need advice on a sebenza...

T

tyuio

Joined
Apr 9, 2003
Messages
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I have always used SAK as my EDC. Recently i have been checking out this fine website forum and decided to look around. I have been impressed with the CRK sebenza and the following it has. My question is how do you justify big bucks for a pocket knife without a can opener? j.k.

I find i really like the look of the sebenza and almost can't resist buying one, but it is a lot of money. Are they really worth it? I know the diffrence between a $5 flea market knife and a nice knife, but up till now nice knives have been spyderco and benchmade at around $120 at most.

I was also wondering how the titanium slabs hold up under normal use. I see used knives come up every once in awile and all seem pretty scratched up just from bouncing around in your pocket. The SAK i normally carry has been in my pocket with keys etc for years and doesn't show the wear on the slabs some of these sebenzas do.

I'm not knocking sebenzas, on the contrary i am very impressed.I'm just looking for some input before i seriously consider dropping $300 bucks on one.

Thanks to anyone that takes the time to respond.
 
I would say this, yes $300 is a big step. I would strongly suggest if you are thinking about it that you wait and keep an eye open for a used one for more like $250 - $270 that will help.

The Ti scales will get marred up a bit with use, but it's only cosmetic.

Sebenzas aren't for eveyone, if at all possible handle one first before you buy.
 
Only you can determine value for yourself. I can perhaps help you understand why the Sebenza is priced as it is. I can't tell you whether it's worth the money to you or not.

The Sebenza is an excellent design made to extremely tight tolerances with outstanding fit and finish in the U.S.A. of first class materials with 100% quality control. There are no defective Sebenzas - at least not in the marketplace. The manufacture of a Sebenza requires a lot of hand work compared to a fully mass produced product.

I'll give you an example of why this is important. A couple of years ago CRKT shipped a nifty folder with a frame lock called the S2. It had all the good stuff. It should have been a marketing success. Unfortunately, though, the frame lock didn't last very long and the knife lived a short life in the marketplace as a result. It was a titanium frame lock like the Sebenza. But it wasn't made like a Sebenza. The Sebenza integral lock won't wear out. It will outlast you. Those are the kinds of things that cause the Sebenza to be more expensive than a fully mass produced knife.

So why do I own a couple of Sebenzas and an Umfaan? Simply because I appreciate what they are. There is pride of ownership and true pleasure in using a tool of such precision and quality. That's it. Does it cut better than another sharp knife? Of course not. Does it feel any different in the pocket? No. Does it make me smile whenever I open it and put it use? Almost always.

What is that worth? Unfortunately, only you can answer that for yourself. Take care.
 
This is the first "Is a Sebenza worth the $$$" thread I've participated in! I've seen a lot of them, but usually by the time I see them there's already been 75 posts. Here goes:

I have a small Classic and carry it maybe a couple of times a month. More frequent carries: Gunting, Benchmade Griptilian, Benchmade 940/941.

If you are a man of refined tastes who appreciates the best in life, then you must get a Sebenza and you will love it. If you are new to high-quality knives or you are into the latest/greatest (like me), you will probably be under-whelmed by the Sebenza. Although the quality is obvious, the Sebenza is just not the sexiest knife around. If you have any qualms at all about shelling out $300, I would say "Don't do it, you can get lots of terrific knives for 1/3 the price". Also, the Sebenza is a pretty big jump from a SAK for your EDC. Better to make the transition via a nice Benchmade or Spyderco. Then if you still want more later on, get the Sebenza.

miguel
 
I used to think the concept of spending $300.00+ was insane. I thought it made better sense to get 30-40 good Spydies, BM, SAK and the like. Then I realized that I could only carry one or two at a time any way so why not have 5-10 really goods ones and leave it at that. I then started reading the threads about Sebbies and other high end blades. Shortly thereafter I went to a gun/knife show and found a dealer with several Sebbies of varying sizes and prices. As soon as a held the small Sebbie w/unique graphic, that is now mine, I knew I was hooked. The Sebbie is a marvel of craftsmanship. It is comprised of excellent materials (BG42 or S30V steel for the blade and Ti handle), solid as a rock, very secure locking mechanism, ergonomically superior to anything I have ever held and built to last. I am now starting to sell some of my Spydies off (sorry Sal) in order to get another small Sebbie (plain this time). I'll always have a few Spydies and Benchmades but a Sebbie is in a class by itself.
 
I agree with Miguel-SF. Unless you REALLY use a folder every day for some serious work (not opening letters) or you are wealthy and just want the best, NO it is not worth it. I handeled one for the first time this week at a local mall. Totally functional, poor ergonomics, top quality materials. BTW the pricetag was $400 for a small sebbie. There are lots of other good folders out there at moderate prices. I carry a Spyderco Meerkat.
 
tyuio, it seems that you appreciate knives but you are new to high end knives. I recommend that you buy a Spyderco, Benchmade, William Henry, or some other knife before you go whole hog for a Sebenza. You might also want to check out a Buck/Mayo if you really must have a titanium framelock in S30V. www.knifecenter.com has them for $196.95 which is much cheaper than a new small Sebenza.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I am new to high end folders, but i have had many spyderco and benchmade folders in the past along with SAK's. The most expensive folder i have so far is a BM CQC7 i got years ago, probably paid close to $100 if i remember right, could be wrong. I don't really need another knife, but i am in that "I got to have that one" phase. The sebenza is really nice looking and i'm sure it's a well put together knife that would serve me well should i decide to spend the money. I am trying to find a reason to buy another knife i don't need, yes i have issues. :D
 
I just got a small, regular Sebenza which I carry in a BladeArt Mission Wallet. It is lovely, sharp, etc. I'm afraid to use it! I use my Kiwi often. Should you buy one? It seems that everyone has to have a Sebbie.
I'm not sorry. I wish that I had the extra money to purchase a "fancy" model. They are aesthetically pleasing.
You can buy new ones for $280 or so from Bulldog Enterprises. They are a registered dealer. Otherwise you are looking at $305. They are on Ebay at times, through Bulldog.
 
