PM2 or wait longer and buy a Sebenza?

Just happened by this thread and am wondering why we're limiting ourselves to these two. I suppose it's the chosen topic and they are two classics, but it's like going for ice cream and saying chocolate or vanilla. The PM2 and Sebenza aren't even on my top 10 list for knives in this range (price/size/use). I know that's blasphemous around here, I still own the mandatory one of each but can't remember when I carried or even played with either. Just a thought, thanks Bladeforums.
 
Probably it helps to handle the knives first.
I'm not sure what size Sebenza we talk.
There is quite a difference between a PM2 and a small Sebnza handle.
The knife-knut ends with buying both (which btw only postpones the problem ;) )
From what I read in your post you compare "the other knife" with the Sebbie - so my guess is you have at least to try a Sebbie once.
A used one should do.
@EWolk: To me it looks like the OP is in the final stage of his decicion and therefore asked for help between these two.
red mag
 
I was in this situation a while back. Got a chance to handle both knives and I went with sm sebenza insingo. Hands down my favorite knife for casual edc. The spyderco didn't feel high quality as the crk. Plus crk's tolerances were much better IMO. I got rid of all my knives except my sm sebenza and my 3.5" xm-18. One for casual use, one that can handle anything.

I would find a store that carries both, luckily for me a shop a few minutes away had both, and I would handle each and choose what you like. Your the one spending the money not us so get what feels good to you. I've bought so many knives based on others opinions only to resell again because it was not for me. I would check out ZT also, good bang for your buck.
 
BmoreJeff said:
I was in this situation a while back. Got a chance to handle both knives and I went with sm sebenza insingo. Hands down my favorite knife for casual edc. The spyderco didn't feel high quality as the crk. Plus crk's tolerances were much better IMO. I got rid of all my knives except my sm sebenza and my 3.5" xm-18. One for casual use, one that can handle anything.

I would find a store that carries both, luckily for me a shop a few minutes away had both, and I would handle each and choose what you like. Your the one spending the money not us so get what feels good to you. I've bought so many knives based on others opinions only to resell again because it was not for me. I would check out ZT also, good bang for your buck.
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guess i should have mentioned earlier, i don't like flippers.
 
I have an M390 Para 2 and a left handed Sebenza. I carry the Sebenza more often.

I think it would make sense to purchase a Para 2 first only if you can get your hands on a sprint run. Otherwise, I would recommend saving for the Sebenza. Once you acquire a Sebenza, you may not feel the desire to pick up a Para 2; the opposite, however, may not be true which would lead to you purchasing both.

It may be, therefore, cheaper just to get the Sebenza.
 
cards94 said:
guess i should have mentioned earlier, i don't like flippers.
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I'd recommend the Xm over both the Para and the Seb and they come in non flipper!


Cynic2701 said:
I have an M390 Para 2 and a left handed Sebenza. I carry the Sebenza more often.

I think it would make sense to purchase a Para 2 first only if you can get your hands on a sprint run. Otherwise, I would recommend saving for the Sebenza. Once you acquire a Sebenza, you may not feel the desire to pick up a Para 2; the opposite, however, may not be true which would lead to you purchasing both.

It may be, therefore, cheaper just to get the Sebenza.
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This is solid logic, the man knows what he is talking about :thumbup:
 
I have owned a Sebenza, but not a PM2. I would go with the PM2 based upon what I've read, because it will actually hold an edge.
 
If you need to wait 8-9 months extra for the Sebenza, I would just buy the PM2 now and wait the difference in price which I assume would be 11-12 months. I don't think you would regret having both in your collection since they are pretty different and I could see carrying them in different situations. If I'm going out into the woods for a hike for example, I'll carry a PM2 every time over a CRK. G-10 handles that grip better and don't get cold, easy to open with gloves on and a price point where you wouldn't fall into a deep depression if you misplace it or drop it, etc.

I see the argument that Cynic2701 made for buying nice instead of buying twice, but personally I gain some enjoyment out of the act of researching, purchasing, waiting and comparing. Skipping ahead, for me personally, would take some enjoyment out of the whole process because as I work my way up the ladder in quality I'm continually impressed and gain deep appreciation for what I'm buying.
 
