Sebenza 25 VS 21?

[GuyWithTheThings]

I'm thinking of buying a Sebenza soon. I'm leaning towards either the Large Insingo or the 25... But I'm not sure which.


I prefer the look of the 21 handle, and it feels better in my hand. I like that it has the pivot bushing and the Insingo blade lets you get a lot more power behind it.

I like the ceramic ball on the 25 and the more aggressive jimping.

The 21 Insingo and 25 have different grinds. What knife slices better? I've heard great things about both, but I want to know for sure. And which rendition of the knife has the better blade steel? I've heard some things about the 25 having a better HT on the S35VN than the 21. But will it matter if they're both made at the same time of this year?

Thanks guys

 

[Moxy]

I like the ceramic ball insert on the 25 too. In my mind, I would think it would be more consistent and longer lasting than the bare titanium lockbar of the 21. However, realistically you'd never wear out the lock up on a 21, and if you ever do have issues, CRK offers the best warranty service in the business. The 25 is a little beefier with its thicker blade, but really if you're able to break a 21 then you're abusing it. The 21 is plenty tough for any task, so in my opinion the blade on the 25 is overkill. So any perceived longevity advantage or toughness advantage the 25 might have over the 21 is more of a mental novelty (if that makes sense).

So it really comes down to what pivot type you want and which design you find more attractive. They're both fantastic. I can't speak to any differences in blade steel. Thats the first I've heard about them being different from one another.

 

[zl1]

You should go for the Insingo 21! Sounds like that is what you've got your eye on

 

[amg137]

If it's going to be your first Sebenza, go with the 21. The bushing pivot is what makes a Sebenza unique, in my opinion. The fact that you can't overtighten it is just so convenient if you're like me and take your knives apart for cleaning and lubing every few months. The 25 is a fine knife as well, but it doesn't have any features that really set it apart from cheaper knives other than impeccable fit and finish.

I have an Insingo 21 and love it to death, though the edge retention does certainly leave something to be desired. Can't comment on whether the 25's HT is better as I've only fondled one.

 

[johnnytoxin]

I carried and used a 21 everyday for a year straight. I recently picked up a 25 and IMO it blows the 21 away. That's just my opinion though.

 

[MatthewSB]

I prefer the look of the 21 handle, and it feels better in my hand.

The 21 and 25 handles are very different. The 21 fits my hand a lot better, but I have bigger hands. The 25 works fine for me, but the 21 is much more perfecter.

The 21 Insingo and 25 have different grinds. What knife slices better? I've heard great things about both, but I want to know for sure. And which rendition of the knife has the better blade steel? I've heard some things about the 25 having a better HT on the S35VN than the 21. But will it matter if they're both made at the same time of this year?

Neither slices better, both styles of hollow grind are incredible slicers. I'm sure that the steel is the same between the 21 and 25 unless they were made at different times.

I wouldn't worry about the heat treat, it's a CRK. If I couldn't trust Chris Reeve to properly heat treat a $500 blade, I'd give up on knife collecting and find a new hobby.

I carried and used a 21 everyday for a year straight. I recently picked up a 25 and IMO it blows the 21 away. That's just my opinion though.

I agree. I bought the 25 first, and when I got my 21 I was surprised at how different the two are. The 25's lockup is the definition of solid, and the slightly thicker blade makes it feel very strong in the hand. Compared to the 25, my 21 feels delicate, even though I know that it is not. The 21 is way more comfortable in my hand, and I kind of wish that I'd never experienced the lockup of the 25 because it ruined the 21 for me

 

[BMCGear]

I like the ceramic ball insert on the 25 too. In my mind, I would think it would be more consistent and longer lasting than the bare titanium lockbar of the 21. However, realistically you'd never wear out the lock up on a 21, and if you ever do have issues, CRK offers the best warranty service in the business. The 25 is a little beefier with its thicker blade, but really if you're able to break a 21 then you're abusing it. The 21 is plenty tough for any task, so in my opinion the blade on the 25 is overkill. So any perceived longevity advantage or toughness advantage the 25 might have over the 21 is more of a mental novelty (if that makes sense).

So it really comes down to what pivot type you want and which design you find more attractive. They're both fantastic. I can't speak to any differences in blade steel. Thats the first I've heard about them being different from one another.

Makes perfect sense. Car manufacturers have found that people feel a car is better made if the doors are heavier.

I carry a 21 daily and if I ever needed anything stronger than it; I would carry a full tang fixed blade. I have thought about getting a 25 but I ultimately am not sure if I would like the finger choils.

 

[whp]

Some might consider the increased pivot size and the ceramic ball of the 25 to be advances in design,among other things.

 

[fishdevil]

I never tried out an Insingo blade. They always looked interesting, though. I much prefer the ergonomics of the 25. The finger grooves help to lock the knife in my hand very well. The pivot bushing on the 21 never really appealed to me because I always use loctite to set the pivot on my folders.

 

[drrickso]

I prefer the 21... Locktite is something I usually avoid since I enjoy routinely disassembling and cleaning my knives... also the ceramic ball just worries me on the 25- I'm sure it will hold up fine and it's just my ignorance showing- but i'll stick with what I know works.

The umnum seems like a less usuable blade shape to me (although cool looking), and I've heard mixed reviews on the required opening method vs a sebenza.

Lastly, I've always been curious about the Insingo but being perfectly happy with my 21, I'm in no rush to make it jealous.

 

[fmendez]

I use the 25 outdoors and work around the house, I admit have not dismantle mine yet and been looking for good information for when the time comes. I like it a lot for use as a bigger stronger folder. During the work week is a small Seb. 21 and rotate between the Insingo and regular. I have never owned a tanto blade but just ordered a TNK small 21 tanto and since I do art related work, been thinking it will be good for cutting around small things.