Question the value of similar knives...

[RkyMtn]

Here is my current situation:

I have a CRK Small Sebenza 21 African Blackwood knife that I have carried for a few years. I have recently purchased a CRK Insingo and carry it now. I have some carry wear in the former Blackwood knife and sent an email to CRK to see about restoring it to its original state. I was informed that I could have the blade sharpened and wood inlays refinished, bit the Ti handles could not be refinished, due to the wood inlays. However, if I was willing to pay for new inlays (original or different at my cost), they could refinish the Ti handles. I requested pricing for refinishing the handles and new inlays. I then received an email from a different employee at CRK stating the following:

'We do not take out and replace the wood inlays unless it was a defect with the wood originally. To determine this we would need to see the knife in person. We do cover cleaning, tuning and sharpening so if you would like to do that also ask to have Lisa look at your current inlays and touch them up."

Ok, fine.

But, if CRK is only offer the same kind of service that everyone else is offering, is their knives worth the extra premium of a little smoother action and little tighter lockup over say a Bradley alias 2?

I was initially excited that CRK was able to offer the opportunity to fully restore my knife and offer the opportunity to change the inlays for a different look. This is the halmark of a smaller company offer their customer extraordinary service and I fully back, promote and purchase from companies such as this. But, now I see that they are just like all the other companies in the marketplace and wonder if the premium for their product is truly justified? Is the CRK action and lock-up really worth the $150 premium over the Bladley Alias 2?

Anyone out here have both and can lend some insight for my future purchase of a Ti framelock knife?

Thanks,

RkyMtn

 

[dalefuller]

There's no way we can tell you whether the cost of a Sebenza over a Bradley or a Sage 2 or a Buck TNT is going to be "worth it" to you. That's a subjective call that you have to make. I can tell you that I'm satisfied with the price I paid for my 12+ Sebenzas and with both the quality of the product as well as the quality of the customer service I've received from CRK for the money I paid.

Other Ti frame locks will function just as they are suposed to. They will open, lock up, cut, and close. If that's what you're looking for, then I agree that there are less expensive alternatives to a Sebenza readily available. If you want some suggestions for very good Ti frame locks, then I can recommend the Sage 2 and the discontinued Buck TNT (a little lighter duty but a great slicer) from previous experience. Neither of them will feel like a Sebenza but they are excellent frame locks and can easily stand on their own merits. Kershaw, Strider, and Benchmade have frame locks with Ti or Ti + G10 scales as well, all for less than an inlaid Sebenza.

 

[RkyMtn]

Dalefuller,

I forgot about the Sage 2. Thanks for reminding me about this knife. I need to take a look at it, too.

Regards and thanks,

RkyMtn