No bad points?

chief dignitary

chief dignitary

Joined
Jun 22, 2000
Messages
322
I work all night in a computer lab,
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so I get plenty of time to scour the forums. That said, I haven't come across any knives in that time that didn't have anything bad posted about them, except for the Chris Reeve knives and the Benchmade Axis lock. It's really puzzling (at least at 5AM) that the Sebenza could be absolutely flawless. Is it? Is it really the pinnacle of folding knife evolution, or just another pricey letter opener/apple peeler (hmm...I wonder what people will say
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). If there's absolutely nothing wrong with this knife, it will move past more modestly priced knives to the top of my list. Please let me of any even incredibly nit-picky details you dislike about the Sebenza. I'm looking to eventually purchase the large size, and according to some rough figures, I'll have to work 10 overnights to raise the funds
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. Is it worth it? Detractors, please speak!
Yes, I know there are probably a dozen "convince me to buy posts," and I apologize for this one. It's just that you guys never say anything bad about the knife, and that's what I want to hear. Please.
 
A major bad point used to be the clip. People (not including me, I liked the clip) found the clip too small, or it seemed like a cheap after thought that was just put together to make clip lovers happy. Well with the new clip I think that problem has been solved. Another bad point is how "plain jane" sebenzas are--they look very simple and ordinary. Another point would be the handle ergonomics. Sebenzas dont look very ergonomic but they are a lot more comfy than most people think. One of the reasons most knives start hurting when you use them hard is because of the clip, well the sebenza's clip for me had never gotten in the way.

 
The worse thing about Sebenzas? They are addicting! One is not enough, but you have to start somewhere
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! The old clip was pretty rough on pockets. The new is supposed to address this problem. Other than that, I can't find anything to annoy me.
 
Some inexperienced persons have also complained about the knife being difficult to open with the thumb stud. Hurts their "whittle thumbs" (BOO HOO). It's just a matter of proper technique, to use a upwards sweeping motion. Now, chances are that if their thumbs are too tender, then the Sebenza isn't for them anyway. The Sebenza is a "working knife".
 
LOL! This is very true !

Another side effect is the easy way you can scratch the titanium handle...

But I do like the "beautility" of Sebenza !

But God I really love the new clip.

cheers,
JM
 
I would have to agree the old style clip is not the greatest and the fact the plain model seb is just that plain. Other than that they are fantastic knives. I have a small plain sebenza and for comfort it fits my hand nicely and i use it for everything. I am not afraid to use it hard. I ditched the clip and had G2 make a great sheath for it. The lock is super strong and will not fail you. Is the Sebenza worth the money? I can tell you without having to think twice "YES" I have no regrets. Hope this helps!
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I used to think why buy a Sebbie when I can get a BM Pinnacle for tons less. I then had the chance to handle a Sebbie. Comparing it to my Pinnacle, the Sebbie's lock up was rock solid, Pinnacle's has small amount of vertical play. Sebbie's blade folds perfectly in the center, Pinnacle's is not.
The blade was sharp on the Sebbie and the edge profiles were even, Pinnacle had a butter knife edge and farsighted edge profiles. Overall fit and finish: Sebbie looks like a human took some time to make sure everything was perfect, Pinnacle looks like it just came off of the CNC machine.
This to me was worth the extra money.
If you have the chance go and look at one so you can examine it in detail. Compare it to other knives in the store. You'll soon see why people think it's the best production folder going.
Jeff
 
"beautility" -- Hey Nemo, I like that!

Chief Dignitary,
All the praise by "Sebenzanistas" may sound like blind worship to others, but the knife really is a winner. That said, keep in mind that every knife is a compromise and no knife is perfect for everyone. The have been folks who have owned Sebenzas, then sold them because they just didn't find it "all that."

I love my Sebenza and can't leave home without it. My one "complaint" is with the handle's ergonomics -- it certainly feels good and solid in my hand, but is not the *most* comfortable folder out there. I also own a David Boye BDS Wing folder with California Buckeye scales, which is deceptively simple yet extremely comfortable in-hand -- the most comfortable production/semi-production folder I've handled. I also like the way that the Boye folder blades angle "down" to assist especially in slicing, whereas the Sebenza blade follows a very straight "in-line" profile out from the handle. At times, I also wish the Sebenza had a flat ground blade.

But I all have have to do is cut with the Sebenza, and I'm reminded of why I carry it above all others. Well heat-treated, highly wear resistant BG-42 blade, w/scratch-friendly stone wash finish and "warm" ti handles, plus its "bank vault" construction ... well, you gotta feel it for yourself.

If you don't have a store nearby which carries it, order one online and try it out. If you don't like it, you're only out the cost of shipping. And you will have saved enough $ to buy another very nice knife, or three.

$0.02

Glen
 
Bad points ... ? I'm really going to exert some effort here.

1. The old clip also seemed like a cheap afterthought compared to the quality, fit, finish and overall Sebenzaness of the Sebenza.
2. The Ti slabs scratch and mar.
3. They are pricey.

Wow, I am out of breath and gave myself a migrane. That took a lot out of me. They great products and, though pricey, good value for the money - especially when you factor in the company standing behind them they way that they do.
 
Only problem I have is with the tip up carry. On two occasions, I have reached for the knife only to withdraw a cut little finger.
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Didn't hurt much tho, the knife was sharp! Have since learned to keep the Sebenza pushed up against the seam in my jeans to guard against the blade opening slightly. But one of the cuts occurred when wearing khakis and the seam was in a different location. Easy way to solve this problem is with a G2 sheath; and I have done that for my small Sebenza.
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Saving up for another G2 sheath for the large!
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ralph
 
Blademan is right on the money, they tend to make you want which ever one you don't already have!!!

