Just got my first Chris Reeve Knife - Stars & Stripes

[Rolex John]

Hey guys,

Just picked up this 2005 Small Sebenza Stars and Stripes. I've been wanting to pick up a CRK for a number of years - curiosity as much as anything. I wanted to see if the knife lived up to the hype. Here's a quick iPhone photo:

My initial impressions are quite positive. Aesthetically, it's a home run with me. The graphic side looks to have a polished finish and is overall much more attractive to my eye than the plain, unembellished models I often see. The blade appears to be polished too, and is very attractive.

The blade is stiffer to deploy than I anticipated, so I'll put some Militec on it, and perhaps loosen the pivot screw a tad.

That said, I'm looking for a knife to add to my EDC rotation, and I've been using a Bradley Alias II in this capacity (once or twice a week) for about three months. My initial impression is that I'm having a hard time perceiving any differences in favor of the Sebenza. It's prettier, but my initial impression it's not enough to justify the cost difference. We'll see once I get it home and work on it a bit.

 

[au5t3n5]

I've had an Alias 2 briefly before I went back to a sebenza. I think the Alias, while it has near same construction materials, just looks tacky compared to the sebenza, especially the clip. It also just doesn't quite have the heft and full titanium tank feeling of the sebenza. That said, it is faster, and much less expensive.

Anyway, the pivot screw doesn't effect the smoothness of the lock really, some lube should fix it up though. The sebenza is made so the pivot doesn't effect it like other knives, thus it doesn't need and shouldn't ever be loctited.

 

[rawpaak]

I put gun oil on and around pivit, tightned pivit screw finger tight. Perfection !

 

[JNewell]

The knife is meant to be used with the pivot run all the way down tight.

The Seb runs best with their grease. A 2005 knife may need to be taken down and relubed.

Many people have a hard time perceiving any differences between a Panerai, a Rolex and a Timex...they think that the differences are not enough to justify the cost difference...YMMV.

Hey guys,

Just picked up this 2005 Small Sebenza Stars and Stripes. I've been wanting to pick up a CRK for a number of years - curiosity as much as anything. I wanted to see if the knife lived up to the hype. Here's a quick iPhone photo:

My initial impressions are quite positive. Aesthetically, it's a home run with me. The graphic side looks to have a polished finish and is overall much more attractive to my eye than the embellished models I often see. The blade appears to be polished too, and is very attractive.

The blade is stiffer to deploy than I anticipated, so I'll put some Militec on it, and perhaps loosen the pivot screw a tad.

That said, I'm looking for a knife to add to my EDC rotation, and I've been using a Bradley Alias II in this capacity (once or twice a week) for about three months. My initial impression is that I'm having a hard time perceiving any differences in favor of the Sebenza. It's prettier, but my initial impression it's not enough to justify the cost difference. We'll see once I get it home and work on it a bit.

 

[Rolex John]

I've had an Alias 2 briefly before I went back to a sebenza. I think the Alias, while it has near same construction materials, just looks tacky compared to the sebenza, especially the clip. It also just doesn't quite have the heft and full titanium tank feeling of the sebenza. That said, it is faster, and much less expensive.

Anyway, the pivot screw doesn't effect the smoothness of the lock really, some lube should fix it up though. The sebenza is made so the pivot doesn't effect it like other knives, thus it doesn't need and shouldn't ever be loctited.

OK - I won't mess with the pivot screw, and will simply disassemble it and apply some lubrication. Hopefully it goes back together easier than the Griptilian I recently disassembled and reassembled.

I sure do love my my Alias II, especially how light and smooth it is. This will be an interesting comparison for me.

 

[TUF]

Just take out the pivot screw, don't loosen the others. Then you can take out the blade, washers, and bushing. You can clean them, lube them, and easily reinstall them in a minute or less.

Awesome knife. I have been looking for a large stars and stripes.

 

[gundude73]

carry and use it for awhile then the price difference will become apparent. even more so when you disassemble it.

 

[Rolex John]

Just take out the pivot screw, don't loosen the others. Then you can take out the blade, washers, and bushing. You can clean them, lube them, and easily reinstall them in a minute or less.

Awesome knife. I have been looking for a large stars and stripes.

Thanks - this is good advice. Much appreciated.

 

[DallasSTB]

Congratulations on your first Seb! The Stars and Strips CGG design is probably my favorite production graphic CR has done.

Let us know if it starts to grow on you. And like a couple of other posts have stated - take it apart, lube it up, and put it all back together. It's an interesting exercise and remarkably simple.

I think you're going to like it.

 

[Josh K]

A $50 Timex will tell time with the best Rolex can offer, does that make the Rolex not worth it? To draw a parallel for you.

 

[Rolex John]

A $50 Timex will tell time with the best Rolex can offer, does that make the Rolex not worth it? To draw a parallel for you.

From what I can see thus far, the difference is FAR closer between the Alias II and the Sebenza. More like perhaps the Omega Seamaster as compared to the Rolex Submariner. They both seem like really great knives. Can't really compare a Timex and a Rolex in the same way.

 

[Josh K]

From what I can see thus far, the difference is FAR closer between the Alias II and the Sebenza. More like perhaps the Omega Seamaster as compared to the Rolex Submariner. They both seem like really great knives. Can't really compare a Timex and a Rolex in the same way.

