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Sebenza Junkies...here's all you really need.

Joined
Jun 21, 2001
Messages
429
OK...I've got the answer. It came to me as I just finished cleaning the second large Classic that I have purchased over the last couple of years(after selling off one a while back). First...let me qualify my answer by telling you what CRKs I have had at varous times. I have traded, sold and bought a few to say the least.

1 small Regular (1st Sebenza)
1 small Classic
2 large Classics
2 Umfaans (circles, zig-zag)
1 small Pheasant Tail
1 small Regular Wood Inlay (redwood burl)
1 small Classic Wood Inlay (ebony)
3 Mnandis (ziricote, snakewood, ebony)

So...I think I qualify as a fellow addict. BUT...here it is. I have reduced it to TWO knives. The answer to all you really need is:

1 large Classic
1 Mnandi

This covers everything. Mnandi will do any small task you want. It is suitable for office carry, dress-up and even light jeans carry. When you need a big job...pull out the large Classic. Can handle camping and any other household chore you can throw at it.

Well...there you have it. I can see all you junkies pairing down your collection right after reading this (yeah right). Really though, I think those two knives can get you through any situation.

What two would you pick?

JT
 
For me if it had to be only two, I would keep my small regular left hand silver contrast stars and stripes dual thumbstuds and my small regular left hand 2001 Redwood Burl inlay. I really like my african blackwood mnandi but I could live without it. Keeping it to two is really pushing it. But since I don't have to I'll keep all my CRK knives thankyou very much.
 
I carry a Large Regular Sebenza and a Small P Sebenza most often. If I had to get rid of all but two I'd have to keep my oldest ones, the SA Ti Folder and the H Sebenza. I just couldn't carry them :(
 
Originally posted by JTurner
OK...I've got the answer...

1 large Classic
1 Mnandi

JT

JT, doesn't that equal one small?

I would say a small regular wood inlay Sebenza. :)
 
Over the years I have also owned about a dozen or so assorted CRK folders. I am now down to my 2 keepers/users:

For Work - Large NICA Tanto BG-42 - why? - strongest sebbie made.

For Play - Small Decorated BG-42 - Why? - Looks & performs great!

They are the only ones I need to keep me covered.

dave
 
I'm with you JT. I carry a large regular SS Damascus bladed Sebbie with swedge, duel silver studs, and anodized "Night Sky" graphic with pearl inlay; along with my mammoth ivory/gold/diamond Mnandi, in a G2 sheath made to carry both. It really is the all I need.

I have done the same thing over the last couple years with various Sebenza's. Having sold most to get others. I have in my collection now the above mentioned CR knives along with small Classic with silver graphic, pearl cabochon and duel silvers studs. It sits in my safe for now. I take it out on occation, but feel when it comes down to it, all I really need is the large Sebbie in my pocket!:)
 
Hmmm, what do I really need?
I would say a large Sebenza is a must since it was the original size and since overkill is always more comforting than underkill. The sine qua non for me is my large Redwoody.
If I would add a second CRK I would be tempted to go with the Umfaan which I prefer over the Mnandi for reasons that are not completely clear to me.

protodoc
 
Sorry, I'm not set up to take pictures and post on the computer. It bums me out. Maybe one of these days I'll break down and get a digital camera. :(

The blade is Devon Thomas's raindrop pattern SS Damascus. The pattern when held in certain light, gives off an almost 3D look. Really cool. The graphic design has purple/blue mountains in the far background with a clutch of pine trees closer. There are stars in the sky above of different sizes, left silver to reflect the light. The pearl inlay represents the moon. A really cool and errie effect. Lisa outdid herself with this one. I left the thumbs silver because the contrast between them and the Damascus blade looks a lot better than would anodized ones.
 
I would say that the Umfaan is still a necessary knife since there are a few jurisdictions like Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston that only allow 2.5" pocket knives. Also 2.5" is the limit for federal faclities.
 
blackend: I saw two of the designs you were describing at the knife store and was taken away by how good they looked. They didn't have the damascus blade, but still looked awesome. I wouldn't mind having one of those.:D

As for me, I carry my large, plain Sebbie because it's the only one that I have for now. I'm thinking about getting a small decorated for a semi-dress knife. Those are the two I'd probably ever "need", but it doesn't hurt to have more.:D The Mnandi and Umfaan are really nice as well, but too small for me.
 
blackend - no problem, I have a small classic on order with the same raindrop SS damascus on order which is why I was interested.

I emailed CRK yesterday to ask thenm to put silver thunb studs on it.
 
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