Is Sebenza the Best?

[Kaizen1]

I would add that William Henry doesn't get nearly as much love on this forum as the CRK but their knives are just as high quality and fall in the same price range. The William Henrys are on the lighter, more gentlemanly side, but they are fine tools. I carry an XM-18 and love the tough tactical knives, but I would have no problem carrying a William Henry as a primary blade.

 

[ginshun]

Personally I like the Strider's better, ergonomically and visually, but as far as fit and finish go, Iv'e never handled anything better than a Chris Reeve.

Does that mean they are the best? Thats up to you I suppose. The design doesn't really do much for me, but the F&F is unmatched.

 

[coolhand68]

Benchmade... um, well...IMO... they're pretty much toys... very nice toys...but then again, so is anything other than a simple fixed blade.

The Military is easily as at home in my pocket as the Sebenza.

In what way do you think Benchmade's are toys? If you are going to tout the Millie as the best knife alongside a Seb, then what makes the Millie lightyears better than a BM 710 or 940? Or BM liner's like the 970/975 or perhaps a framelock model like the 750? BM makes great knives in multiple classes that are every bit as good as Spyderco if not better. I'd put these two companies on equal terms in regard to quality, utility, F&F, durability and warranty. I've owned well over a dozen of each...Spyderco and Benchmade, and they consistently put out a superior product. While the Millie may be perfect for you, I find that the handle is too big and I'm not a big fan of liner locks. However, I would never classify Spyderco's as toys.

 

[Ken44]

Overall, I would say yes. They keep winning the Quality Control award at Blade, and I think there straight handle is the best out there. Love a straight handle for control and power.

 

[Steven Andrews]

The Sebenza may have the best fit-and-finish, but there are many knives that I consider better, because they are more practical ie: easier to open and close, more secure and comfortable in the hand, more efficient cutters and less expensive. Most of them are made by Benchmade and Spyderco.

 

[T.K.C.]

I also feel that the Sebenza is the best production folder as far as I am concerned. Nothing else comes close to the f & f of the Sebenza, NOTHING.

 

[Ankerson]

Personally I like the Strider's better, ergonomically and visually, but as far as fit and finish go, Iv'e never handled anything better than a Chris Reeve.

Does that mean they are the best? Thats up to you I suppose. The design doesn't really do much for me, but the F&F is unmatched.

Exactly.

It's what works for you the best that really matters.

I also prefer Striders to the Sebbies, they just feel better in my hand, I have pretty big hands.

 

[archieblue]

In what way do you think Benchmade's are toys? If you are going to tout the Millie as the best knife alongside a Seb, then what makes the Millie lightyears better than a BM 710 or 940? Or BM liner's like the 970/975 or perhaps a framelock model like the 750? BM makes great knives in multiple classes that are every bit as good as Spyderco if not better. I'd put these two companies on equal terms in regard to quality, utility, F&F, durability and warranty. I've owned well over a dozen of each...Spyderco and Benchmade, and they consistently put out a superior product. While the Millie may be perfect for you, I find that the handle is too big and I'm not a big fan of liner locks. However, I would never classify Spyderco's as toys.

Well, I'd have to say that I have not handled a Benchmade liner or frame lock that can compare with the Millie's, although I did own a Gravitator which was nice though a little "unfinished" as far as the edges of the Ti slabs and thumb ramp. Even though I do think the Axis lock is pretty fun, I think it is a bit of a gimmick. I do not like the little springs, and it is certainly a fact that more moving parts means more to go wrong... Murphy's law just has more to grasp onto.

If you look closely at the axis, you can see that the best aspect it offers (sure, among other good ones) is that there is more room for error in the F&F of lock to tang. The slope on the tang could be up to 1/8" off and still have a solid lockup... One cool thing is that if the axis bar does rest farther down on the slope it does give a LOT of room for a lifetime of wear. However, I firmly believe BM uses it in this most critical placement of proper F&F to allow more inconsistencies than a liner/frame lock does.

