My first sebenza (or a CRK knife)

miso2

miso2

Joined
Nov 19, 2014
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Hi all,

I don't own a Sebenza yet.
But after experiencing a Southard Tolk (and loving it), somehow I got an urge to get a Sebenza, the standard of the industry.

Now, I am looking at a large Sebenza 21, but also attracted by a large Insingo.
Then there are Sebenza 25 and Umnumzaan (I don't like the look of Ti-Lock).

What would you Sebenza experts recommend for my first Sebenza?
I know that you must have gotten this type of questions a lot in the past, but I would really appreciate your help!



Miso
 
miso2, good morning. I hear you have the Sebenza flu, the only way to get rid of it is to buy a large plane Sebenza 21. That way if you don't like it you can easily sell it and try something different without having layed out too much initial scratch. Most people seem to have their favourite CRK's, so you'll get a hearty endorsement for every model Chris Reeve makes. Did you know that people actually collect Sebenza's? Beware!;)
 
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Opt for the 21 plain jane clip point for a first CRK. The inlays are nice to have, but more costly. There's just something about a 21 with plain slabs that makes them grow on you.
Any of the choices you listed will be a great first CRK.
Gotta post pics and share your first impressions when you finally get it. Happy hunting!!!!
 
My first was a large 21 insingo. I was underwhelmed, despite appreciating the quality of the build. Forum members suggested that I try the micarta version. I did; and it was an improvement. I still don't have "the CRK love", so to speak; but I like, carry, and use the knife. I think that the plain ti slabs - especially today, with many/most makers featuring more ergonomic design - are somewhat off putting, and can initially be perceived as uninspired; and the inlays, while they don't fix that, offer a different feel. Having used the knife for a while, I suspect that the handle shape is kept basic to make it usable for the widest group of people - the more shaping & contouring a handle has, the more likely that somebody will find that it doesn't fit them well. The handle shape works - it isn't the most comfortable out there; but it isn't going to cause discomfort, or fit poorly, either. It just works, and that understanding can lead to a greater appreciation of its simplicity (it took me a while, but I did get there).
I'm intrigued by the 25, as well, and will likely purchase a starbenza 25 at some point...but I seem to have become satisfied, as I have reached a hiatus in purchasing.
Best of luck in your search, and let us know which model you choose.

Oh - BTW - I love the usability of the insingo.
 
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Hi guys,

Thank you for the inputs. Unfortunately, inlay versions are quite expensive and limited in Japan.
Basic ones are available at reasonable prices ($420 for a large Sebenza 21).
I am warned now and hope that my fever subsides with the first purchase.


Miso
 
I will second the recommendation for a plain clip point, it's the "classic" sebenza and a great way to start!
 
Well, that is my fear. I hope that it will be the end of my search, but you guys say it is the start.


Miso
 
Just echoing what everyone on else said but a plain clip point 21 is the perfect first CRK. Really let's you appreciate the simplistic nature of a Sebenza to see if it's for you.
 
I think the micarta inlay makes a fantastic user, but I will also recommend the plain Jane 21 clip point. It is a fantastic start, and can be a finish if you have the will power. It carries well and is a very well designed and useful blade. If cared for it should last you a lifetime.
Best of luck on your purchase
 
When I started out with CRKs, I had the option of the Umnumzaan or the Large 21. Off the bat, the umnumzaan looks to be the better choice as it comes with more goodies like, double thumb studs, glass breaker, detent ceramic ball lock design, millings at the titanium scales which was why I bought that. It only took me roughly a week and a half later, I longed for the 21, which I finally bought also. Having both now, I can say that both are different animals. For ease of edc, the plain jane 21 wins as it is somewhat slimmer. On the blade design, both looks similar but are different. On majority of tasks, IMO the 21L is ideal. I have 4 folders on rotation, 2 crks, XM18 and PM2.

The 25 is like a 21 but having a different pivot and lock design. IMO to start with a 21L is a logical step into CRKs. All the best in your choices. :)
 
I prefer the Umnumzaan over the Sebenza by a landslide. Just my opinion of course.

If possible, I'd try to get both in hand before deciding.
 
hhmoore said:
My first was a large 21 insingo. I was underwhelmed, despite appreciating the quality of the build. Forum members suggested that I try the micarta version. I did; and it was an improvement. I still don't have "the CRK love", so to speak; but I like, carry, and use the knife. I think that the plain ti slabs - especially today, with many/most makers featuring more ergonomic design - are somewhat off putting, and can initially be perceived as uninspired; and the inlays, while they don't fix that, offer a different feel. Having used the knife for a while, I suspect that the handle shape is kept basic to make it usable for the widest group of people - the more shaping & contouring a handle has, the more likely that somebody will find that it doesn't fit them well. The handle shape works - it isn't the most comfortable out there; but it isn't going to cause discomfort, or fit poorly, either. It just works, and that understanding can lead to a greater appreciation of its simplicity (it took me a while, but I did get there).
I'm intrigued by the 25, as well, and will likely purchase a starbenza 25 at some point...but I seem to have become satisfied, as I have reached a hiatus in purchasing.
Best of luck in your search, and let us know which model you choose.

Oh - BTW - I love the usability of the insingo.
Click to expand...


Great post! I have/had similar feelings with the seb.
 
Thank you, all!
Does "clip point" mean the regular blade shape (non-Insingo)?
Sorry for a beginner question.


Miso
 
I think I am going to get a regular large Sebenza 21, for the start or the end, I don't know yet.
It will be a Christmas (or my January birthday) present for me, from me, I guess.
I will post my impressions and comparisons with my Tolk.


Miso
 
If you have a Southard I would go for an inlay or Wilson combat. Gives you just a bit of difference. A Southard is practically a large crk with a flipper!
 
cchu518 said:
If you have a Southard I would go for an inlay or Wilson combat. Gives you just a bit of difference. A Southard is practically a large crk with a flipper!
Click to expand...

Starbenza would be nice, but seems like I cannot purchase it from Japan.....


Miso
 
"Don't buy no ugly knife!" Get a decorated Sebenza it's pretty and has a shiny blade too. That's what I did.
 
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