Sebenza 21 or 25 - Which one would you choose?

D

djmundle

Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
47
Hello,

Getting ready to get my first Sebenza. I like the design of the 21 but I am wondering if the 25 is that much better. It seems to be not as refined as the 21. It is just my opinion that the removal of the pivot bushing is somewhat conforming to other knife makers standards.

Any thoughts? Just my observations from a non knife professional. What to get a knife to hand down someday.

Thanks for the help!
 
Having five 25's, I'd say the 25 is the way to go. However, your first Senenza should be a 21. For some, neither the 25 or umnumzaan is a first CRK simply because they do not appeal to everyone whereas a 21 is more friendly to the first time CRK owner. The bushing system on the 21 is remarkably perfect and one does not have to guess on the re assembly of the knife. All CRK's have such close tolerances that they surpass any other knife on the market today, even the 25 and zaan. The 25 is the newest Sebenza and some have not warmed up to it yet. You do have to be more careful with the 25 as you re assemble it, but nothing that requires a college degree :)
All things considered, get a 21, then after you are addicted comes the 25.
 
Between the 21 and 25, my vote goes for the 21. Especially for your first Sebenza, love the bushing system.
I'd personally recommend a Regular or Classic over the 21. Just my preference.
 
I like the 25.

The bushing pivot is over rated by devout crk lovers. The improvements on the 25 were made for a reason, it's a better a knife.
 
rpnp said:
I like the 25.

The bushing pivot is over rated by devout crk lovers. The improvements on the 25 were made for a reason, it's a better a knife.
Click to expand...

Well said, I would certainly agree. I think user adjustable pivot is a good thing.
 
I don't have a 25. I had the Umnumzaan and gave it away. Now I carry a 21.

Everyone will likely argue or state preferences all day, but that is what it amounts too.

I think the fact that the 21 and the 25 are both in production shows that CRK understands that people have preferences.

My preference is for the bushing pivot.
 
Honestly you cannot go wrong with either one. Both are worthy of being handed down to the next generation. If you are like many on the CRK forum you will buy more than one Sebenza after experiencing your first. In this case your question is really which do I buy first?

Back to the original question. I carry my 25 more than any other knife but would start with a 21. The pivot bushing makes take down and maintenance nearly mistake proof. Plus there are lots more options (e.g., small vs large, graphics, blade shape) that are not available with the 25. These options give you a chance to be more personal in your selection of the "right" Sebenza for your first.
 
My first was an Umnumzaan, then a small 21, then a 25. I carry the 25 at work and the small 21 at home. I don't think the bushing is as big a deal as others might. I have only taken the Umnumzaan apart, but the adjustable pivot wasn't an issue, really. I would say choose based on the ceramic ball vs traditional lock face (I like the ball), and blade shape (21 wins for me here), and the handle ergonomics (still undecided). The pivot is probably the least significant of the differences.
 
I like the Regular and Classic the best, but between those two I would go with a 21 for sure.
Like the pivot bushing system, and I don't care for the extra finger cut out on the 25 handle.
 
Either would be a fine choice. With or without the bushing makes no difference to me. The 25 is more beefy but the 21 is no slouch. I have a 25 and a small 21. It's going to come down to preference. I like the ceramic lock interface of the 25 and like the jimping on the back spine more on the 25 as well. I carry the small more since it's fine for ED tasks.
 
Get both, and sell the one that you like less - at least it shall give you satisfaction of knowing exactly what you like, rather than depending on us. The debate between 21 and 25 is endless, and equally spaced between both camps, with no sign of victory on any side. Recouping your money with a Sebenza isn't a problem at all, as you might have noticed on the exchange.
 
I agree with Choombak, but you might look and see if there are any retailers that take returns without restocking fees.

Or buy them off the exchange and just resell the one you like the least. Most of the plain ones won't get as much of your money back since they are readily available. So you'll lose some money buying new and reselling. Not much but some.
 
Thanks for all the responses. I will be reviewing the information contained in these responses.
 
I have a few 21s and had a 25 that i could never warm up to. For my needs the 21 suited me better and never need the extra robustness of the 25. The ease of maintenance on the 21 is something I love about it. The 21 also fits my hand perfectly wherever I grip it, and the 25 always forced me into a single grip. For me the 21 always ends up in my pocket as the perfect knife regardless of price, design, or materials... and for some reason i never feel bad about using the crap out of them.
 
Having had many multiplies of each, the 25 is simply the best knife CRK ever built IMHO.

Of my Sebenzas, the large 21 sees the least pocket time.

The lock up of the 25 is incredibly solid, blade shape and geometry are what set it apart for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top