Looking for a Folder

[Jack88]

Due to the success of my previous thread here: http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/looking-for-a-good-bowie.1501310/

I've decided to upgrade my EDC old junk CRKT M16, now don't get me wrong it served it's purpose quite well and I do enjoy its design, but you obviously get what you pay for and after 4 years it's time to upgrade.

Now as before I've already scoured Youtube and these forums for reviews and comparison and have narrowed it to 3 brands: Chris Reeves, Hinderer and Strider. It's been nearly 10 years since this thread was started: http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/strider-sng-vs-crk-sebenza-vs-hinderer-xm-18.518971/

What I want out of a knife: tough, durable, 3 1/2" to 4" blade, high quality material, unparalleled craftsmanship.

Now while not required, I do enjoy a knife that has the fighter aspect to it. This knife will be carried on my flight suit every day.

The Sebenza:

Something about the plain Sebenza tickles my fancy, I'd just love to put this knife to work and put wear and tear on it.

For those of you who carry the Umnumzaan please tell me why you love that knife over the Sebenza.

The Hinderer XM-18:

Have to say this blade just looks bad-ass, I love the bowie style clip point blade. I'd want to get it as a flipper also. The only downside I've read is it doesn't cut quite as well as the Sebenza.

Strider SNG:

I've actually read some negative things about this blade as far as quality control from the company. There do seem to be a lot of people who love it though and I figured it deserved a spot.

If you chose other please specify with a picture, or I know there are plenty of Spyderco fans on here as well. Please tell me why you love your blade.

Can't wait to hear your opinions! I'd also love to see your own copies of these knives with what wear and tear they have and a brief description of what they've been put through.

 

[SpySmasher]

I can't comment on the Strider as I've never even handled one but the first two are from first hand experience fantastic knives with very different charms.

I'd also suggest a Freeman 451:

As solid in every way as the above knives with a lovely action and a button lock.

 

[Jack88]

I can't comment on the Strider as I've never even handled one but the first two are from first hand experience fantastic knives with very different charms.

I'd also suggest a Freeman 451:

As solid in every way as the above knives with a lovely action and a button lock.

Excellent post! Is this your titanium finished model? How is the D2 steel? Would it be better to go S35VN?? That flipping action looks extremely smooth!

 

[Sonnydaze]

Here is my "latest" choice. A collaboration between CRK and Wilson Combat, the
Wilson Combat Large Sebenza 21. The design of the grip surface may be a bit "stickier" than the plain standard titanium slabs.
I have Sebbies and Zaans, and, for my casual carry needs, prefer the large Sebbie model 21 with the 0.125" thick blade...over the 0.140" of the Zaan.
IF you need the capability of the heavier-duty aspects of a thicker blade, then carry the Zaan. Note: your hand-size will determine Large or Small Sebenza. The Umnumzaan only comes in a "large."
I've had quite a few Sebbies and two Zaans, and these are great knives...
I have a Sebbie in my pocket. When it all boils down...I'm a hard-core CRK fan.

 

[miso2]

If you want to see good craftsmanship, I would recommend Umnumzaan. It has a fighter aspect to it, too.

 

[SpySmasher]

Excellent post! Is this your titanium finished model? How is the D2 steel? Would it be better to go S35VN?? That flipping action looks extremely smooth!

That is not my pic. I have a black, aluminum handled model that I absolutely love. I used a titanium handled pic because it's more in line with the trio you posted.

I do have the D2 blade. Obviously, the S35VN is the more "premium" cutlery steel but I have absolutely no complaints about the D2. I don't know if Freeman is doing the heat treat himself but the D2 is very nice.

 

[whp]

My favorite edc folder overall is the PM2. But from your post tough and durable is of primary importance. As well as high quality materials.
Personal experience. My Sebenza is my best made knife. The Hinderer is a close second and appears to be more sturdy but I ve never used either for hard work. The Strider is hard use but not as well made as the other two. I ve been carrying a CS Recon 1 lately which is premium material, well made , and possibly the strongest of the ones metioned. Also really good ergonomics. As a worker, it easily competes with all the above. Now for the bad news. It s so much cheaper than the other knives besides the PM2 that you might not take it seriously.!!!
By the way, the "fighter aspect" is as good as any general use folder on the market.
So not exactly comparable to those you mentioned, but maybe in a good way.
Food for thought. (I always like to find a really good bargain.)

 

[Jack88]

Here is my "latest" choice. A collaboration between CRK and Wilson Combat, the
Wilson Combat Large Sebenza 21. The design of the grip surface may be a bit "stickier" than the plain standard titanium slabs.
I have Sebbies and Zaans, and, for my casual carry needs, prefer the large Sebbie model 21 with the 0.125" thick blade...over the 0.140" of the Zaan.
IF you need the capability of the heavier-duty aspects of a thicker blade, then carry the Zaan. Note: your hand-size will determine Large or Small Sebenza. The Umnumzaan only comes in a "large."
I've had quite a few Sebbies and two Zaans, and these are great knives...
I have a Sebbie in my pocket. When it all boils down...I'm a hard-core CRK fan.

