My New Insingo Adventure.

[Gizler00]

I must say that after picking up my First Sebenza last year, I was not completely sold or impressed enough to justify the price of them. I carried and used each one I had for quite some time, and ultimately came to the same conclusion with each and every one........... I love the Simplicity of the 21. Only needing a 5/64 hex wrench for the entire knife, plus the bushing system and minimal hardware........Whats not to like right!!

Well, the one thing that made me break down and part with them all was the fact that they would never hold an edge like I wanted/needed them to.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and after months of contemplating the Insingo, I decided to bite the bullet and order one.


At first I was not completely sure I made the right decision by purchasing the Insingo. There were a lot of things that put me off initially......The Ugly blade shape, the same plain feel, the Lower RC of the S35V.............

But even with all of that I decided to stick with my decision and order the Insingo to give it a shot.

Now after some research and browsing all over the internet about the Insingo, I knew that I had to just get my hands on one to try out and come to my own conclusion.

It arrived two weeks ago.







Immediately after opening up the box, I quickly realized how much I actually missed owning a Seb, and was also pleasantly surprised that I loved the look of the blade!!




I started to use it every day for everything and anything that I might need it for. I am an Auto Tech instructor, so I am always cutting all kinds of materials. At this point I was still in the early honeymoon stage of my new knife... Deciding to lanyard or not, getting a few poser shots, and actually using it for some tasks.







One of the first things that was totally unexpected was how much I actually love the swedge and use it a lot! I also cannot get over how sharp it actually is, and great for scraping and tasks where I need an edge, but not necessarily a sharp one.



Of course it has been accompanying me on may adventures. Relaxing is a big one of those when I actually get the time to do so.




Up to this point, I have not sharpened or stropped the knife in any way. And I have cut everything from Cardboard boxes, Zip-ties, Plastic webbed package straps, vacuum line, radiator hoses, carved some sticks, cut up my lunch, and so many other things that I cannot remember. One thing I will say is that I was very skeptical of the Claims from CRK on the Higher RC. Especially since they apparently waited Two years to start updating their cards. (This one still has me wondering) But I can say for certain that this blade has stayed sharper longer than any other Sebenza I have owned. This one has a birthdate of 8-6-2015, so it falls into the Higher RC range that CRK says they have been using, even though my birth card says otherwise.
Still not certain if its the different grind or an actual Bump in RC. Either way I al very happy with the outcome so far.

Here is how it looks today at I sit and type this little mini review.




Overall, I am very satisfied with my decision to purchase the Insingo Sebenza. So much so that I want to try and pick up another. Possibly in a small configuration.

I will say that this blade has exceeded every and any expectation that I had for it. It just excels at everything I throw at it. I have yet to encounter something that It does not excel at.
Well maybe not at keeping me from wanting to spend more money on another one!!


Take if from me.....Im not a fanboy, Im not dedicated to any knife maker, and at one point I could have been considered anti-CRK. But if you have any hesitation about trying out the Insingo or any style Sebenza.......Dont, you will be most definitely satisfied and quickly realize after a few short weeks of use, it will become your most loved and desired blade to carry.

Not sure why I waited so long.

I will continue to update the thread with more pics and usage updates as the time goes on.

Thanks for reading

 

[marcus52AR]

:thumbup: I carry a LG micarta insingo everyday and I love it.

 

[rishma]

Your insingo has a 59-60 RC blade. The birth card is a typo.

Glad your enjoying it.

 

[Ccc]

I definitely consider myself a CRK fanboy, but I couldn't really warm up to the large insingo. But that's why CRK makes so many!
If you like the large, I think you would love the small insingo, it is my favorite knife. Great pictures, and thanks for the review!

 

[Gizler00]

:thumbup: I carry a LG micarta insingo everyday and I love it.

Awesome. They are such great knives

Your insingo has a 59-60 RC blade. The birth card is a typo.

Glad your enjoying it.

Thanks for the clarification.

I definitely consider myself a CRK fanboy, but I couldn't really warm up to the large insingo. But that's why CRK makes so many!
If you like the large, I think you would love the small insingo, it is my favorite knife. Great pictures, and thanks for the review!

