Sebenza / Emerson HD : Comparison

I've got a number of Emersons and love 'em to death, but I have to say they just can't compete with my Large Sebenza in terms of build quality. Not only are Chris Reeve knives built like tanks, they look good, function flawlessly, and don't have any of the BS "this knife is obviously designed to gut people" look that so many "tactical" knives have nowadays.

That being said, when you get right down to it my Emerson Commander cuts every bit as well as my considerably more expensive Sebbie. So it basically comes down to personal preference. I know I'll be buying more Emersons as soon as he starts making other models in left-hand configurations.

I keep coming back to the fact that the emerson will work as well as a Sebenza.

Thank you for the comparison!
 
If I missed responding to anyone I am sorry. I am very happy for all of the input from everyone.

So thank you Everyone!

I think I need to get my hands on a Sebenza before spending the money on it.

I think I would already have one in my impulsive hands if you all had not helped me think.

Thanks Again!

Kevin:thumbup:
 
Having owned several Emersons for a number of years (Got my first one back in '99), & just got a Sebenza (Small classic inlay model), I will say this. The Emerson's going to "cut" just as well as the Sebbie. It might never fail (None of mine ever have), & it certainly costs less.

But to me, it's like getting a Toyota Camry or a Lexus 300 series (Any year & coresponding model # will do). While the Camry will get the job done & cost less, the Lexus with do the same a little easier & in better style. Whether or not the cost difference is worth it, is purely up to you & your pocket book.

Do you NEED to get a Sebenza? Absolutely not, the Emerson will do just fine. Now, do you WANT a Sebenza? Maybe, & if so, go ahead & indulge. You only live once & what are you going to do with your money when it's over, anyways, huh? :D
 
Having owned several Emersons for a number of years (Got my first one back in '99), & just got a Sebenza (Small classic inlay model), I will say this. The Emerson's going to "cut" just as well as the Sebbie. It might never fail (None of mine ever have), & it certainly costs less.

But to me, it's like getting a Toyota Camry or a Lexus 300 series (Any year & coresponding model # will do). While the Camry will get the job done & cost less, the Lexus with do the same a little easier & in better style. Whether or not the cost difference is worth it, is purely up to you & your pocket book.

Do you NEED to get a Sebenza? Absolutely not, the Emerson will do just fine. Now, do you WANT a Sebenza? Maybe, & if so, go ahead & indulge. You only live once & what are you going to do with your money when it's over, anyways, huh? :D


I induldge far to often. I have a Mach 1. Before that I had A GT, and before that another GT..... I get in others cars, fancier or not, and always come back to mustangs for a combined number of reasons.

I am thinking this is what could happen with the knife.

I do only live once.

Maybe I already found the best knife for me.

I like the Hummer/Emerson-Lexus/Sebenza. My emerson isn't a camry;)

Thanks for the thoughts!

I got your point:thumbup:
 
When I first handled a Sebenza, I was awed by its quality (I think that was back in '97). Well, after admiring them and buying other knives, I finally got one (it took me five years to make the jump) in '02. I've bought other knives since, but my fave one-hand clip knife is still the Seb.

I also own several Emersons (four versions of CQC7, large and small Commanders, and a La Griffe). I like the feel/ergonomics of the Emerson handles a lot. But when it comes to a using knife, I prefer the Seb by far. It suits my own purposes better. I personally prefer the standard V edge bevels. Although I do use "chisel-edge beveled knives" such as fully-serrated Spydercos as well. For me, the Emerson's somewhat thicker chisel edge doesn't suit my uses as well. They do work very well for scraping and rope-cutting, though, but in scraping I usu. need to use my left hand to do it.

The Seb is, IMO, "the standard". However, that doesn't mean it necessarily cuts better than, say, my Spydercos or Benchmades. It's just a matter of personal taste. Some Sebs come out of box with a slightly thick edge. I did work on mine, thinning the edge down to my preference/uses. And Seb edges are slightly convex, but so long as it's not too thick, it makes a good, sharp, strong edge. I can foresee this Seb possibly outlasting me.

Anyway, if you feel any way doubtful about getting a Seb, no worries. When the right time for you comes, you'll get that opportunity to handle one and decide whether it's a design that will suit you. I know it took me a while, but it was worth it for me.
Jim
 
When I first handled a Sebenza, I was awed by its quality (I think that was back in '97). Well, after admiring them and buying other knives, I finally got one (it took me five years to make the jump) in '02. I've bought other knives since, but my fave one-hand clip knife is still the Seb.

