Questions regarding CRK Sebenza 21

[crowley213]

First of all I would like to state that I ask these questions to understand better, definitely not for “trolling” or whatever other potential negative intention. It may also help to keep in mind that I am quite “new” to knives, as a German most likely not having the same history with such gear and therefore the same approach to it. Last but not least a knife is for me not a tool I am using to “kill” tons of cardboard boxes or even a bear but something where I “admire” the technical finesse and overall appearance.

So my first question, even it may have been asked already a million times: Is the Sebenza 21 really worth the higher price point, nearly the double, compared for example to my ZT 0452 and / or my ZT 0462?

Both my ZT knives have great functionality regarding opening and closing, at least so in my opinion, they are big knives but not too big, they show nice manufacturing quality, they also use the same blade steel as the Sebenza. The main point that attracts me considering the Sebenza 21 is the possibility to get the handle with dark wood inlays, a design I really like and consider definitely even more attractive than a CF or TI handle.

So would there be another real world difference in between these knives, except design and overall appearance? Better functionally? Or just the fact that you finally owe a CRK?

Another question, a little more specific: Which wooden inlays are recommended, considering longevity and overall quality? I am looking for either Bog Oak or Macassar Ebony as they show these real deep dark colors. As of my observation the surface of the Bog Oak inlays seems to be a bit more porous, is that a problem?

What about blade forms and blade steels, is there anything special to keep potentially in mind? Personally I am more drawn to the blank steel blade appearance, but I do not know if a sandblasted blade of the Sebenza shows overall the same great appearance than a blade with satin finish. In regards to blade forms I really like the Sinkevich blades and the standard Sebenza blade is not that different, but maybe another blade form would have other benefits?

Again, I just try to collect as much information as possible and try to understand before I spend potentially such an amount of money, so please excuse if my questions sound weird to you.

Herbert

 

[BilboBaggins]

Knives cut stuff. The Sebenza cuts stuff. The difference between the ZTs and the Sebenza is similar to the difference between the ZTs and a solid budget option (possibly less so). Whether it is "worth" it or not is completely up to you. From personal experience, the Sebenza is an excellent knife, designed with maintenance in mind, with a fantastic grind. It is superb as a tool.

I believe I've stated elsewhere on these forums, that although I own many knives, some of which are more expensive than the Sebenza, if I was forced to reduce down to 1 knife for carry and use on a day-to-day basis to own forever, it would be the CRK. It's not my favorite knife, but it is very good in the "cutting stuff" department.

It is higher on the curve of diminishing returns than the ZTs. Nick does a pretty good job of outlining how that goes in this video. Good luck.

 

[Ajack60]

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a wood inlay to a first time buyer. I'd recommend a micarta inlay instead. Here's why, the wood inlays have polished slabs/frames that show fingerprints, smudges like nobodies business. Like all woods, if subjected to a wet/humid environment long enough, it will warp even if its stabilized wood. CRK will not re polish the slabs on a wood inlay. The only inlay they'll redo is the micarta inlay.
Most people that get a wood inlay or Unique/CCG never use them because they can't bring themselves to use it. They wind up selling it even though they swore they'd use it.
Are they worth it ? That's a question only you can answer. Some say yes, worth every dime, some say no they're not and would never buy another one. Sure, there's a degree of bragging rights owning one but that's not justification for getting one.
A Sebenza doesn't have the same action as your ZT's, it's not a flipper even though some flick them open. A CRK isn't smooth out of the box like a ZT. It requires a break in period. Some have sold them because of the break in period. IMO, you really don't appreciate a Sebenza until you've used it. Then you will realize the quality and simplicity of a CRK.

 

[BTGuy]

The cost of a Sebenza, or any CRK knife for the most part, are definitely worth it from my experience. I've just recently purchased my third CRK knife and received in my hands exactly what I've come to expect at this point. A pretty much flawlessly made knife. I think you would appreciate it as well judging by what you said about admiring the technical finesse and overall appearance. When you really look at the attention to detail in design and execution, and use the knife, you begin to appreciate the value. Check out this shop tour video to get a bit of an idea:

There's quite a few things I could point out specifically where I've found CRK put just that little bit of extra thought and effort, but a couple stand out for me. That "Sebenza smooth" and "bank vault" feeling you'll hear quite a few people mention. You'll see where some of that comes from if you watch the shop tour video. Every knife has someone fine-tuning the lockbar and blade interface to fit just right. And that smoothness comes partly from how they've designed the larger washer opposite the detent ball resulting in the blade staying perfectly centered throughout deployment. A well-made tool all around.

The wood inlay question is more subjective for me. I'm partial to natural wood handles. I'd choose them over micarta or plain handles whether they were more durable and lasting or not. Although I've only had my wood inlay Sebenza 21 for a couple weeks now, I don't feel I'll have an issue for a long while as long as I take care it. I've had a Mnandi for a few years and the inlays are holding up just fine. Definitely take what Ajack60 said into consideration. Materials vs environment will matter in the long run and if you want your CRK to last you a lifetime it's going to play a big factor. And there definitely is a break-in period. "Sebenza thumb" is another term you may hear alot for a reason.

