Meh?

[hhmoore]

I hadn't handled a CRK in over 15 yrs. At the time, I recognized & appreciated the quality; but the knife didn't thrill me.
Never really thought about them again until fairly recently. Out of nowhere, I found myself considering an insingo; but had my doubts because of my previous "experience". I did a little reading here, and noticed that a few people commented that many people don't appreciate CRK knives until they better understand knives and learn about quality. To be honest, I was put off by that attitude (it sort of comes off as elitist BS, IMO)...though it didn't totally turn me away from the insingo. At some point, I started thinking about how I've matured, and how my tastes have evolved over the years - and I began to wonder if there might have been some nugget of truth in those statements.
Anyway - I eventually purchased a large insigno, and eagerly awaited its arrival. I was interested to see the packaging I'd read so much about; and wanted to experience the glory of the Sebenza...after all, I've been carrying knives for about 40 yrs, and I've purchased & enjoyed knives costing at least twice as much.
I began to unpack the box, and -finally- there it was. Wait...there was no angelic chorus, or anything of the kind. I wasn't really expecting anything like that...but I was expecting to feel something at the sight of it. Nope. I took the knife in hand & examined it. Yup - quality. No surprise there. But, something was missing.
It took a moment to realize that there was no joy. No excitement. Worse, there was no interest. I don't dislike it - don't get me wrong. The blade shape appeals to me; but, really, that's all. It doesn't feel particularly good in hand. Nothing about it compels me to put it in my pocket & get a feel for it. Ambivalence is a reaction I wasn't expecting - usually, I either like a knife, or I don't...and it happens quickly. Rarely do I change my mind; though I have a few knives that have grown on me slightly after setting them aside for a year or two.
I know the answer is to force it into my pocket, and use it for a few weeks - and I plan to try that. I say try because I have a tough time carrying a knife that doesn't appeal to me. It's too easy to grab something that I actually like.

I guess my desire in posting this is to find out if any of you will admit to not being a fan at first. If so, what was it that changed your mind?

 

[flyingjon]

It was the same for me. I stuffed it in my pocket for two weeks to try to like it, and now I wouldn't carry anything else.

I'd say it wasn't anything immediate, but rather a gradual thing that it grew on me. After you get used to the quality and tight tolerances you simply can't be satisfied with anything less.

 

[kidcongo]

I hadn't handled a CRK in over 15 yrs. At the time, I recognized & appreciated the quality; but the knife didn't thrill me.
Never really thought about them again until fairly recently. Out of nowhere, I found myself considering an insingo; but had my doubts because of my previous "experience". I did a little reading here, and noticed that a few people commented that many people don't appreciate CRK knives until they better understand knives and learn about quality. To be honest, I was put off by that attitude (it sort of comes off as elitist BS, IMO)...though it didn't totally turn me away from the insingo. At some point, I started thinking about how I've matured, and how my tastes have evolved over the years - and I began to wonder if there might have been some nugget of truth in those statements.
Anyway - I eventually purchased a large insigno, and eagerly awaited its arrival. I was interested to see the packaging I'd read so much about; and wanted to experience the glory of the Sebenza...after all, I've been carrying knives for about 40 yrs, and I've purchased & enjoyed knives costing at least twice as much.
I began to unpack the box, and -finally- there it was. Wait...there was no angelic chorus, or anything of the kind. I wasn't really expecting anything like that...but I was expecting to feel something at the sight of it. Nope. I took the knife in hand & examined it. Yup - quality. No surprise there. But, something was missing.
It took a moment to realize that there was no joy. No excitement. Worse, there was no interest. I don't dislike it - don't get me wrong. The blade shape appeals to me; but, really, that's all. It doesn't feel particularly good in hand. Nothing about it compels me to put it in my pocket & get a feel for it. Ambivalence is a reaction I wasn't expecting - usually, I either like a knife, or I don't...and it happens quickly. Rarely do I change my mind; though I have a few knives that have grown on me slightly after setting them aside for a year or two.
I know the answer is to force it into my pocket, and use it for a few weeks - and I plan to try that. I say try because I have a tough time carrying a knife that doesn't appeal to me. It's too easy to grab something that I actually like.

I guess my desire in posting this is to find out if any of you will admit to not being a fan at first. If so, what was it that changed your mind?

I would argue it is through use that the real "love" develops for the Sebenza. It's a deceptively simple design, but highly refined. I too felt "whatever?" when I got my first CRK, now I'm a fan.

I issue this challenge to you: Forget what you paid for it, throw it in your pocket like it was a Spyderco Delica, use it like its a Buck 110, work it like a tool for a couple weeks and report back. If it's not a love story by then, you've spent $75 (my guess at the loss in value having used it to sell it) to come up with an answer to one of the big questions in the knife "hobbiest" world: what's the big deal with the Sebenza?

