new to custom folders

J

jacobts2013

Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Messages
89
Sorry for the typo in the title!

So I have recently posted about wanting to take the next step in my knife colection and purchase something alon the lines of a hinderer, strider, or CRK. I really can only spend about $400. While I can get a hinderer for $385 because I'm in the military, I dont really like them... Let me refrase that, I LOVE them. They just dont have what I'm looking for at the moment. Something about them seems bland to me. I may try to get one down the road, maybe sooner than later, but I'm looking for something with a little elegance to it.
I'm really attracted to the large sebenza 21 as well as borus blades silent soldier flipper.
What I'm wanting to know is if I can best any of the options I have here with getting a custom for the same price. Is this even possible?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
At $400, high end production is your best choice IMO. You won't find the same level of perfection in customs as you will in production at that price point. You could consider some midtechs. Hoback Kwaiback, Curtiss F3, Chaves 228, Carter F16, Graham Razel, ADV Butcher, etc. they're all right at or a couple dollars over $400. Your'd be looking at fairly plain stonewashed or blasted titanium handles and minimal finishing. Maybe one of the designs catches your eye though? Who knows. I'd pick up a sebbie myself. :)
 
CRK Sebenza 21 would be my choice for you at $400. I'd add a little more and get one with micarta though. Worth it to me.

Do your research on the Strider SNG's if that is the one you are looking at. I've owned two. Have one and will never buy another. Has lock stick, off centered blade and had to be tightened down so much to get rid of blade play that it makes it a chore to open. New style lock bar interface SNG is the one I still own and unless I make the lock bar stick it will have lock rock. Meaning I have to open it hard so that the lock bar engages further.

I've owned 2 Hinderer's and nothing really to complain about. Sold them. They generally have weak detents but I guess that is by design so you can wrist flick it open in a hurry. Not sure on that reasoning.
 
this topic is nsfw

All joking aside, I think most people here will tell you to go for the Sebenza 21. They have a legendary reputation for a reason.

Or so I hear. I can't afford one...
 
9blades said:
At $400, high end production is your best choice IMO. You won't find the same level of perfection in customs as you will in production at that price point. You could consider some midtechs. Hoback Kwaiback, Curtiss F3, Chaves 228, Carter F16, Graham Razel, ADV Butcher, etc. they're all right at or a couple dollars over $400. Your'd be looking at fairly plain stonewashed or blasted titanium handles and minimal finishing. Maybe one of the designs catches your eye though? Who knows. I'd pick up a sebbie myself. :)
Click to expand...

Not the case with the AdV. The standard butchers can have a ton of finishing work. My $400 model had a satin finish blade and handle flats, polished edges, polished mayo holes and bead blasted accents.

FWIW, I also found it to be the best mid-tech I've ever owned and better than several customs.
 
Id go with the Seb 21 or 52. I'm also in the military, navy, and overall the 21 for is the "perfect" knife for the price. the steel wont rust on ya, mind you take care of your blade.

For customs you really wont find any better in quality wise, being a custom addict myself, it is more for having something most wont have. haha
 
Vilarenso said:
Id go with the Seb 21 or 52. I'm also in the military, navy, and overall the 21 for is the "perfect" knife for the price. the steel wont rust on ya, mind you take care of your blade.

For customs you really wont find any better in quality wise, being a custom addict myself, it is more for having something most wont have. haha
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I'm navy as well and was just concerned about how well the knife would fare. I'm an HN going through fmtb and then going division with marines. How would a sebenza hold up? Granted I'm not taking it to the field and using it as a fixed blade, but for things like cutting MREs open and what not. Pretty much can it handle a field op while staying in my pocket and possibly being exposed to sand, mud and water?
 
jacobts2013 said:
Thanks for the advice. I'm navy as well and was just concerned about how well the knife would fare. I'm an HN going through fmtb and then going division with marines. How would a sebenza hold up? Granted I'm not taking it to the field and using it as a fixed blade, but for things like cutting MREs open and what not. Pretty much can it handle a field op while staying in my pocket and possibly being exposed to sand, mud and water?
Click to expand...

Without a doubt, the Sebenza will hold up and take the abuse. They come with a wiping cloth and a allen wrench for cleaning. I'd say go with the 21 over the 25 because of the bushing system in the 21. It's the better choice for not messing something up the first time you break it down. You won't have to worry about how rough you get with it, it can be sent back to CRK for a spa treatment and come back looking new. It will serve you for many years.
 
Yes, the Sebenza will take abuse and you can clean it with a pressure washer if you want to. They are great knives.

Be sure to check out the Grayman folders before you buy a Seb though....wouldn't want you to leave anything on the table for the money. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top