I've seen these! What makes it unique from the Sebenza? Just the star burst pattern and the Wilson marking on the clip? Anything else? Have to say I kind of wish they left the blue thumb stud, part of the Sebenza look to me.

If you want to see good craftsmanship, I would recommend Umnumzaan. It has a fighter aspect to it, too.

It does seem that Umnumzaan users swear by them heavily compared to other CRK users. What gives it the fighter aspect? I've seen a couple of people say this but haven't been able to figure it out. Does it deploy quickly?

That is not my pic. I have a black, aluminum handled model that I absolutely love. I used a titanium handled pic because it's more in line with the trio you posted.

I do have the D2 blade. Obviously, the S35VN is the more "premium" cutlery steel but I have absolutely no complaints about the D2. I don't know if Freeman is doing the heat treat himself but the D2 is very nice.

Copy, thanks for the suggestion! I hadn't seen one before. Seems to be extremely good value compared to the competition.

My favorite edc folder overall is the PM2. But from your post tough and durable is of primary importance. As well as high quality materials.
Personal experience. My Sebenza is my best made knife. The Hinderer is a close second and appears to be more sturdy but I ve never used either for hard work. The Strider is hard use but not as well made as the other two. I ve been carrying a CS Recon 1 lately which is premium material, well made , and possibly the strongest of the ones metioned. Also really good ergonomics. As a worker, it easily competes with all the above. Now for the bad news. It s so much cheaper than the other knives besides the PM2 that you might not take it seriously.!!!
By the way, the "fighter aspect" is as good as any general use folder on the market.
So not exactly comparable to those you mentioned, but maybe in a good way.
Food for thought. (I always like to find a really good bargain.)

The amount of respect I've seen the PM2 carry makes me think I'll be picking one up on the side no matter what. The price tag is reasonable enough to do so, the knife itself seems like a solid fighter.

Interesting for the CS Recon being your carrier, do you heavily use your knives too much to justify carrying your more expensive knives?

 

[miso2]

It does seem that Umnumzaan users swear by them heavily compared to other CRK users. What gives it the fighter aspect? I've seen a couple of people say this but haven't been able to figure it out. Does it deploy quickly?

I just referred to the harpoon style blade for the fighter aspect. You can flick it open easily, although it may not be as fast as bearing flippers. If that is what you are going after, flippers would be better options.

I can say that both Sebenza and Umnumzaan are exceptionally well-crafted knives. But, I think you need to handle your candidates if possible. I like Sebenza but do not bond with it. I will not part with Umnumzaan on the other hand, even though I generally prefer smaller and thinner flippers.

 

[Agith]

I have been EDCing my slysz bowie exclusively for a while now if that says anything, it put my para on the back burner

 

[Jack88]

I just referred to the harpoon style blade for the fighter aspect. You can flick it open easily, although it may not be as fast as bearing flippers. If that is what you are going after, flippers would be better options.

I can say that both Sebenza and Umnumzaan are exceptionally well-crafted knives. But, I think you need to handle your candidates if possible. I like Sebenza but do not bond with it. I will not part with Umnumzaan on the other hand, even though I generally prefer smaller and thinner flippers.

I was able to hand a Sebenza some in a knife shop Friday, I was able to feel the quality and it did feel good to the hand. Sadly I was in a rush and wasn't able to handle many others.

Just something I've noticed with Umnumzaan users, most seem to be diehard about their knife.

I have been EDCing my slysz bowie exclusively for a while now if that says anything, it put my para on the back burner

Very cool knife, definitely seems on par with the 3 I posted above. How easy is the blade deployed?

 

[Agith]

Very cool knife, definitely seems on par with the 3 I posted above. How easy is the blade deployed?

I can thumb flick it pretty easily with a dry pivot, but not 100% consistently. So I am going to be putting some daiwa reel oil onto it and polish up the washers a tad, see if I can go from the 90% of the time perfect flick to 100%. It handles well, though the one con I will say, is that the edges on the contoured handles could do with some more chamfering, they can be a bit of a hotspot on hard media. But for EDC tasks , it works great, and in a pinch I can use it for heavier work without much issue.

 

[Basp2005]

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I have owned almost all of the knives you've mentioned. I loved all my Chris Reeves whether Sebenza or Umnumzaan ... I carry my Hinderer XM-18 3.5" Slicer not a Bowie quite often. I would reccomend any of those but I have to admit that for the value Zero Toerance knives are hard to beat ... they almost do the Hinderer design better then Hinderer ... I just got a ZT 0909 and it is a beast of a knife a bit heavier but smooth and feels great. I had a couple Striders but they just never felt right in my hand and weren't nearly as smooth as the others IMO. The PM 2 is a great knife but a bit on the thin side tip wise for me to use EDC.
I guess if you want a fast deploy flipper I would go with the Hinderer or myself the ZT ... and if you want the classic time proven Chris Reeves you can't really go wrong there.

