Sebenza 25- Personal opinions

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Apr 9, 2013
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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:

PcrXZPFl.jpg



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.

2OgqOKal.jpg


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

B8R1KIKl.jpg


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

25:

ppgnqGyl.jpg


21 Insingo:

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

Thicker point:

TkH2WiFl.jpg




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.

PcrXZPFl.jpg


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.
 
Good review. The 25 was my first CRK and it is still my favorite. It is smoother than my 21 too. I think the larger washers help with this. Hope you continue to enjoy your new toy.
 
Awesome review! My 25 is just about the smoothest CRK ive ever owned, and ive taken it apart once.
 
Never get tired of hearing about and looking at a 25. It was my first CRK also, and I find myself liking it just a tad bit more than my Micarta large Insingo and lefty large Micarta regular 21s, although they are great knives, too.

I guess it's just the increased beefiness and the ceramic detent and lock face that make it stand apart. One of my absolute favorites and if it was my only knife, I could certainly live with that.
 
Very good review Doc!! one of the best I have read on the 25!! And fantastic pictures!!
All the best, Dave
 
Mine was supposed to arrive today. But now I have to wait til Monday...threads like this don't help one bit!

Thanks for the write up!
 
Come on Andre!! This is a much better thread than any I have posted!:D I can assure you that erdoc8921 didn't spend three years in the eighth grade like me!!;)
Dave, if you even spent 1 year in the eighth grade, I will definitely be going to that school next year...:D
You are a plethora of information my dear friend, a plethora!
 
Very nice review. The 25 is my only CRK and I am very impressed with it. I prefer the combination of sturdiness and style when compared with previous sebenzas or umnums.
 
Great review, based on your review I've decided to make my next CRK a 25. (Got a Large 21 Cocobolo today delivered from a fellow member, love it!!)
 
Come on Andre!! This is a much better thread than any I have posted!:D I can assure you that erdoc8921 didn't spend three years in the eighth grade like me!!;)

DAVE, nothing is more condescending, than to be the man and act otherwise. You know you want it and deserve it ! My vote, so, grab that belt with both hands as say " woooh" ! You have taught us all a lot, so stop acting like you haven't.. It gives Popeye hope. (RecalcitrantAmerica ) And we don't need that. Ha !
 
When I first got my sebenza 25 I did not really care for it. I actually thought about selling it. I ended up moving from my apt and it being the only knife around, I clipped it to my pocket. It was mint at the time, but after having moved all day long, it got the typical Ti scuff mark. I figured I would give it a try and it has since become one of my favorite CRK's. I still love the large regular sebenza, but I really like the 25. I was never a fan of the 21 sebenza either, but it has since grown on me as well over time. Since I lost my large 21 silver dog paws, my sebenza 25 has been by my side keeping me company hoping to find its long lost brother.

The sebenza 25 is basically a umnumzaan version of the sebenza. You get the zaan lockup with the feel of the sebenza. Amazing things happen when one puts a sebenza and a umnumzaan in a drawer together. They mate and you get the 25 sebenza.......presto......!!!
 
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