The clip has been the snag, and the thumb opening can be different to get use to but works well even with gloves on. I don't like the clip and as Hermie and Ralph indicated the sheath takes care of that, for me the removal of the clip makes it fit in the hand better, more comfortable. I think that's the way Chris Reeve designed it and later was flooded with request for a clip version and pressed that model into production.....now with the newer clip that problem is solved.

Save up and get one, and another and another.....

G2
 
Wow! Thanks for the replies… so many, and all of them informative. Looks like the sebenza really is the way to go, you guys really seemed to be digging deep for the few negatives you could scrounge up. I took a good look at the design quirks you guys brought up and seems like there’s nothing major there, or even any faults that would affect me. Storyville’s distaste for the handle ergonomics kind of has me concerned, but I suppose if I can actually get my hands on one I’ll know for myself what works for my hand size, grip style, ect… As for ralphtt’s poor cut pinky –I feel your pain! (but I still prefer tip-up carry). The bad clip would seem not to affect me since they have the new clip now which everyone seems to agree is more on par with the quality of the rest of the sebenza. I suppose my thumbs could probably deal with a little tension in the thumbstud area (is there significant resistance to opening in the first bit, or throughout the whole arc?). Nimrod – if I’m paying this much for a knife, those Ti slabs will never see a pocketful of change or keys. Yeah, yeah… it’s a working knife, but I thing I’d feel better if the pricey little devil was tucked into one of those G2 sheaths you guys seem like. Anybody got a line on where I could pick one of those up? Hehe… I just checked back before I posted this and we’ve got another strong opinion in favor of the sebenza…. Geez you guys don’t let up --maybe there is some sort of psychic pull… the siren song of the sebenza
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: Anyway, I can’t think of a better use of 10 nights working… better start brewing the coffee…8 nights left
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Thanks for your help,
chief dignitary
 
Chief,

My right thumb was out a couple of days this week because I had been opening my new large Classic 2000 so much it opened a crack in the thick skin on the tip of my thumb. Hurt like a paper cut!

Back in business, now.

The stud is not my favorite, I like the spydie hole better. However, it would greatly change the way the knife looks.

According to CRK, a lot of time and thought went into the shape, location, etc of the stud. Chris is happy, so I'll live with it.

The big is pretty big for many people. The small is a little easier on the budget and the size is just right for most.

I carry both about equally.

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Frank Norman

Frank's Knife Page
Why you should not buy a new Smith & Wesson
 
There is some initial resistance upon opening the blade, after that it's smooth as silk. Chris uses a ceramic detent ball. My girlfriend has no trouble opening hers.
 
You can get more info from Gary. His homepage is listed under his profile info.

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Hermie
 
chief dignitary,

The blade just needs a firm push to overcome the detent when opening, then as mentioned above, is smooooth. If you hold the knife horizontal and release the lock, the blade should just drop with very little resistance yet exhibit ZERO blade play. Just doesn't get any better than that.
 
Bad points of the Sebenza ...

If I use a tight grip I can jam the lock. It will not disengage, but becomes very difficult to open. The handle is not ergonomic or secure. I don't have any need for stainless as a steel property.

Lots of good points though.

-Cliff
 
Chief dignitary:

To help in your decision to purchase a Sebenza, I would like to address some comments made by a couple of your fellow forumites.

Ralphtt, We are very concerned about the Sebenza blade opening in your pocket. If this is happening, there is something definitely wrong. One thing you might try first is to disassemble and clean your Sebenza. Although this is a rare occurrence, pocket lint can collect around the detent ball and prevent it from holding the blade in closed position. If the blade still wants to open in your pocket, then you need to send your Sebenza back for us to inspect and repair; we will even pay for the postage.

Smooth Bone, Most sore thumbs are the result of not using the proper motion when opening. The opening motion of the blade is a circular motion around the pivot screw. Pushing your thumb down or into the blade is not necessary. Use the thumblug to lift the blade UP from the handle with no pressure or force downward into the blade. Frank, the next time you see Chris at a show, ask him about this. He can give you an excellent visual on how this is done!

At Chris Reeve Knives, we are totally dedicated to making a quality product. We stand by our products 110%! If there is EVER a problem, we WILL make it right.

Chief, I hope this helps. Good-luck with all that extra overtime!

Mark
 
chief dignitary,

I own 9 Benza's. 2 are in a display case, 2 are in a lined pouch and the remainder are users! And I've used my users hard! And have had "zero" problems!
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Except they get dull periodically........and even that seems to take forever!

I like most ~ started with the cheaper BM Pinnacle. Don't get me wrong.......BM makes a good knife! But, I spent approx. $100 frog backs on a Pinnacle trying to prevent the purchase of a $300+ high end production blade. What a mistake. I wasn't too impressed with the Pinnacle and ended up getting a large plain Benza.

The Sebenza! What a knife ! ! Very plain ~ massively functional ! ! !

My daughter has one as does my wife (and the old lady doesn't care much for knives unless they are in a kitchen drawer!).

Customer support? A class in its self! The folks at CRK are "TOPS! ! !" Especially Bridget! I've had 2 knives totally refurbed and several resharpened.....and end up with a large smile after dealing with them!

Don't think - DO ! You won't be sorry ! !


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GigOne
"Livin' Life - Full Throttle"

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"I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it."
 
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