Large Sebenza OR Strider SMF...

I think there are two main issues here that need to be remembered;

1: These are two very different knives, and as individuals we all expect/want different things from a knife.
Personal preference is the key here vs "which one is better"
It's always "which one is better for YOU"

2: If I am going to take someone else's opinion, then it will be someone who really USES their knives.
Mark (Gizler00) is as good an opinion as you will get (Keep in mind however that it's still his) however, he's not a fanboy
and uses the hell out of every knife he has. It's about as unbiased as it's gonna get.....
Opinions based on pocket bling and cutting up cardboard once a week don't do much to tell you the true nature of any
knife.....
 
Clinto. said:
No problem at all brotha. I hope you report back with your choice and analysis. I can't wait to see what you decide!
Click to expand...

It'll take a couple months before I get the bucks, but when I do decide, I'll post the pics here.
 
I bought about 100 knives in the last six months. Lots of different kinds. I've gotten rid of most of them. I've kept a large 21, an sng and an smf. I think they are all awesome. I cant' decide which I like more. I carry the SMF more than the others. Mostly at work (I wear BDU's).

As for the 25, I had one and I could barely open it. Now I know I'm a little petite (5'9" 240 lbs competitive powerlifter) but I got rid of it, not sure if they are all like that.

Buy both, life is short. They are both great tools.
 
If you want the better made knife, the better cutter, and great CS(you can even call them), go with the Sebenza.
If you want a heavier knife that looks tougher, and would look just fine with a skull bead hanging off of it go with the Strider.
Nothing wrong with either. I prefer the Sebenza myself.
 
Ken44 said:
If you want the better made knife, the better cutter, and great CS(you can even call them), go with the Sebenza.
If you want a heavier knife that looks tougher, and would look just fine with a skull bead hanging off of it go with the Strider.
Nothing wrong with either. I prefer the Sebenza myself.
Click to expand...


Yep, geometry cuts. :thumbup:

The Sebenzas are thinner than the SmF's, both spine and behind the edge thickness so they do actually cut better.

Just different types of knives for different types of use.
 
I bought a Sebenza thinking it would be the last knife I ever purchased (yeah right). Anyway, long story short, it was nice, it just wasn't for me. I found it difficult to open unless I positioned my thumb just right. You will never guess what I traded for... that's right, an SMF. I wont say the SMF is a nicer knife, but I like how easy it is to open, I like the finger choil, and the ergos. I even like the unique look. It works for me.
 
Ken44 said:
If you want the better made knife, the better cutter, and great CS(you can even call them), go with the Sebenza.
If you want a heavier knife that looks tougher, and would look just fine with a skull bead hanging off of it go with the Strider.
Nothing wrong with either. I prefer the Sebenza myself.
Click to expand...

Co-sign, word for word. Well put, Ken.
 
LukeTheSpook said:
As for the 25, I had one and I could barely open it. Now I know I'm a little petite (5'9" 240 lbs competitive powerlifter) but I got rid of it, not sure if they are all like that.
Click to expand...

Mine was like that at first, then after a few weeks I cleaned the pivot out, re-greased it, and properly adjusted the pivot and it was as smooth as can be.

If they come a bit too tight from the factory the 25s can be difficult to open, but once worn in and adjusted are capable of being every bit as smooth as even the bushing-pivot 21 :D
 
I think My Sebenza 25 may be my best made knife. But for some reason I tend to use my SNG for my outdoor work and have no problem with its cutting ability, both in edge retention and toughness (lack of chipping). I wonder how the Strider heat treated cpm154 compares with the CRK heat treated s35v. I know the geometry on the Sebenza is better for slicing. But for working edge retention and chipping resistance, I wonder how the two would compare. Unfortunately , I haven t used for 25 for heavy work yet, so I can t offer personal observations. My SNG seems to do well.
 
whp said:
I think My Sebenza 25 may be my best made knife. But for some reason I tend to use my SNG for my outdoor work and have no problem with its cutting ability, both in edge retention and toughness (lack of chipping). I wonder how the Strider heat treated cpm154 compares with the CRK heat treated s35v. I know the geometry on the Sebenza is better for slicing. But for working edge retention and chipping resistance, I wonder how the two would compare. Unfortunately , I haven t used for 25 for heavy work yet, so I can t offer personal observations. My SNG seems to do well.
Click to expand...

Would be difficult to really compare them due to the pretty large differences in geometry.

Would end up being more perception than anything else.

In real world use they would be very close to each other in real performance if they where close to the same geometry, they aren't so...
 
Last edited:
I have never held a 25. I really need to. Everyone keeps saying how robust they are. I really wish there was a CRK dealer close buy. It took me a long time before I was ready to get one.
 
Having both 21 and 25, i beat on the 25 because my 21 is too precious.
I'd take a free strider though.
 
Gizler00 said:
I have never held a 25. I really need to. Everyone keeps saying how robust they are. I really wish there was a CRK dealer close buy. It took me a long time before I was ready to get one.
Click to expand...

For me it's like it was designed for my hand. :D

Never held a frame lock that felt this good to me.
 
Lycosa said:
Now wait a minute. A hollow grind can out cut a Full Flat Ground??
Click to expand...

The 25 is what CRK calls the Large Hollow Grind, it's almost flat.

And it's a lot thinner than the SmF anyway, thinner than a Spyderco Military too. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top