Just got my first Sebenza!

[roshi]

I just received my first Sebenza. It's a small plain one with a stone washed blade and I plan it to be my everyday carry knife.

I'm a mechanical engineer with aerospace experience and all I could think of when I saw the knife was "aircraft quality".

The fit and finish live up to the myth. The lock up is suberb and the bar covers about 70% on mine.

It is extremly sharp and a tool I'm sure will be with me for a long time.

I do have two minor critcisms (constructive) and one suggestion.

First, the thumbstud should be ambidextrous. While I open knives right handed 90% of the time there are times when I must open it left handed. Yes, I know you can do it with the left index finger but it's not as effective and not as safe.

Second, I find the thumbstud a bit on the small side and mine has rather a sharp edge on the top groove. Maybe my thumb is a bit too sensitive but then it's my thumb and I am the customer. I could probably fix it with some emery cloth but that would destroy that beautiful blue finish and make for small slick thumbstud.


An immediate suggestion came to mind for dressing up the Sebenza which I'm sure some one will go after if Chris doesn't. Come up with some fancy screw heads similar to the designs that are often found on expensive guns. Ones I've seen that are attractive include star and flower designs. These could be an option on a new knife and a retrofit kit for the rest. Chris if you use this idea, I expect the first set to ship to me.

This is without a doubt the best folder I've ever had and I'm sure I will be after a large Sebenza when I have the funds.

Thanks to all you Sebenzanistas for making it easier to spend my money in confidence.


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Malcolm
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To know is to know that you don't know.

 

[Ken C.]

Congrats on your Sebenza!!! You now belong to a large family. Ihope it serves you well.

As far as your concern about ambi thumbstuds...you can send your knife to CRK and they will add dual thumblugs.....Here is the Retail Price List directly from Chris' site.

Options for Sebenzas:
Polished hollow grind..... $10.50

Small swedge.............. $21.00

Partial serrated blade.... $21.00 (can only be added when placing a new knife order directly from CRK)

Engraving................. $25.00

Double thumblug........... $31.50

I would also like to see a retro screw kit for the knives. I would be most interested in engraved and colored screw sets. That would be awesome.

Good luck and enjoy your Sebenza!!!




------------------
Ken

"Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names." - John F. Kennedy

 

[SALTY]

As remster indicated, dual thumstuds are available from the factory; you have to send them the knife and they install the dual thumbstuds.

Your comment about the "aircraft quality" of the Sebenza made me laugh as you much be around much better aircraft than I have flown, worked on and been around! But I think I know what you meant.

Congratulations and welcome to the family! Now use the darn thing; use it in good health and my grandmother used to say!

 

[roshi]

The aircraft quality I'm familiar with comes from a long association with military jet engines.

A lot of the aircraft industry technology has come to the knife business which has benefitted us all.

Chris Reeves uses the technology and adds the personal quality touch that we also added to every J-58 that powered an SR-71.

That personal touch isn't common these days and it's what makes the difference between a good knife and a great knife.

I've been using the same Randall knife since 1966 and know that the Sebenza will outlast me. You can be sure that I'm going to use it.

 

[Roj Avon]

Can purchase a decorated half of a Large Sebenza handle from CRK? Can they decorate it with a graphic I provide?

Anybody know about this and how much it would cost?

 

[Paul Work]

Another one bites the dust.

Welcome to the club, you are now a Sebenzanista...be proud.

Paul

 

[BigHonu]

roshi,
Welcome!
Like yourself, I am a relatively new member to this family.
Initially, I had similar feelings regarding the thumblug (a little on the "sharp" side, being too small, etc.)but after using the knife for a few weeks, I have come to appreciate the way it "grabs"...no slipping here.
Of course you know you can't stop at just one.

I'm saving up for my second...a Large Wood Inlay.

The only problem will be figuring out which one to carry.
Enjoy!
Aloha

 

[roshi]

Which one to carry? Why carry them both of course

I'll try using the thumblug (got to use Sebenza terminology right?) for a month or more before I think about sending it back. The biggest problem is I already know I can't be without it so I'll have to get a second before I send the first back.

Am I starting to sound like a Sebenzanista?

 

[Chris Reeve Knives]

Roshi - "new Sebenza thumb" appears to be a fairly common ailment!!

Be sure to use a sweeping sideways motion when you open the blade, don't push down on the lug but go sideways!

As you have read in previous postings here, a double thumblug is an option and we would be happy to install one for you.

I will pass your comment on the screws onto Chris - who knows what might happen in the future!

Thanks for your comments - enjoy your Sebenza!

Anne

 

[Will.223]

I love to read these, "I just got my first Sebenza" posts!
I've had my "Small Plain" for about a month and a half. It never ceases to amaze me how mechanically perfect my Sebenza is. When the blade locks open, it's like my Sebenza is a solid, one piece knife. None of the thing that disappoints me most, "blade wiggle"!
In a couple of months, while I'm on vacation, I'm going to send mine back to the factory for the "silver contrast" engraving. Now THAT will really be special! I can hardly wait!
Oh, I almost forgot! Roshi, welcome to the ranks of the "Sebenzanistas"!

Will

[This message has been edited by Will.223 (edited 06-07-2001).]