Is Sebenza 21 now considered hard to find?

T

tillias

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Dec 11, 2012
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Hi folks, long time into CRK stuff. Had some Sebenzas back to 2000-2010, now looking for some user. Are Sebenzas 21 now considered hard to find and generally cost more than Sebenza 31 because of age or some other considerations? I have noticed some posts recently in the Knife Exchange and they are around 500-550€

Thank you.
 
They have a cult following and are no longer in production. Since there aren't more coming, fewer people are willing to part with the ones they have. So as the available supply shrinks on a desirable item, the price rises.
 
Thank you, that explains a lot. I thought that it will be the cheapest option, but now it looks like I need to search for Sebenza 31 instead
 
The Sebenza has arguably the strongest popular following out of any single knife model in the high-end category. A knife will lose value on the secondary market whenever the “hype” goes out, and then the price is typically reflective of what it actually is.

The Sebenza “hype” is going strong.
 
Leo Greer said:
The Sebenza has arguably the strongest popular following out of any single knife model in the high-end category. A knife will lose value on the secondary market whenever the “hype” goes out, and then the price is typically reflective of what it actually is.

The Sebenza “hype” is going strong.
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Indeed Sebenza has outstanding build quality. At least it was when I used it 10-20 years ago. Not sure how it is now, noticed some fancy steels like Magnacut and price hike as well
 
I agree with several of the points above. Some of it is supply and demand and being out of production now. I think the hype aspect is still slightly part of it but we have seen a huge correction over the last few months in “influencer/ knife hype” areas, and the 21 never seemed to be included in that much.

21’s do come up fairly often but are in the range you stated above most of the time. I would say there is a chance you can find a user 21 for less but they usually go fast. On the other side, if you have not checked out a 31 they are solid as well. Not to get the 21 vs 31 convo going again but you won’t go wrong with either. Welcome back to the fold!
 
Mustacheben said:
21’s do come up fairly often but are in the range you stated above most of the time. I would say there is a chance you can find a user 21 for less but they usually go fast. On the other side, if you have not checked out a 31 they are solid as well. Not to get the 21 vs 31 convo going again but you won’t go wrong with either. Welcome back to the fold!
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Thank you for the reply, much appreciated. I haven't had any 31 yet, but from what I see it doesn't look like downgrade to me. Also not interested in any kind discussion 21 vs 31
 
I've heard the 21's are ground better and have less lock rock. No idea how true that is.
 
They have some cult following, because they are supposed to be the last ones that the man himself designed & built (with team of course).

Got one a month ago (because I had to try) in my favorite config (large, micarta inlays, Insigno). It's nice and very smooth, but obviously uses older steel. Not sure if it's better than my 31. $525 from the Exchange, like new, which I considered fair, not crazy. Similar price to a new 31.

Hope that helps.
 
ferider said:
Got one a month ago (because I had to try) in my favorite config (large, micarta inlays, Insigno). It's nice and very smooth, but obviously uses older steel.
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I have Medford Gentleman Jack GJ-1 with CPM-S35VN and honestly I don't need any other steel for my daily tasks. I ended up looking for fancy steels many years ago. One day it was like a switch on / off -- I don't care anymore what steel is it. All of them suit my daily usage. If it is custom, then I don't mind if it is ATS-34, 154CM or BG42
 
Only 'in hand' difference other than technical, is the 31 does have a heavier resistance when opening compared to the 21 likely due to the size of the detent ball / lock bar tension. Other than that... not much.
 
I don't think the 21s are hard to find. There are several in the Knife Exchange now listed.

If you want a certain configuration, condition, blade shape, Box, accessories, price, PPGS, etc then it can take some time to meet all of those conditions. If you find something listed and it is a good price; it will most likely sell right now. If you want a plane jane user it is hard to tell what would be cheaper. The 21 was probably less than the 31 today and you might find them cheaper. Since the 31 most likely has Magnacut the seller might think they can get close to new price.

I was on the hunt for a certain knife and it took some time to get it.

When CRK discontinued the 21 and then went to Magnacut steel then most people seem to be opting for the Magnacut steel (i.e.31). CRK is now selling Magnacut blades for the 21 rather than just using them for warranty only. You might see some people keep them and get a replacement blade.

With the economy right now it seems like some people are selling knives they have not used in a while and that is why I think there seems to be several 21s for sale now. That and some might be trying to get top dollar for some unique configurations.

If you want one (either 21 or 31), be patient and figure out what you are willing to pay and watch the Knife Exchange\for sale by individuals\CRK here.
 
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I'm more curious about the Sebenza's grind and how it cuts without reprofiling. I've heard more than one report it's a bit thick, particularly around the front belly area.
 
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