas the most. Gives you grip of a micarta with the thinness of plain jane. I've always had the philo of less parts less things to break. Even though the inlays will probably never come out in a lifetime, it is always in the back of my mind.

 

[Sharpski]

So aesthetics aside here are my opinions for my experience:

If we are talking about small Sebenzas...then I prefer micarta inlays
If we are talking about large Sebenzas...then I prefer plain Jane or wood inlays, not so much of a large micarta fan

For me the smalls need the extra grip in my hands but the large don't and I prefer the thin profile of the plan Jane. I also like the feel of cool Ti when I first pic it up. They are more prone to scratches but then again you can have them refinished vs micartas. The wood inlays are kind of in between for the larges. They feel thinner than the micarta (I think it's just a smoother the texture) but they add some girth.

I will say hat I never say to myself that this plane Jane feels slippery.