Question from A Rookie

[pikers88]

All are fantastic knives and you can't go wrong with those choices. The Impinda is a neat little knife with a unique deign, but I prefer one handed opening.
I'll add the small 21 to the list, and I prefer the micarta inlay.-very good all around blade.
Welcome to the forum and hope you enjoy that new knife

Thanks!

Can I ask why there is so much love for the 21 over something say the new 31 or the Inkosi? I see lots of people gushing about the 21. I would assume the tech in the 31 would be a welcome "upgrade" but I'm not 100% sure of the specific changes.

 

[pikers88]

The impinda is great but it is over 3”

I voted small Inkosi but it is very small and not everyone will enjoy it

min general the small sebenza is generally more consensual


Not limiting the option to CRK, you can look at spyderco (para 3 for exemple) or the Alox line from Victorinox are also very good options

I'm not looking for a large knife so the Inkosi may be a good option for me. I'd def prefer something under or as close to 3" as possible. I'm checking out your other recommendations now. Thanks for the input!

 

[pikers88]

I've never seen that Impinda before, what an excellent example of a modern slip joint. The clip really sets it apart, I think if I ever get another modern slip joint it's going to be that one. And if the knives you listed, I would suggest that one

I'm a big spyderco fan so I would also recommend a Delica for size and practicality. You just can't go wrong with that as a small handy knife, and it would definitely make for a hand-me-down piece.

Yes! I was really impressed with the Impinda when I saw it. I'm starting to think one knife may not be doable.

I'll check out the Delcia as well. Thanks for the response!

 

[pikers88]

Unless you have regular encounters with law enforcement, to where you are being patted down or "asked" to empty your pockets, don't focus your worry so much on length or lock. I'm retired LE and can honestly tell you that the vast majority of LEOs that I've met don't know squat about knife laws. As a knife enthusiast, I knew the knife laws in my jurisdictions, but rarely gave a crap about what someone was carrying, unless it was used in a crime. I'm not saying you should violate any laws, but just giving you my opinion from 22 years of being on the street in 2 states, one of which has strict knife laws (IL).

Now, to the best of my knowledge, a sub 3" slip joint is 50 state legal. The Zeiba Heritage Slip Joints ($350-ish) are pretty amazing. Also, the LionSteel slip joints, like the Bestman and Shuffler ($125-ish) are really nice. Can't go wrong with a Victorinox SAK either (on the budget end).

But if you decide to get a CRK, my recommendation would be a plain Jane small Sebenza 21, with the Insingo blade.
View attachment 1257261

Thanks for the input! Since I've never even been given a speeding ticket (knock on wood) I don't think I'll have to worry about negative encounters with the law.

I'm checking out your recommendations now The Bestman is a great looking knife. That one will be added to the list.

Can I ask why you'd go for a Sebenza 21 over the 31 or Inkosi?

 

[BellaBlades]

Dang. Great choices. For sub 3 inch. I'd get the Inkosi small. I like that better than the small seb. For large I prefer the seb.

 

[pikers88]

I would go for a small inkosi, I have the large one and its a great knife, if you’re not into collecting then that knife would be meet your expectations

I'm used to the basic Victorinox and buck knives so I'm guessing any CRK will be a significant upgrade.

 

[pikers88]

Btw I did a cursory read of Massachusetts knife laws analysis on Knife Up, according to that there are no state laws on locking. So you don't necessarily need to limit yourself to a slip joint

Oh, thats good to hear. Thanks for looking into that.

 

[pikers88]

Dang. Great choices. For sub 3 inch. I'd get the Inkosi small. I like that better than the small seb. For large I prefer the seb.

That's what I'm thinking as well. The Inkosi small has the smallest blade of the bunch so it may be the best option for me as an EDC in my area. I do like the Mnandi as I tend to dress more business casual but I think both are great looking knives.

 

[Grandmaster]

I prefer the Inkosi over the 21, I find it more comfortable in hand, and the tuning of the action is a better option IMO

 

[pikers88]

If you want a high-quality knife that will do what you want it to do, your choices are massive. Certainly, CRK will do that.

The thing is, you're going to want a knife that speaks to you. CRK makes excellent knives, but they are not for everyone. We all have different tastes. Make your own choice. We really can't help because we don't know you.

As for passing it down, forget it. You are not likely to know the knife tastes of your heir. And knives in the future will probably offer a lot of new choices. I would not want to carry my father's or my grandfather's knives (actually, none of them carried a knife) because for me a pocket clip and a one-handed opening is critically important -- things not available to my father and grandfathers.

