Looking at either a Large plain CG, or 25 any thoughts?

D

DRK

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Oct 10, 2012
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Hi all,

I currently own a small 21 Macassar and a large Insingo. I am thinking of adding one more large Sebenza to my meager collection. My issue is I haven't seen a large 21 plain, large CG or a 25 in person. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I really like the Straight Ahead CG but it is a bit more of a stretch money wise over the plain. Here are my current 2 for no other reason than to add pictures, cause we all like pictures.

Thanks, Dwayne

 
You have 3 great choices there. The large plain 21 or CGG is the same size as your insingo, only with the plain scales of course and the pointier blade shape like your small 21. I have always had plain or CGG/UG, so love the how the feel in hand. It wasn't until the last few year that through annuals and a couple of sebenzas that I have held an inlay in hand........The 25 is an awesome knife as well. The blade grind is perfect. Grip is nice............As for a "Straight Ahead", they are long gone. Through extreme luck and my loving girlfriend, she was able to pluck the Last one available from any of the dealers. OFK was the last to have one, they never marked it Sold either. ( Check out my 100th CRK thread for the whole story ). There are many other beautiful CGG out there. I use them and love them. They do not mark up too badly. They will scuff, but the colors stays nice. I EDC CGG/UG every day and I love em.....!!!
 
A Strait Ahead may be hard to find. I can't remember when the last time I saw 1 come up on the exchange. The SA was my 2nd CRK several years ago....I traded it. I never liked

it well enough to carry it very much. It was lightly used.....I paid $350 for it in early 10'.
 
Although the 25 is a great knife I'd say get the 21 with a graphic for a little change up from what you have. I have had a few (still have 2 Ol' Glory Seb's) and they're just a pleasure to own. I mainly edc a plain one because I like how they look after getting worn in but the Graphic seb's wear very nicely too. I have one from '99 that's lost about half of its color and has been completely scuffed up- it looks great to me. The first scratches always stand out and kind of break your heart but once it really starts to get marked up it relieves you of the obligation to treat it like $500 and let's you really start to enjoy it for what it is- the best folding pocket knife on earth.

You can always pick up a 25 later when it has more options available because you know deep down you'll end up with more than just this next one ;)
I'll sell you one at a fair price if you want.

I hope that you enjoy whatever you choose.
 
Thanks everyone, if you could choose only one of the three plain, cg or 25 which would it be? and why if you don't mind.
 
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I would go with the CGG as they have always been my favorites. How could you not like beauties such as the Native American, Straight Ahead, Moonsong and others and choose them over a plain version....??? You get everything from the plain with added bling. The best of both worlds. The 25 is a different animal all together and more zaan like than anything. ALL are great. Just gotta pick the one that "speaks" to you.....!!!
 
Given what you have I would go with the 25. It's a terrific knife to use and the blade is just outstanding. Cannot go wrong with any of your choices but to me it would be the 25.
 
Settled on a 25 and I am excited. The timing couldn't have worked out better, I had just sold something which freed up some funds and tonight a fellow BF member (thank you Trevor) put one up on the exchange to fund another purchase he had coming up. So, the planets aligned and now, the excitement builds and the wait begins.
 
I got a micarta 25 last week after much debate, and I am extremely pleased with it overall.
 
mrdabble said:
I got a micarta 25 last week after much debate, and I am extremely pleased with it overall.
Click to expand...

Having never seen a 25, other than on the internet, I am looking forward to see the differences for myself. Do you have a large 21 now?
 