 

[Dhbranum]

Before I got my first one I read where others had that same "lack" of emotion in opening the box. Like you I didn't expect fireworks, but thought there would be SOME emotion. I mean, it was a large Honduran Rosewood, aren't they supposed to be beautiful? But no real excitement and that concerned me. After a while carrying it and reading others experiences I came to appreciate and like it. As Flyingjon said, it's a gradual thing. Now, it is really the only knives I buy. I keep my others, for now, because they were my first love. Perhaps I will gift them to family at some time instead of selling.

What I appreciate is the simple design, yet they have an??? I dom't know if elegance is the right word, but they are incredible. Simple yet such tight tolerances and the variety of styles and designs keep you looking for more.

All that said, I have also read--of a few--😊 who didn't take to them. If that is you that is fine too, thanks for trying and the wisdom to give it a chance.

 

[sutherland]

Totally valid. I jumped into Chris Reeve knives after EDC'ing a Delica 4 for close to 8 years (within those 8 years I never considered getting a "nice" knife as the Delica was "more than good enough" in so many areas). I purchased a small 21 on the heals of many videos and threads praising the knife. Upon receiving, I too was expecting to be blown away, instead my impressions fell flat.

Then when you start handling the knife and compare it to other knives, it becomes more and more clear. The knife feels so remarkably solid in hand. Sure we can "gush" about the tolerances and examine/appreciate the fit, but it's the feel that ultimately creates the separation. It's structurally sound with no sway or burr.

 

[6sigma]

It's too easy to grab something that I actually like.

As a matter of curiosity & comparison, I'm interested in knowing 4 or 5 knives that you already know you like. Thanks.

 

[Krav]

Some times you have to try some other knives out to come full circle to a CRK. Like the OP said, if I don't use my knife it kind of loses its umf.

 

[Tripton]

So, what does the OP usually carry?

 

[Corytr]

My appreciation for the Sebenza quadrupled once I finally took one apart and got to see it's design first hand. I.E. once I got to "know" the knife is when I understood why there are so many who won't own anything else. Like others have said, give it a chance, it just may grow on you.

 

[hhmoore]

As a matter of curiosity & comparison, I'm interested in knowing 4 or 5 knives that you already know you like. Thanks.

So, what does the OP usually carry?

Honestly, the knife stuck in my pocket for years was a ZT 0200. Once I ground the scales smooth, I found it to be incredibly comfortable. It has some features I'm not crazy about, as well as some "flaws"; but it fits my hand, the size is just right, and it handles every job I ask of it (and I'm not shy about asking).
I really like my 0801BW - comfortable in hand, good size, perfect action...but rarely did it manage to displace the 0200. Doesn't matter, though - the magic happened.
Currently I've been pairing two knives - a Carson Tech Lab Boiling and a GEC (half) congress in curly maple. My only dislike of the Boiling is that it is a dedicated flipper - it doesn't bother me, though I prefer thumbstudS...and the ability to decide whether the blade flies open or is controlled. That's where the GEC comes in - it's the one I grab when I want controlled blade deployment...and sometimes just because it's a nice little knife that is also "just the right size" most of the time. The 0200 has a spot in my pack; so it is always available...and sometimes I grab it for tougher tasks out of habit (and the because the comfort/size of the handle WINS).

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

It sounds like you like a beefier knife, I get it, because I do too. What size did you get? Have you handled a 25 or an Umnumzaan? They might be more up your alley.

 

[Wavicle]

I had the same thoughts after my first CRK purchase- "I paid >$500 for this, really?". It's a gray slab of titanium and a blade. Where is the excitement and value I had built up in anticipation? It went in my collector's box and my collection building continued: Strider, Hinderer, Lionsteel, Spyderco, Les George, Zero Tolerance, Benchmade, and Spartan Blades. However, I realized that most of them have pieces, parts, and mechanisms. That adds something to look at and maintenance, but then I came back to Chris Reeve and realized that his designs are simplified to the point of basic elements. No bearings, no lockbar steel inserts, no scales-over-liners, and no back spacers. Just a blade shaped and ground to perfection, bronze-phosphate washers that hold lubrication, and the infamous integral frame lock. It works, it's reliable, its easily serviceable, and built to last a lifetime. Unlike many folding blades you cannot sit on the couch and flip or flick-deploy them over and over. By contrast they are meant to to opened when needed and then closed to secure the blade. Kind of like how a real tool is used.

So the excitement is in fact in the things that are missing- because CRK designs don't need them! Of the dozen or so CRK models I have the small Insingo is my most often carried followed by a regular (small) Wilson Combat Star-Benza.

This may not be the answer you are seeking, but your original post prompted me to write this because I felt the same way about 2 years ago.

 

[HwangJino]

When I open the box to beautiful wood inlays, I'm in love.

When I got my 25, it seemed stale.
The knife itself, the 25, to me lacks what the 21 gave me in liking the knife.

25 seems only better on paper, not in hand.

