Looking for a Sebenza with a bigger blade? Maybe CK&T has your knife!

cpirtle

cpirtle

Leathercrafter
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 28, 2001
Messages
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As many of you may know I have been a long time fan and supporter of the Sebenza.

I also like big folders.

So when I found out that Cutter Knife & Tool was coming out with their Brend folder in a manual action blade I got one as soon as I could. Unfortunately as I researched all of the info I could find was based on the D/A. Finding good detailed photo’s of the MA was like finding a hens tooth.

Let me start by saying that one of my biggest pet peeves about many custom and production frame lock folders is that there are a lot of people making them - but still have not mastered the technique yet.

The big problem with a heavy frame lock is trying to develop the lock bar so that it does not exert too much pressure, but develops enough to engage fully. When a lock bar has too much pressure it wedges itself all of the way across the tang to the opposite scale under cutting pressure, not enough pressure and it can pop out of place when the knife is used. I have had $500 customs by several big name makers that would slide all of the way across the tang under even the slightest back pressure on the blade, and likewise when subject to cutting I would hear or feel the blade pop as it released due to lack of pressure. While neither of these issues presents a real safety problem they are a little annoying on a $300+ knife.

Until now the only company I have seen get this right on a consistent basis is Chris Reeve.

While this is my only sample of a CK&T blade, I feel they have hit a home run with the lock, design and implementation. (not to mention the price ;))

So here's the pro's:
- Beautifully ground 4" 154CM blade that's finish will rival any hand rubbed finish I have seen.
- Titanium scales are a full 3/16" thick
- Rock solid frame lock
- Bronze bushings
- Oversized pivot
- Nice oversized thumb stud
- Strong detent
- Plenty of checkering and milling throughout the handle for positive grip in any position.
- Aggressive bead blasting for added retention
- Thick enough blade for heavy utility without a great sacrifice in cutting ability.
- Heavy duty clip mounted to the pivot for extra strength. It's tip down which is not a big deal to me, I like then either way.
- Cutters Knife & Tool Ser #0117 etched into spine of blade - nice touch :) (but also listed as a con)

And the Con's:
- Bead blasting is just the slightest bit uneven
- Cutters Knife & Tool Ser #0117 etched into spine of blade. The serial number is right under the thumb checkering, my fear is that with extended use it will rub off. No biggy but it would be nice if the Ser# was on the tang.
- The ball milling in the face of the scales has some milling marks still showing; again, nothing major.



When comparing the fit and finish of this knife to a Sebenza, the Sebenza is somewhat better. When comparing the locks and functionality they are equal, and that’s saying a lot!

While it lacks some of the refinement of a Sebenza I am really impressed with how well this relatively new company is making a knife that will rival almost any other “using” knife on the market.

I got mine from Phil at 2thehilt for well under the $300 mark – so this is a steal in my book.

In a nut shell, if you are a fan of the Sebenza (or any heavy duty knife) and can live with a tip down setup – this is definitely one worth considering.


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Just got mine back today from Cutter's, and it was sent in to have all the hardare polished. The difference between yours, and mine is it is the D/A model. It is also one of the earlier versions(#0081 with both the logos on the same side.
The reason I got one was for the reason you stated of having a knife to go along with my Sebenza Zulu Trio with a longer blade, and it fits the bill perfectly.
I also am really impressed with the knife, and works almost identical with my Sebenzas.
The only con I had with the blade is I wished the blade was satin finished but I will be able to get that done later when he gets caught up with all his orders on the manuals.
When I got it back all the hardware was polished very nicely, and even reblasted the handles til they look better than original. Having the screws, pivot, clip, thumbstud, and bladestop spacer polished changed the looks of the knife quite a bit, and does not look so plain now, and much more "dressed up".
Everything on the knife is perfect with no flaws that I could see, and the workmanship is outstanding, and works flawlessly even in the D/A mode with bronze washers inside just like a Sebenza.
There is not much more that I can add to what you have said other than to agree mostly upon you evaluation. The flaws you found in the beadblasting ,etc. I did not have, and maybe different from knife to knife I cannot say as I only have mine with no other Cutters to compare to.
Sorry about the long post but wanted to throw my .02 cents worth in here.

