"Relatively" inexpensive, temporary alternative to my small classic Sebenza

B

Brian6244

Joined
Aug 25, 2004
Messages
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I often enough find myself in situations where I simply don't feel right about taking my prized possession--my small, Classic Sebenza-- with me, and I need an alternative. For example, I recently flew to Lake Tahoe for a week. Between all my past past experiences with lost luggage, searched luggage, and luggage that had a zipper failure which resulted in all my unmentionables being strewn about the baggage carousel when I arrived, I'm just not comfortable air traveling with my small classic Sebbie. This is not the only example, but it's a good one for describing the rest.

What I am looking for is an alternative knife, for under $100, roughly. Something that will provide me with the confidence that I have in the blade, the lockup and the awesome weight-to-strength ratio of my small Classic Sebenza. But, only for a week or two. If the knife failed under hard use after two weeks... no problem. I don't expect if to perform like my Sebbie does for the rest of my life. I just expect it to perform for two or three weeks in a way that is as close as possible to what I have been getting out of my small Classic--and for that matter, all my Sebenzas.

Any suggestions?

Thanks. Brian
 
I'd reccommend the Ritter "grip". Blade profile very similar if not same as sebenza. And also a very good knife.
 
I guess that means you are looking at a framelock. The Byrd Catbyrd and Kershaw Shallot come immediately to mind. You could also look at the Benchmade 556, which is similar in size to the Sebenza, with a similar blade shape.
 
Spyderco Native...$40, small, light, sharp as a razor and a solid lockback with good handle ergo's and a nice choil. That's what I travel with when I don't want to risk losing one of my higher end knives to include Sebenzas. Performs like a champ.
 
The new Spyderco Sage is coming out, which is inspired by Chris Reeve, might be worth a look.
 
A used Benchmade Mini Skirmish, I got one from the for sale forums here from a member for $90 in perfect shape.
 
Take a look at the BM/HK 14210...similar ergo's to a small Sebe, full G10 liners, and a rock solid axis lock.

Dave
 
Sadly Lakota went out of business for some time, but I find the Legend folder awesome. Reasonably solid, great design and I believe it was around USD 100. Maybe you can still fetch them via E-bay. As the knives were never really popular, some dealers might have 'em still in stock.
 
Since you like the small sebenza, I would suggest the mini ritter grip. I had a 552 ritter grip and it was the first knife to make me put my sebbie down since I got it. I recently sold it for business reasons :yawn: but I plan on getting another one when times are better.
 
I have to go with a lot of other members and say go with a Spyderco. They're pretty solid and have great ergonomics, and plus you can find them in some outdoor shops.
 
Benchmade 707 (Sequel) comes to mind. The lockup on mine is solid and the action is very smooth. The blade (razor sharp out of the box fyi) on the 707 is about the same length as a Small Sebenza's and the handle is perhaps 1/4 inch shorter. It has a solid clip (tip up carry just like a Sebbie), but no lanyard hole. The 707 can be found for for under $100 online; I got mine at knifesupply.com. They are slow to ship (3-4 business days to get the order out), but they have some of the best prices I have seen. I recommend them, unless you are in a hurry.

Hope that helps!
 
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Boker M type frame lock. Slightly larger than the sm Sebbie but extremely well made and a good size to boot. Not to big nor small, good steel with an excellant heat treat(440c), and the knife is flat as in not wide so it sits very well in the pocket. You can see it on line or the Boker sub forums here. keepem sharp and oh yea about 35 bucks shipped.
 
I'm going to suggest you get something very different, because your uses on a flying trip are likely to different to your usual, and a different knife is unlikely to be confused for your Sebbie in your hand.

Greg
 
How about a Spyderco Paramilitary? It will perform just as well as your small Sebbie, has the same steel, same blade length, is super tough, and can be had for around $100 if you look around. It will last a good deal longer than 2 or 3 weeks.
 
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