Yes I do, ask any questions I would write I quick comparison but my break at work is over so I can could write one later or just leave a few questions and I'll get back at ya on my lunch break
 
The most notable difference is the grip, it definitely fits in my hand very nice, it's a more defined fit. Less effort is required to deploy the blade, noticeably less. Having the lanyard wrapped around the bottom standoff is a welcomed change as well, I haven't had the opportunity to compare as far as pronged cutting goes, but I hear it isn't significantly different. The micarta grip fits in the hand nicely and overall it was all welcome change and improvement I over the 21. The only con is I am not too anxious to adjust the pivot once I break it down to clean but I have a feeling it won't be as bad as I think.
 
mrdabble said:
The most notable difference is the grip, it definitely fits in my hand very nice, it's a more defined fit. Less effort is required to deploy the blade, noticeably less. Having the lanyard wrapped around the bottom standoff is a welcomed change as well, I haven't had the opportunity to compare as far as pronged cutting goes, but I hear it isn't significantly different. The micarta grip fits in the hand nicely and overall it was all welcome change and improvement I over the 21. The only con is I am not too anxious to adjust the pivot once I break it down to clean but I have a feeling it won't be as bad as I think.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I am sure the Micarta is nice, I would love to have seen that model in person. I have only had inlays to date, so I am curious to see how this one feels in the hand as I do like the width that the inlays provide but perhaps the finger cut outs will help in that regard? Does it seem large compared to your 21? It looks the same on paper but a lot of comments seem to indicate it has more presence than a 21?
 
DRK said:
Thanks for the info. I am sure the Micarta is nice, I would love to have seen that model in person. I have only had inlays to date, so I am curious to see how this one feels in the hand as I do like the width that the inlays provide but perhaps the finger cut outs will help in that regard? Does it seem large compared to your 21? It looks the same on paper but a lot of comments seem to indicate it has more presence than a 21?
Click to expand...

So I waited until I got home to have the two side by side:
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1403652325.245292.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1403652333.978064.jpg

The 25 actually feels smaller in hand, due to the cutouts and slight taper towards the bottom, yet it has more heft than the 21.

The micarta provides a more natural grip, and almost feels as if it isn't there rather than the 21, who's inlays provide noticeable grip, the 25's micarta is noticeable but plays along with the finger cutouts to allow the knife handle to melt into your hand, and feel much more natural overall.

It's like...rather than you holding into the knife, the knife is holding onto you.
I think the new shape of the first inlay plays a large role in that, many don't find it aesthetically pleasing but it contours to your hand quite naturally.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1403652371.766266.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1403652398.902233.jpg

The 21 inlays don't have much space in between them, which is where the tips of your fingers settle on the 25 and that also plays a big role in the refined grip in my opinion.

I can post more side by side pics of whatever you like just let me know.

The jimping differs on the two but as long as it's there I'm happy. The small cutout above the jimping has grown on me significantly, I know exactly where my thumb is on the knife, which is just fine by me.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1403652638.425376.jpg

The subtle improvements come together very nicely to make the 25 a new breed of sebenza, and a welcomed one for sure.
 
Thanks so much for taking the time! your knife looks great and thanks for the comparison shot.

That is a good point that you make about the first inlay. I must admit I wasn't crazy about the look of the 25 Micarta at first either but when you realize the inlays are placed where they are to be functional, it makes a lot more sense and I have to say it is growing on me over time.

The ergos look fantastic, I can't wait to give this new Sebenza a try.
 
No problem. I was really on the fence about it when I made the purchase, happy to help someone in the same situation.
 
CG, provideing you find a graphic that means something to you. I'm a dog lover, so getting the "paws" graphic was a no brainer. If you don't find a graphic that means something to you, then a plain is a very nice knife. They take on character as they age. Some of us like them better with a few battle scars.
 
pvicenzi said:
CG, provideing you find a graphic that means something to you. I'm a dog lover, so getting the "paws" graphic was a no brainer. If you don't find a graphic that means something to you, then a plain is a very nice knife. They take on character as they age. Some of us like them better with a few battle scars.
Click to expand...

The 25 came up and the timing was right but I am sure a CG or a UCG will be mike next CRK purchase. As you mentioned the CG is a little more personal so at least this way I can take some time to decide on which graphic is the right one. Also a dog lover, we have a 3 year old springer spaniel who is real character, she leaves paw prints on our lives everyday.
 
Don't you just love it when the day before your tracking number says that your item is going to arrive, that the courier bumps the delivery day. Especially when that means that what was Friday is now Monday...
 
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