Sebb EE's

M

Mrdi

Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
137
Seems like there is an adamant following for the Sebenza, in all shapes and sizes. My impression is also that this following is the last step before the conversion to the custom one of a kind group of adherents.The Sebenza seems to be in the highest priced production knife category and the next step up is the realm of customs that begin where the Seb's end.
I've ordered a Sebenza, is this a transitional knife.
Should one just move directly to the arena of Tomes,Davis, Shadley, Emerson? Are the knives just mentioned to look at and touch only and not carry and the Seb's become the user knives that are high end consumables?
Just trying to figure out where to go from here.
Thanks,
Mrdi
 
The Sebenza is not necessarily transitional. You may find its quality higher than some handmade knives. The whole question of what constitutes a custom knife can be hard to define precisely, anyway. For example, if a maker sells you a knife he made based on his own preferences in design and materials, it may be as fine a knife as you ever own, but is it really a custom-made knife, designed from scratch to meet your personal needs?

A custom knife probably should be a user -- it should be the best user you could have. That's the whole idea of the exercise: to get a knife made to be exactly what you need. Of course, if what you need is a display object, there are many beautifully made art knives that never will cut anything.
 
For all intents and purposes, the Sebenza is the equivalent of just about any custom knife. It's cost also reflects this.:rolleyes: It's a great using knife that most around here are very impressed by. That includes myself.

I trust you'll be very pleased with your purchase. Good Luck.:)
 
I jumped from production into very expensive customs. The customs were not even close to CRK Sebenza in quality and operation.

One was from a famous maker who has years of backlog and very inflated aftermarket prices. I found one new at dealer and was very disappointed with blade rubbing liner and lack of adjustment for tension.

My next three were from another well known maker. One would not hold liner for lockup, a very gentle pressure on blade would cause the lock to fail, next knife was similar rubbing of blade on liner and very stiff release due to galling of blade and titanium in liner lock.

Dumped all the customs and discovered CRK Sebenza.

CRK Sebenza defines quality and reliable function for folders. I only own two small Sebenza's however, additional knives will be added in near future.

Regards,
FK
 
It is a Level of sorts to be sure, a commitment on the Collector and user alike. I had always wanted one when I first saw the picture but didn't have the funds and was frustrated at not owning one, everyone seems to have been there and done that! Finally I was able to pick one up, very happy with it and the several others that arrived since!
I've had an occasional problem with only two that came to me but they were minor problems that CRK fixed in a jiffy. Now other customs I've owned or have seen and held, well they just don't cut it, no pun intended...and there are those highend customs that as you rightly point out end up being fondled and not used!

So transition knife? maybe so, but it might be the one you keep going back to as well. I know that I have for a long time now. Even though they are not `TRUE' Customs, though one of mine was made by Chris, the other `TRUE' Customs are often put up against the Sebenza in comparison.

I've not been able to afford the REALLY high end stuff, knives in the $600 range and up folders wise, I'm sure they are quite good but I probably wouldn't want to use one? And that will keep me from getting one from that level...:)
G2
 
I bought mine knowing that even if it was as good as everyone said it was it would probably be a stepping stone to other purchases. CRK stuff is as good as everyone says. I've kept mine and enjoyed it very much. Sent it back a few months ago for dual thumb lugs and a polished hollow-grind, and now I like it even more.

I admit that it has ruined me for every other production knife I've handled since.

Unlike a lot of the Sebenzites, I have moved into customs and found that they hold a lot of appeal for me as well. Haven't sold the CRK stuff yet, and probably won't, although it would fund some much desired customs. I like the Sebenza too much.

It was this list that made a CRK purchase a "must" for me. Don't let anyone talk you out of checking into Ralph, Mayo, Carson, et al, though!
 
It has been the driving force that made me email Tom Mayo. Everything I have heard is that the TnT even tops the Sebenza (gasp! Did he say there's something out there better than the Sebenza? Maybe...).

I'll let you know in however long it takes to get one just the way I want it (assuming that can be done). Until then, the best all around knife I own is my large Sebenza (although I have a Barry Wood that for its time is pretty damn close).

-Al-
 
I've said it before and I just have to say it again, SEBENZA'S RULE!!


With that out of the way I have to agree with FK. I have owned some of the better custom folders out there and I have yet to see the Sebenza precision duplicated. This is not a knock on customs, but if total precision is what you are after the Sebenza is the one. I guess I have gone full circle from production to custom and have arrived back at the Sebenza.
True the Sebenza is a "user" where some customs might just go up on the wall or in the safe, and for very good reason! I truly respect the custom maker and it is something I wish I could do, but I have come to the point of wanting precision of manufacturing and the closest tolerances possible. The Sebenza has it. They are even beautiful, especially when dressed up in wood!
 
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