Sebenza 21 or Zaan?

Silvanus

Silvanus

Joined
May 17, 2012
Messages
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Im looking for my first Chris Reeve to be in the rotation of knives I carry with me on the job as a fireman. It wont be a safe queen and will be used hard but never abused. I like the overall profile of the Sebenza 21 but the Zaan has the thicker blade and lock bar stabilizer. Im not too interested in the Sebenza 25 just because of the notch in the spine of the blade and there isnt the same lanyard pin/bolt that the 21 and Zaan have. Thanks in advance
 
Lol I was just window shopping these as well. I haven't owned both but I did own a small sebenza 21 that just didn't suit me. I sold it for exactly what I paid for it which was a bargain since it was mint. That being said... I kind of want the zaan now and hear such great things about them.
 
Which ever one you get, you will want more. Because the Sebenza 21 comes in so many flavors I recommend getting the Zaan first so you can take more time to decide which Sebenza you want.
I went Umnumzaan first, then Large Damascus Sebenza, then Mnandi, then Large Insingo with Micarta and next will probably be another Mnandi or a small Insingo w/ carbon fibre.

That being said, I feel that the Sebenza is a better example of the spirit of CRK, so you might get a better understanding of why his blades are so revered with the Seb. Also, some people (not I) have comfort issues with the Zaan which is not something I've heard of with the 21.

Good luck and welcome to the club!
 
I asked the same question as you're asking on the CRK forum 4-5 years ago. I got the Zaan. I think it's a Great knife.

I have 21s also. IMO the lbs is not necessary.

The older Zaans are a better knife IMO. No lbs, bigger pivot, better jimping. Most older Zaans go for more $ on the exchange than the current model. I got 1(older) this summer on page 14 or the exchage

for $60 less than a nib current model. Mine had a couple very light snail trails on one scale when I bought it.

I think you'd get more in depth opinions on CRK forum than General. A lot of members there know a lot about the 21 and the Zaan, all CRKs.
 
I owned an Umnumzaan briefly and wasn't impressed. The thumbstud was very slippery and made deployment difficult, plus the lockbar wasn't very easy to disengage with such a small cutout. I much prefer the sebenza in just about every regard.
 
La_Maleta....if you like the Zaan at all, you can get the newer designed one which has a larger cutout. The "original" design was a bear to close one-handed, but I have no problem now.



The newer Zaan design is the closer one. You can see how they have opened up the scale access to the lock-bar. Great idea. Saved me from getting out my Dremel. (Whew!)



One of my Zaans on top with a few Sebbies below. I do love both designs.



To the OP: If I were a fireman and needed a tough...very tough CRK (and didn't want the model 25), I'd go with the Zaan since the same blade-steel (S30V or S35VN) is thicker on the Zaan......0.140" compared to the 0.125" for "standard" Sebbies prior to the model 25. (As you have mentioned) Yes, the model 25 has a 0.140" thick blade-steel like the Zaans. Seb 25 also has a different pivot system compared to earlier Sebbie models.

The Zaan also has a "glass-breaker" as part of the blade design, which is available with a closed knife.
Here are two pics. The glass-breaker is an integral part of the blade-tang. I would expect that you would find that to be a nice addition.

Thank you, sir, for the fine work that you do.


 
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Im probably 85% leaning toward getting the Zaan, Ill have to sleep on it. Two more question though, how do those o-rings wear on the thumb studs? Are they rubbery or more of a hard plastic? Also, thanks for the pics Sonnydaze. Awesome comparison shots.
 
For a fast opener, the Zaan is the way to go. The thumbstud rings are pliable and rubbery. Personally, I've had the 25, Zaan and a classic, but the one I've found to keep, carry and use is the Starbenza 21. Great grip, smooth as butter and no silly pivot adjustments. :)

44BB76A0-96E4-4D35-BBDA-0F3A0837C30D-4111-00000275DD73B695_zps3b0eec83.jpg
 
The O-rings are just rubber or neoprene or whatever. Pretty soft, in order to soften any metal fatigue. I believe that CRK would probably give you all the O-rings you'd ever need for free. I've never seen wear on them, and some folks don't use them at all, but I think they are a fine addition...perhaps a little gilding on the lily...
Glad that I had some pics to show you. Be safe, friend.
Sonnydaze

p.s. I've never had to adjust the pivot on a CRK...ever, but it's quickly and easily done if you feel the need.
 
I got my first seb 21 months ago. Love the knife partially because the previous owner scotch brited the ti. And I got it for cheap. I sandblasted it and don't look twice at cutting anything with it. With that being said my gf got me an umnumzaan for my bday in October and I prefer it over the seb 21
 
Insingo.. but of what you are looking at.. I'd go with a micarta 21. The Zan just never did it for me, but it's a great knife as others can attest.
 
If possible try before you buy. I wanted a zaan when it came out, I went into a store to look at and possibly purchase one, but it had the ergonomics of a brick for me. I REALLY wanted to like it.. 21 is the way to go.
 
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