 

[Jack88]

I can thumb flick it pretty easily with a dry pivot, but not 100% consistently. So I am going to be putting some daiwa reel oil onto it and polish up the washers a tad, see if I can go from the 90% of the time perfect flick to 100%. It handles well, though the one con I will say, is that the edges on the contoured handles could do with some more chamfering, they can be a bit of a hotspot on hard media. But for EDC tasks , it works great, and in a pinch I can use it for heavier work without much issue.

Copy, thanks for the info!

Is this your daily pocket carry? Is that top one a throwing knife?

I have owned almost all of the knives you've mentioned. I loved all my Chris Reeves whether Sebenza or Umnumzaan ... I carry my Hinderer XM-18 3.5" Slicer not a Bowie quite often. I would reccomend any of those but I have to admit that for the value Zero Toerance knives are hard to beat ... they almost do the Hinderer design better then Hinderer ... I just got a ZT 0909 and it is a beast of a knife a bit heavier but smooth and feels great. I had a couple Striders but they just never felt right in my hand and weren't nearly as smooth as the others IMO. The PM 2 is a great knife but a bit on the thin side tip wise for me to use EDC.
I guess if you want a fast deploy flipper I would go with the Hinderer or myself the ZT ... and if you want the classic time proven Chris Reeves you can't really go wrong there.

Great info! Exactly the type of information I came here for. The hinderer I will admit is at the top of my list right now. I like the bowie blade design and the flipper aspect. The only negative thing I've found is that they don't cut nearly as well as the Seb's.

If it was just down to looks though I think the Sebenza would win.

 

[A-MAC]

I voted Benchmade. I've owned more than one of everything on the list. At current I have five large Griptilians, hands down my favorite knife. There are many different variations of handle and blade steel/shape available that there is bound to be one to fit your style. The ergonomics are great for me, I love the plastic handles that everyone else will bash when talking about the Grip.

ZT also makes some great knives, ZT566 being my favorite. Great execution of other people's designs, better than the designer themselves in most cases.

CRKs are great but for me they just didn't do it. The large models are too large/clunky and the small models are too small. Great materials, fit and finish though.

Hinderers are great also but the 3.5" is over all just too big, heavy and clunky for me to carry everyday. The 3" models are great though.

Second only to the large Griptilian is the Spyderco Delica in my opinion. I'll catch crap for this opinion. An excellent lightweight knife with good materials with a reliable company behind it.

 

[Ajack60]

Give us an indication what you're going to be using the knife for other than carrying in your flight suit.
You've listed three different brands with different uses.
I've got all three brands. I carry a CRK along with a ZT, Hinderer, Strider. For me, the CRK is the best all around knife for me.. I think that's why I carry one every day.

 

[DocT]

I voted for the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. However, I think you should take a long hard look at the Spyderco Manix 2 Back Lock. It is a better knife and better than many of those you have listed in the OP.

 

[AtechReviews]

I'd say don't burn yourself out too fast.
There are a few knives that you have to own and try prior to jumping to those high end variants such as the Sebenza IMO.
Those are: Ontario RAT 1, a Benchmade with an Axis lock, Spyderco PM2 and a ti frame lock flipper on bearings (ZT is a nice option there).
Then you will slowly build your knife preferences and will know what to choose by yourself out of the options (you will also appreciate the high end knife much more going this way).
Just my 2 cents on the subject.

 

[ChazzyP]

Like others, I've got pretty much everything on your list. Each maker's various knives have their own niches and best uses, so picking just one is tough.

I voted for CRK as it bridges perhaps the best of all. I have 21s (Insingo and drop-point), a 25, an Inkosi, and a StarTac (Wilson Combat 'Zaan)--all larges. I probably carry my KnifeArt 21 CF the most. I also carry my Shiros often, particularly my F3 Micarta and 95T. My Hinderer 3.5 XM18 Spanto and MP1 get plenty of pocket time. ZT is great bang for the buck, but I prefer the long and slender versions like my 0450 and 0452CFs. I'd like to try ZT's Hinderers, but then I already have Hinderers. The PM2 and Millie are my favorite Spydies, though others get a little pocket time. My BM 710s, Grips (all with aftermarket scales), and Strykers get most of the carry for that maker.

I don't see how you can pick just one, as having variety of knives suits a variety of needs and all good knives have something to offer. There's so much to try--liner locks, frame locks, AXIS locks, thumb studs, Spydie holes, flippers, and more. I think A AtechReviews has it about right to work your way up through quality offerings by price to find your own preferences. Buying on the Exchange is a great way to try things out as you won't lose much on quality knives if you decide to sell and move on.

If you do decide to jump in head first instead of dipping your toes, you can't go wrong with either of these, though....

Edit: My preference is for larger (3.5-4") knives, as I need a bit more to hang onto with my old arthritic carpenter's mitts. I usually have a smaller, off-hand carry in the bottom of my left pocket as well.