Recommendation? Sebenza Alternative

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SuzukiGS750EZ

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Hey guys. I previously owned a large sebenza 21 in carbon fiber/titanium. I've been wanting another but with the 31 coming out soon, I'll wait for more options on that model. What other knives besides crk have that same level of craftsmanship for around the $500 mark or less? I miss the tight tolerances. Simple assembly. Solid knife.
 
Hinderer has similar tolerances (Unlike Medford or Spartan, mentioned above which do not come close).

Smaller companies worth considering would also include Koenig Knives and Holt Bladeworks. But they are edging up above the $500 price point anymore. Les George, if you catch him when he drops a run of VECPs would also be a solid choice.
 
I have a Chaves Ultramar Sangre and have been looking at the Redencion 229 for a thumb stud opener that's a little bigger.
If it's built like the Sangre it'll be a winner.
Super tight tolerances, just a quality build.
And you'll save a few bucks.

I also agree with the Spartan being a contender, just not a fan of the big print on the blade.
 
You have plenty of options.

But NONE are a CRK alternative. Only CRK does CRK quality and feel. Just like no one does anything to fill the XM 18 Role.

I will say if you want a sweet hybrid feel, try Andre Thorburn for high quality.

I've tried Olamic, Spartan and handled tons of Medfords. Not the same level imo. Maybe some day, but not yet.
 
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I bought neither lol. I bought a zt 0562cf with a green anodized lock side and purple anodized hardware and bought ceramic bearings to go in it.
 
I might get marinated in this forum, but I must say I feel Sebenza is a bit over-rated at its price point (around $410 for the plain 21 model). It's a simple but well executed Titanium (6A14V) Frame Lock knife with CPM-S35VN Blade. I honestly don't think this knife is worth almost half a grand. The fact is that there are other knives on the market that offer a similar quality in terms of materials and are considerably cheaper.

CRK Lovers would argue that money isn't just on the materials but also in the process in which these knives are hand constructed, hand fitted and tuned. There is no doubt that a lot of time goes into putting these knives together but at the end of the day I don't think all these "TLC" makes a "significant" difference when it comes to function or performance or even durability.

Here are some alternatives (sorted in terms of "value" from my POV) :

  1. Bradford Knives Guardian3 Flipper G3F. 3.25 inch M390 Blade. Titanium Frame Lock. Made in the U.S.A. Under $300.
  2. Laconico Knives Jasmine. 3.1 inch CPM-S35VN Blade. Titanium Frame Lock. Made in the U.S.A. Around $380.
  3. Zero Tolerance Sinkevich 0470 Flipper Knife Marbled CF. 3.4 inch CPM-20CV Blade. Titanium Frame Lock with CF inlay. Made in the U.S.A. Around $250.
 
I own some nice knives, but I cant honestly say you will find a CRK replacement for $500 or less, I would:
Try the Inkosi
Try the umnumzaan
Or wait for the 31, I wouldnt wait for the 31, just get a 21, inlays are nicer IMO
 
Koenig knives and Holt bladeworks
In the $500 range give a try to a mini goblin from Koenig. Flipper, bearing, wharncliffe... sure it will be completely different from a sebenza but the materials, the quality and the minimalistic aesthetics will make sense

Hinderer, especially non flippers can be good. I you can pick a non flipper XM 18 3.5 with a slicer grind it may be a good experience
or try one of the new half track from USA made blade. Again it will be a different knife language but still interesting

and of course thee is the Umnumzaan!
if you want something more comparable to a sebenza, try an Umnumzaan
The tanto is great.


On a completely different price level, the Spyderxo Spydiechef makes me think to my sebenzas.
Maybe because the design is so minimalistic. Two slabs blasted of titanium with an open construction, running smoothly on washers. The aesthetics are different but it works for me and it is an opportunity to try a different steel at a more affordable price point
 
P D said:
I might get marinated in this forum, but I must say I feel Sebenza is a bit over-rated at its price point (around $410 for the plain 21 model). It's a simple but well executed Titanium (6A14V) Frame Lock knife with CPM-S35VN Blade. I honestly don't think this knife is worth almost half a grand. The fact is that there are other knives on the market that offer a similar quality in terms of materials and are considerably cheaper.

CRK Lovers would argue that money isn't just on the materials but also in the process in which these knives are hand constructed, hand fitted and tuned. There is no doubt that a lot of time goes into putting these knives together but at the end of the day I don't think all these "TLC" makes a "significant" difference when it comes to function or performance or even durability.

Here are some alternatives (sorted in terms of "value" from my POV) :

  1. Bradford Knives Guardian3 Flipper G3F. 3.25 inch M390 Blade. Titanium Frame Lock. Made in the U.S.A. Under $300.
  2. Laconico Knives Jasmine. 3.1 inch CPM-S35VN Blade. Titanium Frame Lock. Made in the U.S.A. Around $380.
  3. Zero Tolerance Sinkevich 0470 Flipper Knife Marbled CF. 3.4 inch CPM-20CV Blade. Titanium Frame Lock with CF inlay. Made in the U.S.A. Around $250.
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They definitely arent overrated. Theres a reason you'll be hard pressed to find any actual negative review about a CRK. I personally prefer S35VN over most steels, it feels more balanced. You wont find anyone with any actual complaints about s35vn either. There really isnt anything quite like a CRK.

I'll also recommend the koenig arius. It's an extremely solid flipper that everyone should try out.

Or just say eff it and buy an Umnumzaan. I prefer them over the sebenza anyways.
 
I had kershaw, buck, Zt, spyderco, and benchmades before I got my first Crk. It was my first higher end knife. It’s the only brand I own in that price range and my most expensive. For me as well there’s no alternative or replacement. I don’t own anything else around this price range to compare, but I do know once I got into Crk I haven’t felt the need to go anywhere else and it’s basically all I buy anymore. They’re not for everyone but they fit for me
 
quesoburgesa said:
I've always considered the spyderco gayle bradley 2 to be a poor man's sebenza
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The build quality of the GB 2 is amazing considering the price.
HqKb5AC.jpg
 
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