Large Sebenza 21 for Hard Use (NOT Abuse) Knife?

LightGuy

LightGuy

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I picked up a small Sebenza 21 micarta insingo for EDC and couldn't love that knife more. It is perfection, and it over-performs in every aspect and carries like it isn't there.

I was going to pick up a larger folder like a ZT for more hard use/play when going for hikes etc. But now that I've used a CRK, I can't imagine enjoying using any other knife near as much, and I've been thinking in investing in a large sebbie 21 for this purpose. I don't mean batonning or anything crazy like that, but it might involve cutting/hacking a small limb down, de-limbing, whittling, and generally more forceful use than I'd want to use my small sebbie for. I have fixed blades for batonning and the real hard stuff, so I won't be abusing it. But I'm just not sure how the stop pin, lock bar, pivot, etc.. holds up under typical non-abuse hard use.

From what I've seen, people are saying that the 25 is more geared for hard use because of the thicker blade. I will not be prying with the blade, so not too worried about that. I honestly prefer the 21 over the 25 as I've never been fond of knives with finger grooves, so I'm considering the 21 for this purpose.

Have any of you found the large 21 to be a good all-around hard use knife, or should I look for something more stout?

Thanks in advance!
 
You can use your 21 hard, no problem -- the name translates as "worker", I believe. This is a rugged knife made to be used.
 
I use my micarta inlaid Large '21 for everything I would use a folding knife for. That said, I never use a folding knife for anything involving impact, even light chopping. I'm not comfortable subjecting a lock, pivot, or stop pin to any sort of jarring force because I really don't want to discover the point of failure on a $500 knife. The '25 feels stronger to me, but I'm sure it's my perception due to the impressive lockup and thicker blade and pivot. I'm guessing that anything that is serious enough to break or damage a Sebenza 21 would also break or damage the Sebenza 25.

Have you considered a Nyala? They're small and thin enough to pocket carry (in big enough pockets) and you wouldn't have to worry about banging up locks and pivots and stop pins doing bushcrafty stuff.
 
Picked up a well used Lrg Insingo from the forums and it has become my hard use knife. As MattSB said, no chopping or prying as any fixed blade will serve that purpose. Otherwise I'm comfortable using the Insingo as hard as any other folder.
 
+1 for the large Insingo.

The micarta inlays make it even more of a tough worker. It has become my favorite CRK. To repeat what I've posted in other threads, if I could get my large 21 Insingo Micarta in DT Damascus, that would be the best for me.
 
Sometimes we get carried away with the term "hard use". I think of some of those video's where some idiot is trying to destroy a knife.
What I consider " hard use " may not be someone else's view. I think the 21 would be fine for what you want to throw at it.
Have you looked at the Umnumzaan????? IMO, it would make an excellent camping knife.
 
Good point about the Umnumzaan. It is arguably the toughest, most robust folder in the current CRK lineup. Definitely would make a great camp knife.

I use mine every day for work. I am the toughest on it of any of my CRK's; it takes every bit with success. It is a beast of a knife. All around, a very strong folder indeed.
 
I loves me an Umnumzaan. Wish I had more "hard use" to throw at it. Wish I had found it/known about it 15 years ago when my boys were younger and we were camping more.

But I bet a 21 will do you proud.
 
I've had "hard use knives" who's claim to fame is being the ultimate beater folder fall out of spec sooner than a CRK.

That includes one of any of the criteria used to quality control any of the knives that one leaves the factory in Idaho.
 
I am not a big fan of high priced knives BUT, ....... my Sebenza is abused almost daily. I hate how hard it is to open the blade compared to so many other brands. I use mine to dig in the dirt to weed, cut flowers, cut open packages / bags, used it for a wedge on the concrete, I pry with mine ( using common sense doing it ), And fishing, cutting games and food. It cleans up beautifully. I DO NOT baby the $425 knife. Use it till it fails. I don't think it will.
 
Welcome to the CRK Forum. Just a note, for $10 you could have a chance at winning a brand new large Sebenza and the money goes to a good cause. You could see for yourself how "hard use" it is. See my sig line for details. (I hope that was on topic.) :o
 
sams said:
I am not a big fan of high priced knives BUT, ....... my Sebenza is abused almost daily. I hate how hard it is to open the blade compared to so many other brands. I use mine to dig in the dirt to weed, cut flowers, cut open packages / bags, used it for a wedge on the concrete, I pry with mine ( using common sense doing it ), And fishing, cutting games and food. It cleans up beautifully. I DO NOT baby the $425 knife. Use it till it fails. I don't think it will.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the replies - I loved this last one from sams. This is exactly what I was looking for - people not using their large sebbie as museum pieces but as hard working tools. I'm glad to hear real experiences that show they are not built just to be "refined" for collectors, but actually to perform a broad range of tasks without performance degradation, and continue to do so for the long term.

Now to find a deal on one from the Exchange....:thumbup:
 
Ajack60 said:
Sometimes we get carried away with the term "hard use". I think of some of those video's where some idiot is trying to destroy a knife.
What I consider " hard use " may not be someone else's view. I think the 21 would be fine for what you want to throw at it.
Have you looked at the Umnumzaan????? IMO, it would make an excellent camping knife.
Click to expand...

Actually I did have an Umnumzaan at one point. Honestly I much prefer the design/feel of the Sebenza - large and small.
 
Have you experienced what a SAK can take?
Any Sebenza can easily take hard use.
The large 21 is a fine knife.
It is not a multi tool nor a screwdriver.
Ja, the 25 has that authority feeling.
 
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Flynlow said:
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Click to expand...

Agreed.
 
LightGuy said:
Thanks so much for the replies - I loved this last one from sams. This is exactly what I was looking for - people not using their large sebbie as museum pieces but as hard working tools. I'm glad to hear real experiences that show they are not built just to be "refined" for collectors, but actually to perform a broad range of tasks without performance degradation, and continue to do so for the long term.

Now to find a deal on one from the Exchange....:thumbup:
Click to expand...

The quality lock fit and heat treating of the lockbar as well as the geometry of the lock guarantees you a strong knife, stronger than a lot of other knives. While it won't hold up to spine whacks, I've never had one buckle or develop play under normal use over the years. I've had many other knives develop said things in due time, all of them of the "hard use" variety, when my Endura of 9 years still holding up strong. The Sebenza will last.
 
Just use it. I have never babied ANY of my CRK's and they stood up to everything I threw at them. I have been currently giving the Inkosi a workout everyday.
 
No problem with hard-use on a 21!

IMG_4586_zpshtkzyoim.jpg
 
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