Sebenza 1st timer- for anyone else thinking about it here were some surprises

I bought a used, but like new Sebenza 25 years ago on here and it was still more money than I had paid for any other knife. Worth every penny. Love the blade shape, and the smoothness.
 
I have a large 21 or large Inkosi in my left pocket everyday. For me they are perfect. The fit and finish is perfect, the build quality is top notch, the tolerances are tight as can be. They are idiot proof to maintain and disassemble, easy to sharpen, customer service is excellent. The thumb studs don’t bother me at all. My first crk was a large lefty 21 drop point. When I first opened the box I was not blown away. I still carried my other knives. More and more the sebenza kept growing on me. Eventually I got an Inkosi and an umnumzaan, then several more after that. Before I knew it a Crk was the only thing I carried. There’s just something about them. Being a lefty it is also great to have a true lefty framelock. I have no hesitation using/working the piss out of them. I’ve had bucks, and still own them, but the fit and finish is not great or consistent. The same goes for the Spydercos and Benchmades I’ve owned/own. Blade play, poor centering and inconsistency is not something you’ll find in Crk. And if you do they’ll take care of it for you. I’ve sent Benchmades back to the factory to have issues fixed and have them send the knife back in the exact same shape. Not bashing other brands by any means but you get what you pay for. To each their own and that’s what makes the world spin but for me a Crk is all I want. I completely understand someone not wanting this dish out the money for one tho.
 
I cannot think of a single other knife that garners more criticism of why it is liked or of the people who like them, yet be universally accepted as one of the most industry iconic and successful. Must be doing something right :D

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I very much get the desire to own nice stuff even if it doesn't really do a better job than cheaper stuff. I'm a Rolex watch owner. Matter of fact, I've bought three of them over the years. However, they don't do a better job of telling time than, say, my 80's era Seiko quartz Chronograph. However, for me, because I'm not a knife collector but a knife user, I will not use an expensive knife as the tool it's designed to be. I notice there are lots of collectors here that probably baby their knives or rarely use them if at all. That why I said that, at least in Idaho, people I know buy knives for daily and, sometimes, hard use.

Can your Chris Reeves knives cut stuff and hold up? Sure. Do you want to beat up a Chris Reeves knife with what they cost you? Well, I wouldn't. Can I use my Rolex as the tool watch they are said to be? Sure, I *could* but I don't.

I also note that very few of these glam knife photos ever look like the knife has been used more than opening a letter if that.
 
CSG said:
I also note that very few of these glam knife photos ever look like the knife has been used more than opening a letter if that.
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And you've given the reason in your statement. It's a trap to get the impression these knives don't get used based on glam shots in an enthusiast community.
 
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They are very well made American knives with strong customer service to back them up. In the 1990's - 2000's they really had no equal, ie titanium folder with frame lock - hence the reputation was born.

they are still wonderful knives but the industry has caught up. So now you have other American companies that equal or exceed CRK (Holt, Koenig, Grimsmo,etc)
 
I almost feel guilty posting that a new Benchmade Bugout that I got for a silly low price arrives today. ;)
 
Kaizen 1 and Skyhorse- WOW! AMAZING custom work there!!!!!
These weren't offered by CRK, right?
Skyhorse, that shot up look is really unique- who did it? And the scrollwork on Kaizen's reminds me of the Wild West Colt revolver engraving, just absolutely stunning guys.
It's funny looking at those old 6 shooters and seeing the delicate almost feminine engraving and thinking about the people that conquered the wilderness. So much to be said for not constantly having to put skulls and other "macho man" decorative touches on our gear.
Where was the engraving done? Stunners.
 
There very well made knives, I have two older ones in BG42. Don’t ever think you will buy anything and think this is the end all, be all.
 
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