Large Plain Sebenza Pass-Around Review

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gud4u

Joined
Jan 6, 2004
Messages
551
The last time I had the priviledge of fondling a Sebenza, it was DaveH's small Sebenza. My summary comments included:
"'Stunning' is the word that seems to apply. Precise fit and attention to details is evident in all areas. Finish is meticulous. Lock-up is secure and frame strength is excellent. Carry properties are excellent. This is a zero-fault knife."

The pass-around Large Sebenza is larger and plainer, but the same comments about fit and finish apply to this knife. If fit, finish and attention to detail are your first priorities, you won't be disappointed with this folder.

I was so impressed with DaveH's Sebbie, that I fully intended to buy a Large Sebenza for myself. Along the way, I:
- Investigated some other frame-locking folder alternatives.
- Reconsidered the order of my folder feature & blade preferences.
- Bought a Strider SMF (clearly, fit & finish slipped in my order of preferences).

After carrying and using the SMF, I now find the Large Sebenza 'inadequate' (I can't come up with a more fitting adjective - sorry if that offends Sebenistas!).

Further, re-ordering my preferences to demote fit, finish and attention to detail as secondary preferences, I'd rate my Benchmade 806D2 as a better personal choice than the Large Plain Sebenza. If I were to further relax robust build strength preference to 'good enough for most tasks', I'd rank my Military as superior to both the Large Sebenza and the 806D2 for personal carry and use.

The Large Plain Sebenza is truly a class act, particularly if fit, finish and attention to detail are your first priority.
 
Thanks for the honest review.

I'd be worried if was right for everyone .
 
With apology, after re-reading my own posted comments above, they are pretty darned cryptic.

In re-ordering my preferences, I promoted these preferences above fit, finish and attention to detail:
- Blade ergonomics.
- Robust build strength.

After carrying a Military for a long time, I found the following blade-ergo features indispensable:
- Choil cutout to accomodate forefinger.
- Deeply-milled non-slip thumb accomdation on blade spine.

The Strider SMF best suited those primary requirements, while sacrificing in fit, finish and attention to detail. Excellent blade ergos combined with build-strength approaching that of a fixed-blade knife.

Those are the specific features I found 'inadequate' in the Large Plain Sebenza.
 
Not to highjack your thread or anything, gud4u, but I thought I would add my thoughts to this review. Hope you do not mind as I have similar priorities in a knife as gud4u, i.e. ergos and strength above fit and finish.

The ergos of this knife were not very comfortable for long periods of use, compared to my SMF or SNG. The blade of course sliced really well and skinned the deer I took opening day like it was butter. Disassembly and clean up after skinning was a breeze, a very nice feature of this knife. The clip on these knives is probably the best design I have seen, I do not like the clips as they come on the Strider knives nor the Spydercos I own.

This is a very well put together knife but the handle ergos could use some improvement. Fit and finish as gud4u mentioned are excellent making for great eye candy.

That's the short and sweet review, good knife but for me not a great knife. I would sacrifice a little fit and finish for handle ergos and go with the similarily sized SNG. Though I can see why this knife is extremely popular.
 
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