Sebenza 21 vs umnumzaan pivot

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've been looking at some CRK knives lately and i've narrowed it down to a large sebenza or an umnumzaan. My question is, which pivot system is more of a work horse? Will the bushing in the sebenza wear out, cause play or anything like that? It looks like it would be a ton smoother, as i heard the umnumzaan has no bushing. Is it just as smooth? Other than the pivot, what are the major differences between the two?

 

[Josh K]

Both should be more then robust for what you need. Both are excellent systems. The pivot bushing helps eliminate play and standardize tightness. The Umnumzaan compensates for this by having large washers and pivot assembly.

Neither should have play, and both should be smooth when tightened properly.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Also, are the knives stamped with a date? And is it possible to get dual thumb studs, i noticed they only have righty.

 

[Josh K]

Also, are the knives stamped with a date? And is it possible to get dual thumb studs, i noticed they only have righty.

The Umnumzaan comes with dual lugs, the Sebenza has that as an upgrade for $35 + shipping.

All knives have a year engraved inside the handle as far as I know.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Would it be possible to get a 2010 model, specifically. I have a reason lol. Also, if i get one with inlays, are they screwed in or epoxied? What if i want the studs put in there? Would i be able to get it done, or would i have to receive it and send it back in at a later date?

 

[Josh K]

Would it be possible to get a 2010 model, specifically. I have a reason lol. Also, if i get one with inlays, are they screwed in or epoxied? What if i want the studs put in there? Would i be able to get it done, or would i have to receive it and send it back in at a later date?

You could get a 2010 model directly from CRK I believe.

Inlays are put on with VHB tape, which you can read about on their web site.

They will install double lugs after you receive it, no issue.

 

[TLR]

Some stores (like TNK) carry sebenzas with double thumb lugs. Know as well that the date on the inside of the slabs is not when the knife is assembled but when the scales are made. So... you could get one with a 2010 b-day card and "09" on the scales.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Is the s30v used by crk better than that of benchmade or spyderco? An if so how? Sorry to be a pain lol

 

[MORIMOTOM]

Is the s30v used by crk better than that of benchmade or spyderco? An if so how? Sorry to be a pain lol

not at all, ask away. its a lot of money and you should be 100% comfortable with your purchase.

some think crk leaves it too soft, some think its just fine.

i have no problems with it, but i also wouldn't complain if it were a bit higher on the rc scale.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

not at all, ask away. its a lot of money and you should be 100% comfortable with your purchase.

some think crk leaves it too soft, some think its just fine.

i have no problems with it, but i also wouldn't complain if it were a bit higher on the rc scale.

Thanks. Yeah, i'm really looking at the large sebenza 21, i don't know if i should get inlays or whatnot. Please feel free to talk me into some of the extra features, if i'm already payingf 400$ for a knife mays well make it so i don't regret not getting something. Hmm, so it's soft? Well, that could be good in a way because it would fold and not chip, how soft are we talking compared to a benchmade?

 

[kawr]

CRK treats it to around 58-59 while Spyderco and Benchmade is around 60. I personally think its better to have it a tiny bit softer in a hard use knife so it can take a bit more abuse in exchange for a bit of edge retention. Then again I dont own a Sebenza yet so it's hard for me to say. I do own many Spyderco S30V knives and they all have zero chipping issues and have seen a good amount of use.

 

[Josh K]

Thanks. Yeah, i'm really looking at the large sebenza 21, i don't know if i should get inlays or whatnot. Please feel free to talk me into some of the extra features, if i'm already payingf 400$ for a knife mays well make it so i don't regret not getting something. Hmm, so it's soft? Well, that could be good in a way because it would fold and not chip, how soft are we talking compared to a benchmade?

~1-2Rc softer. I have had zero issues with it, it holds a great edge.

I also wouldn't get the inlays. It's $385 without them, and inlays put you over the $450 mark. Try it without. If you don't like it sell it and grab one with inlays then. It's completely possible you'll fall in love with the plain version and go for inlays later.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

Thanks. Yeah, i'm really looking at the large sebenza 21, i don't know if i should get inlays or whatnot. Please feel free to talk me into some of the extra features, if i'm already payingf 400$ for a knife mays well make it so i don't regret not getting something. Hmm, so it's soft? Well, that could be good in a way because it would fold and not chip, how soft are we talking compared to a benchmade?

the inlays which i liked are not made anymore, ie, leather, though i never bought one.

i prefer the decorated scales and the satin blades, but that could easily put you over $500.

my first choice would be a large insigno were i to be buying now. this is perhaps the most useful blade shape i have ever owned.

and crk s30v is only softer than other makers, it is not soft in a general sense. mine holds an edge just fine, and is mainly used for cutting up cardboard and pretty mundane tasks, albeit the material can be abrasive.

 

[TLR]

I love the african blackwood inlays on my small sebenza. Although it was my edc for several years I think the wood inlays dress it up well to be a nice "working gentleman's knife." I just got my first large sebenza which was a CGG. I ended up having a g10 scale made for it and I really like it in that configuration. That may be a thought for you. Buy a plain and if you want something a little different have one of the guys here on the forum make you a sculpted or dressed up g10 or CF scale. In a large I think the only inlay I'd look at is the micarta but that's just me.

The umnumzaan is great in it's own and the wilson version is very nice. Again you could get someone to make you a g10 scale and really make it yours.

Lots of options, only so little money

As to the steel hardness, I really like the way CRK treats their steel. It is easy to sharpen and while it gives just a little in keeping a "screaming sharp edge" as long as the others it holds a working edge for a long time which is what s30v is supposed to do in the first place.

 

[salty141]

you might check crk website and see if a dealer is anywhere near you, i think the inlays make the knife feel very different, and if possible i am all for seeing q knife in person before buying.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

You guys are killing me. At this point i'd sell most of my collection to get my hands on a CRK sebenza.

 

[cofade2black]

I would go with the 21, because it is easy to clean.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I do a ton of freshwater fishing, some hiking, camping, chores around the yard & occassionally hunting. I live on the shoreline so rust is an issue with some steels.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

I would go with the 21, because it is easy to clean.

I do a ton of freshwater fishing, some hiking, camping, chores around the yard & occassionally hunting. I live on the shoreline so rust is an issue with some steels.

see above.

i dont know how easy the umnuum is to dissasemble and clean, but i do know you need a proprietary tool to do so.

for the sebenza you only need a hex key, which comes with the knife.

both knives will have the same problems regarding rust/corrosion, or lack thereof.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Yeah, i saw a disassembly video of the sebenza and it looks extremely simple. I like the open pillar design and the very simple lock. I dread having to clean out a lock or pivot on the knives i own, but this knife looks like a real user. Does it come with the grease or do you order it with it? What's the turn around time if i were to order tomorrow morning, when do you think i'd see the knife on my doorstep?