Sebenza 25 - a step forward or backwards for CRK

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Nikkogi

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Most CRK owners seem to either love or hate the the 25. Where do you stand and why?

For me, I definitely feel as if a 25 is a huge step forward. The ergonomics are perfect for my hands. In my hand, the ergos are better than the 21. The more flat ground blade excels at cutting (as does the 21) especially when shearing material like cardboard as the shoulder isn't as pronounced. The ceramic ball interface is probably the best refinement, IMO. Far better than having a steel lockbar insert as there's no need for a seperate detent. Lastly, my Sebenza 25 is an early 1/30 run and the edge retention is extraordinarily good. Much better than any of my other S35VN CRKs actually. The only thing that I wish it had was a pivot bushing. But, the phenomenal tolerances we all know and love are still there. I can take the pivot screw out and their is no blade play. :thumbup:

And when is the 25 Insingo coming out?
 
25 is a step forward for me, from the ergo's, edge strength, and the big ceramic ball sure makes everything roll into place and lock up lIke a vault.
 
I don't understand how it could be a step back? Variety is the spice of life. :)
 
I like both very much (25 and 21). I guess my only note is that I don't feel the 25 is an evolution of the 21, so for me it is neither a step forward, nor a step backwards, just another offering. It's more of an evolution of the Umnumzaan line of thought if anything. I think there is a natural human tendency to think the 25 is the next generation of the Sebenza that is designed to replace the 21, which replaced the Classic, which replaced the Regular etc. I don't think so in the case of the 25, which is why I think we don't see a small, and insingo, or UG, or CCG, or wood inlays for the 25 (at least not yet).

I think the 25 is different enough to be it's own model, and maybe should have been called something other than Sebenza. I think if Chris released it under a different name, no-one would say "hey that fat flat-ground, thick-stock, bushingless, dual-thumbstud, ergo-grip knife is just a Sebenza!"

I think we will see a new version of the 21 at some point, but I don't think that is the 25, if that makes sense, but of course the last company who's actions I would like to predict is CRK. That is a very foggy and fractured crystal ball you need to anticipate their next move.
 
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I agree with Kidcongo. I personally see it as neither as step forward or back, but a (further) step in a different direction. The Umnumzaan was the trailblazer and did very well as I see it. The 25 was the natural next step of sorts for that path. The more robust "tactical" folders are what people want and get good use from these days. CRK still have the 21 as that bridge between the gents folders like the Mnandi and Ti-lock and the harder use, rough and tumble knives like the Umnumzaan and 25. :)
 
Yup, I'd call it a step sideways for the Umnumzaan.

I don't feel that it should be called a sebenza or an Umnumzaan, but Chris didn't ask for my input;)
 
Agreed - the 25 is CRK's step forward with another pioneered offering, their hybrid. I posted an opinion recently stating the 25 is "all Sebenza." That opinion quickly changed over the past month or so. The 21 is THE only present Sebenza IMO. The 25 is CRK's model '25' knife offering and that's not a bad thing.

When I firs saw the 25 I wondered if CRK was trying to compete with knives such as the SNG or equivalent. It appeared too tactical and chunky in my eyes. It's no longer TOO chunky or tactical for me now but it's certainly different.
 
IMO, the 25 is a step forward in production efficiency and value engineering, but not necessarily in refinement. I've always looked at a Sebenza as a production knife with custom-knife features, namely the pivot bushing, radius spine, hardened lockbar interface, etc. The 25 represents Chris' continuing efforts to engineer these expensive production processes out of the Sebenza manufacturing while maintaining its stellar quality. A tough job indeed. The ceramic ball interface itself was pure genius.
 
I'm still not 100% sure about the ball bearing/tang interface, wondering how it will hold up on the long run. My 25 is only a couple months old and I can already visible wear.

I am confident that if problems ever develop CRK will take care of me, and in the meantime I think it's a VERY good knife.
 
My +5 year old EDC Umnumzaan is doing just fine. ;)

hoppes no9 said:
I'm still not 100% sure about the ball bearing/tang interface, wondering how it will hold up on the long run. My 25 is only a couple months old and I can already visible wear.

I am confident that if problems ever develop CRK will take care of me, and in the meantime I think it's a VERY good knife.
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They are just two different knives, period. Don't know why it doesn't have a different name than a Sebenza, really.

Fantastic knife IMO, and I love the looks of my micarta 25, which is great because it would be a solid knife in any variation.
 
Not sure why you want your pivot bushing back because you can customize the tension on the blade to your liking. LOVE IT!!! Best CRKnife I've owned.
 
Love my 25, just wish it had the pivot bushing. Edge retention has been excellent, i spent last thursday cutting carpet with it.
 
I love the pivot system of the regular and 21 model sebenzas. I have a 25 that is really starting to grow on me the more I carry and use it.
 
Have two 25s, four Zaans and a micarta large 21, and they are some of my favorite knives.

To me, they are three distinct models. The 25 are no more modified Zaans than they are modified Sebenzas. They are different enough to, yet related to, both models and they are their own line in themselves.

So, again, to me they are a CRK 25 or CRK 25 micarta, not a Sebenza 25. And I think most of us think of them that way.

If Chris had a bigger staff I'm sure that would be the case. But it seems he's focused on making the finest knives he can, and a website appearance or marketing ideas runs way behind just doing what he does best. Focusing on the job at hand.
 
21 is where it's at for me. I prefer it over the 25 but to answer the question, I don't think it is a step back but out of the three (Zaan, 21, 25) I like the 25 the least.

Hope they continue to produce the 21 or at least continue to offer a Seb with a bushing like it.
 
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