one more time, please!

The Magician

Illusionist
Joined
Jan 19, 2000
Messages
1,580
I have done the searches. I am still unable to decide between large and small sebenza. This will be a super major purchase for me. I will not be able to handle before I buy. I was hoping someone could compare the sizes to something I am more familiar with. For example, benchmades, spydercos, mini socom etc. I had a mini socom and it was way too small. The Lcc was a little too large. Any side by side pics would be great. Thanks,

------------------
Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.
 
I too laid down my life savings for my sebenza... (1 weeks pay). I held them in hand long enough to make the sales guy think I was testing their aura. I checked out both models big and small. I took home the small standard model. I have a few knives, and this is by far the most expensive and super grooviest one I own, which makes me want to get what it's worth out of it, and than means USING it. I plan on taking my Seby to hell and back. I checked out comparable titanium handled CKRT knives costing 1/6th the price. I tried the Emerson CQC7. I went back to the sebenza.

If you have seen the Benchmade Stryker and it's smaller version, size wise, Id say they are comparable to the large and small sebenza, though I've never held them side by side... It seems like you and I are on a similar boat... drop a line and I'll respond.

------------------
peace love arch
 
I think the closest knife I seen as far as size to the small sebenza would be the Microtech M-UDT.


Jesse
 
I have said before, I really think if you want a sheath knife, get the large. If you want a pocket knife, get the small.

The large is almost the size of the LCC. Comparing the two side by side, the lengths are about the same, the LCC handle is wider top to bottom.


ThomM
 
This was a big decision for me also. Not only was it a major investment, but I also had to decide without physically seeing or handling either size. I only had pictures on the net to go by.....doesn't really help much.
If you feel the mini socom is too small, then keep that in mind, as the small sebenza is very close in size. You say that the LCC seems almost too large, however, when compared to the large sebenza, differences must be noted. Though they may be close in blade and overall length, the LCC is not so sleek, and is more "chubby". The large sebbie is thin and unobtrusive when compared.

I carry my large sebenza clipped in my pocket riding along the side of my leg. When vertical in the pocket, it is virtually unnoticable. It doesn't jab or poke, and I'm not a large person.
After having my large sebbie for awhile, I did get the chance to handle a small, though an excellent knife, I was happy I had gone with the large. I guess my feeling is that if you want to have just 1 do-all knife that you carry daily, and don't rotate with a whole collection of others, go with the large. It will cover all utilitarian tasks, outdoors and in.
 
bteel....tough decision....money for me was very hard to come by after my divorce maritally (then professionally)...i lost my ass financially and if i could afford a third hand crkt i was lucky...things got better after a few years and i initially but reluctantly bought a large seb and carried it daily...then i picked up a small seb and carried it daily...next came the umfaan which i only use when wearing a suit or tuxedo....i have over the past two years settled on the small seb for daily carry under my white coat as it is large enough to do anything i need in the hospital or at the office and not draw too much attention....i carry the large seb in my jeans on the weekends....i now have the luxury and privalege of choosing any size crk i want but if i could only choose one i would get the small seb to start as i have found it to be the most useful for me....your work and social environment may allow you to carry a larger blade...also the small seb (2 7/8 inch blade) will get through most airline security check points whereas the large seb (3.5 inch) usually fails...i know..i tried them both numerous times in different cities....now i am a full time addict and own three larges, three smalls, two umfaans, as well as three one piece fixed blades.....i know i need help but this is legal and its fun to boot....feverdoc
 
I was in the same boat as you Brian, I just couldn't deceide...large or small. I looked at pictures, wrote down sizes to compare other knives to, read the infinite wisdom of the other members here and then sat and waited for a good deal to come up on the forums. I finally deceided on a small seb and just ordered it yesterday. I think ThomM sums it up in a nut shell....large for sheath carry...small for pocket. I compared the small seb to the Benchmade 3500. The blade and handle length are close to being the same and even though I've never held a small sebenza the thickness of the two seem to be about the same also. I carried the Benchmade 3500 for a couple of years and found it to be quite comfortable in the pocket and the blade size seemed to be just about right for everyday use.

I don't know if this will help you at all but at least you know your not alone. Good luck with your decision.

PS
In another day or two I should have my seb so I'll take a pic of it along side the benchmade 3500.

[This message has been edited by mojo jojo (edited 03-20-2001).]
 
After reading everything I can find it seems that about 97% of the folks who know prefer the small. Generally the consensus is large for a sheath. Kind of like carrying the Buck 110. Small for a pocket knife. Then the Umfaan is for tuxedos and corporate meetings. I went ahead and put in my request for a small decorated. I do wear a tuxedo at least once a week, so maybe the Umfaan will be next...Sebenzanistas here I come....

------------------
Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.
 
Here's a small seb with with a few other knives for comparison.
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=620591&a=4528126&p=44356787&Sequence=0&res=high" TARGET=_blank>
Thumbnail
</A>

Chi

I need to work on better lighting, but that's for another time.

[This message has been edited by CK (edited 03-21-2001).]
 
I must admit a strong personal like for large knives. One of the first folders i bought was a SIFU. I traded my Battle Mistress for a large sebenza, and i'm happy with my trade. It's a perfect size for me, whereas the sifu is far too large for easy pocket carry (it's also hard to explain to the leo's). Anything smaller and i'd feel wrong
smile.gif


Having said that, I will eventually purchase a small....

James

------------------
The beast we are, lest the beast we become.
 
CK,
Thanks for the pic. That is exactly what I needed. I really like the size and blade shape of the MT UDT. I have owned two, but I am always scared about the legality of it all.
frown.gif
Anyway the small has a similiar blade shape and the size appears to be close. I was just informed that I am having a 4 to 6 week wait. It is very painful to have to wait, but at the same time I like the torture
eek.gif
I love the idea that I have no clue as to what the design will be. I specified anything but the fly...guess which one was available....the fly...

------------------
Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.
 
I know you made your decesion already but here is the pic I said I'd post.

View


I just got the sebbie today and when I took it out of the box I was surprised at the weight of the knife. I don't want to give you the impression that it's heavy it just has a nice solid feel to it. The action is smooth and lock-up solid. In fact I've never had a knife lock up so solid, there is no blade play what-so-ever!!! I believe I made the right choice with the small. It's very comfortable in the pocket and fits in my hand quite nice, perfect for everyday carry and use. I'm in the process of breaking it in and after a couple of days I will take it apart, clean and relube.

 
bteel,
I'd say you will be very happy after the wait. Good that everything is going so well for you.

CK, so what is the pearl handled one second from right of the Sebe?
 
Thanks to Mike Payne, see above, I shall be very happy soon. The one I am getting is the trailing moon design..I can't wait. Mojo Jojo thanks for the excellent pic. It really helps to see the sebenza in the hand. I also had the BM 350 which I beleive is the same as the one in your pic except manual action.
trailing moon design

------------------
Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.

[This message has been edited by bteel (edited 03-23-2001).]
 
Small Sebenza is almost exactly same size as Spyderco Wenger jr(compared those two yesterday evening). For office/laboratory (I work in one lab) type of work small sebenza is ideal.

------------------
"Good tools to sustain life, or at least make life more convenient"
-James Mattis
 
Back
Top