No, a Alias is still a very production knife without all the options a Sebenza comes with. Maybe a Seiko automatic vs a Rolex? I'm not into watches as much as knives, though I have an auto Lum-Tec I wear.

 

[RevDevil]

From what I can see thus far, the difference is FAR closer between the Alias II and the Sebenza. More like perhaps the Omega Seamaster as compared to the Rolex Submariner. They both seem like really great knives. Can't really compare a Timex and a Rolex in the same way.

The only way for you to truly see the differences that are imperceptible would be to pull out a micrometer.

 

[four_shore]

I had both and kept my alias II. I never found myself able to justify paying 330 bucks for a 6.875" pocket knife. I'll agree with the masses that it is a quality product (one of the best i've ever held), but I also like to use my knives and not constantly worry about it potentially getting stolen or destroyed. To each his own and it's very possible that some people easily have that money to blow, but for me, in this economy, I search for the better deal. I'm often wondering what people are using these knives for (mostly to take pictures of them it seems). It's a pocket knife not a light saber and I can safely say that my FFG delica slices every bit as good if not better than a sebenza...IMO of course...

 

[Matheos21]

I had both and kept my alias II. I never found myself able to justify paying 330 bucks for a 6.875" pocket knife. I'll agree with the masses that it is a quality product (one of the best i've ever held), but I also like to use my knives and not constantly worry about it potentially getting stolen or destroyed. To each his own and it's very possible that some people easily have that money to blow, but for me, in this economy, I search for the better deal. I'm often wondering what people are using these knives for (mostly to take pictures of them it seems). It's a pocket knife not a light saber and I can safely say that my FFG delica slices every bit as good if not better than a sebenza...IMO of course...

I have owned/own a number of custom folders and fixed blades. I'm constantly annoyed because my FFG Delica slices as good as all of them and better than most. lol That being said, I enjoy owning, carrying, fondling, and yes taking pictures of my customs more.

 

[four_shore]

that's why i said to each his own. i can't justify it for myself though. maybe if the economy was stronger and my job was more secure but i still probably would spent my money wiser. don't get me wrong i love collecting knives but no knife is worth that price tag IMO.

 

[Nikkogi]

I don't have a Sebenza (yet) but I have a lot of high end knives, lights, gear, and other things. A Sebenza definitely isn't for everybody. It's for the people who want the best of the best. The people who wear Rolex's, drive Ferrari's, and drink Johnny Walker Blue Label! My Dad has a few expensive Rolex's and he loves them. Growing up, he always told me that it's always better to save up and get what you want. This way, you don't have to settle for crap and you get what you want! Me personally, I like to wear G-Shocks. I wear one of the most expensive G-Shocks, a Riseman, but it's still under $200. So, are Sebenza's worth the extra cost? Most definitely. There is a special niche market of people who buy CRK products because they bought one and appreciate the craftsmanship. Some people may see an FRN Delica and say WOW that's the nicest knife I've ever seen. It's just like anything, really. The first purchase of something you get is usually low quality, then it keeps getting a little better each time. You buy a Sanrenmu, then you get a Gerber, then CRKT, then Spyderco, then a high end Spyderco, then you get into the knives like Sebenzas, SNG's, and XM-18's.

 

[JAB]

That's all well and good but, in case you didn't notice, this is the CRK forum. You know, a place where folks come to discuss CRK products, not put them down in favor of whatever your other favorite brand happens to be.

And yes, many of us do use our Sebenzas.

I had both and kept my alias II. I never found
myself able to justify paying 330 bucks for a 6.875" pocket knife. I'll agree with the masses that it is a quality product (one of the best i've ever held), but I also like to use my knives and not constantly worry about it potentially getting stolen or destroyed. To each his own and it's very possible that some people easily have that money to blow, but for me, in this economy, I search for the better deal. I'm often wondering what people are using these knives for (mostly to take pictures of them it seems). It's a pocket knife not a light saber and I can safely say that my FFG delica slices every bit as good if not better than a sebenza...IMO of course...

that's why i said to each his own. i can't justify it for myself though. maybe if the economy was stronger and my job was more secure but i still probably would spent my money wiser. don't get me wrong i love collecting knives but no knife is worth that price tag IMO.

 

[four_shore]

Agreed. I have plenty of fairly expensive knives, flashlights and other gear. The sebenza just didnt really offer me much more than anything I already own. although I did just pay over 200 for a NIB titanium military I justify that because it's much more knife for the money and it's still titanium /s30v...I'm not knocking CR knives either. Just stating my opinion about them.

 

[ForestRoamer]

Agreed. I have plenty of fairly expensive knives, flashlights and other gear. The sebenza just didnt really offer me much more than anything I already own. although I did just pay over 200 for a NIB titanium military I justify that because it's much more knife for the money and it's still titanium /s30v...I'm not knocking CR knives either. Just stating my opinion about them.

Some people value there knives more in terms of how much blade and handle they get for what they pay, as you suggest, but most CRK fans put a lot of stock in the time and thought put into each and every CRK product that is produced. When it comes down to it the search for perfection is what draws many people to CRK. I am not saying nor do I believe Sebenzas are perfect, but they are as close to perfection in a knife as many people can realistically attain therefore the cost is justified. I do agree with you that everyone has there own likes and dislikes and no one will be happy with any knife purchase if they don't buy what they like and steer clear of what they don't like.