Need help choosing first Sebenza

E

EXFive

Joined
Mar 15, 2015
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119
I've been lurking for a while trying to gather as much information as possible but I still can't decide exactly which model I want. I think I've narrowed it down to either a plain large 25 with silver thumb studs or a micarta 25. The problem is I'm not sure that I like the way the micarta inlays look on the 25. However, this knife will be a user for me and if the micarta adds a significant amount of extra grip, I think I could live with not loving the look. It's tough for me to drop this much cash without being able to handle both knives, but for those of you that have experience with both plain and micarta, does the micarta add a significant amount of extra grip?
 
Personally, I like micarta, but I am partial to the 21.

As you know these things are fairly personal choices, so it is tough to say what you will prefer. The look of the micarta may grow on you.

I was all set to buy the micarta 25, but at the last minute got a micarta 21 with damascus...

Perhaps update your profile so people can see where you are. If you were near me, I would certainly agree to meet and let you handle the knives I have.
 
The Micarta 25 is a great working knife. The added grip of the micarta, combined with the finger notch in the front of the handle, is noticeably more secure in the hand compared to a smooth sided 21.

Plain sided Sebenzas look and feel like just about every other smooth sided Ti handled knife. With an inlaid Sebenza, anyone who sees it can tell that it isn't "just any other knife".
 
You dont need help. Choose what is in your gut.
I am partial to the 21 any how, so I cannot help. You will be pleased no matter what.

I will say I am a fan of CGG, unique and inlay models. Not into the PJ.
 
Consider the Wilson Combat Star-Benza 25. It has the extra grip without the micarta. For me personally, I like the way the Umnumzaan feels in my hand better than the micarta 25 (I know it's not quite apples to apples but pretty close). I do like the look of the micarta 25 though.
 
I don't have a 25 but have a 21. I wasn't sure about the looks of the micarta inlay myself. Feel in hand is quite a bit different with the micarta. Really prefer how it provides a slightly thicker gripping surface. I have pretty large hands though. As mentioned, buy what YOU like. Either way is a winner.
 
The plain 25 is a great knife. I bought mine when they first came out. I was not wowed by it at first, but it grew on me and I have carried it Tons since. I have also never taken it apart yet, has been no need too. Only touched it up about 1/2 dozen times on sharpmaker ultra fine rods. Still looks like it has factor edge even. Tons of snail trails. Its a tank and very heavy duty. Basically a cross between the sebenza and umnumzaan. Now the 25 has options. The plain, micarta, carbon fiber and NOW....Damascus. Great knife. I really like the 21 too, so you cant go wrong with either. To me they both pale in comparison to the old large regular sebenza, but that is not the discussion here.
 
I have a Starbenza and the grip on it is fine.

If you are working in a consistently wet environment or with greasy hands I'm not certain if the Sebenza would be the most choice knife to use in field.
 
I have a few large 21's and regulars including a micarta and an inlay. I like the feel in of the micarta/inlay better that the smooth handle

on the 21/regular. I like the feel of the handle of my Zaan's better than a smooth handle....a little more grip.


I had a 25 that I sold, I didn't like the cutouts for in the handle as well as the 21/regs.
 
EXFive said:
Why do you guys prefer the 21 over the 25? Is it looks or function or both?
Click to expand...

For me it is all function. This is not to say the 25 is lacking in any way, it is just not as good of a fit for MY preferences and uses.

Specifically I prefer:
1. Bushing pivot system. Because I feel it is what makes a Sebenza a Sebenza. That is a bit nebulous, but not too long ago, the Sebenza was about the only knife that had such a pivot. I am not sure who "invented" the idea or first used it on a folding knife...but it just seems like it was unique to the Sebenza before other makers adopted it (and the 25 does not use it...which I find odd (shrug)). The only way I can perhaps explain my feeling about this is like the integral lock...Chris invented it (others may use it, but Chris is credited with its invention by most other makers)...if there is ever a Sebenza that lacks it, I will not be interested (make sense?)

2. The deeper hollow grind on the 21 makes the knife a better fit to my needs and wants. Most of what I cut is fairly thin media, so a hollow(er) grind works better.

3. The blade width of the 21 is better suited to my needs and wants. Honestly, if I could get the dimensions of the large 21 with thinner blade stock (spine thickness), I would prefer that! This notion of thicker "hard use" blades on a folding knife is lost on me (just MY preference/opinion).

