Is a CRK Sebenza worth it???

M

marlin39d

Joined
Sep 26, 2004
Messages
68
I'm pretty new to the "high end" folders (yes, I consider my two American made Benchmade knives high end) and until about two months ago I didn't even know who Chris Reeve was much less a Sebenza.

The most I've ever paid for any knife is around $120 but lately I've been reading how wonderful the Sebenza is. I've got to admit that I really like the looks of this folder particularly the Small Classic Sebenza. I like the looks of a Steve Cook Luchsa even better but I'm not "into" knives enough to even consider one of those at $500 a pop.

So what do you think Sebenza owners and non-owners, are they worth $300???
 
I'm a Sebbie owner (Large Classic) in one word:


YES! :D :D

Now with that said, it depends on what you find important. The sebbie is fine knife, of first rate materials, quality second to none and better than many customs out there as well as a great warranty and top notch company to back it up. I like em.



Steve
 
I don't own one, but I've had the pleasure of handling over a dozen of them at shows. They're very nice knives for what they are, simple, elegant in a way. I don't think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread though, and personally would rather use a spyderco military in s30, or if I had the money something custom like a Carson M4. They certainly arent overcharging though, since other production knives with similar fit and finish can go for as much or more, and often arent as good as a pure user. In fact from a pure fit/precision standpoint the Sebenza probably outclasses most handmade folders. Where it falls short though is that it's quite plain. Decorated models nonwithstanding, the sebenza is basically two flat grey slabs of titanium with a satin finished drop point blade. It doesn't offend, but there are other knives in that pricerange that appeal to my aesthetics more, and don't function signifigantly worse.
 
I highly recommend a search on this forum. There are hundreds of sebenza threads.

Anyways, here is my take. I have owned both the small and large regular Sebenza. I traded the large in for the small which I carried religiously for several months. I was satisfied. Then, shudder, I lost it while hunting. I told myself then, that I would never carry an expensive EDC since the pain of losing it is so great. However, I have gone through a myriad of other knives since. I'm not satisfied. I am currently trying to finangle my finances to purchase another. I want my gear to be the highest quality possible, every time I make concessions based on price I regret it. I have easily spent over $300 in EDC knives since trying to find one that satisfies. No luck. I could have spent that money on a new Sebbie.

Reasons to buy a Sebenza (no particular order)

1. Smooth as butter action.
2. Satisfying click when engaged.
3. Great blade geometry
4. Sharp
5. Solid lock up
6. Awesome understated look
7. Holds an edge
8. Titanium rocks
9. Easy break down and maintenance
10. Excellent customer service

Just don't tell non gear nuts how much you paid for it. Their reaction gets old.

-- Dizos
 
yessireebob. many others worth it as well.

Of course worth (value) is very subjective.
 
YES its worth it!

Especially since the girlfriend got mine for me :p
 
Every time I handle a Sebenza at a show, I really admire them. But 2 questions in my mind always stop me from buying one.

1. Is this knife as good as it cost?....yes
2. Are there many others that will do anything this one will just as good for 1/4th the price?......Yes

If you can afford one, go for it, but I always choose the 4-5 others I could get for that money.
 
I guess that's what I like so much about the Sebenza. It really is beuatiful in a utilitarian way. I like my guns the same way!!!

Ten years back I used to think $300-$400 was a lot to pay for a bolt action rifle chambered for .22LR or .22 WMR. I found myself going from Marlins to Rugers, then Rugers to Kimbers, then Kimbers to high end Coopers. The $300 and $400 dollars rifles were good guns. I always traded up though and now all I own is Kimbers and Coopers. I spent a small fortune on the standard grade guns and countless hours accurizing them. And then all they really were is standard grade guns that had been "messed with" and therefore devalued.

I've got to admit to really liking some of these high-end production and custom knives I've been looking at lately and I don't want to make the same mistake with them as I did with the rifle collection

But in my older age (almost 40), I'm slowly figuring out if it's a tool of any kind, be it a chainsaw, rifle, knife, or screwdriver, you're usually better off buying the best that you can afford.

I'm getting ready to buy the Sebenza, but it's still going to feel strange paying for and using a knife that cost as much as a pretty good gun!!!

But if it's like anything else, I'd rather have one or two great knives than 10 mediocre knives!!!
 
Are you kidding??? I can barely wait to get to the bathroom in the morning to take that much needed "good morning" pee!!! Much less wait on something I'm really wanting. :)
 
Get that bad boy ! ! ! Don't hesitate, I don't own one, but I wanted a Strider folder for five years, and finally said f**k it , and bought TWO ! ! ! I have no regrets. So your new to collecting, who cares ? Might as well start off right. I swear you will not regret it. Let us know what you do.
 
Best bet is to try and handle one in person. If you are a precision nut like I am, then it may be very appealing to you. I like them very much. I have several and have never had any issues with QC out of the box. They were all perfect mechanically. You could always buy a used one, that way if you don't like it, you could sell it for probably what you paid. Bumping up your personal price point on knives only hurts the first time. :D

Happy collecting,
John...
 
Marlin39d: "But in my older age (almost 40), I'm slowing figuring out if it's a tool of any kind, be it a chainsaw, rifle, knife, or screwdriver, you're usually better off buying the best that you can afford."

I can barely wait to get to the bathroom in the morning to take that much needed "good morning" pee!!!

Marlin39d "we" must be normal, because I feel the same way, and I am 38 for a couple more months.
 
If you are looking for a reliable tool that you can keep maintained yourself, then I would say yes.

But, if you can afford, $300, certainly you can afford $500. As the man said, it only hurts the first time.

:p :D :eek: :D :p
 
Oooh, I haven't seen a "Is the Sebenza worth it?" thread in a while.

I had a small classic and sold it here on the Exchange. If you haven't paid more than $120 for a knife and all of a sudden shell out $300+, you're probably going to be pretty underwhelmed when you open up that little cardboard box and look at it for the first time. Definitely not flashy (or even very good-looking IMO), but the quality is definitely there. One problem with the Sebenza being the most expensive knife you have by far, is that you will probably be hesitant to use it.

But if you're looking for a finely-crafted, very-well-designed, butt-ugly cutting machine and are actually going to use it, go for it!

Edited to add:

Since the Mnandi was introduced, I've seen several Sebenza owners trying to trade for a Mnandi (did it myself, but failed). The Mnandi has all of the Sebenza's strengths, but is actually a good-looking knife. Seriously consider the Mnandi before you get the Sebenza.
 
Is a CRK Sebenza worth it???

Considering how many they sell and dizos 10 reasons; the answer is yes.

I have carried a small regular since 12/2000 and wouldn't carry anything else.

Remember, if for some reason you don't like it; you can sell it and recover most of your money.

Also, it's a knife BUILT FOR LIFE. :)

You will never need another daily carry.

If you want to save some money; buy a lightly used one and save about $50.

That's what I did twice (small and large). ;)
 
Yes, it's definitely worth it, IMHO. I've carried a large regular Sebenza since October 2002, and have no regrets. However, as in all things, the Sebenza does not appeal to everyone. If you love awesome materials, as near to perfection as is possible in fit and precision, and extreme reliability and strength but without the bells and whistles of many other knives, it's a true keeper.

Is it worth it? Once again, YES! But, I'd recommend handling one to make sure it is worth it to you, personally.
Jim
 
I look at it this way. I like to own the very best of any tool I buy. I can't always afford to get the very best, but when I can I do. As far as I'm concerned the Sebenza is the very best in materials and workmanship in a folder and I was able to afford it. I haven't regretted my decision.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top