This is easy.

1. Buy the pm2
2. Save an extra 250-350 while having fun with the pm2
3. Sell the pm2
4. Add the money from steps 2 and 3 and buy the Sebenza

Piece of cake!
 
I've seen some cutting tests with the Sebenza 21 and I'm impressed. I don't know if I could shell out that much for a knife but still impressive.
 
get the Para 2 in M390 and forget about the Sebenza, don't believe the hype.

Better yet, buy the PM 2 in M390 and get some custom scales for it from Cuscadi

You'll have a much better knife probably still come in cheaper than the over hyped Seb.
 
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Just curious, what's your top ten? To OP, the Sebenza is a fantastic knife that I carry every day. Never held a PM2 so I can't comment.

EWolk said:
Just happened by this thread and am wondering why we're limiting ourselves to these two. I suppose it's the chosen topic and they are two classics, but it's like going for ice cream and saying chocolate or vanilla. The PM2 and Sebenza aren't even on my top 10 list for knives in this range (price/size/use). I know that's blasphemous around here, I still own the mandatory one of each but can't remember when I carried or even played with either. Just a thought, thanks Bladeforums.
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ericvar101 said:
get the Para 2 in M390 and forget about the Sebenza, don't believe the hype.
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-Plain Jane Sebs are many times sold out at retailers
-They lose very little if any when re-sold
-They sell and are traded extremely fast
-Quality is not debatable
-Consistent award winner
-Longevity in a market that is constantly bombarded with bells & whistles

What Hype?
 
I'm a steel guy, $500.00 bucks for S30V / S35VN,... c'mon.

All I here from Seb guys is how you can take it apart and put it back to together. Big deal, I take my PM2s apart all the time.

I have heard many stories about how flicking them causes issues with the Sebenza and CRK wont warranty a knife that's been flicked a lot, c'mon I flick the heck out of my Benchmades and Spydies all the time and have never had a problem.

I'm not saying its not a quality knife, I just feel its over priced. If I'm going to pay that much I want something in a higher end steel than S30V/S35VN.

In all the research I have done, no one has been able to convince me there is anything about his knife that makes it worth what it costs. In my opinion it has not evolved with the times.
 
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Scurvy092 said:
This is easy.

1. Buy the pm2
2. Save an extra 250-350 while having fun with the pm2
3. Sell the pm2
4. Add the money from steps 2 and 3 and buy the Sebenza

Piece of cake!
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This!
They are so different im not sure you even would like the Seb. I did not at all. You could get the TUFF instead and maybe that is what you need?
 
ericvar101 said:
I'm a steel guy, $500.00 bucks for S30V / S35VN,... c'mon.

All I here from Seb guys is how you can take it apart and put it back to together. Big deal, I take my PM2s apart all the time.

I have heard many stories about how flicking them causes issues with the Sebenza and CRK wont warranty a knife that's been flicked a lot, c'mon I flick the heck out of my Benchmades and Spydies all the time and have never had a problem.

I'm not saying its not a quality knife, I just feel its over priced. If I'm going to pay that much I want something in a higher end steel than S30V/S35VN.

In all the research I have done, no one has been able to convince me there is anything about his knife that makes it worth what it costs. In my opinion it has not evolved with the times.
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What's wrong with S30V?
 
By the time you pay secondary market prices for an M390 PM2 of $300+ and Cuscadi scales you'll spend as much as a new Sebenza and not have nearly the fit/finish, and it won't be 3x the cutting tool the plain S30V PM2 is either. The sprint runs are cute, but the ones I've seen have no better fit/finish than the standard models, and to me are only worth it if you get them at pre-order prices. Right now for whatever reason the secondary market is willing to pay ridiculous markups for limited release production knives.

Now if you could still buy the PM2 M390 for $179, that would be a completely different story.

I'd have to agree with others, buy the PM2 now, you can find them well under $130, use it, enjoy it, wait till you can handle a Sebanza and then decide if you "need" one. These days there's a lot of options in the $100-$200 range that will complete with much higher priced knives.
 
Not to mention most of the Smurf blue M390 PM2s are kept in their baggies and box all snugly. Sure there a few exceptions but not the rule. Can't get much work out of a mushroom!
 
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