I'm loving this advice. Thanks, Twindog.

I've been researching for a few months now (I love researching new things) and nothing has really jumped out at me as much as the stuff from CRK. Like you said, we all have different tastes and I'm definitely liking what CRK is putting out.

Great point about passing it down. I guess what I meant by that was the knife I'm buying needs to be well made, serviceable and be from a company with history of standing behind their products. I'd also like it to be a little "special" and not something mass produced that you can grab from any outdoor shop.

 

[pikers88]

I doubt if many here could choose any one knife for life unless they plan to have the life span of a fruit-fly.

Haha. I'm afraid I'll catch the sickness. I already have too many watches and film cameras.

 

[pikers88]

I prefer the Inkosi over the 21, I find it more comfortable in hand, and the tuning of the action is a better option IMO

That's good to hear! I like the tonto blade as well which is only available on the Inkosi.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

Thanks!

Can I ask why there is so much love for the 21 over something say the new 31 or the Inkosi? I see lots of people gushing about the 21. I would assume the tech in the 31 would be a welcome "upgrade" but I'm not 100% sure of the specific changes.

It is the knife the company was built on and for years it and the Mnandi were the only folders. It is a very utilitarian design and extremely easy to break down and maintain. There is nothing wrong with the other designs, but the 21 suits me well and I have no reason to try to improve on perfection . My 1st higher end knife was the Classic MM (very similar to the 21)with African Blackwood inlay and I have always had a fondness for the design. The design is retired(just completing previous orders).
However pick the one you like the look of. Any one of them will make a great EDC you can own for life. Warning-I thought I was buying 1 great knife for life-higher end knives can be addicting.
By the way, I disagree with the poster that dismissed handing down the knife. Nostalgia is a very strong force and a child will treasure the knife his or her dad used during many experiences they had together. Even if they do like other knives also.

 

[skyhorse]

Haha. I'm afraid I'll catch the sickness. I already have too many watches and film cameras.

I really like the small Sebenza. welcome to the forum and HAPPY NEW YEAR !

 

[strategy9]

So it appears there are no state limits regarding how big your blade can be, only the vague interperation of "if it is deemed a threat"... However Boston city ordinance requires no greater then 2.5" unless it is required by work.

That said, you are certainly not wrong for looking at CRK, great knives with great reputation, but if you frequent Boston, or if you have a similar local ordinance where you reside and want to stay 100% within the law, the Olamic Busker, Zieba ms3, or Viper Lille designed by Voxnaes will all keep you right at that 2.5" limit, but still give you a quality knife from a well respected maker, with good customer support.

Andre de Villier mini series would give you a couple nice high end slip joint options at 2", and GEC has a bunch of slip joint options in various patterns and sizes...

 

[Ajack60]

Thanks!

Can I ask why there is so much love for the 21 over something say the new 31 or the Inkosi? I see lots of people gushing about the 21. I would assume the tech in the 31 would be a welcome "upgrade" but I'm not 100% sure of the specific changes.

Because, most people don’t like change when it comes to something that’s been proven over the years. The same concerns were voiced when the regulars were retired and the 21 came out. Right now, very few folks have a 31, once they are in full production then they will be more accepted, I think. The Inkosi is a better version of the 25, so not all change is bad. If you’re comfortable with a slip joint, an Impinda is the way to go, if you want a locking knife, the Inkosi or Mnandi is a good choice. CRK does not discourage owners from breaking down their knives and cleaning them. Hell, they include the tools/grease to do so. It’s one of the few knives that go back together without issues.

 

[rxavage]

My advice, get whatever folder that speaks to you, without worrying about size for legal reasons.

I live and work in MA, with police details daily, all over the state. I have asked about knife laws many times, and the dangerous weapons section is open to interpretation of the officer but consensus is none of them care about the length of blade on an unconcealed knife. Law abiding citizens have no need for concern about the size of folder they carry.

 

[LightningG]

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[fishface5]

you need to be aware that the ergonomics of the various CR knives are different enough that what one person loves you may well hate once in hand. Any stores you can visit that carry them?

 

[pikers88]

you need to be aware that the ergonomics of the various CR knives are different enough that what one person loves you may well hate once in hand. Any stores you can visit that carry them?

That makes sense. Unfortunately there are only two dealers within a 2hr drive. One is completely out of stock and the other is a smoke shop that I haven't reached out to yet but I'll give them a shot. I'd love to get each model in my hand as I bet that would make my decision much easier.