Nica

GronK

GronK

Joined
Apr 1, 2001
Messages
19,305
Hello CRK fans. I've just this weekend joined the party. Picked up a NICA one-piece last Saturday. I bought it because I've been wanting a small "survival" style knife, and this one seems perfect for my purposes. On further inspection I learned it's "1 of 150". Is this a piece that is going to escalate in value? Can I safely use this knife as it was intended, or should I relegate it to the case with my Blackjacks, Ruanas, Randalls and the like? I've not been able to find out anything about this knife so far. Even nothing on the CRK website.

GronK
 
There seems to be very little interest in the CRK tantos here in this forum, despite an apparent surge in popularity among other custom knifemakers for tanto-style blades, especially of the tactical kind.
Your NICA tanto is indeed from a limited edition of 150 sold only through NICA (National Independent Cutlery Association) member retailers. The very oblique, geometric tip grind and bevel cuts on the spine of the NICA tanto are unique to this limited edition; different than the tanto grind found on the continuing "limited production" CRK fixed blades of various lengths. For around $200 for a high quality, limited edition CRK knife and sheath, this package is a great value. But I think its utility as a small survival/tactical knife exceeds any potential for significant price appreciation. Enjoy the knife for its quality and usefulness and for being astute enough to recognize that you have a piece that not a whole lot of others will ever get to appreciate!
 
Seems like a good knife at a great price. However the Tanto format is just not for me. Like Golf being a nice walk, ruined, a Tanto is a good knife ruined for me.:(

I do own a few Tanto blades though and can see the utility or rather specific use of such a blade.:)
 
Not arguing the validity of the Tanto blade design one way or the other, but I would have to agree these are nice blades to own as part of a CRK "collection". I went ahead and picked up one of these little fixed blade beauties when I got my NICA Large Tanto Sebenza. Still undecided on the Small Tanto Sebenza, and apparently I am not alone in the that there are still about 150 Small Tanto Sebenzas available:confused:

_________
Greg
Confirmed Sebenza~holic
 
The NICA Sebenza's look very good and represent fantastic value for money. The reason they have not sold well, even with quite heavy discounting is quite evident...:(
 
I have personally owned 1 dozen Sebenzas of various blade steels and shapes (Large, Small, plain, deco, classics, LDCs, ATS & BG42)
For my uses and hard earned cash, nothing beats the looks and strength of the Large NICA 400 Tanto.
I don't see many complaints of broken blade tips on the Tanto!
Why? because it's the strongest sebenza CRK makes.

Like everything else, once they are gone, everyone will want one.
Just my opinion.

recoil
 
This tanto blade is different from the others I own. This one has plenty of belly, and not too much angle at the tip. Excellent geometry overall, and sharp as anything I own. The sheath is also worth mentioning. Real top quality leather. I'd forgotten how beautiful a finely crafted leather sheath can be. Think I'll forget about "collector" value and just enjoy it.

GronK
 
If the NICA sebenzas are heavily discounted? Where? I've only seen the $330 prices.
 
DaveH,

I am curious if you are referring to the Small Nica Tanto Sebenza when you referenced the $330 price??

I ended up paying the "list" price for my Large Nica Tanto Sebenza and I thought at first maybe I had jumped too soon, so I did a Google Search and pretty much came up with only one dealer who still had a Large available for $350.00 plus shipping. I don't feel too bad about paying the full boat on mine, because after it arrived today I have to say I really like it ! The fact that it was produced on February 21, 2002 and came in S30V steel :cool: certainly helps. I can only hope that the Small Tanto doesn't catch on , and they do start discounting them. Then I would probably buy two, one to carry and one to keep with the Large and the Fixed Blade NICA that I got. In fact I am thinking about buying another Large just to carry and use in the field. Recoil's (Dave)point about not breaking the tip when prying and rough use certainly has merit.

________

Greg
Confirmed Sebenza~holic
 
Wow, 9 replies on this subject. Must be a record for recent threads on CRK tantos.
GronK is right about this fixed blade 4" NICA tanto having a very useful edge. For a blade of this length, the short tanto tip results in an extended belly. This edge has a lot of utility for cutting and slicing, just the chores for which a 4" blade is most useful.
The tip on this design is especially robust because it is ground at practically a 45 degree angle to the spine. This is one tip that I imagine could pierce a 55 gallon drum with ease and with no damage.
Let's see, ultra robust tip and extended length belly - an excellent recipe for a great personal carry tactical or small backup survival knife. And as GronK also points out, the sheath is a work of art in itself as we have come to expect from Gfeller; first class workmanship that exudes class!
For those of you who are indifferent to tantos, you really ought to check out this particular knife. It has some great characteristics that might change your mind. The very small edition size is a nice bonus. Heck, I may have just convinced myself I need another one.
 
Yes, I was referring to the small NICA Tanto Sebenza. Like I said, I've never seen them for below approximately $330-350, which I think is standard, so if someone knows who's selling them "heavily discounted" let me know!

( I have occasionally seen used for less, but not very often)

While we're on the subject, is the shoulder or curve from the long edge to the point supposed to be just as sharp as the long blade edge or only somewhat as sharp?
 
The edge bevel and geometry is the same on the tanto tip leading edge as the primary edge, so sharpness is identical. Best of all worlds: sharp edge right to the tip, but with armor piercing tip strength!
 
I saw one a few months ago for $270 for a new large. Can't remember where though.

My main 'point' ;) , though was look at the cost of a large decorated Sebi... The NICA Tanto is a whole lot of knife for the money and no mistake. Just not my taste, now if it had a traditional Tanto tip... Hmmmm!
 
Nice looking custom graphic. Did you send it back in, or this some other venue that provides the Tanto Blade. Nice looking stuff Dave, want to do any more "trades" :D
___________

Greg
Confirmed Sebenza~holic
 
Greg,

Since the Tanto is my heavy duty work EDC, maybe we can discuss a trade after I retire. We can also talk about the Sig & the sharkskin rig at that time also!

The "Trailing Moon" graphic was purchased seperately and replaces the front NICA slab for a change now and then.
The Deco slab fits perfectly due to the miracle of CNC and the close CRK tolerences.

recoil
 
Good posts guys.., and yeah I've been looking at the smaller Tanto also.., got the big guy.., and have to say it's a very nice profile! I'm also not a big Tanto fan.., but this is a nice knife!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Whew, even CRK threads get hi-jacked to Sebenza. May just have to pick one up to see what all the shouting's about.
 
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