Sebenza 21 Large or 25? Which would you get?

I like the large one since the longer blade would provide extra cutting edge if need be, and the handle will fit better in my hands since I have long fingers, but I also like the small one for EDC. The smaller profile fits better in my pocket.
 
Get both!

It depends, for most tasks the small is sufficient, I carry a small while in the office.
If you spend time outdoors, then the relations change and the large isn't that large anymore.
So I'd start with a large plain Ti scales and if need be add a small with inlays.
 
red mag said:
Get both!

It depends, for most tasks the small is sufficient, I carry a small while in the office.
If you spend time outdoors, then the relations change and the large isn't that large anymore.
So I'd start with a large plain Ti scales and if need be add a small with inlays.
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If I am outdoors I most likely would carry fixed blade, so yup I think I will most likely get the small one.

The other question. Insingo or regular blade?
 
I got a Large for outdoor work and a small Insingo for EDC. Ended up selling the Lg because I find myself carrying knives that it wouldn't hurt so bad to loose when I'm outdoors, and have settled on the small Insingo for my EDC. The Insingo seems to give more cutting edge in the small and is excellent for everyday utility.
 
The next logical question is Carbon Fiber, Inlays or plain. I went with plain and love it and the wearing of the Ti scales, but I keep thinking I'd love to try the lightweight of the KA exclusive Carbon Fiber, but then I'm happy with my plain. This is why we often end up with multiples. There are too many great options.
 
I am looking at the KA exclusive CF too but for large they are left with only the insingo design.
 
I have owned a ton of different varieties of each and in the end I have decided my favorite of all is the plain Jane large 21 Insingo. I also have a plain Jane large 21 with regular blade shape and a small Classic.

I mostly carry the large Insingo but on days when I want more discreet carry I go with the small.

In the end it's all about personal pref and only you can discover over time what fits your needs and preference the best. There is no "right" answer for everyone.

EDIT: Same for handle materials. I have owned micarta, CF, Wilson Combat starburst milled lines, and plain. I love the look of the CF and WC but in the end I always gravitate back to the plain Jane look.
 
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Thanks VolGrad. So the Insingo is your blade grind of choice? It does look like a pretty good slicer. I wonder how it compares to the regular drop point hollow grind when it comes to slicing?
 
if your looking at a 25 just go umnumzaan instead. all this good advice is true start with the 21. large 21 isn't that large at all and it pockets well. don't bother with small since you'll prob want a large. and get a micarta or wood or cf inlaid model or cf scale rather then the plain ti 21. you'll want a nicer one a few days after a plain anyway. trust me.
 
pjandyho said:
Thanks VolGrad. So the Insingo is your blade grind of choice? It does look like a pretty good slicer. I wonder how it compares to the regular drop point hollow grind when it comes to slicing?
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I can't really answer that. Both slice just fine. I just like the longer flatter edge shape. I use mine for the usual day to day tasks but honestly use it in the kitchen more than anywhere. For that the longer flatter blade works well for me. I don't need the extra belly and don't need the pointy tip.
 
Have you ever handled a Sebenza?
If not, the one with a CF scale would be my choice.
It's incredible light and you don't need the extra weight.
If you like wood inlay, the Insingo is no option.
I'd recomend a small with a nice wooden inlay.
This is still light, meet's you cutting needs (you got a fixed blade to add for outdoors) and feels nice in hand.
On top it is a pleasure to look at.
 
pjandyho said:
Thank you everyone! Very much appreciated the comments. I am seeing that there are more love to the 21 than the 25. I am gravitating towards the 21 now, large or small. I kind of like the pivot bushing idea.

So now, large or small 21?
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Definitely Large 21
 
red mag said:
Have you ever handled a Sebenza?
If not, the one with a CF scale would be my choice.
It's incredible light and you don't need the extra weight.
If you like wood inlay, the Insingo is no option.
I'd recomend a small with a nice wooden inlay.
This is still light, meet's you cutting needs (you got a fixed blade to add for outdoors) and feels nice in hand.
On top it is a pleasure to look at.
Click to expand...
The few Sebenzas that I have had a chance to "molest" are all in CF scales and they are all large 21 and 25. During that time I wasn't yet interested in the Sebenza as I am still very much a flipper guy, but I do love how they look in CF scales. I am getting a Sebenza mainly for EDC because of how smooth they are and since I am currently EDCing quite a lot of stuff, like a couple of flashlights, Leatherman Wave and so on sans a gun, any weight and space savings would be beneficial. I think I most likely will start with a small 21 and if funds and stock availability permits, a large 21 for the collection. I kind of like the idea of owning a classic so the 21 seems like a better choice for me after all the replies I get here. I have limited funds and my biggest worry is wanting one of everything. I hope I will not fall that deep.
 
i prefer the standard clip/drop point style blade of the small 21, to me its more suited to doing any type of task which to me fits the idea of the sebenza more, in that it is a knife that is good at everything. I think while the insingo blade does perform better at certain things like food prep it becomes limited in other areas thus diminishing the idea of the "be good at everything knife" that i feel the sebenza is. I also like the appearance of the clip point blade better but that is subjective. To me the sebenza follows the old saying "jack of all trades, master of none" but with the insingo blade kind of becomes "jack of most trades, master of few" or something like that. You get the idea lol
 
pjandyho said:
Hi guys,

New knife nut here. Just gotten this fever about a couple of months ago and recently received my Hinderer XM-18 from Knife Center. I wasn't very impressed with the built of the XM-18 honestly.

