Large Sebenza vs Spyderco Military (S30V)

T

The Savage Rabbit

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Nov 30, 2006
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I own two Spyderco Militaries (one in BG42 and one in S30V) and love them. But I'm wondering how the Military compares to the large Sebenza in strength of construction, weight, and fit and finish.

Thanks in advance.
 
If a Military came face to face with a Sebenza, the Military would crap its pants and run home to mama before the Sebenza even got a chance to open its blade.
 
Hard to beat a Sebenza in the construction department. It's a pretty basic design that doesn't leave much room for failure. It's easy to take apart and clean. You have solid titanium handles and frame lock compared to G-10 or carbon fiber with nested steel liners. You have full flat grind vs. hollow ground. Same steels, not sure who HT's them better. I think the slightly smaller size of the Sebenza would be preferred for EDC for the majority. Fit and finish is great on both knives, but it's top notch on the Sebenza, and that is mainly what you are paying for.
 
Sounds like you're happy with what you know. The Seb costs much more, obviously. Have you held a Sebbie in hand? Construction etc is supposed to be tops but that means little if it doesn't fit your hand well.
 
Just took a look at the Military and there really isn't any comparison. The Sebenza has a 3.6" blade in a 4.0" handle. It is also a lot thinner and narrower as there are no scales and liners nor is there the hump in the blade for the thumb hole.

That said, find a shop that carries Sebenzas and actually handle one before you buy. Make sure the handle shape works for you.
 
WadeF said:
Hard to beat a Sebenza in the construction department. It's a pretty basic design that doesn't leave much room for failure. It's easy to take apart and clean. You have solid titanium handles and frame lock compared to G-10 or carbon fiber with nested steel liners. You have full flat grind vs. hollow ground. Same steels, not sure who HT's them better. I think the slightly smaller size of the Sebenza would be preferred for EDC for the majority. Fit and finish is great on both knives, but it's top notch on the Sebenza, and that is mainly what you are paying for.
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I can't add any more to that, other than to reiterate that the Sebenza is the BEST production knife that you can buy, bar none.
 
However, there isn't any comparing the Military(a great knife in its' own right) against the simplicity of construction and durability of the Sebenza. I know, I know, you could buy x number of Millies for the price of only one Sebbie....but the Sebenza is well worth the money. It may be difficult for those knifeknuts who have never handled and examined a Sebenza upclose, however, once you do it is easier to understand why this knife is so popular, i.e. the thick framelock vs. nested linerlock, etc., etc..

Before any Spydie fan gets all bent out of shape, I will say that I've owned, and carried religiously, three Millies until I bought my first Sebenza. The Military is an awesome knife, however for me, the Sebbie just can't be beat.

Just my .02 :D
 
powernoodle said:
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Only the Sebenza is configured for tip-up carry as God intended.

cheers
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I don't mean to get off topic here, but what is the benefit of tip-up vs. tip-down(personal preferance aside)? All of my folders are tip-down and it seems to be pretty convienient. Pinch the pivot between the thumb and fore-finger, and the knife just kinda slips into position in the hand.

I do hope to own a sebenza someday, though.
 
Both the Sebenza and the Military are certainly excellent knives. I personally prefer the Military. I find the Military's egonomics, cutting efficiency, and S30V heat treatment to be far superior to the Sebenza. I also love the grip security and scratch resistance of G-10. The Military's nested liner lock is the only liner lock that I trust.

This choice comes at the cost of fit and finish, as well as lock security. The Seb has the best frame lock in the business, IMHO, and the F@F is outstanding. If I didn't need the amazing performance of the Military, I would certainly carry the Sebenza on those large folder days.
 
The Military is one of the best production folders out there, but the Sebenza is THE best production folder I have come across. The Military has the best liner lock out there in my opinion, but the Sebenzas frame lock is better. The steel on both is the same, the length is about the same, but I would go with the Seb. If you already have a Millie, and want a Seb, get the Seb. Both are hardworkers, and will serve you well.
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
I can't add any more to that, other than to reiterate that the Sebenza is the BEST production knife that you can buy, bar none.
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I like the Mnandi better. :D

That said, when comparing the Large Sebenza to a Military, I think that the military might win out in cutting performance and ergonomics, but the Sebenza is without a doubt sturdier in the construction department and a ways ahead in fit and finish as will.
 
you could carry Manix, Military, swamp rat Fixed for the price of one Sebenza, I would say these knives would do ya better for pratical purposes, but the sebenza is pretty.
 
The Sebenza IS a tough knife. And for those that do not know, Sebenza means work in Chris' native Zulu language.
 
I know that a Sebenza would last literally forever for me, whereas my Military may wear out some day. It might be a different story if I could stand to carry a framelock, but since I hate metal handles and exposed framelocks, there isn't much danger of that happening.
 
never.to.sharp said:
I don't mean to get off topic here, but what is the benefit of tip-up vs. tip-down(personal preferance aside)?
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With a tip-up configuration, when you reach reach down to grab the knife from your pocket your thumb naturally lands on the Spydie hole or thumb stud. As such, the knife is already positioned in your hand to flick it open with your thumb.

With tip-down carry, the knife has to do a 180 in your hand to open it. At least thats they way I see it. I acknowledge that others prefer tip-down. Its all good. :thumbup:

cheers
 
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