Sebenza 31 Converts?

iacchus said:
Glad to hear you coming around to it.
The balance in the hand is noticeably different to you too,eh? I thought it might just be me. I'm on the opposite track, carrying an Inkosi to work everyday getting a feel for its place in the selection.

I kinda feel like I should've gone drop point on the Sebenza and Insingo on the Inkosi, rather than the way round I did. Maybe that means I just need to pick up more options.

Regardless, may your magnacut 31 bring you decades of fine use and enjoyment!
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I have a Insingo Inkosi and a 25 so both covered. The Insingo Inkosi finds its way into my pocket more than even the Zaan. It really is just the best all around knife I’ve ever owned.
 
I dunno, fellas. When the 31 came out, I was still partial to the 21. Sometime after that, I saw the 21 and the 31 as equals.

But now I prefer the 31. Do I need the 21s at all? These 21s live a cushy life in my safe. In fact, they live better than I do. One of them hasn't done a day's work in its life. They are like teenagers, man. Could be time to kick them out.
 
Modernflame said:
I dunno, fellas. When the 31 came out, I was still partial to the 21. Sometime after that, I saw the 21 and the 31 as equals.

But now I prefer the 31. Do I need the 21s at all? These 21s live a cushy life in my safe. In fact, they live better than I do. One of them hasn't done a day's work in its life. They are like teenagers, man. Could be time to kick them out.
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I won’t kick my last 21 out but I’ll not be hunting down anymore.
 
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My first Sebenza was a 2008 Small 21 with African Blackwood inlays in S30V which I bought here LNIB in probably 2008 or 2009. Got a regular after that and didn't like the finger groove so I passed it along. Got out of the knife hobby for a long time and couldn't financially justify keeping the 21 as one of my handful of users that would stick around so I sold it. That is perhaps my biggest knife regret to date, still wish I could have that one back. Don't know that I've ever seen another African Blackwood since then, not sure if they were a short-lived inlay or what. Anyway now that my addiction is back I've had a large 21 tanto/micarta that I sold, a factory cerakote Inkosi tanto that I traded, and finally my current user, a large PDW 21. I've been collecting knives on and off since like 2006 and have never tried a Zaan or 31, and I don't feel like I'm missing out. Something about the 21 just feels right. Not to say I wouldn't buy a 31 if the right one presented itself...maybe a KnifeArt Insingo in Magnacut...but I'm not seeking it out right now either.

The white whale/one that got away (sorry for pic quality, it was taken with whatever cell phone I had in 09ish):
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I’m still a 21 guy. I have 2 31’s however. But the pivots back out after about ten openings.
 
Sharp & Fiery said:
I’m still a 21 guy. I have 2 31’s however. But the pivots back out after about ten openings.
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I own four 31s and have had as many others. One thing I've noticed is that the more recently constructed ones have less need for threadlocker. Not much of a sample size and could be coincidence, but it's definitely a thing in my collection. I've also noticed smoother action, less resistance. Perhaps a bit less lockbar tension? Again could be coincidence.
 
Sharp & Fiery said:
I’m still a 21 guy. I have 2 31’s however. But the pivots back out after about ten openings.
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I think that’s a trade off due to the harder stop pin and the solution is using supplied loctite. Is the trade off Worth it? Not sure, Ive never had or hear about issues with the softer stop pin sleeve in the 21 so I’m not sure the trade was worth it, but when I eventually own a 31 I’ll use loctite on the pivot screw. Loctite doesn’t bother me.

I carry a small 21 daily. I bought it instead of a 31 because in theory I liked the older lock interface better (not based on any experience). After checking out my son’s 31 thoroughly and seeing it get a lot of use, I have no hesitation at all. It’s a brilliant knife. I actually find the ergos of the 31 slightly better, but not enough where I’d replace my 21. I think where I have landed is, when I want another sebenza, I’ll buy a 31 because it’s easier to find and I don’t see a downside.

A convert? No, I guess not. I was never strongly opposed. I find them different but equals.
 
rishma said:
...Ive never had or hear about issues with the softer stop pin sleeve in the 21 so I’m not sure the trade was worth it...
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If I understand correctly, Tim Reeve was trying to address warranty issues related to flicking the blade open. The repeated impact against the sleeve caused a slight depression that ultimately resulted in a late lock up or premature lock wear. I don't flick sebenzas , so it's always been a non issue for me.
 
Modernflame said:
If I understand correctly, Tim Reeve was trying to address warranty issues related to flicking the blade open. The repeated impact against the sleeve caused a slight depression that ultimately resulted in a late lock up or premature lock wear. I don't flick sebenzas , so it's always been a non issue for me.
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Ahh, I had heard that too now that you mention it. I don’t flick either.
 
I open and close my 2 large 31's daily just to keep my Sebenza thumb (and the knives) in fighting shape. I've not had to make any adjustments whatsoever. Haven't opened them up or greased them...only broken them in via repeated openings.

These are Februrary, 2023 vintage...one Insingo, one tanto.
 
I held out as a 21 fan until a few weeks ago when I grabbed a Magna 31. Ater watching the evolution over the past few years I had to finally give in.

Been using it for everything and couldn't be happier with the action, build and lock up. Not to mention the Magnacut is insane so far. I don't trust changes immediately on most products.

Just be patient. Took a bit for the knife to break in which I appreciate. Smooth and rock solid.
 
I've crossed the Rubicon. Sold my 21s and replaced them with magnacut 31s. While I appreciate the genius of the entire Sebenza lineage, I think it's finer attributes are best realized in the 31.
 
Kettleman said:
They seem to wear the same but its really less noticeable with the gold.
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Nice. Would be cool if they used real gold and silver.. A gold stud would be really nice.

Modernflame said:
I think it holds up a little better, but it will still wear. Here's where I'm different. I love the look of the faded blue thumb stud.
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U are not alone, I sooo regretted polishing it of on my first, so I kept it on my second.
 
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