I know!!!! I really want another small but an insingo this time!!

 

[thales2015]

Thanks for the helpful review - I'm really tempted to get one over the holiday break. Can you tell me when the new RC rating took effect so I can buy with a bit more confidence?

 

[TTTis]

Thanks for the helpful review - I'm really tempted to get one over the holiday break. Can you tell me when the new RC rating took effect so I can buy with a bit more confidence?

Mid 2013. I'd say to be sure just get the newest Seb possible.

 

[Gizler00]

Thanks for the helpful review - I'm really tempted to get one over the holiday break. Can you tell me when the new RC rating took effect so I can buy with a bit more confidence?

Sure thing! I want to help people that might be in the fence.

 

[Gizler00]

I definitely consider myself a CRK fanboy, but I couldn't really warm up to the large insingo. But that's why CRK makes so many!
If you like the large, I think you would love the small insingo, it is my favorite knife. Great pictures, and thanks for the review!

I want to see more of the CF Insingo!!!

 

[thales2015]

Mid 2013. I'd say to be sure just get the newest Seb possible.

Thanks! - will do.

Sure thing! I want to help people that might be in the fence.

I think I'm officially off the fence. I actually had an Insingo awhile back, but sold it and now regret doing so. But, this gives me a chance at getting a newer one with the hardness increase. So, all' is good Now it's just between a large or a small.

 

[Gizler00]

Thanks! - will do.



I think I'm officially off the fence. I actually had an Insingo awhile back, but sold it and now regret doing so. But, this gives me a chance at getting a newer one with the hardness increase. So, all' is good Now it's just between a large or a small.

That is definitely a tough decision. I was contemplating the same thing and decided to go with the large. However, a small would be more than enough for anything I would need, but for some reason I opted for the large.

 

[uofaengr]

Welcome (back) to the sickness! I really have never liked sheepsfoot or wharncliffe blades, but the Insingo is the most visually appealing version I've ever seen and really must be seen in person to appreciate.

I too am not necessarily a fanboy of any one brand, including CRK, and haven't carried one in a couple months. However, I do think they make the finest knife at that price point, by far. When I received my small micarta Insingo a couple weeks ago, I was reminded again how great these knives are. Everything from the freedropping blade, to the sounds it makes, to the stonewash, to the hand feel, to the elegant blade, it all just works, and you're constantly finding a subtle touch to make you appreciate it even more. I really, really like these knives, and the small Insingo in particular, and eager to hear your experiences.

 

[James Y]

That is definitely a tough decision. I was contemplating the same thing and decided to go with the large. However, a small would be more than enough for anything I would need, but for some reason I opted for the large.

A couple months ago, I got a small plain-Jane insingo and have been EDCing it ever since. However, I liked it so much that I ordered a large which I received today, and I'm glad I got it. I really love the Insingo, how it performs, how it feels in hand and how it looks. Originally, I only wanted either a small or a large. It took me five years to decide, and in the course of the past couple months I ended up getting both. Go figure.

Anyway, that's it for me as far as knife purchases go for the foreseeable future.

Jim

 

[Gizler00]

Welcome (back) to the sickness! I really have never liked sheepsfoot or wharncliffe blades, but the Insingo is the most visually appealing version I've ever seen and really must be seen in person to appreciate.

I too am not necessarily a fanboy of any one brand, including CRK, and haven't carried one in a couple months. However, I do think they make the finest knife at that price point, by far. When I received my small micarta Insingo a couple weeks ago, I was reminded again how great these knives are. Everything from the freedropping blade, to the sounds it makes, to the stonewash, to the hand feel, to the elegant blade, it all just works, and you're constantly finding a subtle touch to make you appreciate it even more. I really, really like these knives, and the small Insingo in particular, and eager to hear your experiences.

