Opinion on which Inlay is the best?

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mvm217

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Feb 14, 2018
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Hi - I'm looking to buy a Sebenza with inlays. There aren't any knife shops in my area so I can't really look at them in person.

I know it comes down to personal preference - but what's your opinion of Chris Reeve's inlays in terms of wood vs micarta? Also thoughts on black micarta vs brown micarta, how do they look after awhile? Does the wood dent easily or scratch in the pockets?

Thanks!!
 
The first question for you would be are you using or collecting? The wood is really tough but it is still a natural product that is going to ding, dent and scratch. Not that it’s terrible but if it’s in your pocket or clipped to your pocket it’s going to look used. I have a snake wood that I keep in the leather protector and do not carry often. The rest of mine are micarta and I use them for real and the micarta holds up as well. I actually think that the more used the micarta gets the better it looks. Hit it with alcohol it lightens, hit it with oil and it darkens ......micarta is almost magical!! Yes, it’s my favorite.
 
Micarta for me all the way. Just personal preference but it’s my favorite. It’s bulletproof and withstands the elements better than wood. No chance or warping or cracking. All micarta will darken with use but most of the time it can be cleaned with soap and water to bring it back to how it came from the factory.
I love the snail trails and a worn looking Crk.

I prefer the blasted slabs over the polished as well. If I had to pick a wood I’m partial to box elder and striped platan.
 
I say Micarta :D

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How much usage will your knife see in damp/wet environments? Micarta is insanely robust and great when wet. There is also the KnifeArt carbon fiber Sebenza, which is a single piece of carbon fiber, slimmer, and also super robust. It's lighter than the titanium slab, and pretty scratch resistant...although it has nowhere near the grippiness of micarta. Stock is limited on the CFs with the end of the Seb 21.

I EDC'd a wood Classic for years and just purchased another wood inlay Classic to carry. They are pretty robust inlays within reason that require only minimal care. Obviously, they don't like water and solvent exposure, so I don't recommend submersing one in gasoline, or taking it in the shower or on a scuba diving expedition, but for everyday usage otherwise you definitely do not need to baby them.

It's worth noting that, like many wood products, there is MASSIVE variation between individual CRK inlayed knives made from the same type of wood. It's more pronounced with certain woods, like spalted beech and ironwood (which is out of production), but I recommend only purchasing an inlayed CRK if you can see the specific knife you will get prior to buying. The same goes for damascus blades. Some CRK dealers have a policy of not doing this whereas others will list each of their wood knives individually so you can see pictures of the specific knife you will get.
 
pnsxyr said:
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It's worth noting that, like many wood products, there is MASSIVE variation between individual CRK inlayed knives made from the same type of wood. It's more pronounced with certain woods, like spalted beech and ironwood (which is out of production), but I recommend only purchasing an inlayed CRK if you can see the specific knife you will get prior to buying. The same goes for damascus blades. Some CRK dealers have a policy of not doing this whereas others will list each of their wood knives individually so you can see pictures of the specific knife you will get.
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Any recommendations for dealers that will do this?
 
Alsharif said:
Any recommendations for dealers that will do this?
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While there are quite a few, KnivesShipFree, DLT, and KnifeArt are some CRK ADs that do this that I've had truly great experiences with and highly recommend as companies that really go above and beyond for their customers. They'll generally take high resolution front and rear shots of each CRK.

(I am guessing we are allowed to discuss ADs since they are formally related to CRK and this is CRK's sub-forum...if we are not I apologize for this.)
 
pnsxyr said:
While there are quite a few, KnivesShipFree, DLT, and KnifeArt are some CRK ADs that do this that I've had truly great experiences with and highly recommend as companies that really go above and beyond for their customers. They'll generally take high resolution front and rear shots of each CRK.

(I am guessing we are allowed to discuss ADs since they are formally related to CRK and this is CRK's sub-forum...if we are not I apologize for this.)
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Thanks! I'm constantly thinking of a damascus 31, likely with an inlay
 
I really enjoy using my L-sebenza 21 with black Micarta inlays, not as slippery as the wood inlays when in hand and the Micarta is more user friendly and not as prone to ding-damage, and yes the Micarta will darken up with age, mine went from vary light grey when new to black over the last year, I still think its the best looking and practical 21 out there.
 
Any opinions on the 21 inlays vs the 31? I'm finding myself flipping back and forth between the two (only based on visuals, I haven't held them)
 
mvm217 said:
Any opinions on the 21 inlays vs the 31? I'm finding myself flipping back and forth between the two (only based on visuals, I haven't held them)
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I haven’t seen a 31 in person. I do think I personally prefer the 31 inlay over the 21. I never was a huge fan of the 21 inlay style. I prefer the Inkosi inlay visually over the 21 as well.
 
I have a wood annual and a bunch of 21’s , however, my favorite inlays shapes are the Inkosi’s....don’t mean to complicate matters but the curve of the inlay really compliments the blade. I just came to this realization about a month ago after I bought a Black Tanto Inkosi! I don’t have a 25 so.....?
 
I'm a user, but not a Hard user. I have an Inyoni and a Small Classic MM both with wood. I use the Inyoni quite a bit and used the MM until I got my CGG 21. All with no problems here.
Actually I chose the CGG over a micarta when making my decision.
 
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