Sebenza/Buck Mayo TNT

J

jvan

Joined
Apr 19, 2006
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863
I am considering adding to my knife inventory and have been checking out a lot of offerings. I really like the two knives mentioned above but am curious to know, based on pricing, is the Sebenza 2 1/2 times the knife that the TNT is. If anyone owns or has handled both I would greatly appreciate your input. TY.

John
 
Like anything, worth is in the eye of the beholder. I think the Buck TNT compares more to the small sebenza than the large.

The Sebenza is nicer. Its a little more heavy duty, and CRK's quality control is legendary. There is no doubt that you will get one that is as close to perfect as possible.

The TNT is an awsome knife though. Personally I don't think that the Sebenza is worth 2 1/2 times the TNT, but it is a little nicer.

Thats my 2 cents.
 
I've had both and the Sebenza is actually 10 times better. Worth every penny IMO... then some! But like others have mentioned check em both out yourself if possible. Limited income has unfortunately a way of deciding for us sometimes.
 
I've had both, still have the Sebenza. It's worth the extra if you appreciate a truly fine level of finish.
 
Dave, I guess that me search skills are not up to par but if I do a search containing those two names all that comes up is my current thread. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
try this,

advanced search, enter "TNT sebenza" in the keyword field, check the box "titles only", then hit search you should get a least 8 threads, some extacly like you were asking.

You're right, using BF search is tricky, I apologize for being short.
 
I have both.

The Sebenza has a much higher grade of fit and finish, plus it uses a bushing around the pivot pin which ensures that the blade remains centered for a lifetime of use.

The Buck Mayo TNT is really purdy, but the blade was slightly off center from day one, and it has just gotten worse over time. When I close the blade it rubs on the side of the frame, I've tried suggestions that were made on this forum (as others have had the same problem), but nothing works. It looks pretty, but just pisses me off when I close it and the blade scratches against the titanium.

The Sebenza actually feels like "Made in the USA", whereas the Buck feels like "Made in China." The Buck works, but isn't as bulletproof and refined.

Basically, out of the two, saving up for the Sebenza is definitely worth it. The TNT is nice to have for a collection, but for absolute solid build quality, precision and reliability -you can't beat the Sebenza. That knife is the "standard" to which others are compared, and even today few if any makers have made a knife that is as durable and of such a high standard as Mr. Reeve's creation. -Just my .02. :thumbup:
 
Oh...and if you ever get the chance to check out a real TNT, as in one made by Tom, do it!!! The Buck version gets the design right, but is nowhere near the real thing. I love the Sebenza but a real TNT is a tactile pleasure like none other. I don't know what Mr. Mayo uses to beadblast his knives but it's the most perfect handle finish. I love my small Sebenza and plan on carrying it for a long time but if my perfect TNT ever comes up for sale that will probably take it's place.
 
but is nowhere near the real thing
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Heh. I feel just the opposite, the Buck version is a very close approximation to the real thing. Is the real TNT a little smoother, yes, but everything else in how it feels is the same.
 
DaveH said:
Heh. I feel just the opposite, the Buck version is a very close approximation to the real thing. Is the real TNT a little smoother, yes, but everything else in how it feels is the same.
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Interesting. I've had a few TNTs in my day and the Buck was just nowhere near them in my experience. All my TNTs locked up perfectly, had wonderfully finished handles and were silky smooth. With the Buck version the lockup was never 100% tight, the edges on the handles lacked the nice finish and soft edges of the real custom version and the overall action just wasn't in the same class. I guess it's all a matter of perspective and, of course, the individual knives we've each handled. :)
 
DaveH said:
Heh. I feel just the opposite, the Buck version is a very close approximation to the real thing. Is the real TNT a little smoother, yes, but everything else in how it feels is the same.
Click to expand...

I agree. Custom Mayo's are a bit overrated and a lot overpriced!
 
I have both of them and I feel the sebbie is better but not 2 1/2 times more. My Buck TNT is just as smooth but does not center perfectly. No, blade does not rub. I feel that if you can find a Buck TNT that centers and centers, then that should be just as good as any sebbie pricewise. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer a sebenza over a Buck TNT.
 
DaveH said:
Blackend, hope you have your flameproof undies on. ;)
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It's OK mine are kevlar with nomax.:D

I've had several Mayo customs. Liked em all, but not enough to keep em like a Sebenza! For the price anyway...
 
I've had 4 Sebenzas. I have none now. I HAVE kept my Buck/Mayo. Whether or not its worth 2 1/2 times the money is up to you. Just do yourself a favor. Yeah, its nice, but don't expect the angelic hosts to start singing when you open the box.

I thought the Sebenza, while nice, is not what it once was. There are too many nice Ti/S30V framelocks out there for less that are so close in F&F ON GOOD EXAMPLES that the price hike on the CRK just isn't worth it to me.

Oh, and try to handle them before you buy. You may find that the Sebenza just isn't for you. It sure wasn't for me.
 
I think the moral of this story is to try and get your hands on all the knives you're considering because everyone looks for different things and values certain traits to a different degree. That leads to these differing oppinions. Only you can decide how you feel on the topic. Luckily the process of discovery is a fun one since it involves playing with knives :)

Also...I'm really happy to see this thread stay nice and civil. No flames, no personal attacks, just a nice happy discussion. I think it might be safe to take off the flameproof clothing now Blackend :)
 
flatgrinder said:
I have both.

The Sebenza has a much higher grade of fit and finish, plus it uses a bushing around the pivot pin which ensures that the blade remains centered for a lifetime of use.

The Buck Mayo TNT is really purdy, but the blade was slightly off center from day one, and it has just gotten worse over time. When I close the blade it rubs on the side of the frame, I've tried suggestions that were made on this forum (as others have had the same problem), but nothing works. It looks pretty, but just pisses me off when I close it and the blade scratches against the titanium.

:
Click to expand...

I had this problem. I sent it to Buck and they corrected it. This was about a year ago. I use it a lot and have never had another problem with it.

Is the small Sebenza worth the difference. It depends. Both function well but the Sebenza is a higher level of fit and finish. I guess my answer is that my Small Sebenza is in my small bug out bag that goes everywhere with me and the Buck is only in my EDC rotation. Kind of says it all for me I guess.
 
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