Opinions or experiences please!

Dallas T

Dallas T

Joined
Apr 6, 2013
Messages
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Considering Reate wave or kizer velox. Looking for something just a smidge bigger than small sebenza, but equally well built. Just not been happy with the sebenza edge ability. Can't get it to take or keep edge very well. And I usually have no problem sharpening. Any opinions?
 
I have several Reates, but not the Wave. Each one is a great knife. I've eyed the Wave from time to time but just can't bring myself to drop that much money on it. I'm not in love with the current color and finish options, so I might be persuaded if they ever offer other options. Based on my experience with Reate, you can't go wrong with any one of them.

I do have the Kizer Velox 2 and it's a great knife too! Significantly cheaper than the Wave as you can actually find Kizers on sale and I've seen the Velox for as low as $150. I kind of bought the Velox as a compromise. I'd initially dismissed it because it looks so similar in finish to the Kizer Gemini, which I'd already owned. I wanted the Reate/Liong Mah SDC (still do) but couldn't drop >$300 at the time, so I grabbed the Velox as a similar, low-profile tab flipper for half the price. After using the Velox, I actually prefer it to the Gemini and it's kind of kicked the Gemini out of my EDC rotation. Just be warned, the Velox requires a specific "push button" style flipping action to deploy snappily. When flipped that way, it's an awesome flipper. Other methods tend to yield mixed results.

Some others to possibly consider:
Benchmade 484-1601 - This is new, just got it the other day and I'm really enjoying it
Reate/Liong Mah Warrior 1 - If you can find one...
Southern Grind Spider Monkey - Not a flipper but a sweet little knife...
ZT 0808 or 0450 - Both great frame lock flippers with somewhat different ergos.

In terms of sharpening, what steel is in your Sebbie? The Wave is M390, which I love but find a little hard to sharpen. The Velox is S35VN which to me has always felt a lot like S30V, which may be the steel in your CRK? I've always done OK with S35VN or S30V.

Good luck!
 
Mine is s35vn. 2011 model I think. Its just ok , I have way better 154 cm benchmades and Emerson's than this. Not being rude to the brand just not impressed. Does fit n finish rival sebenza from either brand? Cause that part I am pleased with the sebenza. Thanks a bunch.
 
I'd say that Reate is right there with CRK on fit and finish. Maybe not the same crazy tolerances, but comparable on quality. Kizer I compare more with a ZT or Taichung Spyderco.
 
Of kizer and create, which would u say was better over all quality not price.
 
Cause I've never handled any model from either brand. No good store fronts where I live.
 
Having owned a bunch of CRK's, I'd have to agree that I've never had good luck getting the edge that I wanted...whether S30v or S35VN. I would really love, and pay for, a large Sebbie with S90V or M390...or even CTS-XHP...
...so tired of the same old S30V, even though it's probably a fine all-around steel.
Build quality of the CRK's is unsurpassed by anything I've owned...up to and including customs for $750 each.
 
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I have the Kizer Velox 2, and I love it! That said, it's my first flipper, so I can't contrast & compare. It's also my only folder that isn't a Spyderco, other than my ancient Buck 110 that I bought is the 70's!
The Velox 2 is a very solid and stout knife, confidence inspiring. It's been my only EDC since it arrived, and my Spydies have been lonely...
I need to get the rotation up and running again.
 
Dallas T said:
Of kizer and create, which would u say was better over all quality not price.
Click to expand...

Reate is a distinct step up over Kizer in quality, but then again you pay for that difference. The average Reate is easily twice the price of the average Kizer. You can't go wrong with either one but they fall into different economic brackets.

I'm a firm believer that the best, current value in the knife world is the $160 Reate Hills. It's the last of the "entry level" Reates when they were still trying to make a name for themselves and had very aggressive pricing. Right behind the Hills though would be some of the Kizer Vanguard offerings in the $50-80 range.
 
I hear you when you want a slightly larger knife that the small Sebbie. That Sebbie is less than 4" closed length...that's not enough for MY hand.
I would reco the ZT 0808...S35VN steel, OR...the Spyderco C134CFP2 Gayle Bradley 2 Folding Knife 3.6" CPM-M4 Plain Blade, Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate Handles. The Spyderco uses M4 steel which you will LOVE, and it's a great knife and a great steel. The grip is long enough in either of these two knives and the prices are quite decent.
good luck
 
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