Since I frequently hear about the great reputation of Chris Reeve Knives, I am starting to wonder what are the differences between some models like the 21 large and 25?

Are there any design or built differences between them?
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What didnt you like about the Hinderer specifically ? IMO, Hinderer and Chris Reeve build quality is almost same. Not sure if you just didnt like the design/feel of the Hinderer? To be honest, the Reeve isnt going to blow you away (at first maybe) so dont expect knife angels blowing trumpets when opening the box:p
 
pjandyho said:
Thank you everyone! Very much appreciated the comments. I am seeing that there are more love to the 21 than the 25. I am gravitating towards the 21 now, large or small. I kind of like the pivot bushing idea.

So now, large or small 21?
Click to expand...


Hey man! I think you are over on CPforums. I'm Mgizler over there.

I have had both large and small. My first was a small 21 and I loved it. I was actually hesitant to get the large. I will say that the only real advantage the large has I notice is the larger handle. This makes opening with my XXl hands easier. Other than that, the small has plenty of blade to do any task that you need in a day. I used it for everything and anything
In a days time.

I think you can't go wrong either way.

I currently carry a large insingo.
 
lemmuhj said:
What didnt you like about the Hinderer specifically ? IMO, Hinderer and Chris Reeve build quality is almost same. Not sure if you just didnt like the design/feel of the Hinderer? To be honest, the Reeve isnt going to blow you away (at first maybe) so dont expect knife angels blowing trumpets when opening the box:p
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Not that I don't like the Hinderer. On the contrary I like it but the built is kind of disappointing for the price I paid for. My knife rattles when the blade locked into close. Something is loose in there. The blade stop is loose too because it rotates freely in there. The flipper tap is so sharp it's uncomfortable to use. The pivot screw is loose too and tends to rotate around on the pivot and coming loose after a few flip of the knife. Is this the kind of quality to expect from a $475 knife? But I like the fact that it is still built tough and is definitely made to be a user. I am just saying I am kind of underwhelmed because the attention to details is very lacking.

Lol! I know I am not going to hear angels singing when unboxing a Sebenza, and most likely will face a steep learning curve trying to get the knife to open via the thumb stud. But I like the fact that Chris Reeve have placed a high level of demand when it comes to production quality.

Gizler00 said:
Hey man! I think you are over on CPforums. I'm Mgizler over there.

I have had both large and small. My first was a small 21 and I loved it. I was actually hesitant to get the large. I will say that the only real advantage the large has I notice is the larger handle. This makes opening with my XXl hands easier. Other than that, the small has plenty of blade to do any task that you need in a day. I used it for everything and anything
In a days time.

I think you can't go wrong either way.

I currently carry a large insingo.
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Hey bro, I am kind of spending less time in CPF and more time here. Darn the new addiction! Haha!

I am now considering the possibility of getting a large with Insingo blade. I dislike the look of it but I know the benefits of the design in actual use. I want a CF scale but that's the only option I can get if I go large. With small I still have the option of both blade designs.
 
pjandyho said:
Not that I don't like the Hinderer. On the contrary I like it but the built is kind of disappointing for the price I paid for. My knife rattles when the blade locked into close. Something is loose in there. The blade stop is loose too because it rotates freely in there. The flipper tap is so sharp it's uncomfortable to use. The pivot screw is loose too and tends to rotate around on the pivot and coming loose after a few flip of the knife. Is this the kind of quality to expect from a $475 knife? But I like the fact that it is still built tough and is definitely made to be a user. I am just saying I am kind of underwhelmed because the attention to details is very lacking.

Lol! I know I am not going to hear angels singing when unboxing a Sebenza, and most likely will face a steep learning curve trying to get the knife to open via the thumb stud. But I like the fact that Chris Reeve have placed a high level of demand when it comes to production quality.


Hey bro, I am kind of spending less time in CPF and more time here. Darn the new addiction! Haha!

I am now considering the possibility of getting a large with Insingo blade. I dislike the look of it but I know the benefits of the design in actual use. I want a CF scale but that's the only option I can get if I go large. With small I still have the option of both blade designs.
Click to expand...

Emm, did you get your hinderer 2ndhand or new? If it is rattling I am sure there is something not right. I have also an XM18 3.5 spanto. Its attention to detail is excellent, beautiful lockup, blah blah.... but somehow or rather the 21 and Umnumzaan sings more to me especially the 21. Like today, I etc the hinderer but during the day I am thinking of the 21.

Comparing both, the 21 is thinner handle slimmer profile, lighter, easier to maintain and cuts much better than the hinderer.
 
I've had many iterations of CRK Sebenzas and like my micarta 25s the best so far. I have both left and right-handled models.

I also have a large micarta 21 and like it as well. To me it's more of a "gentleman's" knife than a 25, and I have both left and right handed plain 25s also.

I do not see a difference with the pivot bushing, with the 25 you just tighten it to the point of no blade play and smooth opening, and stop there. No biggie in real life really.

The 21 is the classic CRK Sebenza, so you cannot go wrong.

I had a large micarta Insingo and traded it for an Umnunzaan. But the small micarta Insingo seems to be a favorite. I think I'll get a CF small Insingo as my next CRK just to try it, and for the office. But I'd only carry a large model after work. That's just me.
 
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