Sebenza 21 vs Koenig Arius

2 knives I’ve never owned but really want!

 

Do not own nor have I ever held an Arius, but I haven't read anything negative about them. They look to be a good quality knife. I work around people that are unfamiliar with higher end knives. I get asked all the time to see what a 500.00 knife looks like. Typically, I carry two knives and let people handle them while I'm watching. I carry a CRK and a flipper, either a ZT or a Shirogorov. You'd be surprised how many folks don't know how to open a flipper or realize the action of a flipper. They have no problems with the CRK, except for those that don't know how to close a frame lock. I get more comments on how well the CRK feels opening/closing the knife than any other knife I've shown to the people I work with. Of course they are willing to pony up that much money for a knife that may get lost.
If you are the only one using the knife, get the flipper, they're a lot of fun to use. If you have other people that may ask to use your knife on occasion, get the non flipper, it's safer for them and less stress on you. But eventually, you'll have both

 

For me? Sebenza all day long. The Arius just looks like something We Knives would make, and just seems like one of those "Hot Instagram designs of the moment (TM)", rather than a classic, sturdy design. I am sure the Arius is an absolutely quality knife (I've held and fiddled with plenty of them), but I just don't like them. When I'm in the mood to carry a knife with bearings and a flipper tab, I reach for one of my Olamics.

Sebenza for me.

 

I'm sure they're both fantastic but I'll be That Guy and say buy an Ikuchi and be happy.

 

I'd go with the Sebenza. I have a 21 Tanto and it is just effortless to carry and use. If you do go this route, definitely get one with micarta!

I had an Arius for awhile, one of the earlier ones with solid slabs, and honestly rarely carried it. It was exquisitely made but it's amorphous globular shape never grabbed me aesthetically and made it hang awkwardly in my pocket. Perfect fit & finish and action though and it was fairly comfortable to hold (similar ergos to an XM-18).

 

I don't care for the Arius blade shape, so I'd say Sebenza.

 

I never have one of these, but I voted for Sebenza.
At this price level, I think they both should be (and are) perfect in terms of fit and finish and general execution, but the desing of Sebenza is just more appealing to me. Your taste could be different and that is ok.
Market is driven by people buying the knives, and if you can sell the same exact knife (Sebenza) for I dont know, 20 years? it is a testimonial of the desing.

 

Honestly the only reason I won't vote for a Sebenza myself is I loathe thumbstuds if I had a hole or grove in the blade for my thumb I would be fine but thumbstuds I just can't do.

 

Should I date the hot brunette or the hot ginger.

Its all about preferences

 

This is soooo true..

I'd say you are biased on this one, the Sebenza pocket clip is just nonpareil.

 

Completely and utterly nonpareil. +1

 

There was a time when I wasn't so fond of that Sebbies S30V at 57-59 Hardness.
Their adoption of S35VN at a higher hardness has restored my faith...NOT that I ever lost it....
...never held or owned an Arius...

 

I own several Sebenzas and one Arius... I am not a fan of thumb studs... I love the flipper action but I don't really carry flippers at work or around the yard... so... I will carry my S110V Millie daily and my Sebenza is for Sunday-go-to-Meetin'

 

Disagree with the nonpareil, maybe not the bias part. The finish is too grippy and when you pull it out of your pocket, you're essentially making it tighter and ripping up your jeans.

Not just the Arius clip is better. Clips like the ones on giant mouse runs, zt0450, even a spydie tenacious, I think are better clips.

 

I own them both.
I've owned a Sebenza for more than 20 years. Never failed me. The Arius of course is much newer but I'm impressed.

The first one I'd buy would be the Sebenza. It's likely the EDC of the century with a time proven record of quality & service. I liken the Sebenza to the Rolex Submariner/GMT of the watch world. It may not be the latest fad, but it's unparalleled in consistency of quality & service.

That being said, the Arius is a terrific knife but requires the test of time before it can be truly compared to the Sebbie. The Koenig satisfies my itch for a more modern style EDC. And would be a great choice for your second knife.

 

I guess I'll have to try both

 

I own(ed) a couple CRK (seb 21's, inkosi, zaan) and an arius.
I agree with the this write up its pretty bang on. Only thing I'd change is I'd give materials to arius. Different blade steel (m390, 204p, xhp) options and handle options.

I'd say look at the inkosi as well and not just the 21, for me the inkosi is preferred. Especially the CF insingo.

Both are great blades and you wont go wrong with either great craftmanship. I see the CRKs as a bit slimmer and more traditional EDC. And the arius as a more modern EDC.

I'd go with the arius over a plain 21 especially if same price..
But I love also love CRK

 

IMO it comes down to being honest with yourself. Do you really, truly want a new EDC knife or do you want a cool (fun) knife you can also carry everyday? I'm not going to sit here and pretend like knife flipping/fondling doesn't weigh in on my own decisions for a carry knife. If you are really looking for pure utility, go Sebenza. If you know you need that fidget factor, go Arius.

 

I agree the Arius materials are impressive. Regarding thegreatwhite's nice summary, I'll also comment on the weight and customer service. My Arius with a F scale and lightening pockets weighs 4.15 ounces, for anyone interested. Gen2, not the latest Gen3.

And regarding customer service, on one hand, CRK as a longer established and longer company, should be more likely to be around to service its knives in 20 or 30 years, although I wish Bill Koenig and his crew the greatest longevity and success. On the other hand, speaking both from personal experience and from what I've gleaned from others, Bill clearly takes personal pride in offering outstanding and personalized customer service. I've had the same experience with Holt Bladeworks. The turnaround for service may be quite a bit faster than with CRK, and Koenig will service every aspect of every knife.

I'm sure CRK's customer service is great, but I wonder if owners who've used their service could comment on a couple of things. I've heard they won't refinish just any of their handle scales but only the sandblasted ones. And that the wood inlay knives will get some level of cleaning but not refinishing. Also I'm curious about their warranty statement that they don't cover damage caused by excessive or aggressive blade flicking, or rapid opening and closing. Has anyone tested this provision or had service denied for this reason? Thanks!

 

Haha Let me know if you ever find a 204p...I'll buy it from you.