Larry
 
Has anyone tried Rick Hinderer's new frame locks.I've heard great things about them.He might even make a 4" blade.I have a tactical liner lock from him and the fit and finish is great.I think you may find his tolerences rival CRK
 
Thanks for the heads up and the pics. I've always liked the Brend blade profile. It looks like a winner. Best of luck with it.:)
 
To me, it looks great except for the handle. It looks very square. I don't understand why manufacturers don't ROUND the titanium...
 
Great write up Chad. I am glad to finally see some pics of actual lockup and it looks like it is the way I like it! The thicker ti scales are just what I was hoping for. How about the blades ability to slice. Does the thickness hinder it much? I KNOW exactly what you mean about some of the higher dollar custom framelocks. I've had a couple that when a little pressure was applied to the blade you could hear and feel the lock bar move out, never all the way and never ever closed on me, but it was disconcerting to pay that much and the framelock not be right. Sebenza's have got it right and are the most consistent framelock I've ever seen. With that said the XL RF-1 framelock from J.W. Smith, the only framelock I have at the current time, is an absolute joy to behold in the lock department. It works EXACTLY like it was designed to, with no movement and lockup taking place at the exact same spot each and every time you open it. Just had to throw in the disclaimer on john's framelocks!:D

The Cutter looks like a real winner to me. I hope to have mine soon.......very soon!:cool: :)
 
looks sort of big and clunky :(

the blade is nice though

i only got one framelock knife, camillus EDC, and the lock engages all teh way across the blade tang. very solid, since i am gripping the lock tight. i dont see any problems with it fully engaging at all

Daniel
 
Interesting knife. I'm not familiar with Cutter Knife & Tool, but I like the Brend design, particularly the tip down carry. What's up with the single thumbstud, though? I'm not happy that CRK does it, but at least you can send your Sebenza back to them to have a double thumbstud installed. Does Cutter's offer that service, too?
 
Nathan S-
As many times as I have talked to them lately that is one question I did not ask or has it been mentioned on their website, etc. But if you are interested in finding out they have a website where you can e-mail questions at www.cuttersknifentool.com/
Like I said above I just got my D/A back from them last week from getting the hardware polished, and have cycled it hundreds of time to see if it will get loose, and find in faults in the knife, and it just gets smoother, and still no blade play vertically or horizontally. The lockup of the framelock has stayed consistant, and held firm, and shows no change in moving, etc. Just enough stickiness of the bar to the tang of the blade so no thought of the bar slipping on the blade, and dissengaging the lock.
It is a large stout knife that carries well in the pocket or in it's cordura sheath that is vertical or horizontal carry. The blade is made to be as stout as the rest of the knife, and if you like the Brend style you will be pleased with it's thickness.

Larry
 
Thanks for all of the replies guys - good and bad.

After continued carry of this knife I have to agree with what Larry has said 100%, the knife is just getting better as I use it more.

Keep in mind on the design - this is arguably the blade design that made Walter Brend famous and the handle is Brend as well. If you compare the lines of this knife to the Boker Brend you will see the similarity.

As of right now CK&T only has a couple of knives on the market and they are all based around this format. I'm sure as time goes on we will see more new designs come from them - I personally would love to see a Brend skeleton boot/neck knife :)

As for double thumb studs - Some people love them some people hate them and the rest could care less I am personally one of the people that does not care. But for someone who is left handed the thumb stud is easily reversable.

I had even heard some grumblings about this knife being offered in a lefty model.

IMO it's smart for any new company to establish themselves with a few variants of one product and then expand from there. I would want to see them get one product perfect and move on to other designs and features rather than dumping a variety of junk on the market.

For those who don't like the handle, the blade or both - to each his own, that's why it's beautiful to be a knife nut, we have so many choices.

FWIW the knife is big, but it's a big knife with a blade of just over 4". It's definitely not Klunky at all. It rides in my pocket as well or better than lighter knives with blades that are a 1/2" or more shorter. It's very comfortable in hand with no sharp edges(except the one that counts ;)).

avpshadowman, the lock engaging all of the way is not a problem as long as the blade is still tight. It's just that you have zero room for wear on the lock bar. Like with any properly done frame or liner lock the bar should engage at a point where the blade is secured from folding closed and there is room for material to wear away without compromising lock integrity.
 
