Sebenza 21 or 25

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May 31, 2013
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Hello all,

I'm new to the forum but have been into knives for a while. I'm currently looking at getting my first Sebenza. I'm going to get a large with just the plain handles. This will take over my pocket for EDC so just want the plain version. I like the look of the 21 better but the 25 seems to have some upgrades. I'll probably end up trying to get a 21 but does anybody here think the 25 is so much better I should get that instead?

Thanks in advance. I've read through these threads and know there's a lot of knowledge here.
 
I am a big fan of the 21 but since I got my 25 a few months ago, I only carried the new one. I'd start with the 25 (You won't get "only" one CRK), then a small 21, then,...

Best
 
Thanks, I'm sure I'll end up with a small with some inlays next. I just want a plain one to carry first. I just watched some video reviews and the 25 does look like it has a more comfortable handle. I also appreciate the more aggressive jimping. I'm sure I'll be happy with either but I might end up with a 25 first. Do you know if you can get the single thumb stud for the 25?

Regards.
 
The double thumbstud in blue is the only option. There are no options available for the 25. Not yet.

It's hard to say in general, but for me the 25 is more intuitive while handling. It fells just this little bit better in hand than the 21 which I really like.
 
You know what? I'm sold. It will be a 25. Just have to put an order in and wait for them to come in stock. I have plenty of other knives to keep my pocket happy until then.

I came close to ordering the Pro-Tech TR-3 Integrity but I'm glad I'm holding off for the Sebenza now. Thanks for your help.
 
My hands prefered the 25 but my pocket prefered the small.

It just feels better to carry a small for edc.

I opted for a small inlay.
 
I prefer larger knives. I carry a mini grip when I have to. I like the knife but it's a little too small for my taste. I EDC a ZT 0550 right now or a Manix 2 so I don't think I'll be put off by the size since its narrower than both of those.
 
I have a TR 3 but to be honest I would always favor the Sebenza.
You may now ask why I have one... I have the auto-version :thumbup: It has a very unobtrusive appearance if you remove the pocketclip. Just a stylish slim but powerful folder.

Good luck with finding a "25 in stock". I think there was a thread saying who has one in the last days here on the forum.

Don't forget to share pics with us.

Best Peter
 
You know what? I'm sold. It will be a 25. Just have to put an order in and wait for them to come in stock. I have plenty of other knives to keep my pocket happy until then.

I came close to ordering the Pro-Tech TR-3 Integrity but I'm glad I'm holding off for the Sebenza now. Thanks for your help.

I agree re the 25, but the TR-3 is also one heck of a knife. :)

You may also have trouble finding the TR-3 in-stock.

(Edit: A 25 just popped up for sale on the forum.)
 
Own both. 21 is smoother to open and close. A little lighter to carry. 25 is more rugged with thicker blade and takes a little longer to break in. You get more for your money with a 25. Nuff said.
 
Oh, I will definitely come back and share pics. It might be a while since there are none in stock at the moment but I'm not in a huge hurry. I'd like to get it sooner than later but I know I will get one in the next few months. Thanks everybody, and if anything comes to mind about either the 21 or the 25 please drop a line here.

On another note there is one online retailer that has 21's in stock with the double thumb studs at the 25 price. Not a dealer that I would expect to make mistakes so I wonder if they are labeling 25's as 21's so that those that know what they are looking for find them. Have you guys heard of a 21 with double studs priced at $445?

Just went and looked and the pictures on the page are 21's but one of the pictures on the listing is a 25.
 
I agree re the 25, but the TR-3 is also one heck of a knife. :)

You may also have trouble finding the TR-3 in-stock.

(Edit: A 25 just popped up for sale on the forum.)

Yeah, just looked at that. I'd rather be the first owner at retail. I'll wait on a new one.

I do like the Manual TR-3 and several retailers have them in stock but since I feel I'd end up with a Sebenza anyway I might as well start there.
 
Oh, I will definitely come back and share pics. It might be a while since there are none in stock at the moment but I'm not in a huge hurry. I'd like to get it sooner than later but I know I will get one in the next few months. Thanks everybody, and if anything comes to mind about either the 21 or the 25 please drop a line here.

On another note there is one online retailer that has 21's in stock with the double thumb studs at the 25 price. Not a dealer that I would expect to make mistakes so I wonder if they are labeling 25's as 21's so that those that know what they are looking for find them. Have you guys heard of a 21 with double studs priced at $445?

Just went and looked and the pictures on the page are 21's but one of the pictures on the listing is a 25.

That's the normal price for a 21 with double thumb lugs, it's $35 extra, not a mistake. So the 25 cost the same as a 21 just you're paying for the extra thumb lug as well.
 
Honestly, I'd buy either. I'm just utterly smitten with the Sebenza (I still can't believe I'm saying that).

If I were paying cash though, I have know EXACTLY what I'd do. I'd buy a used inlay 21. Either Insingo or regular blade, whichever you prefer. They are readily available, relatively inexpensive and imo an excellent way to step into the CRK world. After all, you may not like it. You wouldn't be the first person. But if you do, you'll have an amazing (!) knife and some left over $$ to get you started on getting your next new (or used) CRK. That might be a 'zaan or any of the other models.

I believe most people take great care of their Sebbies so the chances of getting an utter beater are low, and if something really goes wrong there's always the spa.

Just sayin...
 
Honestly, I'd buy either. I'm just utterly smitten with the Sebenza (I still can't believe I'm saying that).

If I were paying cash though, I have know EXACTLY what I'd do. I'd buy a used inlay 21. Either Insingo or regular blade, whichever you prefer. They are readily available, relatively inexpensive and imo an excellent way to step into the CRK world. After all, you may not like it. You wouldn't be the first person. But if you do, you'll have an amazing (!) knife and some left over $$ to get you started on getting your next new (or used) CRK. That might be a 'zaan or any of the other models.

I believe most people take great care of their Sebbies so the chances of getting an utter beater are low, and if something really goes wrong there's always the spa.

Just sayin...

Well said.
 
I have yet to experience a knife as "good" as the 25. I had a 21 insingo that was great but the 25 is just perfect for me. So smooth, so ergonomic, a great slicer, etc. Hopefully you will like the 25!
 
I ordered a 25 today. Thanks for your help. Will post picks when it's in. The place I ordered from still had 3 if anybody's interested.
 
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