Sebenza, Is it really worth the $$$$$?

[edamhcneb]

I have been reading a lot on here about the Sebenza and am thinking of getting a Left handed Large Classic. I am just curious if some of you current owners feel that it is worth the $385.00 and up?

Comments?

 

[STR]

If you want the best frame lock for the money I'd say the Sebenza is worth it. The tolerances of the Reeve knives are second to none. There is a reason his product is the standard by which all the others are judged. They are the best engineered frame locks I've seen. Granted I have not handled an R.J. Martin as I understand those are very very nice also but I would think they are more money and I doubt they are any higher in tolerance really.

STR

 

[Boats]

No knife is worth what you are not willing to pay. Since Sebenzas sell at the prices they command, they must be worth it to someone.

I have yet to see a $400.00 knife do anything a $200.00 knife won't do, but I also understand that argument ultimately leads to "why don't you just buy an Opinel and shut up already?"

 

[rugbymatt]

Yes!!!!!!!!

 

[J85909266]

The RJ Martin's are actually about the same price as a large Sebenza with fancy inlay. Yiou can get them here:

http://truenorthknives.com/tnk_1mainframe.htm

I think they look way cooler. I really want the smaller Contender with the thumbstud rather than the disk, but they never get any in.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I don't think Striders or Sebenzas are worth what people pay. Just my opinion.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

If you are one of those people that believe that precision tools are worth paying more for, then the Sebenza is worth the money in my opinion.

 

[bama_lou]

The Sebenza is marvel of engineering. You get what you pay for.

 

[Erasmus]

It often is. That said, "I also understand that argument ultimately leads to "why don't you just buy an Opinel and shut up already?"

If I knew where I could walk in and buy a #8 Opinel in Fresno CA, I would.

Then I'd test the limits of my jeans pockets; crowd it in there with the small Sebenza and Sak.

Except, that wouldn't shut me up:yawn:

 

[Tech a Billy]

You will quickly forget how much it costs or how much you saved if you got something else instead. For me, I may not be able to afford the best wristwatch ($10k and up) or the hottest car or truck ($50k and up) but for less than $400 bucks, I can have what is arguably THE best production pocket knife made. And it will last a lifetime and more. Such a deal...I had to get two.

 

[Richter]

I don't think Striders or Sebenzas are worth what people pay. Just my opinion.

what he said

 

[bubinga]

They're the best thing you can get.
Whether they're "worth it" depends on your disposable income. In my case, they are most definitely NOT worth it!

I kind of like those Bradley Knives but even they are on the high side.

 

[robertmegar]

Is not that they are not superbly made but you can go custom for that price.

 

[Dijos]

It often is. That said, "I also understand that argument ultimately leads to "why don't you just buy an Opinel and shut up already?"

If I knew where I could walk in and buy a #8 Opinel in Fresno CA, I would.

Then I'd test the limits of my jeans pockets; crowd it in there with the small Sebenza and Sak.

Except, that wouldn't shut me up:yawn:

Williams-Sonoma
(559) 228-0563
734 W Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA 93704

 

[T.K.C.]

If you want the best frame lock for the money I'd say the Sebenza is worth it. The tolerances of the Reeve knives are second to none. There is a reason his product is the standard by which all the others are judged. They are the best engineered frame locks I've seen.

STR

I couldn't have said it better myself!! That covers it.YES, they are worth every penny!!

 

[Gong]

After I got my Large Classic with Rosewood inlay I decided I never want another liner lock or frame lock, that's atleast not a custom. But then I changed my mind and decided... I need more Sebenzas Life's not easy.

I think next up is gonna be a Mnandi with Box elder inlay for me though.

 

[ghost squire]

No knife is worth what you are not willing to pay. Since Sebenzas sell at the prices they command, they must be worth it to someone.

True, but if that person is Bill Gates then it means nothing to me. I mean think about it, to him he could tip the bellboy what most people make in a year and it would be to him what 2 bucks is to us.

Also you have to factor in hype into the price.

 

[kylekim]

To some, yes. To others, no.

Some mention the price is in custom territory which it is. But it's not like these things are mass manufactured and flooding the market.

I love mine. Tolerances is as close to custom as you can get (IMHO), all the little finishing touches is nice yet it's plain looking enough that it'll go everywhere with me.

Why buy a Rolex when a Timex keeps time just as well or go for a sports car when a Corolla is far more practical and economical? I know it doesn't cut any better than a ~$100 knife but it's worth it to me. And the funny thing is, I already developed scratches on the handle finish. Not a big deal since now it really feels like it belongs to me. I doubt I'll ever sell this knife.

 

[SpyderJon]

I have been reading a lot on here about the Sebenza and am thinking of getting a Left handed Large Classic. I am just curious if some of you current owners feel that it is worth the $385.00 and up?

Comments?

Wow, I'd don the flame suit, as they will be coming for you soon !

Anyway, back to the post at hand. You are a lefty, which means that there are very few options for you in the production framelock world- I believe the current tally stands at 1 (the Sebenza). That may play into your decision more than anything else.

Do I personally feel its worth the current asking price? No. Do I think the current asking price is out of line for what you get (service after the sale included)? No. I just think $300-350+ is a bit far out on the cost/benefit arc when it comes to production folders. If it were my money- and I'm left handed but currently have no lefty knives so I'm currently contemplating remedying that- I'd probably go for an RJ Martin Avenger or Avenger Jr. in that price range.

As for quality, its definitely that, but its got that "Car-guy quality" sense about it. What I mean by that is think of really serious car guys. They all have that car they know everything about. They can tell you exactly what year something was made and how to tell the difference between different years (my dad is this way with cars from the 50s through the 70s). They can point out every marvel of engineering on the car that could possibly be noticed. Does that mean these marvels are worth the money they bring? It depends on you.

In the end, as a lefty, you've got limited choices, but only get the Sebenza if that's what you REALLY want. Remember there are a lot of customs that can be had in this range, and that there are ALWAYS people (especially on boards like this- which I'm not knocking because I'm one of those people ) who are more than happy to help you spend YOUR money.

A note on my personal experience with the Sebenza: I've had 3. Two were normal (1 regular, 1 classic) and one was a special (the Trapeze). I have none now. I guess I'm just not a "Sebenza kinda guy."

-Anthony

 

[jayharley]

I bought a large Sebenza a while ago and it is wonderful. Needless to say, I feel it is was worth the money. But I find I very seldom need the best on a day to day basis. My Sebenza sits in my collection case looking nice.

For day to day use and an overall great knife, I find that my Spyderco Military is the best for me. Strong, sharp, light weight. For me it is my daily carry. Plus if you loose it, it is no big deal. Just buy another.