I've had a 940, and it was certainly a nice knife. I've owned Grips, a Presidio, a Dejavoo, a Gravitator, and a few BM fixed blades. I've played with a few 710s with every intent to buy one, but it just can't contend with the Millie IMO. Except for their hollow grinds, BM's flat ground knives are toooo thick... acceptable examples I've seen are the Dejavoo and the Ritter Grip. Dejavoo has a poor blade detent and I'm not fond of the clip placement. ..and the Grip, while I would consider it the yardstick of affordable USA made high quality, it's just nothing special when compared to others I'm very fond of like the Millie/Para or UKPK for example. The higher level of the fit of moving parts is just apparent to me. The action is smooth, but with a hint of resistance. Nothing is loose and there is a "less is more" factor.

When I used the word "toy" I was implying that the axis is fun, and that my examples of their knives F&F are a 7 on a 10 scale where Spydies is closer to an 8.5... CRK being a 10, of course. 4/6 Benchmade folders I have had have had an off center blade... 1/6 Spydies have... 1/4 Striders... 0/12 CRKs... 0/2 Kershaws. I can only go off of my own personal experience!

Keep in mind, this is just what I like/appreciate and it's just my opinion. I think Benchmade makes GREAT knives! And the fact that they have soooooo many made in the USA is HIGHLY commendable.

 

[Kaizen1]

Does anyone here really think that the F & F of the Sebenza is really that much better than William Henry?

 

[nyefmaker]

I had high end knives from several companies, spyderco, benchmade, buck, kershaw, case, you name it. The most I ever spent on any of them was in the $150 range ( lots of shopping around ). I finally had the chance to get a like new BG-42 sebenza large regular this past christmas for $280. I figured if it was not for me, I could easily sell it for what I paid for it..................When it arrived, WOW. Nothing I had ever seen before could compare. CRK fit and finish is second to none. You will NOT find a knife out there with a "feel" that screams quality. Over the last month or so, I was able to acquire 3 striders, a SMF and 2-SNG, I have since told one of the SnG's. After carrying the SMF ( awsome knife by the way ), I went back to my large regular NCIS sebenza, NO Comparrison. As much as I like the SNG, it will be second to my sebenza. Since I like the strider and CRK so much, both will get alot of carry time, but if I had to have only one, sebenza all the way..........................As far as regular vs. 21; I LOVE the regular, I just like the 21. I just dont care for the 21 styling that much, mostly I dont like the blade shape, btu thats just me. The knife is the same quality and tolerances of the regular, just does not appeal to me as much as the regular,but thats a different debate..............To Answer Your Question, YES, the sebenza IS Worth Every Penny You Will Spend On One !!! Enjoy !

 

[Psychopomp]

Sebenza's are great but they aren't for me I think. But each to his own.

I gave one a try a few years ago. I paid $275 for a used one and carried it for a while. The action was smoother than just about any knife I've ever handled, it was sturdy and relatively light weight, and cut like a laser. But it just wasn't for me.

Most importantly however, the ergonomics of the handle just didn't work well for me, it wasn't a comfortable knife to cut with.

I turned around and sold it for $325 and haven't wanted another one.

In terms of build quality and materials, they can't be beat. But they're not for everyone. I'm infinitely happier with my Spyderco Paramilitary. Same blade steel as the Sebenza with a more useful (for me) grind and it fits my hand like a glove.

I can make a lot of compromises in a knife if I like it (materials, blade length, etc.), but I won't carry and use a knife that doesn't feel good in my hand.

 

[Jos]

From the "be all, end all" thread:

Yes, get a Sebenza! ( It is worth it, trust me find out for yourself )

Use a Sharpmaker, you will LOVE it!

Customs are always better than production, while there might be flaws, the handmade knives have SOUL, get one and find out for yourself!

As ever your pal,

Ron LaBella

Nothing more needs to be said.

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[Jos]

I also feel that the Sebenza is the best production folder as far as I am concerned. Nothing else comes close to the f & f of the Sebenza, NOTHING.

Suz, for once I have to disagree with you. William Henry folders are just as well made as the CRK folders. (trust me, I own several of both )

Does anyone here really think that the F & F of the Sebenza is really that much better than William Henry?

No.

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[MORIMOTOM]

it should be noted that chris reeve set the bar for fit and finish many years ago in terms of production folders.

i love my spydercos, and owned one of the first clipits many years ago. ive owned many customs and productions; hinderer, strider, lightfoot, fujisaka, caswell, etc. all fine products. nothing exceeds the high tolerances of the sebenza, and i will always compare everything to the legendary folder.

there are many, many, many fine knives and companies out there. in terms of simplicity, elegance, and fit/finish, there is nothing finer than a sebenza. they are not overbuilt, but have a wonderful combination of size, useability, lockup, durability, and blade/handle ratio.

ive purchased knives that absolutely blew me away the first time i handled them. the sebenza did not fit this category, however i appreciate it more and more every day.

