Inlays

jackthedog

jackthedog

Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
873
I just got a Large 21 a few weeks ago and love it. I have a bunch of other knives, mainly Spyderco and really enjoy them as well, but picking up the Sebenza and actually examining it, demonstrates how it's in a league of its own.

Anyway, now that I have this sickness, I want one with inlays. So, my question is are there any particular benefits of wood (I want Snakewood) over Micarta (or vice versa)?

If I'm realistic, I know I'm going to eventually own both, but just curious if there is any sort of consensus about the relative plus and minuses of each type of inlay.

Thanks!
 
Welcome to the club (and the sickness)!

In my experience, the micarta is a bit grippier, while the wood inlays are smoother (and more attractive, IMHO). Both are reported to be equally durable.

In the end, I prefer the wood and ivory models.
 
I was fairly set on Micarta first and then I saw the Snakewood again and had to reconsider. Since Micarta seems to be easier to track down on the secondary market, I'll take the plunge with the Snakewood first (probably).
 
jackthedog said:
I was fairly set on Micarta first and then I saw the Snakewood again and had to reconsider. Since Micarta seems to be easier to track down on the secondary market, I'll take the plunge with the Snakewood first (probably).
Click to expand...

Desert Iron wood or Blood wood is awesome too!!!
 
jackthedog said:
I was fairly set on Micarta first and then I saw the Snakewood again and had to reconsider. Since Micarta seems to be easier to track down on the secondary market, I'll take the plunge with the Snakewood first (probably).
Click to expand...

Thinking ahead -- I like that! You have a very prudent strategy, my friend.
 
"Desert Iron wood or Blood wood is awesome too!!! "

You're not making this any easier :). I've stared and stared at those two woods as well, but I like the deeper, richer red and the grain on the snakewood.
 
jackthedog said:
Yeah, I'm trying to figure out which kidney needs to go first. I'm very attached to them, but hey... I need that Sebenza.
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This is Bloodwood.

DSC01068.jpg
 
Also something to consider is that the micarta is more of a user model. Comes with the tumbled blade and blasted handles to hide scratches. The other inlays are all polished blades and handles.
 
jfn said:
Also something to consider is that the micarta is more of a user model. Comes with the tumbled blade and blasted handles to hide scratches. The other inlays are all polished blades and handles.
Click to expand...

I do not worry about getting my micarta scratched up but I'd probably feel different with wood.
 
jackthedog said:
"Desert Iron wood or Blood wood is awesome too!!! "

You're not making this any easier :). I've stared and stared at those two woods as well, but I like the deeper, richer red and the grain on the snakewood.
Click to expand...

Definitely go with the Snakie if you can find one (that inlay is harder to find on Sebs it seems) -- here is my Mnandi example:

IMG_7267ac.jpg
 
The Micarta inlays are perfect for a user knife, the wood ones are fabulous though. You really can't go wrong. :)
 
Josh K said:
The Micarta inlays are perfect for a user knife, the wood ones are fabulous though. You really can't go wrong. :)
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I think you're fabulous.

I always thought the micarta inlays would look good with a damascus blade, silver hardware and dual thumb studs, but I've never seen one.

The only wood knife I have is from M.S. J. Neilson, it's a stabilized cherry burl hunter. It has a very rich and deep color, I think it would look nice with gold hardware on a Regular Sebenza and dual studs. Maybe with a reverse finish on the handle and a polished blade with a swedge...
 

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link2derek said:
Welcome to the club (and the sickness)!

In my experience, the micarta is a bit grippier, while the wood inlays are smoother (and more attractive, IMHO). Both are reported to be equally durable.

In the end, I prefer the wood and ivory models.
Click to expand...

I completely agree with derek, especially the inner parts of the mammoth ivory tusk with a nice "grain" that you can see.

Picking up the wood first is a good strategy. One difference between the micarta and wood might be stain resistance. Depending on the finish, micarta made from cloth can be somewhat absorbent.

Snakewood is awesome, but the variability in the pattern can be huge. Took me a while to find the large/small snakewood set that I liked.
 
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