Less expensive small Sebenza alternative???

L

lightweight

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Apr 3, 2002
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I've pretty much got the money for a small Sebenza but before I spend a small fortune on one I want to know if there are other knives that compare to a sebbie, but are cheaper. Are there any knives out there that compare to a small Sebenzas quality, finish, and overall utility? I guess the only knife I can think of is a Talonite EDC.

What would you recomend, small sebenza or something else???

Thanks
 
I'd be interested in the answers to this one as well. I owned a small classic Sebenza up until about a month ago, then sold it. I've been looking for something like it ever since.

The problem is, for that size (approx. 3" blade), I have not found a production knife that feels as stout in the hand as a small Sebenza. The BM 705 is approximately the same blade length, but the handles are to small for me. The EDC in 154CM, or D2 may be comparable (haven't held one yet), but I'm not sure Talonite is a good comparison to BG-42.

Now, if they could make a mini-AFCK with an axis lock and D2 steel, I think it would be very favorable. It wouldn't have the same attention to fit and finish, but it probably wouldn't be that far off.

Good luck,

Matthew
 
Now, I don't know about overall quality, but I think that a nice beefy hand filling knife would be a Buck 110 that has been through their custom shop with a BG-42 blade, and NiAg bolsters, as well as a nice handle material of your choice. Now this is not from experience, but from what I've heard around the Forums. Otherwise, I'd go with a nice MicroTech LCC for a knife of high quality and substantial heft. Great knife for the price, IMHO.

DD
 
The best alternative to a Sebbie, in terms of cost, is a used Sebbie. Especially with the new steel coming out, maybe there are some BG42 owners out there with really beat up small Sebs that would be willing to sell them for under $200..?
 
Thanks for the replies so far. The buck 110, and LCC are both to big, I'm looking for something around a 3" blade. Regarding a used small Sebenza, that's something I will look into, I never thought of that.

More opinions welcome:)
 
I have thought about this myself and now own a small sebenza. I have held many framelocks, most of them custom, and would say that quite a few customs are as solid and well made as the sebenza.

No production framelock I have held (Camillus EDC, Paragee, Benchmade 690) are as solid as the seb, though the Benchmade wasn't too bad. There was one for sale on the Knife forums for $90 as of yesterday.

I would say that the thickness of the Ti slabs on the sebenza plus the great machining makes the difference. You will find the seb to be a little tank. Closest EDC to this feel is Darrel Ralph's small EDC ($425 in D2).

My only other suggestion might be the Benchmade mini Stryker, if they make it in M2 steel. Solid little knife, but not as solid as the seb.

I would also suggest that you search a while for a used one. Last time I checked CRK, a total refurbish was $27 plus postage. Near to new after that.
 
In that general size range +/- 1/2" or so, I owned 2 blue BM 940s, a BM mini-AFCK, Spyderco SS Dragonfly, and a Spyderco Calypso Jr. ltwt.
All were great knives, and all were sold after I got a small Sebenza.
I'd take it over any other production knife, and probably most customs, as well.
btw, I got mine NIB on the forums for $230, so look around before you pay full price for it. It's worth it, but it was a heck of a deal at $230.
 
Taking the risk of starting a riot, I believe that the Camillus EDC is pretty close. No, it is not quite as good but right now it is good enough for me. Yes, I would love to own a Sabenza, but, for the money, the Camillus EDC is a better deal. I've handled them both at the same time and moving back and forth between them and didn't see enough difference to justify breaking my budget at this time. Maybe when I get a little richer.:)
 
For the same money as a small Sebenza, you could order a mini model 2 from Mike Obenauf, Kit Carson's son-in-law. Some might say that a liner lock, especially one in D-2 or 154CM is not equal to a small Sebenza. I say that you will only break an Obenauf is purposely set out to break it. I also recently read a post that Mike Obenauf is now making knives in S30V.
 
The EDC is a real bargain. The Outdoor Edge Paragee is also a nice knife for the money.
 
Originally posted by anthony cheeseboro
For the same money as a small Sebenza, you could order a mini model 2 from Mike Obenauf, Kit Carson's son-in-law. Some might say that a liner lock, especially one in D-2 or 154CM is not equal to a small Sebenza. I say that you will only break an Obenauf is purposely set out to break it. I also recently read a post that Mike Obenauf is now making knives in S30V.
Click to expand...

Anthony nailed this one, IMO. Mike also has a framelock design which has just come out. Check the Gallery back a couple of weeks.
 
The BM 705s and the mini-Buck/Strider are nice knives that are less expensive than a small Sebenza. However, I think the small Sebenza (with the clip removed)is a great knife for EDC.
Jim
 
I don't think you're going to find anything comparable to a small Sebenza by a production company.A few people mentioned the Camillus EDC with a talonite blade.This may be comparable in price but not in quality.Its just like a regular EDC only with a talonite blade and maybe a few anodized parts.I've got an EDC regular,its a great knife for the money but lets be fair it does'nt compare to a Sebbie.I think the only comparison may be some of the custom makers making intregal locks.George Gibo was mentioned in an earlier thread.I never seen his folder but the price is in the same league.Matthew Lerch also makes intregal locks.Rick Hinderer made a few.From my own experience Larry Davidson makes just as good a product,even better looking but I don't think he makes them with a 3" blade.You could allways ask him though.There are many other custom makers that make Sebenza style folders for a similar price.
 
Yep, just get a small sebbie, or even go a step further and get a TNT, a true custom that is VERY high quality.
 
I'm strongly favoring a small sebenza, so thanks for all the suggestions. Of the production knives mentioned it looks like the sebenza is the only folder that will last me a lifetime. When it comes time for a custom though a med. drop point TNT is at the top of the list:)

Thanks
 
A less expensive ....alternative????? To me that's really easy.

A Camillus EDC in D-2 steel from A.G. Russell's.

Having used a Dozier D-2 blade for awhile now the EDC
in D-2 is looking mighty tempting. For what this knife cost
you can buy 3 and still not spend what a Sebbie cost. Is it
a lesser knife?? No, I don't think so at all.
 
Heck, I'm a Sebenza and a Camillus EDC fan. The Sebenza is definitely the stronger knife, and has a much higher degree of craftsmanship. The Sebenza is a class act all the way.

I do think the EDC is better looking and more comfortable for smaller hands. The EDC blade material choices are also very tempting. Talonite, 154CM and D2 are great alternatives.

It's all a matter of what's important to you in a knife.
 
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