 

[willard0341]

I can't see myself purchasing a hinderer or any other knife, being underwhelmed, then going to the hinderer subforum and posting "meh" as the title of my thread. I guess it gives us something to talk about.
My 07 small reg does not have any blade play and lock up is 45-50%. Been that way since I got it. I've carried the knife 70% of the time since I bought it new. Some guys don't mind blade play or the blade rubbing a liner on a work knife after 3 or 5 years of use or more. I do.
As far as "meh" and "emperor's new clothes" it makes for interesting discussions.

 

[Poromenos]

I was the same exact way about all three of my CRK's. Being my first high end folders I think I expected music and bright lights to happen when I opened the box, but sadly that did not happen. that being said however, my 25 is really starting to grow on me. I stopped babying it a week ago, and started really using it, flipping it open and closed, handling it as much as possible, even when I'm not using it to cut anything, and I have to say it's breaking in splendidly. The detent has softened, the pivot action has gotten even smoother, and I'm really starting to enjoy it.

 

[JNewell]

My appreciation for the Sebenza quadrupled once I finally took one apart and got to see it's design first hand. I.E. once I got to "know" the knife is when I understood why there are so many who won't own anything else. Like others have said, give it a chance, it just may grow on you.

OP, I had looked at them for years and couldn't make the leap to a "buy" decision. I was given one as a present and, like Corskin, came to truly appreciate the design and manufacturing qualities. I now have 8 or 9 Sebenzas, a Mnandi, two Umnuzaans and half a dozen fixed blades, mostly OPR.

 

[Ajack60]

When I started collecting higher end knives, my top three choices were Hinderer, Strider and CRK. The first CRK I bought sat in the safe for 6 or 8 months because it really didn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling. It wasn't until my third CRK that I decided to start using some of these higher end knives that I acquired. It wasn't until I was able to compare the CRK to the others I had, that for me, the CRK was the knife for me.
What sets the CRK apart from other knives for me is the quality of build, materials used, warranty and service and a proven track record of the life and dependability of a CRK. I bought a sebenza with 1999 slab stamps, the blade had been replaced, the knife had been beat to hell and back when I got it. When I used the knife for the first time, it was as smooth as any of the new ones in my collection. To know that I can send any of my users back to CRK for a spa treatment and have the knife come back in new condition speaks volumes for CRK and that is what gives me a warm fuzzy and why I'm never going to be without a CRK.

 

[hhmoore]

As a matter of curiosity & comparison, I'm interested in knowing 4 or 5 knives that you already know you like. Thanks.

So, what does the OP usually carry?

I can't see myself purchasing a hinderer or any other knife, being underwhelmed, then going to the hinderer subforum and posting "meh" as the title of my thread. I guess it gives us something to talk about.
My 07 small reg does not have any blade play and lock up is 45-50%. Been that way since I got it. I've carried the knife 70% of the time since I bought it new. Some guys don't mind blade play or the blade rubbing a liner on a work knife after 3 or 5 years of use or more. I do.
As far as "meh" and "emperor's new clothes" it makes for interesting discussions.

I did consider the possibilities prior to posting; but my post was not intended to be disrespectful to Chris Reeve...or any owners, users, or fans of his knives. It would have been difficult to ask the question I wanted answered without setting it up at least a little.
I would like to thank the people that took a few minutes to respond - nobody's reply came as a surprise to me; and I feel somewhat better about that. I have every intention of giving the knife a fair chance - probably more of a chance than I've given some other knives that I wanted to like, but didn't. (Go ahead, lol, ask me how I feel about the PM2).
Hopefully, my future postings in this forum will reflect an awakening...if the knife doesn't win me over, I won't feel compelled to comment on that (though my experiences along the way might be worth a post or two).

 

[anttttt]

There have been some interesting comments here. When I got my small seb 21, I was excited and I think this is a little strange because I am a middle aged man. It was used and had a few scratches but still looked good and I like it a lot. Recently I was able to buy a new large Seb 21 and the same excitement or "joy" is not there. I have thought about this and maybe it is that I prefer smaller knives or maybe because it is new and I don't want to use it. I don't know but will be keeping it. I would like to get a zaan one day to see what it is like.
I have a SR1a lion steel that I bought new, it is very nice and at first I didn't really like it maybe because it looked so good but recently I have started using it and now am starting to really like it. it is a well made knife so maybe I should start using my large 21 but I worry about losing it so mostly it stays home.

 

[Officer's Match]

My first CRK was a Large Starbenza, and I was very impressed from the get go. Next came an Umnumzaan, old pivot sans OTS - again quite impressed. I tried a small 21 CF insingo and found it too small/thin/light to like, as well as a Mnandi - again too tiny for me to really like.

I eventually got bitten by other brand bugs and went a period without a CRK, but snagged a small micarta 21 just a few months ago and the enchantment started anew. I found the inlays to make a huge difference for my hands compared to the small cf insingo I didn't enjoy previously. In short order a CF Large Insingo, 25 and Star Tac Zaan followed.