Sebenza, medford slim midi marauder or ???

rockgolfer

rockgolfer

Joined
Mar 1, 2008
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So I am looking for a new knife. I have had several sebenza's over the years. I like them but maybe just havent had the right one(never had a drop point full size). Never owned a medford and most offerings have been two heavy, the slim midi is very comparable to a sebenza.

3.5" to 4" blade prefered. I like frame locks. I dont mind if the show side is titanium, carbon fiber or whatever. I do prefer a pointy blade over a tanto. Max price would be $500 or so but wouldnt mind being below $400 either. Although for a great custom knife I could spend a little more.

Any advice or recommendations appreciated
 
When you buy a CRK, you get the whole package which includes everything to take it apart and clean it with including the grease. Plus their customer service is very good. I’ve never owned or handled a Metford.
 
Dude. I LOVE my slim midi. Lightweight and Sebenza smooth.

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If you've had Sebenzas in the past and they didn't turn your crank, maybe this one will....but if I had owned something in the past that didn't quite do it for me I would go a different direction.

The Medford looks sweet, but never having owned one of them or a CRK, I can't give advice there. But I can say that if you decide to look elsewhere I'd go for a Hinderer xm-18 or xm-24 unless you already own those. If you aren't looking for something crazy thick and heavy, you can still find 3.5 skinnys with a couple of different blade shapes. There are still a few xm-24 skinny slicers out there if you look also. (The xm-24 skinnys are pre tri way pivot so the ones I've seen are on sale too, making them well within your price range)
 
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So my crk experience: Years ago I bought an umnumzan and really enjoyed the overall knife. I didnt like the giant pivot screw. The new ones look great but I dont like the lock bar over travel stop disc. Superficial but it is what it is. Fast forward to about 2 years ago and I got a plain 21 insingo. I really loved the knife but wasnt a huge fan of the blade shape. Sold that and about 6 months ago bought a small drop point to try out with micarta inlays. It was a great knife but small. If I was to get another I would try a large 21 drop point with micarta inlays.

The slim midi marauder looks to be a comparable knife in size, steel and construction. Maybe a little bit beefier blade because of the grind and that's not a bad thing in my book.

Never heard of the spartan blade, I am going to look at that one a little closer.

Hinderer knives look great and I tried the big zt version when they came out a few years back. I just dont dig the flippers all that much but maybe it's time to give them another try. Appreciate all the advice so far fella's.
 
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I’ve had 8 sebenzas and none stuck till my 9th. Knife art large c/f21. It is perfect but I am a carbon fiber whore lol. I say go for a large 21. They aren’t going to be as available in the future. I’ve only handled one Medford it was definitely beefy but Iirc you void the warranty if you take it apart.
 
rockgolfer said:
So my crk experience: Years ago I bought an umnumzan and really enjoyed the overall knife. I didnt like the giant pivot screw. The new ones look great but I dont like the lock bar over travel stop disc. Superficial but it is what it is. Fast forward to about 2 years ago and I got a plain 21 insingo. I really loved the knife but wasnt a huge fan of the blade shape. Sold that and about 6 months ago bought a small drop point to try out with micarta inlays. It was a great knife but small. If I was to get another I would try a large 21 drop point with micarta inlays.

The slim midi marauder looks to be a comparable knife in size, steel and construction. Maybe a little bit beefier blade because of the grind and that's not a bad thing in my book.

Never heard of the spartan blade, I am going to look at that one a little closer.

Hinderer knives look great and I tried the big zt version when they came out a few years back. I just dont dig the flippers all that much but maybe it's time to give them another try. Appreciate all the advice so far fella's.
Click to expand...

The only one I haven’t tried of those you mentioned is the Spartan. I hear they are nice.

I had a non flipper Hinderer that was awesome but I’ve got bad luck with them and had a bunch with lock slip and always having screws back out. These were bought new and would just randomly lose screws. Annoying.

All the CRKs I’ve had have been phenomenal.

My slim midi marauder is my first Medford and it’s fantastic. I love the blade shape and how sturdy it is. Super smooth action and it locks up like a tank. I’m already looking to get another. The blade slices extremely well, as well as performing all the other simple day to day cutting tasks. Carries very well in the pocket. I’m happy with it.

Let us know what you decide on!
 
Few options at this price range :
  • Spyderco Sinkevich Drunken. 8 inch knife with a 3.38 inch blade, CPM-S90V, Carbon Fiber. One of the finest Spyderco knives. Around $450. I have this knife … it's a gem.
  • Andre de Villiers Mid-Tech Tac Butcher. 9 inch knife with a 4 inch blade, M390, Ti. Around $480. Controversial maker. Great knife. I have the mini Butcher with MOP scales. What a beauty !!
And just for the kicks (in case you are open to fixed blades) ;)
  • T.M. Hunt Custom M-18. 16 inch cleaver knife with a 10 inch blade. O1 Steel. Made in the USA. Truly one of a kind !!. A touch under $500. I have been eyeing this one for long … maybe some day :)
 
I just saw the new sebenza 31 and really like the full front inlay. Maybe I'll just sell a few off and buy both lol
 
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Instead of a Sebenza, what about an Umnumzaan? Fits your blade length requirements and is a bit more aggressive in a not-dissimilar fashion to the Medford.
 
Anyone have experience with a spyderco paysan or the production model rassenti snafu 2.0?

Any other integral frames I should be looking at?
 
CRK 21
Koenig used
FIF20 coming out soon
For me, CRK is just the best brand at $500 range, you cant go wrong with any model, I own 4, and my favorite is the CF 21 large
 
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