Newbie looking to buy sebenza for father

Surfingringo

Surfingringo

Joined
May 25, 2013
Messages
3,700
Hello all, this is my first time in the sebenza forum. I am a huge knife lover but I'm mostly a spyderco user. I recently bought my father a spyderco dragonfly because I know how much he loves good folders, but he just doesn't get the spyderco design. So now I am looking to get him a nice Christmas gift and I've started doing a bit of research. Chris's knives look exactly like what he would love! My dad is 73 and traditional and appreciates things of great quality and craftsmanship. I just have a feeling that he would love a sebenza. It's kind of an expensive gift for me, but my dads getting old and I would like to give him something that would make him happy.

My question is, which model? I know that he likes smaller folders. 2.5-3 inch blade max. He probably isn't interested in overly fancy inlays or damascus steel...and I probably can't afford those things. So what would I choose for him? A plain small sebenza 21? I haven't done a lot of research as I decided I would just trust the opinions in here.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Lance

p.s. I said he wasn't interested in "fancy" handles, but some of the wood inlays might appeal to him.
 
Small Sebenza 21, plain, would be a good bet. He would probably like a Mnandi, which has a 2.5 blade and different inlay scales.
 
Are you sure he wants a sebenza? I was thinking one of those traditionals?

Then again you could always keep th3 sebenza if he doesnt prefer it.
 
HwangJino said:
Are you sure he wants a sebenza? I was thinking one of those traditionals?

Then again you could always keep th3 sebenza if he doesnt prefer it.
Click to expand...

How could he not like the sebenza 21? :)

I would show him a couple knives like a traditional and some modern folders and see if he likes one preferably. Just in case. Cause the sebenza 21 has a little learning curve to opening it
 
I do respect that your thread title says Sebenza, and I do love and own numerous Sebenzas, but I recommend that you give some consideration to the Mnandi, which, IMHO, is closer in design to traditional folders. I suggest this mainly because you described your Dad as "traditional".
 
Thanks for the advice so far. When I said looking for a sebenza, I really meant "looking for a chris reeve". I guess I just associated the two. I had never seen the mnandi before. That's actually the one my dad would probably prefer. He could care less about one handed opening, and that's the blade/knife style he prefers. It's not the one I would choose, but I guess that's the secret of being a good gift giver...getting what THEY would love, not would I would love. What about handle inlays? I know that is totally subjective, but any input on what's beautiful from those of you who have handled the in person? I kind of like the looks of the ebony.
 
My dad turned 70 this spring and I too decided to get him a knife. His hunting and fishing days are mostly behind him but he still carries a pocket knife everyday. Being new to CRK knives in August I purchased him a new box elder Mnandi. I was really impressed with the knife and thought I was done. I hung around the forum a little longer and found myself and mammoth bark inlay Mnandi made on my birthday on 2007, left handed also. What a sweet knife.
About 3 weeks ago I picked up a small sebenza insingo for myself.
While I carry the sebenza most days, a few days a week in carry the Mnandi. I like to open mail, cut up fruit and things like that. It is a special feeling to take the knife out of the slip case and admire it while using it.
You will not go wrong either way. I will see my day in two weeks to give him his. I am sure he will like it.

Good luck and let everyone know which one you pick up for him and yourself.
 
If your dad has big hands, you might not want the mnandi--it is a small knife IMO. My votes for the sebenza either way--specifically insingo =)
 
Here is the good news: you literally cannot make a mistake with a CRK product. Keep close to the specs regarding size and you will be happy with the purchase.

I give my endorsement for the Mnandi as well. Any flavor will suit, but I am partial to Walnut.

Should you choose an alternate route and purchase a Sebenza I would highly recommend a small Sebenza 21 Insingo of the plain variety. It is always at the tippy top of my list of folders to recommend.
 
I think the Mnandi is an excellent choice; but the small Insingo is also a great alternative depending on which blade shape he prefers. The only downside is the Insingo only comes in plain and Micarta (or possibly carbon fiber), which are all less traditional materials. I wish they made an ebony Insingo. I had to post a pick:

Ebony Mnandi and Micarta Insingo.
 
I would give another vote for the mnandi. Traditional looking yet tough and lightweight. Lots of inlay options too, I personally would go for something durable like cocobolo.
 
Ok, insingo is out. He likes a drop point blade and that's not going to change. I've already tried and he's made that clear. :). Could I bother one of you to please post a pic of the mnandi next to the small sebenza? Maybe even something showing them in the palm of a hand for scale? Thanks in advance.

Lance
 
Ok, so rather than trying to surprise him, I just showed him pics and asked him what he likes. Mnandi in bocote. Done. Last question. He hates pocket clips...I assume the clip can be removed and the knives looks/functions fine with no clip?
 
The clip on the Mnandi can be removed. If you purchase a Mnandi with the new style clip, ask for an additional screw. If the seller does not have one, call CRK and they will send you one.

Edit: Added a pic so you would understand why a new screw is needed if the new style clip is not used. The threads have been incorporated into the new style clip.

 
Last edited:
I too would recommend the Mnandi, strangely enough that knife dealer in the north east sent out an e-mail this morning offering free shipping and they just got in a boat load on these little babies very nice selection. I hope I am not breaking any rules here but they have a coupon code for the free shipping. I think your Dad would love one of these little beauties. Prices range form $375.00 to $775.00. Check them out..
Coupon code for free shipping:
MNANDI-FS.


Surfingringo said:
Hello all, this is my first time in the sebenza forum. I am a huge knife lover but I'm mostly a spyderco user. I recently bought my father a spyderco dragonfly because I know how much he loves good folders, but he just doesn't get the spyderco design. So now I am looking to get him a nice Christmas gift and I've started doing a bit of research. Chris's knives look exactly like what he would love! My dad is 73 and traditional and appreciates things of great quality and craftsmanship. I just have a feeling that he would love a sebenza. It's kind of an expensive gift for me, but my dads getting old and I would like to give him something that would make him happy.

My question is, which model? I know that he likes smaller folders. 2.5-3 inch blade max. He probably isn't interested in overly fancy inlays or damascus steel...and I probably can't afford those things. So what would I choose for him? A plain small sebenza 21? I haven't done a lot of research as I decided I would just trust the opinions in here.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Lance

p.s. I said he wasn't interested in "fancy" handles, but some of the wood inlays might appeal to him.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top