Knife Art Carbon Fiber?

gull wing

gull wing

Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
2,536
The Knife Art exclusive, Carbon Fiber slab 21, for those who have one.
Is the CF textured?
How do you find the traction compared to a plain slab titanium?
Less traction than a Micarta inlay?
 
I really like the looks of this also. My concern was, does it feel lopsided in the weight from the cf, compared to the ti.
 
Krav said:
I really like the looks of this also. My concern was, does it feel lopsided in the weight from the cf, compared to the ti.
Click to expand...

I have had custom scales for large sebenzas and they do have that uneven weight feel when compared to the TI. Plus, the custom scale always seems to make a slight noise when handling it because of the nature of the scale material. I have always liked the CF Large Insingo, but have passed on it to date for this very reason. Just my opinion, while I am sure others may vary.
 
I have a small one. I strongly recommend it. I don't feel the uneven weight feel. Instead, the reduction of few grams really makes this knife distinctive from the titanium ones. I mean in a good way. Just a few grams but it really makes it feel much lighter.

The one thing that I noticed is that the copper washer does not spin in the regular titanium one but the washer on the carbon fiber one turns along with the blade when it opens. That indicates that the friction on the carbon fiber side is much less. Because of this maybe, I feel the opening action is much smoother than my titanium Insingo.

The carbon fiber is not textured but I don't have any problem in gripping it. Here's the picture of mine.
 
Last edited:
I will echo what everyone else said, no I don't notice an unevenness. The CF is smooth with a finish that I will call semi-gloss. It isn't glossy like normal CF and it isn't completely matte. It looks very classy and I would highly recommend.

My Wife got me one for Christmas and I couldn't be happier. :thumbup:

None of the pictures online do the knife justice - in-person it's beautiful. I took a few pictures for you, but still, much better in person.

Note: I changed out the lanyard.





 
Haze and I have been discussing the balance issue in PM the last few days, this is what I've came to notice (but only after close scrutiny)

The balance difference to me is an advantage and here's why- in hand with a loose grip the lop-sided balance actually helps to retain the knife, the heavier lock side scale causes the knife to favor leaning into your hand (see pic below). When the knife is set down on the top of the handle (closed spine up) and knocked off balance it definitely has a tendency to fall towards the lock side but as far as a problem, or being uncomfy, there's no issue.

As for the texture, the scale is smoother than a Ti scale but it's far from hard to hang onto. From what I understand its similar to the CF used on the Spyderco Caly line.

This is the grip I'm talking about (hand open so you can see)- hd loosely in hand the knife wants to fall backwards into your palm and remain upright/secure.
 
What about the strength of the CF slab? Is it strong enough to stand alone as compared to Ti?
 
hom76 said:
What about the strength of the CF slab? Is it strong enough to stand alone as compared to Ti?
Click to expand...

I wish I knew the answer. How would you test the CF's strength compared to TI? If you ask me my feeling, yes. I feel it is as strong as the TI slab.
 
The CF used on the Spyderco Caly line is peel ply. Very similar to normal G10. The CRK CF is smooth almost glass like,at least on the first run.
 
The cf isn't really textured, but it's not polished either. It's inbetween. The carbon fiber is very rigid and doesn't flex or
Feel too wimpy. The grip is fine, the part of the knife contacting your palm or fingers is ti so it's grippy, but the cf isn't slippery either.
 
Ok, back to my thread starter.
Is it textured....................NO But it's not slick.
How do you find the traction compared to a plain slab titanium........No answer!
Less traction than a Micarta inlay................................................No answer!
 
The cf is great, I have an large insingo and it's night and day in terms of weight. Perfect edc with the weight of an all ti small. In regards to durability it will hold up, I carrying all the time at work (electrican) and it gets it's fair share of use with no problems to date.
 
I just got another Sebenza Insingo Carbon Fiber from Knife Art last week.

Super smooth, fantastic finish knife. I've received 4 CF Reeve's from them. Great place to buy and fantastic people to deal with!

As far as strength, it was always my concern, but I assume if there is an issue, CRK will take care of the problem.
 
gull wing said:
How do you find the traction compared to a plain slab titanium?
Less traction than a Micarta inlay?
Click to expand...

IMO, the carbon fiber provides slightly more traction than the plain titanium.
Don't have one with a Micarta inlay, so can't say how it compares--(though obviously the inlay gives you something more to grip.)
 
I'm not sure how much traction you want. But I can say that the difference between my CF and my TI Insingo in terms of the traction is minimal. To me, my CGG is more grippy than those two since it has some engravings on the slab. But again, I just feel in that way. This does not mean that it is more grippy in real use.
 
I think the CF side has all the traction needed. It's as grippy as a used Ti scale.
 
nyefmaker said:
Plus, the custom scale always seems to make a slight noise when handling it because of the nature of the scale material.
Click to expand...

This may be because it was a custom scale. Maybe the tolerances aren't quite as tight as factory scales causing a noise when opening. I had the same thing happening when I had a custom G10 scale made for my small 21. However the KnifeArt CF Sebenza makes no sound when opening, silent like my full Ti's. I have to think it's a tolerance issue.
 
I started this thread to help in my decision for a future purchase. Thank you all!
I will in the future buy a Small 21 Standard blade*, now the question was 1. Carbon fiber slab. 2. Inlay

:)I'm a little closer.

* I have a Small Insingo Micarta now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top