The blade finish comes polished on wood inlay Sebenzas as a standard, if I'm not mistaken. If you're worried of scratches then you may want to go with a bead-blasted finish. My 2 week old Sebenza 21 already has a faintly visible scratch on it, while my 2+ years old Sebenza 25 with bead-blasted finish always has that sort of uniform look to it. I prefer the polished blade because you get to see that beautiful shine slowly develop character. Or quickly if you use it for more than mostly boxes, envelopes, and such like me.

 

[brownshoe]

This question gets asked all the time. Only you know how much $500 is worth to you. If you ask the question, you are probably not ready to blow that kind of cash on a luxury knife. Don't get an inlay, spend real money and get a graphic. They are much prettier. Oh and buy a 21 from when Chris Reeve ran the company.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I appreciate the simplicity of the plain, embellished titanium frame and the stone washed blade, along with the exquisite simplicity of the design and the flawless construction. Every scratch and nick adds character.

 

[evilgreg]

It's hard to add much to a topic that has been kicked around a thousand times previously, but I will say this: they don't amaze everyone that buys one. Yes they're well made, yes they cut stuff just fine, but if you don't feel the special super duper extra refined CRK magic then you may be disappointed in the knives, at least relative to their prices.

I love the one I kept (a large 21 micarta insingo), in part because I've carried it a bunch and it's grown on me with familiarity:

That said, if I'm totally honest I like carrying and using this ~$25 Buck 110 Slim better than that $550 CRK:

Clearly I'm in the minority on this topic, but you should know that not everyone feels the magic. They're easy to resell, though, so if you're on the fence buy one from the exchange and if you touch it and it amazes you great, if not you can move it on to someone else and not lose very much money doing it.

 

[GatorFlash1]

If I were again going to war, and needed a folder, the Sebenza would be my second choice. Price would not be my concern. I think my current edc beats the Sebbie. It is a Gayle Bradley 1 with a M4 steel blade and CF scales. But that's just me.

He's from TEXAS! Can't you tell?

Stay well!

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I think a lot of the mystique of a CRK is that for many, like myself, who started collecting 30 years ago as a boy, when the Sebenza hit the scene it was the knife to have. Fine tuned and expensive and sporting a new lock up in an exotic blade steel.

I just got my first, a Large Inkosi, back in November, and I adore it. I have carried it more days than not since then. Is it "the best"? I dont think i would go that far. Its incredibly well made, and a reward I gave myself for sticking to a personal goal set. The lock up is perfect, the blade centered. Its very much what I was wanting.

While I will concede that there are better values than a CRK at a lower price point, I dont feel that Zat is there yet. I've had a few slip their locks, not be centered, etc. Totally fine for a $250 knife, but the meticulous fit, finish, and tolerances of the CRK make it worth the price of entry for me.

 

[broadscotch]

Knives cut stuff. The Sebenza cuts stuff. The difference between the ZTs and the Sebenza is similar to the difference between the ZTs and a solid budget option (possibly less so). Whether it is "worth" it or not is completely up to you. From personal experience, the Sebenza is an excellent knife, designed with maintenance in mind, with a fantastic grind. It is superb as a tool.

I believe I've stated elsewhere on these forums, that although I own many knives, some of which are more expensive than the Sebenza, if I was forced to reduce down to 1 knife for carry and use on a day-to-day basis to own forever, it would be the CRK. It's not my favorite knife, but it is very good in the "cutting stuff" department.

It is higher on the curve of diminishing returns than the ZTs. Nick does a pretty good job of outlining how that goes in this video. Good luck.

such a great video. i could listen to nick and that hideous z hunter narrate just about anything.

 

[Twindog]

Knives cut stuff. The Sebenza cuts stuff. The difference between the ZTs and the Sebenza is similar to the difference between the ZTs and a solid budget option (possibly less so). Whether it is "worth" it or not is completely up to you. From personal experience, the Sebenza is an excellent knife, designed with maintenance in mind, with a fantastic grind. It is superb as a tool.

I believe I've stated elsewhere on these forums, that although I own many knives, some of which are more expensive than the Sebenza, if I was forced to reduce down to 1 knife for carry and use on a day-to-day basis to own forever, it would be the CRK. It's not my favorite knife, but it is very good in the "cutting stuff" department.

It is higher on the curve of diminishing returns than the ZTs. Nick does a pretty good job of outlining how that goes in this video. Good luck.

The problem with Nick's video is that his curve is completely made up. There is no direct relationship to the amount of money spent and the utility received. It will differ from knife to knife, from task to task and from the judgment of one user to the next.

In addition, there are different ways to value a knife. How many CATRA cards it can cut. How much weight the lock can handle before breaking. How good are the ergos. How much do I appreciate the aesthetics. How well does the tip cut. How tough is the steel. How thin an edge can the steel support. On and on.

 

[Accelerator]

It's hard to add much to a topic that has been kicked around a thousand times previously, but I will say this: they don't amaze everyone that buys one. Yes they're well made, yes they cut stuff just fine, but if you don't feel the special super duper extra refined CRK magic then you may be disappointed in the knives, at least relative to their prices.