 

[gajinoz]

ive purchased knives that absolutely blew me away the first time i handled them. the sebenza did not fit this category, however i appreciate it more and more every day.

I think this says exactly what the Sebenza does, it grows on you. When I first got mine I was slightly underwhelmed when I got it out of the box. Small, plain and nothing obvious jumped out at me. Then I began to notice the sheer quality of the thing. It works, and it works well without fuss or bother. In the several years I've owned it I've taken it apart, cleaned and lubed it exactly once. It still works as well as it did the day I got it. The thing slices like a razor. It fits perfectly in my pocket. I've got lots of knives, some of them I like a lot, but the Sebenza is the very last one I'd ever get rid of if I had to lose them.

Having said all that, if you don't like them, don't buy one. If you think they cost too much, buy something else. If you think something else will suit you better, buy that, who really cares.

 

[Fooj]

Suz, for once I have to disagree with you. William Henry folders are just as well made as the CRK folders. (trust me, I own several of both

Hmmm. Two of my favorite knifeaholics, and I have to choose sides . I side with Suz, but I know what Jos is saying. No production knife maker does fancy embellishments better than WH. What fine tools! WH craftsmanship is extraordinary. After owning several of both, and examining even more in knife shops around the country, I'd have to say that CRK folders are more consistent from knife to knife -- they're always spot on. This is why they win the Blade Manufacturing Quality award every year. In comparison, I've observed more variation in fit/finish with WH folders.

As far as which is more "well made", that phrase probably needs some definition before we can have a meaningful discussions around it. What I would say about the more highly embellished CRK folders vs. WH folders is this -- the CRK folders are muscular workhorses in a fine suit, where WH folders are executives in a tux. Would I take a my nice WH out camping and put it through some of the harsher camp chores? No. Would I do so with my giraffe-bone inlaid Mnandi (lighter duty than the Sebenza)? Absolutely, and I have. All in all, nice products both!

 

[gcgcgc]

I own several awesome knives - Spyderco, Kershaw, Busse, and others. The Sebenza is easily my favorite. Easily.

That's not to knock any of the other companies, I really like their products, but for me and my uses, the Sebenza is king.

 

[sticf]

Is the Sebenza really the best folding knife money can buy (production knives, of course)? Compared to other production knives in the same price range or even less (around $250, or, obviously, less), things like Mcustas (the MC-14 series), high end Spydercos (Phoenix, perhaps), Klotzlis, and plenty of others, is a small Sebenza really going to be noticeably better?

Are they they best money can buy? That is a matter of opinion. No one can answer that for you. I will say, as always, buy one and if you do not like it sale it. They have a very high resale value even after being used.

Are they noticeably better than the other brands listed? I believe this really depends on you experience with knives. Some of my friends do not understand the cost of my Sebenzas as they are not as "pretty" as my other some of my other knives.

With that said I will echo some of the other posts, "They are not for everyone." However, you can think of it this way: Sebenzas enjoy a place of high value with many "Knife People". They would not have held that position for long if they were average.

 

[T.K.C.]

it should be noted that chris reeve set the bar for fit and finish many years ago in terms of production folders.

i love my spydercos, and owned one of the first clipits many years ago. ive owned many customs and productions; hinderer, strider, lightfoot, fujisaka, caswell, etc. all fine products. nothing exceeds the high tolerances of the sebenza, and i will always compare everything to the legendary folder.

there are many, many, many fine knives and companies out there. in terms of simplicity, elegance, and fit/finish, there is nothing finer than a sebenza. they are not overbuilt, but have a wonderful combination of size, useability, lockup, durability, and blade/handle ratio.

ive purchased knives that absolutely blew me away the first time i handled them. the sebenza did not fit this category, however i appreciate it more and more every day.

Perfectly said my friend!! :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[CWL]

I'm not talking about cutting performance, mind you. Obviously, there are cheaper knives that cut better. Opinels, for instance, are better slicers than a Sebenza, but the quality is obviously much, much lower.

Sounds like you answered your own question.

I think you already had made up your mind before you posted this.