Tyuio, I re-read your post and now I see that your comment about "buying knife without a can opener" was a joke.:o It seems like you know what the deal is. Buy a Sebenza and you will either love it, or you'll get it out of your system.
 
Don't confuse online Sebenza bashing or, ranting and raving, as the absolute truth. The vast majority of knife sales are made to people who never post here at Bladeforums.

That being said, you are not going to find the Sebenza manufacture and design quality in a true custom at the same pricepoint. Is a Sebenza worth 3 Spyderco's or Benchamdes? Only you can answer that. If you want one knife that will serve you well and last a lifetime, it's hard to go wrong with a Sebenza.

If you never stress a Victorinox or Spyderco or Benchmade, you probably don't require the level of performance a Sebenza offers. Many people will never break or wear out a Spyderco or Benchmade knife but, some do (doing knife things too ;) ). A Sebenza can be broken in abuse but, it will last longer then most knives too in such an abusive situation.

Myself, I tend to think of the long term ownership benefits and costs. I can buy many cheap pens and throw them away when they are used up if they are not lost or, I can buy one really good pen that is a joy to use and doesn't aggrivate repetitive stress injuries. Which one is really cheaper even if you ignore the pleasure of using a quality tool?

We may not be able to buy a Rolls Royce or, own a mansion but, an equivelent knife is within reach of many. My coworkers may think a $400 pocket knife is crazy but, I think that $3,000 worth of chrome for a Harley that costs more then my car is crazy. ;) YMMV
 
I can't really add anything else to this thread. All I can tell you is you are not likely to find a better built knife anywhere.
BTW, my other carry knives are Victorinox Pioneers.

Paul
 
For me, the Sebenza is an outcome. Like many knife user, I was looking for the perfect blade a very long time.

My first knife was my father old SAK, then, I owned a Puma sergeant, then a Spyderco Endura (and other Spyderco knives), then a Benchmade CQC7 (and other Benchmade models)...ect

All this knives are very well made and serve me faithfully. But there was always one thing, which wasn't right. I carry my small standard Sebenza every days since September 2000 and I always looking for what can be wrong with this knife... Until now, I don't found anything !!!

The design is very nice, the construction strong, the frame-lock is a model of simplicity (no spring break, no blade play...), the cutting ability is very effective...

...but the most important thing is this kind of feeling you have to own a state of the art item (and for French people, it is a very important thing) , I'm sure I will keep this knife a very long time, and maybe, one day, give it to my son as a present and say "you see, that is the better knife made when a was young...". There are only a few items which are able, thanks to its quality and timeless design, to give you this feeling. Of course, after a moment, scratches on the handle become visible. I think there are the knife using witness : the knife didn't just stay in a drawer but it represent a part of its owner every day life.

It maybe seems to you a little bit confused, but take a Sebenza in your hand, play with the locking mechanism and you will immediately understand what I want to say (with my poor English !!!).;)
 
Tyuio, i don't have one, but as far as i'm concerned, whether it's 40$ or 300$, handle one first before making decision .. it's a personal choice finally.

Louky,

Welcome .. and your English isn't poor at all ... ;)
 
I'm still laughing about the can opener... darn good humor for a FNG :D



Everyone has already said it, if you appreciate quality you will love a Sebenza.

If you are the type of person that decides on a need or desire and then researches the best thing going and gets it - then get a Sebenza and never look back.

If you plan to aquire a collection of knives, start anywhere - but you probably will be buying a Sebenza anyway ;)
 
Sebenzas are great knives.

Made well, handle well.

I've owned 6 of these knives. The large classic is the one i recommend to all those who are willing to spend the money.

Guro Jeff
 
This thread has been informative for me as I am considering purchacing a large unique graphic Sebbie as a retirement present to myself. :) Chris's site recommends using it's fluorinated grease. Is this so important as I use MiliTec-1 on all my knives? Do I really need to buy another lubricant?
 
BaliSwinger,

Thank for your encouragements. I'm a little bit frustrated because I'm not able to write exactly what I mean. But I'm doing efforts to improve my English ! :D
 
Originally posted by FivePointOhh
This thread has been informative for me as I am considering purchacing a large unique graphic Sebbie as a retirement present to myself. :) Chris's site recommends using it's fluorinated grease. Is this so important as I use MiliTec-1 on all my knives? Do I really need to buy another lubricant?
Click to expand...

I find the Fluorinated Grease works best when the knife is disassembled. It's rather thick so if you put it one while the knife is together it mostly stays around the tang.

I have also found that Miltec and Tuf-Glide don't work well on Phosphor Bronze washers. So I use White Lightning for my PB washer'd folders.
 
I just had an idea, find a custom maker to build a titanium P-38 and put it at the end of the Sebenza´s lanyard.
 
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