Alright Chad and Larry ya'll have made some claims here about the CK&T Brend and I'm going to hold you to it as my plain handle anopeen finished blade Brend model 2 will be at my house come Wednesday!:D :D

As Larry said I expect big and thick and I LIKE big and thick. Having had an original Brend model 2 folder(like a dummy I sold it several years back) I really am looking forward to the Cutter/Brend. Everything I've seen about this knife I like. Everything I've heard about this knife has been positive. The ONLY change I can see from the pics that I would make is to move the pocket clip up higher on the knife, but thats it. Things may be different once in hand but that will not be known until Wednesday!

I don't expect it to be as smooth nor have the fit and finish of my current edc, a J.W. Smith XL RF-1 framelock, yet I do expect it to be well built with tight tolerances. After all that what CNC technology allows you to build.

Until Wednesday!! :D :cool: :)
 
Originally posted by artsig1
I don't expect it to be as smooth nor have the fit and finish of my current edc, a J.W. Smith XL RF-1 framelock, yet I do expect it to be well built with tight tolerances. After all that what CNC technology allows you to build.
Click to expand...

After 100 or so openings it will be close to as smooth as your JWS, but keep in mind you have bronze washers in this where JW uses silica washers that don't need a break in period.

Art, are you sure JW Smith does not do any CNC milling?
 
Oh no I hope he does! It is precisely that CNC engineering that allows such a precise and tight fit and finish. No I don't mind a maker using the current technology if it allows him to make a better product and with the fit and finish J.W. has on his framelocks I would imagine he does make use on CNC machinery!

I didn't mean for CNC machining to come off in a negative way at all. If I have a choice I would rather have it used to make a knife than not.
 
Knowing you like thick knives(JWS)I checked the thickness of the blade on my knife, and it measured out at .149(just under 5/32") on my mic, and on my ruler it showed 5/32".
Also you asked in an earlier post about cutting, and edge, and I am more finickey(sp) than most, and like a thin edge so I put some time in profiling mine to a thinner edge, and it is now the way I like it.
I had a Benchmade 6oo a few years ago, and this is quite similar other than this has a framelock instead of the linerlock, and is larger. If I remember right my BM had a 3 1/4" blade, and it flunked the spinewhack test so I got rid of it. I will tell you that this one does not flunk that catagory:D
Like "cpirtle" said it is stiff at first but the more you play with it the smoother it gets, and will become as smooth as some of the Sebenzas you have owned:). You will like the robust feel that you had with your first original Brend. I handled a few of the earlier Brend's but at the time I was not in the position to afford a real one so know of what you speak.
I agree in that in some cases CNC does provide with much better tolerances as you will see in the Cutters when you get it.
I also know you are very finicky(sp)abouy play in the blade, and being centered, and you should be pleased in that catagory as I have stated above as I am also.
I don't post about a knife on the forums much as you can see by my number of posts since 1998 but this one has excelled in quality, and workmanship. Being a collabaration with Walter Brend, and if you like Brend's, this is as close as you can get without getting the real thing with the addition of a stout framelock that works.
Hope you are happy as I am with the knife, and if not knowing you it will be in the "for sale" column next week:D :D
Again I will say for a high end production model it is as close to a custom as you can get ie: Sebenza.
Just my .02 thrown in again, and now I am up to $2:D

Larry
 
I really figured the Cutter had all the bases covered since you and Chad spoke so highly of it. It was you two who actually "pushed" me over the edge on it, so that when Evan emailed me that TAD had them in stock and I had preordered one it was with glee that I said "send it on"!!:D :D :cool: :)
 
I have been into, and collecting knives for over 50 years. Especially in the last 15 years where I have really gotten into customs, and expecting higher quality of workmanship, and tend to like customs, and higher end productions, and this one has impressed me more than most. Some I obtained did not fit up to my expectations, and like you they were either sold or traded off. Since getting this knife rather than dissappointing me has became more impressive every day.
I have "chefget" to thank as it was he, and all his talk about this knife that got me interested in this knife over on Knifeforums, and also with what Tom(Cutters) had to say in how this knife came about with Walter Brend working with them on this knife to make it to his expected quality, and workmanship as well as getting Chris Reeve's blessing about using the framelock.
Art I hope we have not built this knife up to more than your expectations of what you are looking for, and know we will be hearing from you soon what you think. :)
I hope you are as impressed as I especially being the first knife that Cutters has done to get into the market, and has come up with a winner in my eyes.
Kinda reminds of Tony Marifone, and how he hit the world with the MicroTech company, and his knife after being with Vero Machine & Tool. Look at how his knives took the world by storm at that time.
Gads now I am upto $3 worth of input:D

Larry
 
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