Large Sebenza 21 TANTO for EDC & self defense purposes?

DrtyHarry

DrtyHarry

Joined
Jul 14, 2010
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367
I usually carry 2-3 knives on me. One for use as a light tool, a multitool, and usually a karambit for self defense.

I'm going to be getting ready to get a 3rd Sebenza. I have both a large 21 and 25 at the moment. Now that the summer is around the corner...I don't really want to carry that many blades. I was wondering if a large 21 TANTO would do ok as a self defense instrument. I had a great deal of training with a karambit, and I am very comfortable with one. I was going to pick up another large 25, but am curious as to what you gentleman think of the large 21 Tanto for both a light EDC tool and as a self defense knife? Thoughts? Oh...is there a chance we might see a Tanto blade in the 25 any time soon? Thanks in advance.


Harry
 
I don't really like tantos, but yes, it can do the job...if you can. I've trained in martial arts and combatives for about a decade, run a training group, and do some teaching, and the question of "...Is such and such a good defensive knife?" always comes up. If it has a sharp edge and point, and a good handle, it will do its part. You are the driving force behind any (or no) weapon, and will be the deciding factor in your survival. I can't imagine a scenario that would end with, "Dang, if only he'd had _____....too bad he was carrying a Sebenza."

A Sebenza meets the three criteria for a defensive folder (one hand open, pocket clip, lock), but I don't look at them as defensive tools. It can do the job, sure, but it's a really nice pocket knife...not my first pick for a defensive knife. That said, I've always liked the blurb that comes (came?) with CRKs..."This knife will be your companion, defender, etc....take care of your knife and it will take care of you."

So in summary, it'll do the job, but wouldn't be my first pick. I like that the Sebenza is NOT a defensive knife, but rather a solid, reliable tool that can be called on to serve a variety of roles. ;)
 
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I'd love to see a tanto 25, I've never thought about using any knife for self defense, but any knife would serve the purpose if needed. So, yes, it would serve as a defensive means.
 
Let me just put on my infomercial mall-ninja black ops voice.... If you ever have to defend yourself against someone wearing armor like high threat active shooter situations you NEED Multi-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC). What about Counter Terrorism direct actions, zombie horde encounters or roaming packs of Justin Beiber fans at the mall, you will DIE without a tanto. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a sheep. Dual wield that tanto off hand, WC 1911 strong hand. Make them wonder, just how lucky they feel.

Not lucky enough.
 
I totally agree that a Sebenza is not the best choice as a defensive tool...it serves far better as an EDC tool. Like I said, for SD...I prefer a karambit as I have had some training with it. If I don't have one of my karambits on me, I usually have a Spyderco Military or a Microtech SOCOM. Both excellent folders. My main reason for carrying a knife for self defense reasons is because not every situation calls for a firearm. But primarily , I have one on me in case I ever find myself struggling over someone trying to take my sidearm away from me.

Anyway, my main reason for raising this question was to help me figure out if I should get a Tanto 21 or another 25 for my next Sebenza. I sure would like to see a Tanto 25. I think that I have come to like the 25 over the 21 after a month or so of owning both. I appreciate your opinions.

Harry
 
I would suggest you get in touch with Neil @ True North Knives. Ask him if he has any tanto 25's in the works. That answers one of your main questions.

IMO, I don't see a Sebenza outdoing your karambit, in particular if it has the capacity open the blade as you deploy it from your pocket. JMHO.
 
Corskin said:
My self defense knife is a Glock 26.
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Ah another practicer of Ninemill jitsu. I chose the 17, size 10 hands.

DrtyHarry, show us some pics of that 1911 with the Starbenza please! I can't see how the WC duo are not suitable for this moment!
 
Harry,

Looks like you are looking to for a way justify a purchase of a Tanto 21. My advice, just buy one, no excuse necessary, if you can afford it. The CRK tanto blades are really beautiful, and work well enough for EDC. Some things they do really well, others they are not the best choice, but they always looks super sexy.

My honest opinion is if self-defence is a real priority of yours, a fixed blade boot knife, or neck knife is the best option. Any fixed blade knife, even a chinese butter knife, will be a better combat weapon than a pocket folder. When you are twisting your Tanto 21 in the eye socket of your nemesis, it will likely fold on your fingers, and you don't want that!!!
 
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JustinFournier said:
I would suggest you get in touch with Neil @ True North Knives. Ask him if he has any tanto 25's in the works. That answers one of your main questions.

IMO, I don't see a Sebenza outdoing your karambit, in particular if it has the capacity open the blade as you deploy it from your pocket. JMHO.
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Yes....it is a Brous karambit that I custom modified myself by putting a "wave" on it. Works perfectly. I think the Brous karambit is one of the best....but a clip on the other side so I can draw and be in a reverse grip was needed. Its lighting fast. It's a bit bulky, but I don't mind. In the summer I wear a FOX 599. Nice...but no Brous. And yes, I also front pocket carry a G27....works well with Duluth Trading jeans/pants with extra large pockets. GAP floorplate and Alabama holster help as well if not on waist. IMHO.
 
JustinFournier said:
DrtyHarry, show us some pics of that 1911 with the Starbenza please! I can't see how the WC duo are not suitable for this moment!
Click to expand...

I have one with a 21 and a 25 with one of my CQBs here....

34dlwef.jpg
 
DrtyHarry said:
I totally agree that a Sebenza is not the best choice as a defensive tool...it serves far better as an EDC tool. Like I said, for SD...I prefer a karambit as I have had some training with it. If I don't have one of my karambits on me, I usually have a Spyderco Military or a Microtech SOCOM. Both excellent folders. My main reason for carrying a knife for self defense reasons is because not every situation calls for a firearm. But primarily , I have one on me in case I ever find myself struggling over someone trying to take my sidearm away from me.
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It's not that the Sebenza isn't the best choice, just that 'what knife' really doesn't matter. If it's got a good edge, point, and handle, then it'll be fine.

If the situation doesn't call for a gun, then it doesn't call for a knife. They are the same level of force...period.

Kid is right that a fixed blade is the way to go, but not due to lock strength concerns so much as speed and ease of accessibility. Fixed blades are dramatically easier to access and deploy while in contact with someone.
 
Given that you can kiss the knife goodbye if you ever have to use it for SD, why not get something less expensive and just as capable for the task?
Buying it ONLY for self-defense is basically buying it as a throwaway knife.
Even if you can afford it, throwing a CRK away is a sad thing.
 
Imho, I would choose open hand CQB first over a knife when involved in an incident, using my weapon as my last and final option. I've thought about this topic on and off for years. I've EDC'd various knives over the years for potential self-defense (BM CQC-7, Microtech Socom, Pirahna Excalibur, Spyderco Military), trained in weapon deployment as well as open hand defense/attack/disarming tactics.

As much as I have done with that, I can react much quicker and more effectively with open hand than with a knife/weapon. The few times I have had to defend myself against assailants, my CQB responses have proven satisfactory.

It is still enjoyable to consider what knives would serve that role best, however. If I had to choose a CRK specifically for self-defense, I would choose either the tanto variant or my Umnumzaan, which I EDC already, besides my large 21's. A fixed blade is best, but not always desireable or practical to carry.

I also agree with the point about knives and guns being the same force level.
 
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What I like on a Karambit is the ring at the end. That can be used as a blunt instrument and inflict some serious damage used correctly. Just another reason I like the Karambit. Anyway...again, thank you for your opinions.


Harry
 
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