Hopefully it is evident that these are all preferences, and other people would be equally correct in concluding the 25 is more suited to their own preferences. That is why asking for opinions on what knife to buy can be flawed logic (because you are asking everyone else to answer the question only you can). Hopefully, you will gain some insight to make your own decision and not be persuaded off your own choice;)
 
I just got rid of two plain 25's. Had them for about a week. Used one pretty hard while I was on the farm this last weekend though and I'll tell you it's a GREAT working blade. The only hangup I have with 25s are, for me, they are really hard to open(ymmv). A full sized 25 is a bit heavy for me too at 5.6 oz. The grip, due to the finger cut outs and jimping is still outstanding with or without inserts. Micarta will certainly add some traction but imo the 21s inserts look much better than the 25s. I guess, long story short, have a look at some micarta 21s too if you don't like the look of the inlays on the 25z
 
I have both, the plain for over a year, and I just got the Micarta. If I had to choose one over the other, I think I would go for the Micarta. As far as the looks, pics don't do it justice, looks way better in person. As far as grip, the Micarta does fill the hand a bit more. Good luck with your decision Sir.
 
I actually like both the 21 and 25. I like the look of the Micarta personally. The only thing I can say other then buy which appeals most to you is ... I have fairly large hands and just the bit of added size with the Micarta inlays felt a little better in my hand ... but the plain feels good in hand also just that small bit less size wise ... I doubt most would notice. But as far as grip ... I dont notice that the Micarta adds any actualy grip factor for me anyway.

If youre anything like me and most I know ... youll end up buying more Sebenzas after using either model much. Since my first last December they seem to multiple quickly.

Good luck ... hope you love whichever you end up buying.
 
I had a hard time choosing between the plain & micarta 21. I ended up with the plain and love it. I don't really care for wood inlays or the specials, they're not for me, atleast for now.

If I was to get another CRK it would be a 21 with micarta.
 
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Thanks for all of the feedback. I just placed an order for a large micarta 21. I have the feeling a 25 will be in my future but for now the 21 just seems like the right knife. Now the long grueling wait for the FedEx guy!
 
unit said:
For me it is all function. This is not to say the 25 is lacking in any way, it is just not as good of a fit for MY preferences and uses.

Specifically I prefer:
1. Bushing pivot system. Because I feel it is what makes a Sebenza a Sebenza. That is a bit nebulous, but not too long ago, the Sebenza was about the only knife that had such a pivot. I am not sure who "invented" the idea or first used it on a folding knife...but it just seems like it was unique to the Sebenza before other makers adopted it (and the 25 does not use it...which I find odd (shrug)). The only way I can perhaps explain my feeling about this is like the integral lock...Chris invented it (others may use it, but Chris is credited with its invention by most other makers)...if there is ever a Sebenza that lacks it, I will not be interested (make sense?)

2. The deeper hollow grind on the 21 makes the knife a better fit to my needs and wants. Most of what I cut is fairly thin media, so a hollow(er) grind works better.

3. The blade width of the 21 is better suited to my needs and wants. Honestly, if I could get the dimensions of the large 21 with thinner blade stock (spine thickness), I would prefer that! This notion of thicker "hard use" blades on a folding knife is lost on me (just MY preference/opinion).

Hopefully it is evident that these are all preferences, and other people would be equally correct in concluding the 25 is more suited to their own preferences. That is why asking for opinions on what knife to buy can be flawed logic (because you are asking everyone else to answer the question only you can). Hopefully, you will gain some insight to make your own decision and not be persuaded off your own choice;)
Click to expand...

:thumbup:
 
I like the 21 better as well for the reasons others have stated:

Pivot bushing.

Slimmer blade.

Ease of disassembly/reassembly.

I like lanyards, especially on my smalls. So I really like having the dedicated lanyard pin. I also think it adds a bit of contrast which I enjoy.

I prefer the ergonomics on the 21 I can place my fingers wherever I desire, where as on the 25 the finger cutouts limit my finger positioning.

I find the 21 easier to open than the 25.

IMO the inlays don't look as good on the 25.

Like others have stated. I think you have to look at the features you find best suited to your needs, then make your purchase based on those needs. That being said, If I were to choose a 25 I would go with a carbon fiber from knife art. I have not held the carbon fiber 25 but I do own a small and large carbon fiber 21 and they are my most carried CRK's. I love the lighter weight of the carbon fiber. I also find that it is more resistant to wear than the plain carbon fiber. I apply tech wax 2.0 every once in a while and really work it in. I carry my small 21 cf usually about 5 times a week. It has fallen on the pavement, my marble floors, and my five year old has knocked it off the counter a couple of times. I do not have any easily visible damage on it. Anytime it starts to show wear I just reapply the wax. I know a lot of CRK users don't mind having snail trails and scuffs on their knives, I do not mind much either, but if I have the choice to use a more resilient material I generally will(in my experience, for other peoples use the titanium might be better suited).

Anyways good luck with your choice. At the end of the day any Sebenza is a great choice, and if you are like most of us this one will just be the beginning.
 
I would go with a Carbon Fiber 25 and be done with it. I have owned the regular and micarta 25 and the c.f. 25 really blew me away. I was, and still am very impressed by it. If not that one I would HIGHLY recommend a Large 21 with Micarta inlays, a polished blade, and silver hardware. BOOM!
 
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