Is this legit?

R

romanx

Joined
Jun 7, 2007
Messages
55
I have been offered an early model Large Sebenza (the papers are missing, so not sure what year). It has a number inscribed next to the CR symbol, but has neither a P nor H preceeding it. I thought all the numbered models had either a P or H, is that correct?

It has no clip (which is to be expected of this vintage), blue thumb lug, combo-edge (partially serrated), and the handles have the Sebenza Regular profile thumb notch i.e. not the Sebenza Classic semi-circular thumb notch.

Is this some sort of Frankenstein Sebenza i.e. fake or cannibalised from other parts, or is it a legitimate one? I was hoping some of you Sebenza experts might know the answer to this one.

Sorry I don't have a picture, but the knife is not mine [yet ;)]

Thanks.

Romanx
 
It can be legit, there was also a time early on that sebenzas where numbered without a P or H as well. No clip supports this as you have. See CRK FAQ at top of this forum.

Partially serrated is a little unusual for an early model, perhaps the owner had it serrated? Might be canabolized. Something that early shoud have a fully polished blade.
 
Thanks Dave, you know your stuff. Yes I read the FAQ at the top, it was very interesting and a good read, but didn't answer all my questions.

One of the reasons I was suspicious was the partial serrations, as I haven't seen any early Sebenzas with this feature.

I think the Chris Reeve website says somewhere that all the blades are custom fit for the individual handle, so I would be very worried about buying a caniballised knife, as one of the reasons for buying a Sebenza is the "bank vault" feel, which would not be the case if the blade was not custom fit. I would not be too keen on the previous owner adding serrations either, as a botched job could damage the integrity of the blade. I was not able to have a very good look at the Sebenza.

Does anyone know for sure whether a combo-edge was available on the early Sebenzas? Thanks again. Romanx
 
Romanx, does it look like this kind?
30_5_200610_37_157312890.jpg


or this one with just the # on it at the bottom?

DSC00556.jpg

CRKLP1003.jpg
 
Thanks Westllen, no, it doesn't. What is that, nice scallops in the handle.

It does have the number in the same position, but has a blue thumb lug, and the thumb notch is the same as the modern Regular Large Sebenza (not like the classic) and has the usual plain titanium handle. Also, the blade is half serrated.

Any thoughts?
 
Didn't see the bottom part of your post (I'm new to the forum, not just stupid - but maybe that too!).

It is like the one on the bottom with the blue thumb lug and the number is in the same place. Unfortunately it does not have the nice pattern your one does. Also, the blade is half serrated.

Sorry about the mix up.
 
the one you are refering to is in the "just pic's sticky" for CRK's, it's an early #'ed regular Sebbie just with the graphics added, sorry to say that one is not mine.
Go thru the just pic's sticky above, you may find a version very close to the one in question.

I believe by your description it is an early #'ed Sebenza and someone added the serrations.
Although a better answer will come from one of our hardcore sebbie collectors here like Dave or Fooj.
Good luck with it,

Jules
 
Thanks Westllen,

At least I can be assured it's probably genuine, but I'm not too keen on serrations having been added. The seller says it has not really been used at all (implying it was bought this way), but of course he would, wouldn't he.

If I knew it was the original blade and the serrations were original I would get it, but I don't really want to take the chance of someone ruining the blade by adding their own serrations.

If anyone knows whether a combo-edge was available during early production Sebenzas perhaps you could let me know. I think many here would be interested to know if that was the case (just for the sake of knife knerd knowledge).

You've been very helpful. Thanks guys.
 
Might be worth a call or email to CRK to verify whether they put any serrated blades and numbered Sebs.
 
The first 200 new style Sebenzas were numbered, but I recall the number being the lower and near the butt end of the handle. Do the serrations resemble the ones on the Project I and II knives?
 
these are the usual serrations added by CRK....do they look familar to the sebbie in question?

P-CR7652.jpg


P-CR7654.jpg
,

compliments of TNK'S

Jules
 
Jules, Those are the new style serrations, the same type they started to use on the GB knives. The older style ones are the same as was used on the P1 and P2's at the time. Your own picture...

CRKSawbacks020.jpg
 
Hi Guys,

The serrations don't really look like either of the pictures posted. I got a tiny pic off the seller, but to be honest it is so small as to not be of much use. Also, I don't know how to put up the picture on the web.

I was trying to find a picture of a knife with similar serrations and the best I could come up with was the Gerber Emerson cobo edge. It has groups of 3 serrations followed by a scallop (if that makes any sense). As I say, they don't really look like any Chris Reeve serrations I have seen.

Thanks for the response, but the search continues ;)
 
stjames said:
Jules, Those are the new style serrations, the same type they started to use on the GB knives. The older style ones are the same as was used on the P1 and P2's at the time. Your own picture...

CRKSawbacks020.jpg
Click to expand...

st.James,....Yes, good point..Thanks buddy:thumbup:



Romanx, to be real safe I would insist on a better picture from the seller before going foward but, that's just me. The sebbie in question sounds to be either altered or very rare. You should try to get a good pic of both sides and post it here, as well as contact CRK for I.D. or confirmation.:thumbup:

Jules
 
At one time the previous owner of bladeforums was offering to add serrations in the "Spyderco style". It sounds like that's the type of serrations it might have. You could email me the pic, I can probably take a look and or post it.
 
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