Large Sebenza Carbon Fiber inlays vs Zaan

BIG_BUCKNUT

BIG_BUCKNUT

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Jun 19, 2013
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Looking for a new knife to compliment my small Sebenza 21 insingo. I've narrowed it down to these two but I just can't decide so I was hoping you all could persuade me one way or the other. I don't see many posts about the carbon fiber inlayed sebbie for a reference hence why I made this thread. So what do you guys say? Zaan or CF inlay large Sebenza?
 
There are some great videos of both on youtube. Thats usually a good place to get a few different perspectives on a knife before buying. There are a few recent videos on the CF inlay version especially that are really nice for reference and i know there are a ton on the Zaan as well. What will you be using the knife for? I'm sure both will work for most tasks but the Zaan looks more utilitarian IMO, the CF inlay version looks a little more on the classy side. If i was getting one to put to hard work, i would get the Zaan. The CF version may be a bit more office friendly on the other hand, and either would serve well as an edc. Just my opinion. Good luck with your choice, maybe you could throw some pics up here of whichever one you choose. Have a good one.
 
BBQ BOY said:
I have both. What is the intended use?
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Mostly edc tasks. Food prep etc. It will be used but not necessarily as a work horse. I don't work in an office either so I'm not worried about the Zaan being too intimidating.
 
Get the Insingo. I LOVE mine, BUT, if I were you I would certainly take a hard look at the 25. Cuts better than both the Zaan and 21 and it very very tough.
 
The 21 is the tried and true slicer. Along with the pivot/bushing system you can never go wrong. I too have both but EDC has to go to the Sebenza.
 
I think it depends on your work environment. The zaan may not be as people friend, i kinda think of the zaan as a more hard use knife, i have no trouble using that baby. I have a ebony inlay seb so i dont know about cf but i think there is nothing classier looking than my seb.
 
That's a very tough question!

Although I've carried an Umnum for a very long time as my edc I still think that the Seb is a better knife. Neither will leave you wanting in any ordinary knife task, or extraordinary in my experience.
The Umnum, my edc is the tanto, has been a workhorse and is a very strong knife that's never left me feeling like I needed more knife in any way; although the Seb's have been just as strong I just won't use one with the standard 21 blade as hard as the tanto Umnum for fear of wrecking the tip( that said, the 21 has a thicker tip than a standard Umnum harpoon blade).

Because the standard 21 blade concerns me I bought large and small Insingo's, after a lot if use and carry I've found that for me they are the best knife ever created for edc tasks. Pokes, stabs, cuts, slices- whatever you need. It's not just a jack of all trades blade it's a master of all things design. Don't let the looks fool you or put you off on the Insingo, it is a tough and capable workhorse.

Ok, rant over.

I guess it's not such a tough question. If your tough on blades and desire the tougher look of the Umnum it'll be the right knife. If you're just a regular guy who treats his tools well and desire the more refined look of the Seb then it'll be the right knife for you( plus you get the pivot bushing - awesome ).

I guess my rant wasn't over ;)

Do what all of the rest if us do- get both :D
 
To me, these knives were built for entirely different tasks. While the Large sebenza can handle hard use, the CF inlays make it more of a gentleman's carry, more of a classy knife. While the Zaan is overbuilt, sturdy, built to handle any task in its way.

If you don't need an extremely high use knife, I'd really just go with whichever one you like the looks of better. Odds are you're going to end up owning both of them anyways. :p
 
I agree in some part to what 3migo says. Though keep in kind the inlays do serve a function, grip. The feel of different inlays is key to what works for you. I like the added thickness as well as looks.
 
I'd agree that Inlays do provide for added grip, but if OP was going for added grip I have a feeling they would have opted for micarta inlays rather than CF. I assume from the choice of CF inlays that it's more of an aesthetic preference.

Part of me also questions how much grip the CF inlays would add, they look quite slick. However, I haven't handled any of the CF inlay Sebenza's. But judging from the CF they used on the full CF scaled versions, I don't think it'll be exactly "grippy".
 
I own two, small Insingo and large 21. Although slick in appearance I haven't had them "slip". The Sebenza in itself with the grip ergos prevent any slippage IMO anyhow. Can't say that I've ever had any CRK folder slip out of my grip regardless of the task or heavy cutting I was performing.
 
I haven't had a CRK slip out of my hand either, one of the things I really love about these knives. Even with a knife like the Sebenza, which looks blocky and uncomfortable, it actually feels great in the hand, and the groove(s) allow for a comfortable and secure grip.
 
My advice is go with the Sebenza. Because if for some reason you end up not liking, they're very hard to get what you paid for it. Unless, that is, you are getting a really good deal on one. That's MY experience, anyway. And I know for a few others, as well.
 
I had a large inlay sebenza that I sold because after I got my zaan it was neglected. It is almost the perfect larger knife IMO, I vote for it hands down!

However....... You might want to consider the 25 also
 
I second that! Get a 25, and you'll never need another knife again! And, it will be cheaper than the CF Sebenza you're looking at..
 
I bought a large to complment my small inaly, but im already thinking about selling the large.

while a great knife, small is all I really need.
 
Totally your call and your preference. I sold my Zaan as I prefer my Sebenza. The truth is, both are awesome and you truly can't go wrong with either.
 
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