I love the one I kept (a large 21 micarta insingo), in part because I've carried it a bunch and it's grown on me with familiarity:

That said, if I'm totally honest I like carrying and using this ~$25 Buck 110 Slim better than that $550 CRK:

Clearly I'm in the minority on this topic, but you should know that not everyone feels the magic. They're easy to resell, though, so if you're on the fence buy one from the exchange and if you touch it and it amazes you great, if not you can move it on to someone else and not lose very much money doing it.

That Sebenza has inlays that I’ve never seen before. Can you tell me a bit about it?

 

[goldie]

There is also pride of ownership with a Sebenza.You can also carry it for a while,keep it in good shape and if you dont like it down the road,it can be resold at a minimal loss.It would be almost like renting it for a while...

 

[vjb.knife]

I may be shouted out here but I would say that at the price difference of say a ZT462 which I can get for $150 vs a Sebenza 21 Inlay which is well over $500, no. At three plus times the price the Sebenza is not 3x the knife. Let me also say that I have a lot of knives including many ZT's and three Sebenzas. I do think that the Sebenza is a very nice knife and is probably better than most of the ZT offerings it is very different than a 462 and hard to compare. If I were looking to the ZT line for something more comparable to a Sebenza I would say the ZT392 would fit the bill. Of course it is discontinued and If you can find one it will be as much as a Sebenza, and I think a close comparison in every way. I love Sebenzas but I think they are overhyped most of the time and there are plenty of knives that are just as good out there. I would take a Hinderer XM-24 any time or situation.

 

[GermanyChris]

Pretty much everything you ask is subjective, to me a Sebenza is better than any ZT but to you it may not be. In the end if you’re nervous about the price then it’s not since it won’t be used so the question is moot. CTS v BMW or Jeep v Defender all are excellent and do the same thing all have benefits and drawbacks, I’ve owned a Wrangler for a decade I’ve done a things the right way and it’s never left me stranded, I’ve carried a Sebenza every day for four years and it’s never let me down could I have gotten away cheaper on both...maybe but they both make me happy so who cares

 

[BD_01]

Two-ish years ago the Sebenza/Inkosi became the metric I use to judge other knives.

Instead of buying a knife just because I thought Id like it, I started asking myself if I’d rather put the funds aside for another CRK variant. My knife purchases decreased precipitously.

I like the simplistic, understated and highly functional design. I’d also be lying if I said there wasn’t a bit of mystique involved as well.

They are production knives and not all of them are perfect (I have one that’s a wee bit off center, even after a trip to Boise). However, with every other knife I own (mostly Spyderco & ZT) I can tell something in the design or execution was driven by price point. Maybe it’s the pocket clip, maybe there’s an unchamfered edge, but it’s there. I don’t perceive that with the CRK’s I own, at all. I like that.

I still own, use, and enjoy other knives. In fact, aside from purpose driven uses, I committed myself to only carry my old ZT 0900 and new Spyderco Swayback until the end of summer. That said, for me the Sebenza/Inkosi/Umnumzaan are worth the price and I’m glad I have a few.

 

[XL883N]

It won't do anything your ZTs can't do. You buy a Sebenza because you want the best, or "the best" in quotations depending on your opinion, and because you just want a Chris Reeve in your pocket. They are overpriced but I find everything worth owning nowadays is.

One thing that people keep stressing with CRKs is the tight tolerances. Honestly, I don't get it. My Benchmades and Spydercos go back together just as well and screws go in just as easily. The only difference is you don't use locktite on a Sebenza.

I love my CRKs and would buy them again if were to do it all over.

 

[evilgreg]

That Sebenza has inlays that I’ve never seen before. Can you tell me a bit about it?

It's a normal natural micarta inlay 21 insingo. After buying and selling a few other CRK models, including a KA carbon fiber model, I picked the large micarta insingo as the model I disliked least. To make sure I'd keep it I forced myself to carry it for a couple of months at least every day, and I randomly dyed the micarta (twice with red and once with blue) just to mess with it. I was going to dye it purple, but I sort of like the weird red/blue mix it has now. When you look close up you see both colors individually, but at a glance it just looks sort of a dark slightly purplish red.

It's one of the few knives I keep a polished edge on, incidentally.

EDIT to add a photo of the box:

 

[Accelerator]

Thanks for the explanation. I knew that those inlays were unique somehow. For the record, I think they look great, I love that reddish/blue color.

 

[kylemiller]

It is to me. I think it's the overall finest folding knife ever built. I've been up to nearly triple it's price and nothing matches the fitment. Easiest knife to reassemble. Just tighten every screw down all the way, in no special order and the action and centering are absolutely perfect every time. Can't think of another knife with that quality. Especially the pivot screw. I tighten mine until I have slight flex in the allen wrench and it's drop shut smooth with no blade play. My 31 couldn't even compare in that realm. It did make me realize that was my favorite quality in CRK. Knowing I had to tune it to get the action I wanted made me sell it.