Sebenza 31 and Inkosi: Differences

[Shmackey]

I'm sure this must have been covered before, but I can't find it. Given the updates that the 31 received, what are the differences between it and the Inkosi? (Are any differences specific to the small or large versions?)

 

[zigsz71]

Inkosi: finger grooves, larger washers, larger pivot screw, thicker blade stock, factory double thumb lugs

31: carries over washers and pivot bushing from the 21, deletes machining hole on show side, deeper hollow grind on the blade so it’s thinner behind the edge than the inkosi

both have an angled pocket clip and ceramic ball lock interface

I’m sure there’s more but that’s all I can think of right now.

 

[VernonRemington]

Anyone think Inkosi will be phased out eventually with the 31 becoming more available?

 

[Therom]

I don’t see any reason why the inkosi would be phased out
Inkosi and sebenza are completely different knives

 

[Talus]

Inkosi: finger grooves, larger washers, larger pivot screw, thicker blade stock, factory double thumb lugs

31: carries over washers and pivot bushing from the 21, deletes machining hole on show side, deeper hollow grind on the blade so it’s thinner behind the edge than the inkosi

both have an angled pocket clip and ceramic ball lock interface

I’m sure there’s more but that’s all I can think of right now.

This, plus a slightly larger cutout on the 31(vs 21) to get your finger behind the thumbstud.

 

[VernonRemington]

I don’t see any reason why the inkosi would be phased out
Inkosi and sebenza are completely different knives

“Complete different” - maybe to guys on the CRK sub forum, but to the general public they’re pretty much the same knife.

I have no knowledge to the company, I’m just saying I could see the inkosi be phased out and have the Sebenza 31 take place of two models- the 21 and the inkosi.

 

[Therom]

IMO the pivot system, the blade geometry and the grooved handle make all the difference

If you only have either an inkosi or a sebenza I don’t think you can realise how it make them so different
Or at least I haven’t before I had both

And the size are also important for the small versions


In many aspects the Inkosi is closer to the umnumzaan than it is from the sebenza

The ceramic ball interface and the angled clip are the least important changes for me and that is what the 31 will get. I think it may be an improvement that will not change the nature of the sebenza

 

[aVyD]

The Inkosi and sebenza are very different knives. The inkosi is more of a workhorse, with it’s thicker blade stock and “overbuilt” theme. Everything about it screams “big”. Big stop pin, big pivot, big ceramic ball acting as the lock interface. Biggest difference here, no pivot bushings. The sebenza 31, yeah it’s got the ceramic ball but that’s about it. It retains it’s beloved pivot bushings, blade dimensions, and rotating washers. It’s all preference. Looks can be deceiving, and when you get down to it, the sebenza and inkosi are made by the same company to the same quality, but are not in and of themselves the same.

 

[donzi14zx]

Anyone know the behind the edge thickness on the Sebenza 31? I can’t measure mine

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I dont see the Inkosi getting phased out either. It fills a different role than the Sebenza. Part of the reason imo went with it over the Sebenza is that I liked that it was just a tad bit more over built, and the finger grooves fit my hand nicely.

The Inkosi is a newish design that, to my knowledge, sells well. It fits the niche of a high fit and finish edc that is just a bit better suited for rough work.

 

[insta9ves]

People forgot the biggest difference - inkosi has thicker blade at 3.5mm vs Sebenza 31 with 3mm blade.

 

[Bear4142]

Not sure about the 31, but the Inkosi and 21 have different jimping patterns on the blade