Is the small Sebenza 21 actually worth the money?

T

termiteslayer

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Dec 18, 2009
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A few questions, I'm considering purchasing one.
These look like great knives and I've noticed how they seem to sell pretty well, but is it really a $300+ knife?
What makes it worth this kind of cash?
They seem to hold their value, correct?
Would I ever want to actually use such an expensive knife?
Say I put tons of miles on it... is it now worth a fraction of the cost?
What other knives are to the standard of CRK at a lesser price?
I'm just looking for something to convince me to buy one.
The high demand has perked my interest a bit.
Thanks for any input.
 
Is it a $300 knife? Yes, and its worth every penny

What makes it worth that kind of cash? Tight tolerances, ultra smooth opening, great warranty.

Yes, they hold their value

I have a small classic with micarta and I use it everyday.

If you put tons of miles on it, send it to CRK for a tune up...back to looking brand new again.

Your next question is a tricky one. Lets put it this way. I have owned a lot of nice knives in my lifetime, and I have traded most of them to get my CRK. I always say everything is for trade, but I doubt I will ever trade my small classic.
 
It's not worth it.

- Lockup is too solid. It locks up with no blade play and is completely solid in every way possible.
- Too sharp. It can cut stuff too easily
- Too easy to maintain. It comes apart too easily and is too easy to reassemble.
- Size is too perfect. I can't even feel it in my pocket.
- Stonewash finish is too good. It hides scratches too well so the blade looks brand new even after a lot of use.
- Too simple looking. The Sebenza doesn't look gaudy or tacky enough.
- Warranty is too good. The lifetime warranty is too long.
 
pretty much what mongo and zack said, it is worth the money. i would rather have 1 300 dollar knife than 6 50 dollar knives. once you get one and use it everything else just doesnt feel the same :D ;)
 
It's too small for me, I would just save up the couple of extra bucks and get a large.
 
You really have to get your hands on one, and get a feel for it. Everything said here is true, but it's hard to grasp how nice they are until you actually use/own one. I used to be a Benchmade guy, been carrying them for over a decade. Even have a benchmade T-shirt. Now I strictly collect them, but will never carry one again.
I had NO idea how nice Sebenza's were when I finally decided to buy one. I did a lot of research (as I hope you have and will do) and discovered it was favored as one of the top EDC (every day carry) :) knives. So I knew they were nice, but I had never seen one in person, but trusted what I had read and seen on youtube exc...
Let me tell you: It was worth every penny!
It feels and preforms great. Smooth, solid, sharp, dependable, feels great in hand and made by some great folks over at Chris Reeve who truly care about their customers and product.
I mean it, send them an email and they will usually reply within 24 hours.
It was love at first sight, and now I want them all! I purchased three Chris Reeve knives in a few months, and now I am hunting down a few more to finish off my collection, and will most likely fund the purchase with trades of knives I like, but don't stand up to Chris Reeve's perfection.
Best of luck, and let us know when you get one. ;)
 
I have 2 sebenza`s right now, a large classic, and a small 21. Though the small 21 is a safequeen, i do like the size of the large much more.
 
It IS worth it to me. Whether or not it is worth it to you, well that is another story. I prefer the small Sebenza to the large. It makes for a perfect EDC knife.
 
Like most knife people I rationalize needing all these "different" knives, however, there is a significant difference between the large and the small that numbers don't fully explain. The small can handle 95% of all cutting tasks IMHO but the large has a straight profile and carries very well for a larger knife. For me...the small is a work knife and the large is a camp/chore knife for the pocket. Funny ....the Sebenza is for working!!!!
TC
 
I'll keep my post as short as I can. In my opinion it is worth every penny and some. These are knives that were built to be used...even more so if 'used properly' they will not let you down. The build and material quality are top notch. That doesn't mean that they will not show wear with hard use, but if and when it happens you can send it back in to have it restored.

Best of luck,

Output
 
nothing compares to the Seb IMO. It is perfect in every way. I can pick apart any knife and find SOMETHING that I can't live with... The Sebenza is just perfect.
 
I'm glad I bought one (small classic 2000, silver stud, born Feb. 2005). It's a fine frame lock.

Unlike some others, I wasn't blown away by it. I think I had handled several knives influenced by the Sebbie that it didn't hold any "wow" factor for me. I have since spent 1/3 of the cost (or less!) on blades that I appreciated and enjoyed just as much--then again I am not a hard user. YMMV.

So if you are really itching to get one, get it, and you'll stop wondering if it's worth it. Worst case, you could always re-sell it without losing much at all. :D
 
As Evan says, the answer is yes, but you have to handle one to (pardon the pun) get a grip on why and really believe it.
 
The seb is nothing less than what everyone here has already said.

I own both a Large and Small Sebenza 21s.
Love Both.
Large is Great.
Small is a bit more practical [for me]

Will not sell either unless I absolutely have to.
 
Currently, I own two sebenzas, a few more have passed through my hands. I also have a variety of more inexpensive quality knives (benchmade, spyderco etc) but the way the chris reeves feel is something else entirely.

FWIW, the small sebenza fits my hand better than the large

In short, do it.
 
termiteslayer said:
A few questions, I'm considering purchasing one.
These look like great knives and I've noticed how they seem to sell pretty well, but is it really a $300+ knife?
Click to expand...

An easy one to start off with. Yes it is, well at least it is new in the shops I know. Joking to one side, yes, I think it is worth the money as it will give you a lifetime of bullet-proof service if looked after and what more could you ask for :)

termiteslayer said:
What makes it worth this kind of cash?
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A much more difficult one. I like the appeal of the knife's materials along with the close tolerances and faultless fit and finish in a design which can be stripped and reassembled hundreds and thousands of times - try that with just about every other manufactured (and most custom) knives and you'll never have the same knife again. It'll either not lock properly or will be sticky and weaker, not to mention a voided warranty. If I was pressed for one reason to say what makes it worth the outlay for me, I would say it's the pivot bushing and it's benefits.

termiteslayer said:
They seem to hold their value, correct?
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Another easy one to answer, no they don't. Unless you have an exceptionally rare model or one which is long discontinued and valuable for that very reason, you will find that it's resale value will always be down on the new price.

termiteslayer said:
Would I ever want to actually use such an expensive knife?
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I couldn't possibly say for sure but I would take a chance and guess that once you have it in the flesh you'll be happy to use it. It's a matter if making the first step. I started using my first Sebenza, a 2004 Walnut LE after I dropped it and it took a scratch on the scale edge - that little push got me going and I'm happy it did.

termiteslayer said:
Say I put tons of miles on it... is it now worth a fraction of the cost?
Click to expand...

Unless I saw first hand what you would do to it, I couldn't guess. But common sense would say that the more used it is, or worse damaged, the lesser the value. A good tip to help cut the depreciation is to hold onto all the original bits and pieces, like the box, slipcase and paperwork.

termiteslayer said:
What other knives are to the standard of CRK at a lesser price?
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None that I can think of. There are many lookalikes and copies but only one Sebbie.

I hope this helps :D

Mark
 
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