I also own several Emersons (four versions of CQC7, large and small Commanders, and a La Griffe). I like the feel/ergonomics of the Emerson handles a lot. But when it comes to a using knife, I prefer the Seb by far. It suits my own purposes better. I personally prefer the standard V edge bevels. Although I do use "chisel-edge beveled knives" such as fully-serrated Spydercos as well. For me, the Emerson's somewhat thicker chisel edge doesn't suit my uses as well. They do work very well for scraping and rope-cutting, though, but in scraping I usu. need to use my left hand to do it.

The Seb is, IMO, "the standard". However, that doesn't mean it necessarily cuts better than, say, my Spydercos or Benchmades. It's just a matter of personal taste. Some Sebs come out of box with a slightly thick edge. I did work on mine, thinning the edge down to my preference/uses. And Seb edges are slightly convex, but so long as it's not too thick, it makes a good, sharp, strong edge. I can foresee this Seb possibly outlasting me.

Anyway, if you feel any way doubtful about getting a Seb, no worries. When the right time for you comes, you'll get that opportunity to handle one and decide whether it's a design that will suit you. I know it took me a while, but it was worth it for me.
Jim

Thank you for the response!

This really helps me slow down a bit. Thats what I needed.

Kevin
 
Hey everyone

In case anyone is wondering I have decided to cool it for a while about the Sebenza thing.

I have been using one of my Emerson knives alot recently. I took some time to really sharpen it well. I think I finally got the touch for these Emerson Knives.

For now I can't imagine needing anything more in terms of fit and finish. I can take it apart just fine and there are no problems after much use.

I am gonna feel kinda bad using my cqc12 when I get it back seeing as how it is no longer being made ( http://www.emersonknives.com/C12HD.html ). But I think I can handle it.

I think I am going to go to a knifeshow in the future with a bundle of cash and see what happens when I encounter a Sebenza. Until then I am finally content.

Thanks again to all!

Kevin
 
Poop

I just broke down and ordered a large standard sebenza with swedge, plain handle and double lug.

Christmas present to myself.

I am going to use it every day for something!

Kevin

P.S. its gonna be nice to be back to a v-shaped edge. The type my grandfather tought me to sharpen when I was younger.

I am sure I will still love my Emersons, just in a different way.
 
Hello

My latest favorite pocket knife is a cqc-12 tihd. While I like this knife I have been having thoughts of ordering a large classic or standard sebenza.

I have no real reason to buy another knife but..., I like the quality of my latest fixed blade (Reeve Pacific) enough to consider one of his sebenzas.

I have read a lot on this site concerning sebenzas and have not come up with anything to talk me out of the idea.

My question is:

Would their really be much of a difference and, of coarse, if so what?

I love my Emerson but..., somebody just talk me out of this.

Thanks again!

Kevin

of course theres a difference between a sebenza and an emerson HD ya cant get high definition on a sebenza its not even cable ready:p
 
That helps for determining quality. Guess I better get my hands on one before I decide.

Thank you

Yes. Please don't take my statement as to say that there is anything wrong with the HD7. Its a fine knife. Both in my opinion are overpriced but the Sebenza has higher tolerances, a bushing in the pivot, and a better blade steel. For the money diff it should though.

With the Emerson you get a very nicely built folder, with the one feature you can't find in any other production, that being the Wave, but you also get a chisel grind for left handers if that matters. I sold my HD 7 because of the chisel grind. Just couldn't find a real use for it for any of the stuff I do typically with a folder I carry. The Sebbie though? Well, thats another story. I have used that one for all kinds of things from field dressing now to wood carving. Its a lot more versatile in my opinion.

STR
 
:)Well its been a few days now. I think it is safe to say that this knife is exactly what I have been looking for.

Thanks to all for all of the wonderful input!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Just ordered a plain large standard with no options for my brother as a gift for his MS Graduation. i figure this way he can send it in if he choses to make it exactly how he wants. Who knows, he might like it just fine the way it is. I know he can't get over mine. He took a long hard look at it and said "I just love when everything lines up perfectly." I told him thats what I have spent so much money on in the past looking for (plus a design I like)

Anyhow, Thanks again to everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kevin
 
Back
Top