Sebenza 21 vs. Fallkniven PXL

I

ipm

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Feb 26, 2009
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I have a Fallkinven PXL. I just ordered a Sebenza 21.

I am looking forward to comparing the two in daily use, nothing 'extreme' (whatever that means).

Does anyone have any experience with both regarding steel type, edge retention, smoothness of operation, wear and tear, overall quality, usability, comfort, whatever else comes to mind, etc?

Which one would you reach for as your EDC?

How do they compare in your opinion?
 
Fallkniven - 2 year warranty
CRK - lifetime warranty, mostly no questions asked

I think the sebenza is superior in most aspects. The only complaint I have is that compared to something like Spyderco or Emerson knives, which are very ergonomic and extremely comfortable, the Sebenza can't quite match them. It's a plain and spartan design which I very much respect though.
 
Can't comment on the comparison, I have the PXL but not the Sebenza.

I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts after you have had a chance to compare the two. I have considered a Sebenza several times but haven't commited to a purchase yet.

Please keep us posted.

Kevin
 
I did not know there was anything out there that could compare to a Sebenza in terms of well....anything:cool:
 
HEHEHE... I thought there would be some Sebenza fans.

I have no experience with the Sebenza. it looks good and a friend recommended it.

I like the idea of how simple it seems.

I will let you know how it goes.
 
Both are supersteels.My Sebenza is kept in my pocket. A much heavier PXL would be in a sheath on my belt.
 
in my belief, the ONLY folder that is better than the sebenza is Scott Cook's Lochsa. And, well, he learned from the master!!

that said, i have never owned this particular fallkniven. So i can't really say for sure... but my guess would be the sebenza would come out on top.. It always does.

Rob
 
I have both, but find it hard to compare them, even though they are virtually the same size in terms of length.

Carry: The Sebenza is thinner and lighter. The PXL is a heavy knife. You notice it. It doesn't carry as well in the pocket.

Blade: I like the Sebenza here. It has a hollow grind and is much thinner. The spine of the blade is also rounded for better comfort. The PXL is a heavy blade with a thick spine and low saber grind. It does have a nice false edge.

Steel: How do you compare a 3G laminated blade to a solid S30V steel. I'd guess the PXL would be a lot stronger, both because of the lamination and the thickness of the blade. The 3G core is quite a bit harder than the Sebenza, so it should hold an edge longer. My Sebenze gets small microchips that detract from the cutting performance. The 3G responds faster to stropping, which is something I like. I think the PXL wins on steel, but I haven't fully tested it. I know Nozh doesn't like it, and he has impressive tests to back up his opinion.

Operation: The PXL wins easy. It is so smooth it's almost silly. The thumbstuds are longer and easy to catch. I can snap the blade out with a flick of the thumb and no assist from my wrist. Can't do that with the Sebanza. The PXL is plain fun to handle, and it oozes quality.

Quality/fit/finish: The Sebenza probably wins, but a lot of the Sebenza's features are so subtle that most people won't notice. When handling the PXL, you notice more sharp edges from the thick steel liners and spine of the knife. Nothing sharp on the Sebenza but the edge. But the quality is more noticeable on the PXL.

Lock: I'm not one to worry about the type of lock, as long as it's solid. The Sebenza is a frame lock, and the frame is titanium. The PXL is a liner lock, which most people don't like. But this liner is more like a frame lock because the steel liners are so thick. Both are solid locks that are not going to fail in hard use. If either of these locks fail, it's because you have much bigger problems.

Looks: Well, the PXL is beautiful, especially with white micarta scales. The Sebenza is an acquired taste. If you don't know much about knives, the Sebenza is not going to look attractive. The PXL will look attractive whether you know anything about knives or not.

Both are great knives.
 
I played already a few times with both in a shop. So, that's not real experience. Even so, the heaviness of the PXL was immediately obvious. On the other hand I think it looks quite a bit better, and I prefer its handholding over the Sebenza. Regarding general quality, and again this is my perception of examining them in the shop, not from hard use, I do expect them to be pretty similar.
I would like to be so bold to add another knife and make this comparison into a trio: a Klotzli. I have 3 Klotzli knives, and I do think that for nearly all work the Walker 06 can sit right next to the other 2 knives. It's compact and it looks good, it's light, it has a strong and very precisely machined titanium handle (as good as on the Sebenza) and a practical blade shape. It features the smoothest opening I ever experienced. Furthermore it has a perfectly adjusted titanium liner lock. The blade's ATS34 (440C in older versions) steel is somewhat less advanced than the other 2 blades, but it's largely sufficient. I think that this brand is pretty rare in the USA (I mean in non-internet shops), but I really recommend examining them if you get the chance, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
 
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I've never handled a klotzli, but I've seen them in the ag russell catalogs and I think they look really nice. I had wondered about them as their price tag is right up there with sebenzas. Now I will have to handle one!!

rob
 
ipm,

Have you received your Sebenza yet, and what are your initial thoughts on the Sebbie vs. the PXL.

Kevin
 
I don't own a Sebenza (yet), but given its outrageous price in Europe (500 dollars or 350 Euros including import taxes) I am a bit reluctant to buy a Sebenza when there are excellent alternatives such as the PXL and Alias which can be imported for (far) less than 200 Euros. Anyway, PXL is one of my favourite folders and when I compare it with Alias it is much more solid, though it is heavier. I haven't done much heavy cuttings with both of them, but the edge retention on both blades is similar.
 
I have a small sebenza and a pxl. The pxl is extremely smooth and fast. Makes a beautiful sound when the blade locks. Think it is too heavy for edc without good leather belt to hold your trousers up, but as a folding hunter it'd be true class. The 3G steel is superb. Joe Public could easily appreciate the quality of the knife.

The sebenza is for hard core fans really. Plain and unattractive to the untrained eye. It is only when you really study the knife or strip and clean that you start to appreciate the great engineering and fine tolerances that reflect in the price.

Both knives are probably overpriced. For edc I'd use a sebenza. The problem with the pwl is how beautiful it is - makes it a bit of a drawer queen as just too nice to use.
My only experience is with the small sebbie so I may be comparing apples and oranges if you want the large sebenza. Wouldn't part with either.
 
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