Looking to buy my first CRK, which one would you recommend?

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newknife1

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I've done some googling and read some reviews for each model, and have narrowed it down to between the sebenza and inkosi. Of those of you that have both, which one do you like more and why?

Also, should I opt for the regular sebenza or go for the carbon fiber knifeart version? It looks pretty cool and am wondering if its exclusivity will help its value later on?

Anything else I should consider about each knife before pulling the trigger?
 
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I think the CRK experience should begin with a Sebenza. Nothing wrong with the KA CF version either, but honest I'd go plain Sebbie for a first, just because it is so iconic. Were you interested in Large or Small?
 
For smalls, I much prefer Micarta inlay to give a bit more grip. Surprisingly the Micarta inlayed models are ever so slightly lighter in weight than plain models. I have a standard blade Micarta 21 Small that I use more than any other CRK. That said, I wish I had the same knife in an Insingo blade - those things are highly appreciated as near perfect EDC's.
 
I agree get the Sebenza 21. My large 21 Insingo arrived today ☺
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I was in this position several months ago... Since, I've gotten both haha.

If you are able to easily EDC a large, you should get a large. Plain is fine, or inlayed if you really like the look. If that isn't really feasible, get a small inlayed. The inlays helps the ergonomics of the small in my opinion, where the large is big enough where you don't need them.

This was confusing to me at first based on pictures but keep in mind the Sebenza has two handle finishes. There is a blasted finish like you see on the plain and Micarta versions, and a polished finished that you see on the wood inlays. Keep this in mind when searching. It wasn't clear to me as someone who was new to the scene so I figured its worth pointing that out.
 
I did a lot of research before I bought my first Sebenza. I ended up going with a Large w/Raindrop Damascus blade. I always thought the Small looked to small and I was right. The first time I held a small I said I would never use it. The Large fits great in my hand and I feel like it can take what ever is thrown at it. I also have a large w/carbon fiber inlays with polished blade. I rotate carrying them and I love having them in my collection.
Hope that helps.
Jared
 
If at all possible try to handle the small and large before buying. The small was too small for me. The large is perfect. I went with the large 21 carbon fiber from KA. But only after buying a plain small that I sold immediately. It's a nice knife just the wrong size for me. And I love carbon fiber so that part was a no brainer for me. Good luck.
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When talking about smalls, I feel like I've read about more people disliking the small Inkosi than the small Sebenza just because the small Inkosi is a little shorter. Some people don't like not being able to get their whole hand on it. If you think that's not an issue for you, then I'd say you cannot go wrong with either. If I had to tell you to pick one over the other first, I'd go Sebenza since it is the CRK icon. I'd also recommend inlays or plain jane first, not the carbon fiber. The CF is nice enough, but in my opinion it just doesn't have the same breathtaking feel.

Regardless which you pick, if you like it, you'll probably end up getting the other at some point anyway to know what it is like. It's the "sickness" most of us share around here. :)
 
I'd definitely recommend the 21 as your first pick. 1. It's not as expensive 2. It's iconic and will get you a better "feeling" of what CRK is all about
I started on the other end with a small Inkosi half a year ago followed by a 25 and with the Large 21 being my most recent purchase, but I find myself reaching for the 21 first every day for the past 3 months, but that's just me.
In the end I'd say you won't be disappointed with either one, so pick the model you like more, I vote the Sebenza!


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I vote for the small plain inkosi drop point.... its easier of me to open one handed with the thumb stud as compared to the small seb 21
 
For your first CRK it has to be the Sabenza 21 imo, then expand your collection from there. I started with a small and large 21 and then moved onto the Umnumzaan. There is no wrong choice though. Go with which one speaks to you.
 
My first CRK was an Umnumzaan. I loved it, but eventually sold it after purchasing my next CRK, a Large Plain Jain Sebenza 21. I also own a small Inkosi. I think the most important things for you to consider would be the following:

Are you planning on buying more CRK in the future, assuming you like the first? (I think you should DEFINITELY try a Sebenza 21 at some point, so if you are not open to owning more than one, start with a Sebenza, period.)

Do you plan on carrying the knife a lot? (As much as I love my 21, it's just too big for me to carry on most days. I actually use to only use knives with 3.5" or bigger blades, but anymore I mostly carry knives between ~3" and ~3.25")

What do you use the knife for? (The Inkosi's and Sebenza's will be slightly better and worse at a few different tasks)

Overall, I prefer my small Inkosi to carry on a daily basis. However, I don't ever anticipate selling my Sebenza. The Inkosi is a lot smaller than what I expected, to the point of almost being a turn off when I first got it. However, the more I held it, the more I used it, the more I studied the design and how it lay in my hand, I couldn't help but develop a massive appreciation for it.

Some people say it's the best knife CRK has ever made, I can't really speak in that broad of terms, but I think I can say it's my favorite out of the Sebenza 21 and the Umnumzaan. Please let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.
 
Gotta get a 21 for your first CRK. Here's why, thinner blade equates to a better slicer, bushing system which makes for non adjustment on the pivot, the jimping is not as aggressive on the 21.If you like the lanyard, you have a variety to choose from or you can remove the lanyard pin and tie your own using the holes for the lanyard pin.
Now, if you don't care for the lanyard holes or the milling holes, the Inkosi is the way to go. Some also like the angled pocket clip.
As far as the carbon fiber KA exclusive being a better seller later, that all depends on the market at the time you decide to move it. There's been mixed opinions about the CF slab.
 
I own 49 CRK's with more on the way. Only one to carry...my vote goes to a Large Sebenza 21 in Carbon Fiber. It is light, durable,good grip, looks great (even after hard use) and hard to beat price wise. Next choice would be the Micarta Inlay version. I only own one Plain Jane and it is a small Inkosi which is a fine knife but prefer Mnandi's for when I'm in the mood for the smallest carry knife.
 
The small Sebenza.
While the handle is small, it is still large enough to comfort all fingers.
The slim design looks nice and I easy to carry.
I understand the ceramic ball is a notch up in quality, but I'm not sure if I need it in a small knife.
Please don't get me wrong it is a nice to have feature, as is the pivot-bushing.
For my EDC needs the small is more that sufficient.
hope this helps.
Now the large Inkosi I another animal..:)
 
You all are very convincing. I find myself gravitating towards the small inkosi by a hair, despite the majority of you recommending the sebenza - which to me means this is a tie.

I think the only way to truly feel comfortable with a choice is to handle both in person, which brings me to my next question...what's the best way to do that?
 
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