Opinions on a BG42 Classic user?

R

rexdriver85

Joined
Jan 5, 2014
Messages
2
Hey all,

I would like some opinions on keeping using my BG42 Classic MM Sebenza. This was my first CRK. I happened to be at a gun show about 4 years ago, and there was a guy there with a small table with a few knives. There it sat, a Classic MM , left handed, BG42, A00 date coded Sebenza, no box, papers, or anything. There was also a left handed Zaan, and a few Microtechs. He told me he found these at an estate sale and didn't know much about them. I asked how much for the Sebenza, he told me 200 dollars. I couldn't believe not only was I holding my first CRK, it was left handed, at an insane price, and was everything the internet said it would be. So I bought it of course, after I went to my car and searched the internet to make sure it (hopefully) wasn't fake.

Fast forward to now. I literally carry nothing else besides this and occasionally a first generation Zaan. All my Spyderco's, Benchmade's, Kershaw's, ZT's, etc etc etc. just sit in a protective case. I have no desire to carry anything else. It's literally the perfect knife for me.

I realize this is a sought after knife, and the blade is not replaceable. The scales have acquired alot of character. The BG42 takes an insane edge and hold for quite a while. It's literally the smoothest action CRK I've ever handled. (I go to gun and knife shows a few times a year and handle all the CRK I can.)

To the point so this isn't super long - Should I keep using this knife? What would you guys do? I am thinking of possibly getting a new lefty Star Benza to carry and beat up instead of this one anymore. This knife has been in my pocket through a lot of stuff for a long time and I feel a sentimental value to it since it was my first high end knife. I'd hate to lose it, or something bad happen to it. Maybe eventually send it for a spa to clean up the scales.

So, do you guys carry somewhat rare or sought after versions of CRK as users? Sorry for the long post, I've been a lurker for a long time.
 
To me it sounds like you a correct in wanting to protect a sentimental knife that is hard to find. your knife has a good story behind it and it sounds like she has seen plenty of pocket time. Sounds like you have other knives that you could EDC and if you do pick up a lefty Star Benza for a user then (I) would retire it before something unforeseen happens. Although it's not even close in comparison I would pay 4 times it's worth to get my First Buck 110 that I found in my homeroom desk in high school because it had so much Sentimental value. I still have the sheath sitting in front of me minus the 110:mad:. I hold out hope for finding it but it's not very likely so before it gets to that point you should keep it safe in your collection IMO. I only wish I was in your situation and I don't wish you to be in mine. BTW you could still take it out to dinner occasionally if you feel the need.:cool::thumbsup:
 
My opinion-the beneficial qualities of the BG-42 are those of a user. You seem to like carrying it so I would go on doing so. Value only plays a part if you plan to sell. I think for you using gives the best benefit(and enjoyment). Now there is something else you can consider. As far as I know you can get a replacement blade for that in S35VN. It should be the same blade as the 21 from what I have found. This would give you the option of replacing the BG-42 if damaged or possibly getting an S35VN blade now and keeping your BG-42 on the side.
Please confirm with CRK to these facts. I could be wrong.
 
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I thought CRK's were lifetime users? That was the value proposition I bought into when I went down this path and paid the big bucks. Use it for a lifetime! Over the course of a lifetime a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars is really insignificant... Even if it gives you only $25 - $50 of enjoyment per year using it or sharing stories with others about it as you carry it on your person, that value will far exceed the value you could get from selling it now or locking it in a safe. Now if you are a bit bored with it and are yearning for a Starbenza, that may be a different story, but as others have said, when one gets rid of the their "first" of anything that was a hobby of theirs, they run the risk they just sold/gave away something truly priceless and just didn't know it.
 
Use it! Enjoy it, everytime you pull it out, or just knowing it's in your pocket.... just don't loan it!
 
Welcome to BF R rexdriver85 , regardless of how rare the knife is, if you enjoy using it and it brings a smile to your face, keep on using it. If you ever lose it or the blade snaps for some strange reason, cross that bridge when/if it happens. Knowing that a left handed BG42 Sebenza is hard to come by should make you all the more careful and aware not to use it foolishly. You can still find them, but not for what you paid for yours. You’d have to take out a small loan to replace it today. You can always get the Umnumzaan and rotate knives, but don’t retire it just because they’re no longer made. They’re made to be used. Now if your a collector, that’s a different story.
It took me two years of begging and pleading to find a large and small Native American CRK but it did finally happen. Sometimes you’ve just got to wait before you find a replacement, in the meantime I think you’ll be just as elated with S30V or S35VN steel.
 
Use it till it dies, and then burry it in your protective case with the other dead knives. Then buy yourself an Inkosi Insingo and start all over again!
 
Thanks everyone for the thoughtful responses, you guys get it! It's really the only knife I've ever carried since I was a kid that speaks to me. I love using it, I love telling it's story, I love opening and closing it when I am deep in thought, and it makes me feel good.

Also, being a lefty, there's just something that makes me happy about a DEDICATED lefty knife. Spyder holes and Axis locks are great don't get me wrong, but having a version of a knife made specifically for lefty carry is really awesome.

So, I'll keep carrying it. But, I do have a hankerin' for a Star Benza. I'll pick one up soon and rotate that one in.

And yes, I do have a lefty Zaan. Born March of 2009, though I rarely carry that, lol.
 
I used to be scared of carrying /using "vintage CRK folders, but decided to try to enjoy them and have fun exploring the differences. I bought 2 users , both larges, a 1997 BG42 Reg, and an ATS 34 "P" . They both hold a great edge, and are a joy to useIMG_7529.jpgIMG_7528.jpg
 
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