- Joined
- Apr 9, 2013
- Messages
- 206
Sebenza 25 **Photo Heavy**
I just got a Sebenza 25 in the mail today. I currently have 2 other Sebenzas, a large and small Insingo.
The knives:
I read a lot of reviews of the 25 on BF and the internet, but I was not prepared for the experience of handling the knife.
The action is smoother than both my 21's (one even has polished washers). The lock release is a lot smoother too, thanks to
the ceramic ball. It has been done before, but I will list my personal likes and dislikes about this knife:
Things I like:
Additional Finger groove: Really improves the grip
New lock interface and larger detent ball- I feel like this really improves the action of the knife.
New grind: This knife can slice through leather like it was paper. The effort required is subjectively much less than that required by the Insingos.
I was pretty surprised by that, although it has been said that the knife is very good at slicing. I completely agree with that statement.
Milled groove for lanyard: This seems to make the lanyard easier to reposition.
Asymmetrical jimping: The contact on this is a lot more positive than the model 21.
Additionally, there is a very slight convex curve to the spine at the level of the jimping.
25:
21 Insingo:
The convex surface improves traction and tactile response. It looks a little less aesthetically pleasing in my opinion, but it works.
Thicker point:
Things I Dislike:
Heterogeneous screw head size: I understand why it has to be that way, but I feel like it detracts from the symmetry of the knife.
Shallower lock bar release: This results in a sensation of a stiffer lock and less traction control as the force required
for movement is concentrated over a smaller surface area on my thumb.
25: 2mm wide
21: 5mm wide
The reduction in width does improve the grip sensation.
Blade Shape: I still like the Insingo blade profile overall, but that is my personal taste. When a 25 Insingo comes out, I will buy it.
Overall impression:
I had some moderately high expectations for this knife based upon reviews that I read about it and my previous experiences with Chris Reeve Knives.
These were met or exceeded. The fit and finish of this knife is exemplary. It is really pleasant to simply feel the knife in my hand, and of course, great to use. In fact, I like cutting stuff with this blade a lot. It cuts very, very well.
I would recommend this knife to anyone who is interested in acquiring a Sebenza. Don't let the price tag put you off. The quality craftsmanship of this knife is something that is not accurately represented by words and pictures.
Thanks for reading.
I just got a Sebenza 25 in the mail today. I currently have 2 other Sebenzas, a large and small Insingo.
The knives:

I read a lot of reviews of the 25 on BF and the internet, but I was not prepared for the experience of handling the knife.
The action is smoother than both my 21's (one even has polished washers). The lock release is a lot smoother too, thanks to
the ceramic ball. It has been done before, but I will list my personal likes and dislikes about this knife:
Things I like:
Additional Finger groove: Really improves the grip
New lock interface and larger detent ball- I feel like this really improves the action of the knife.
New grind: This knife can slice through leather like it was paper. The effort required is subjectively much less than that required by the Insingos.
I was pretty surprised by that, although it has been said that the knife is very good at slicing. I completely agree with that statement.
Milled groove for lanyard: This seems to make the lanyard easier to reposition.

Asymmetrical jimping: The contact on this is a lot more positive than the model 21.

Additionally, there is a very slight convex curve to the spine at the level of the jimping.
25:

21 Insingo:

The convex surface improves traction and tactile response. It looks a little less aesthetically pleasing in my opinion, but it works.
Thicker point:

Things I Dislike:
Heterogeneous screw head size: I understand why it has to be that way, but I feel like it detracts from the symmetry of the knife.

Shallower lock bar release: This results in a sensation of a stiffer lock and less traction control as the force required
for movement is concentrated over a smaller surface area on my thumb.
25: 2mm wide
21: 5mm wide
The reduction in width does improve the grip sensation.
Blade Shape: I still like the Insingo blade profile overall, but that is my personal taste. When a 25 Insingo comes out, I will buy it.
Overall impression:
I had some moderately high expectations for this knife based upon reviews that I read about it and my previous experiences with Chris Reeve Knives.
These were met or exceeded. The fit and finish of this knife is exemplary. It is really pleasant to simply feel the knife in my hand, and of course, great to use. In fact, I like cutting stuff with this blade a lot. It cuts very, very well.
I would recommend this knife to anyone who is interested in acquiring a Sebenza. Don't let the price tag put you off. The quality craftsmanship of this knife is something that is not accurately represented by words and pictures.
Thanks for reading.