Thanks!! Its definitely a sickness!! There are definitely so many qualities that these knives possess that make it worth the money. I really, really, love the simplicity of it. I mean, the fact that one wrench takes down the 21 makes it so great. And the fact that its a crazy common size (5/64) which you can almost find anywhere. I know Ive told this story once before on here somewhere. But I was at My in-laws house for Xmas last year when I bent the pocket clip of my seb on a counter top. My father does not have a plethora of tools in his garage or house much like I do, but after about 5 minutes of pilfering through some random tools...........i find a 5/64 Hex wrench. Fixed the pocket clip in a jiffy. What a great feeling not to need a special tool to break the knife down.

I really need to get a small! Love the CF ones.

A couple months ago, I got a small plain-Jane insingo and have been EDCing it ever since. However, I liked it so much that I ordered a large which I received today, and I'm glad I got it. I really love the Insingo, how it performs, how it feels in hand and how it looks. Originally, I only wanted either a small or a large. It took me five years to decide, and in the course of the past couple months I ended up getting both. Go figure.

Anyway, that's it for me as far as knife purchases go for the foreseeable future.

Jim

I have been keeping my eye out for a Small Insingo lately. I really like the CF model. but am afraid that I will not like it as much as the Plain jane. I really have no burning desire to get an inlaid one either. I would be so afraid of the inlay coming off after prolonged periods of use. I could be wrong, but that is one of the thoughts I had.

I love both the small and the large. Even though, I do not have one of each right now, I have had them in the past and really cannot decide which one I like better. I really like the Large, But will have to admit that the small will do everything that I can throw at it in a days time. There was never an instance when I only had a small that the knife was......well.......too small.

Man all this talk about the Small has me creeping on the Forum for someone who will trade my SMF for one!!

 

[uofaengr]

Thanks!! Its definitely a sickness!! There are definitely so many qualities that these knives possess that make it worth the money. I really, really, love the simplicity of it. I mean, the fact that one wrench takes down the 21 makes it so great. And the fact that its a crazy common size (5/64) which you can almost find anywhere. I know Ive told this story once before on here somewhere. But I was at My in-laws house for Xmas last year when I bent the pocket clip of my seb on a counter top. My father does not have a plethora of tools in his garage or house much like I do, but after about 5 minutes of pilfering through some random tools...........i find a 5/64 Hex wrench. Fixed the pocket clip in a jiffy. What a great feeling not to need a special tool to break the knife down.

I really need to get a small! Love the CF ones.




I have been keeping my eye out for a Small Insingo lately. I really like the CF model. but am afraid that I will not like it as much as the Plain jane. I really have no burning desire to get an inlaid one either. I would be so afraid of the inlay coming off after prolonged periods of use. I could be wrong, but that is one of the thoughts I had.

I love both the small and the large. Even though, I do not have one of each right now, I have had them in the past and really cannot decide which one I like better. I really like the Large, But will have to admit that the small will do everything that I can throw at it in a days time. There was never an instance when I only had a small that the knife was......well.......too small.

Man all this talk about the Small has me creeping on the Forum for someone who will trade my SMF for one!!

It's funny because I really don't like CF at all as a handle material, I feel it's too slick especially for working knives, but if I ever got another 21 I feel like it'd be a small CF Insingo. Classy looking knife for sure.

For someone that uses their knives hard daily like you do, I'd recommend considering the micarta inlays. I've never heard of an inlay coming out, and in the small configuration the micarta gives a very pleasant hand filling feeling and better grip. Honestly though, I have great peace of mind with any CRK because I know if there was ever any issue, it'd be taken care of with no hassle.

The simplicity is something I love too, and another reason the 21 is my preference. One common tool. That's it. No proprietary $70 tool or redneck engineering of coins or other tools to make it fit the pivot and scratch up the knife. I appreciate we are also trusted to disassemble and reassemble the knife and that it's encouraged unlike some other makers.

 

[storyville]

Just posted in another CRK thread that the CF small Insingo is my favorite EDC. Like CCC, I much prefer the Insingo on the small rather than the large--hard to explain but the large is not quite as 'right' in use. I find the tip more sheepsfoot-like, while the small Insingo with swedge, for me, is the most functional and versatile tip on any EDC--less sheepsfoot and more like a sturdy Wharncliffe.

