Sebenza 25 with/without Inlays or Carbon Fiber Scale

["Havoc"]

I'm in the market to pick up a Sebenza 25 and was wondering if the inlays help and or offer any advantages. I do like the look of the Wilson Combat Sebenza 25 with the grooves cut in like the Umnumzaan which help with grip. The Carbon Fiber scale looks great too but do not know enough about the CF scales on the Seb 25.

Funny enough I have owned a few Sebenza's and an Umnumzaan. But I have never had my hands on a Sebenza with inlays or one with a carbon fiber scale like the one from Knife Art. I live somewhere that doesn't sell them locally so I can't put my hands on any to know for sure.

So any input from people who have used the above in real life would be great. Thanks

 

[red mag]

The CF scale reduces the weight significant!
The large CF Sebenza comes into the Endura class - concerning weight.

 

[BladeCommander]

I really like the wood inlay 21's. NOT a fan of the inlays on the 25. For the 25 I would go with the full CF scale to reduce weight and add class. I think the 25 CF looks great and should perform well. I have a Lf 21 wood inlay and an Umnumzaan, but never a 25, so I cannot comment on how much weight is reduced.

I do have a CF small 21 Insingo and it is really nice.

 

[whitty]

I actually really like the Carbon Fiber Inlays on the 25. Gives it a really cool look and feel in the hand.

 

[RevDevil]

I have the vanilla 25 and I do love it. I think I took to it so much is because it was so similar to the Umnumzaan (my favorite of the CRK folders). I would look at each carefully and closely, review the specs and decide on whichever one appeals to you the most visually, that is what will be the most stark and significant change. You can even call CRK and speak with someone regarding the knives, they are pleasant and helpful.

 

[EChoil]

I can only give my own experience which is after owning a number of Sebenza types in Ti I found them all to be absolutely soul-less; nothing special in-hand. I'm down to my last CGI which has been in a drawer in Sebenza slumber for over two years.

Were I to try it again with Sebs, I'd certainly get inlays of some kind to put some personality into the knife. I prefer their feel in-hand as well. As to carbon fiber, the usual caveat: try to hold one first. I find carbon fiber to be extremely slick at times, sometimes to the point of even hampering my opening of the knife.

Sebenza's are great knives, maybe the best. Just never could bond with one.

 

["Havoc"]

Thank you for all the view points on the question I raised, it really does help! So, I decided to order a WC Starbenza 25 that will be here in 2 days. This way I can put my hands on the knife and get a really good idea. Like all of you and RevDevil said, it can be the simplest of things that make or break it. I did love the Plane Jane 21 but thought it was missing something like EChoil said and the CF for weight, that's a big one! So that's why I'm putting my hands on the Starbenza 25, best of both worlds, get the inscale cuts something like the Umnumzaan and a little less weight coming in at 4.7oz I believe. If that doesn't work out next will be the CF Sebenza 25 from KA. It sucks I can't put my hands on them unless I buy them, guess I could get both, lol, the WC Starbenza 25 and the CF 25 from KA. And JK about getting both, I will decided on one, just have to get my hands on them and see. KA said they would have the CF 25 late April. Will Let you know after I get the WC Starbenza 25 :thumbup: