Opinions on choosing between large Sebenza and a few customs

J

jpsmith

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Feb 6, 2009
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I will soon be deciding on a nice knife for myself. For a long time I had imagined I would get another Large Sebenza. I really liked it and I miss it now that I no longer own it.

I hadn't really looked at customs as an option because I just had this idea that they would be too expensive for now. Just recently, however, I have become aware that the price difference on some customs is rather small.

All that being said, I would like to hear some opinions and thoughts from you guys and gals on what you think. Experiences, choices, and just anything relevant. The knives I am looking at so far are the large Sebenza, a John W. Smith, a Mike Draper, Maybe a Chris Smith or an Obenauf.

The knife would be a general purpose, med. to large EDC type. Also feel free to add to my selection if you feel i have missed something that fits nicely with the style knife represented by my choices above. Thanks.
 
How about a Rick Hinderer XM18!!!! I think it would last you a LONG TIME! Tank Tough! He has 3 and 3.5 inch blades but you may have to wait awhile or be quick to catch one on the forums. Good Luck with whatever you decide on. :thumbup::thumbup: Kevin
 
I have a Jason Clark custom that replaced a Sebenza. I carry it a few days a week, and especially on Sunday. The fit and finish are 100% flawless. Differences? CPM154 on the Clark, S30V on the Sebbie. Ti slabs on the Sebenza, 440C heat treated on the Clark. 3.125" hand polished hollow grind clip point blade on the custom. Nice deep radiused lock, and a perfectly fit black/blue G-10 bolster on the non-lock side on Jason's knife, too. Honestly, this knife is smoother than any of the Sebenzas I've owned: 4 in all.

For about $ 175 or so less than a lightly used full sized Classic Sebenza, it is a bargain! There are others here too that make pieces better, or should I say more unique, than a Sebenza at a better price.

It's worth looking around in here!
 
I have heard so many references/suggestions for the Hinderer that i, of course, had to look in and see what everyone was talking about. From everything i have heard and the research i have done, the knife is obviously grand, but it just doesn't appeal to me cosmetically. Do i mean cosmetically? Maybe i mean aesthetically. Anyway.

The Jason Clark knives that i have seen thus far(being two, as i just heard of them today) seem very cool. I am still looking into those and trying to find pics of various models. Great suggestion.

I would love to hear from anyone else who has something to add. So far it seems hands down in favor of a custom(though only two responses so far). Anyone on the other side of the fence? Or even tilt the balance further in the custom direction. Chime in.
 
Check Will's stuff at WDZ knives , I have a couple on the way , you can get two Azraels in different configurations for 100$ more than a Seb. I saw a bad ass Brian Tighe at Moore Cutlery the other day that if I had'nt just ordered two from Will , I would jump on in heartbeat . let us know what you decide. I think Sebs are way overpriced.
 
I've been condsidering getting a custom for a while.
Kirby Lambert's and Greg Lightfoot's work really catch my eye.
 
So am I seeing an image forming here? Is it just a silly question to ponder which should be had, a Seb or a custom? Is there such a beast as a custom that someone would pass over in favor of a Sebenza? All things being equal? I still would love to hear from more people, but is the consensus overwhelmingly to always go with a custom over a Sebenza, no matter who the maker?
 
Had plenty of customs, but now only a couple. I've yet to find, or handle a knife at the Blade show, that feels as good in hand as the straight handle of the sebenza.

I really dislike alot of drop in a folder handle. Great for a stab, push cut, but you can't get that cutting/slicing power and feel from the amount of drop in an xm-18 handle for example. Try push cutting away from yourself(or just make the motion with knife in hand) with both handle types and you'll see what I mean.

Sebbie, or custom, I would go with a staightish handle without alot of drop.
 
jpsmith said:
So am I seeing an image forming here? Is it just a silly question to ponder which should be had, a Seb or a custom? Is there such a beast as a custom that someone would pass over in favor of a Sebenza? All things being equal? I still would love to hear from more people, but is the consensus overwhelmingly to always go with a custom over a Sebenza, no matter who the maker?
Click to expand...

I would pass over many customs for a Sebenza. But I do have a number of customs that I would choose over a Sebenza. I think the reason you're seeing so many votes for customs is because people are telling you specifically about the customs that appeal to them over the Sebenza, not necessarily that any custom is better than a Sebenza.

Some customs that I might choose over a Sebenza:

Snody Knives
Kirby Lambert (particularly the Whar)
Greg Lightfoot
Darrel Ralph
Rick Hinderer
Todd Begg (like the gents knives)
 
it just depends on what grabs ya, though sebs have never been one of my big favorites a lotta folks seem to like 'em, they do have excellent F&F, and also hold value well, the customs ya mention are also good, i also like hinderer FWIW.

and yes i have owned a seb or 2.
 
Tom Mayo. I have a Buck Mayo TNT and it's a nice dress knife - i.e., not tactical. Buck is faithful to the shape AFAIK, so handling one for the grip would be fairly representative. Buck's version is a decent piece and a great value at this level. There aren't many sub-$200 titanium S30V framelocks heat treated by Bos out there.

Mayo's are as in demand as Hinderer's, jumping on two minute availability seems to common, just like Atwood's or Busse's.
 
I'd recomend a trip to a knife show. Get a first hand look at customs. It would be mighty disappointing to obtain a custom sight unseen, only to find that it doesn't fit you well.
 
I am currently saving up to get a Tom Mayo. That's one of my Grail knives. I think waiting for a gun & knife show is also an excellent idea. So i'm gonna postpone any purchasing until the next one shows up in town and see whats there to check out in person.
 
You might take a look at Tim Galyean "Pro-Series" Junkyard Dawg. They come in two sizes and go for just about what a Sebbie does. Flips out like lightening with terrific fit and finish. If you like the style (and you'll know right away) - I'd give it a serious look. I have a lg and sm sebbie and the lg Galyean "Dawg". Actually switch them out, but because of the flipper tend to carry the Dawg more. Carries well in the pocket too. Tim has a subforum under "Manufacturers."
 
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