Re CRK's CF: just an observation but the CF on my 2015 small CF Insingo is completely flat and smooth, while my 2012 large CF Seb is slightly textured--visibly so and definitely noticeable in-hand. But oddly, the flat/smooth CF on my newer small Insingo is also noticeably grippier than the textured CF on my 2012 large Seb. The 2012 CF is not slippery, but the newer 2015 CF is definitely grippier, and this is the case whether dry or wet. And not just to me, but to my wife and buddies, too. Again, just an observation.

One last point: the SF is far less prone to scratching than the ti. CRK's ti 'gains character' nicely to be sure, but the CF is far more scratch resistant than I would have thought. Much more so than the various FRNs in Spyerco, Benchmade's Noryl or whatever, etc.

 

[Gizler00]

It's funny because I really don't like CF at all as a handle material, I feel it's too slick especially for working knives, but if I ever got another 21 I feel like it'd be a small CF Insingo. Classy looking knife for sure.

For someone that uses their knives hard daily like you do, I'd recommend considering the micarta inlays. I've never heard of an inlay coming out, and in the small configuration the micarta gives a very pleasant hand filling feeling and better grip. Honestly though, I have great peace of mind with any CRK because I know if there was ever any issue, it'd be taken care of with no hassle.

The simplicity is something I love too, and another reason the 21 is my preference. One common tool. That's it. No proprietary $70 tool or redneck engineering of coins or other tools to make it fit the pivot and scratch up the knife. I appreciate we are also trusted to disassemble and reassemble the knife and that it's encouraged unlike some other makers.

I really would not mind trying the Micarta inlay as I have never experienced it before. Definitely nice to not need a specialty tool.

Just posted in another CRK thread that the CF small Insingo is my favorite EDC. Like CCC, I much prefer the Insingo on the small rather than the large--hard to explain but the large is not quite as 'right' in use. I find the tip more sheepsfoot-like, while the small Insingo with swedge, for me, is the most functional and versatile tip on any EDC--less sheepsfoot and more like a sturdy Wharncliffe.

Re CRK's CF: just an observation but the CF on my 2015 small CF Insingo is completely flat and smooth, while my 2012 large CF Seb is slightly textured--visibly so and definitely noticeable in-hand. But oddly, the flat/smooth CF on my newer small Insingo is also noticeably grippier than the textured CF on my 2012 large Seb. The 2012 CF is not slippery, but the newer 2015 CF is definitely grippier, and this is the case whether dry or wet. And not just to me, but to my wife and buddies, too. Again, just an observation.

One last point: the SF is far less prone to scratching than the ti. CRK's ti 'gains character' nicely to be sure, but the CF is far more scratch resistant than I would have thought. Much more so than the various FRNs in Spyerco, Benchmade's Noryl or whatever, etc.

I really like the look of the Small CF Insingo.

 

[Gizler00]

I decided to take the knife down to remove the lanyard. Still not sure what I think about them. I have a love/hate with it.

This is the first time I experienced the new washers.

 

[Gizler00]

Lots of Grime in just two weeks. I use the knife for everything and all my other sebenzas were the same way. I used to break them down every 2-3 weeks and clean them up because they were nasty from all the use.

Pretending its lefty seb 21






I had some Small cucumbers in the refrigerator that I had to get rid of. So I decided to make some Dill Pickles. I really really love this knifes ability in the kitchen.







The one thing I love about these knives is how they are so easy to clean under the faucet or any kind of water you can find. I love not being worried about hurting a finish, losing special grease and not being able to take the knife apart to replenish it. I literally use this thing for everything and anything throughout my day. And this blade shape just keeps on impressing me with every time I pull it out of my pocket.

I also have no idea how I have lived with out the Swedge!!! I used it this morning to put butter on my boys Toast! Worked like a charm!

 

[blackmore]

Great write up and pics! I hd not really considered a small Insingo before as I was more of a large blade 21 or 25 guy, the blade shape just never really did it for me.
Now I find myself really wanting to try it out