Lionsteel TRE vs. Chris Reeve Sebenza vs. Suggestions?

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Minibear464

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Jul 14, 2011
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Hey guys, I'm in the market for my first high-end knife. I've had some spydies (Dodo, Sage4.etc) that were around the $150 mark, but I'm gearing up to buy something in the $300-400 zone. I've had a Lionsteel SR-2 and liked it a lot, but ultimately decided to part with it due to the obtuse blade shape. So now I'm deciding between the Lionsteel TRE and the Chris Reeve Sebenza (most likely small). I like the flipper and the looks of the TRE. But on the other hand, I like the clean lines, and more importantly, the renowned manufacturing quality of the sebenza. The resell value is also a comforting thing about the Sebenza as well. Unfortunately, I do not have enough money to test both of them and was hoping for advice. How does the manufacturing quality of the TRE compare to the Sebenza? How do they handle compared to each other? Are there any other knives that can fit my criteria? ($300-400, around 3" blade, looks clean, not crazy tactical, amazing tolerances). Thanks for your help!:p
 
I own both. Sebenza all the way. Unless you are absolutely hell bent on a Flipper you wont find a much more fool proof knife than the sebenza. LionSteel makes a great knife, and i'm in a fortunate position to be able to have both, but if you can only grab one at the moment, always, ALWAYS go for the sebenza. Save anything else for later, youre going to want to judge all others by its standards. It'll save you quite a bit more money in the long run when the high"er" end knife bug bites.
 
I'd go with a small Sebenza 21 all the way. The LionSteel is a great knife but if buying one, I'd get the G10 version and save some $ (you can get both for $600, lol). There have been too many issues with detent problems with the Ti and CF TRE's and until I knew the available supply was sporting the reworked detent ball, I'd stick with the G10 version. I have a small 21 CF and a G10 TRE and the Sebbie gets about twice the pocket time that the TRE gets.
 
Sebenza all the way! I had a Lionsteel sr2 and it was a very well made knife, but I still preferred the Sebenza. Another thing to consider is the fact that someday your knife may need to be serviced. CRK's customer service is well documented as being outstanding. Lionsteel may also have good customer service, but would it need to be sent back to Italy?
 
Sebbie, for sure. One of the most usable blades I own, in addition to the incredibly sound design and workmanship.
 
I'd go with a Kingdom Armory Mini Samaritan, which you can get over at Monkey Edge. I like mine a lot more than the small Sebenza (or Strider PT CC or 3" Hinderer XM-18, for that matter). Just another high-end option in your price range. I have not handled the TRE unfortunately.
 
CRK Small Sebenza. If you don't like the ergos it's an easy sell. I find the Insingo blade most practical. Best overall quality of any knife manufacturer.

LionSteel makes high-quality knives but the detent issue on the TRE specially the TI & CF models makes many shy away. Most are happy with the G-10 model and at about $200 it has a lot of value.

Others similar in size, shape and quality are Fantoni HB02, William Henry B12 Atlas and Olson Quick Flick.
 
As much as I like the concept of the T.R.E., for the money I would rather have something more simplistic, where I don't have to worry about losing parts. I have a hard time leaving things well enough alone, and have been known to lose parts to my knives, guns, legos, g.i. joes, etc.

I have five flippers, but my high end knives are plain old thumbstuds and washers.
 
The word "Sebenza" starts with an "S." So does "Standard."

Definition of "Standard?" an idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.

easy-peasy...
 
Minibear464 said:
How does the manufacturing quality of the TRE compare to the Sebenza?
Click to expand...

LS makes very good knives, but no one can match CRK in manufacturing quality.

The Sebenza is my favorite folder, but you'll have to try one to see if it's for you.
 
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