Sebenza or Inkosi

dgf

dgf

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Jul 13, 2016
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I appreciate knives but am no collector. Knowing what I know about my habits from pens and watches I thought I would try to bypass the most expensive part of addiction and not flip a bunch of intermediate knives at a likely loss while I gradually spend more and more. I am likely to never spend 500 on a knife. That said I have a few in the 150-250 range and think I want more. I like smaller knives and currently carry a couple spydercos in rotation (Native 5 in G10 with s110v and a Positron s35v). Fine knives but nothing I love.

That said I was thinking if I go to a CR I might avoid a lot in the 250-350 range I'd probably sell at Loss or give away. I like the simple looks smaller size and reviews I've read.

Question is...Sebenza or Inkosi both in SMALL.

I carry in my front pocket without using a clip, in fact I usually remove clips. I typicall buy thin knives with a closed length of less than 4 and preferably a blade less than 3. I like classic styles and want this one to me a frame lock titanium. Have I missed other brands? ZT seems to maybe have one I'd consider and so does Lionsteel Am I on the mark with CR or am I missing something.

Thanks in advance.

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Hello,
It is subjective but I prefer the small sebenza, I had an inkosi and gifted to a friend. Fine knife (inkosi) and I may not of given it enough of a chance.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I would order both at the same time. Take care

It's 800 Hondo but if you can swing it and get passed the guilt/buyers remorse you will thank yourself later
 
dgf said:
I appreciate knives but am no collector. Knowing what I know about my habits from pens and watches I thought I would try to bypass the most expensive part of addiction and not flip a bunch of intermediate knives at a likely loss while I gradually spend more and more. I am likely to never spend 500 on a knife. That said I have a few in the 150-250 range and think I want more. I like smaller knives and currently carry a couple spydercos in rotation (Native 5 in G10 with s110v and a Positron s35v). Fine knives but nothing I love.

That said I was thinking if I go to a CR I might avoid a lot in the 250-350 range I'd probably sell at Loss or give away. I like the simple looks smaller size and reviews I've read.

Question is...Sebenza or Inkosi both in SMALL.

I carry in my front pocket without using a clip, in fact I usually remove clips. I typicall buy thin knives with a closed length of less than 4 and preferably a blade less than 3. I like classic styles and want this one to me a frame lock titanium. Have I missed other brands? ZT seems to maybe have one I'd consider and so does Lionsteel Am I on the mark with CR or am I missing something.

Thanks in advance.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

ZT won't have anything for you, not with the preferences you stated. While I myself would never pay the asking price for a small Sebenza, I'd probably go with that over the Inkosi. The Inkosi seems less timeless to me.
 
I think the small Inkosi is the best knife that they have ever made. Seriously. I LOVE mine. I have owned many Sebenza's in my life, and they are a GREAT knife, I just like the Inkosi better.
 
ZT's are a bit more bulky, but the ZT900 has a 2.7" blade. The only thin ZT is the 0770, but it's assisted open and a blade length of 3.25"
The small Sebenza has a blade length of 3", the Inkosi is at 2.75"
Have you looked at the CRK Mnandi, way slimmer than either the small Sebenza or Inkosi with a 2.75" blade length.
 
Kind of in the same boat

I'm not a collector and not a knife snob either (in my eyes at least). Have a few knives for different needs, and nothing too expensive. Unfortunately I stumbled upon YouTube video the other day, that wasn't even about knives, and a small Sebenza got a few seconds of airtime. It was love at first sight. I had heard many knife reviews make reference to the Sebenza, but I didn't know anything about it so I had to do some research. When I learned about its history and its importance in the evolution of folding knives there was no going back. I must admit I hesitated a little when I saw the price, but I can afford it, so that combined with my more than convinced gut feeling was enough to pull the trigger on it.

Now, I would never have bought it just to have it in my collection, the Small Sebenza hit all the right strings for me.
It will be a tool and see its share of use like all my other knives. Hopefully it can take the beating and be a heirloom I can pass on to my kids, and hopefully with some good stories to go along with it.
In that context it really doesn't come across as very expensive after all.

Summary: if you can afford it, follow your gut feeling. If there is a lack of funds or maybe a lack of passion? I would pass on both and wait for the money and / or for the right knife to come along.


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I'm with Ajack60.
Between the small sebenza and inkosi, I would choose the mnandi...especially with your stated preference for classic styles
 
Sebenza!

Both are great knives but a sebenza is the classic design that started it all, it's still at the top of its game. For an all around carry its hard to beat. The finger grooves on the inkosi are great for some and not so great for others, the blade is thinner on the 21 with a bit finer tip so it's should be more of a sliver with is what most people look for in an EDC. Both are plenty strong for what ever you throw at them, as for me I prefer the sevens design with the pivot bushing, no adjuatment to come loose of change, easier to clean and maintain imo. To be fully honest a small "regular" sebenza is probably the best knife to ever come from CRK, too bad they are long discontinued.
 
I would suggest the small Sebbie for the slightly thinner blade-stock...
KnifeArt has a nice comparison on their website.
 
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I'm partial to the Sebenza, and thus I suggest a Small Insingo (or Sebenza) with Micarta Inlays. It will wear very well in the pocket and fill out the hand a little more, making it a fully comfortable knife.

Also, I very much respect your thinking here. Having travelled such a path in collecting knives, I have taken this same view on my other gadgets -- it's cheaper in the long run to buy the best one first!
 
I recently purchased a large 21, which is a fine knife--just a bit larger and heavier than my EDC preference. So I bought a small Inkosi, thinking that I'd just keep the one I liked best.

Unfortunately, despite my small/medium hands, the small Inkosi doesn't feel at all right no matter how I hold it. It's smaller than the small 21 (though not by much), and with the 25-style finger grooves, it just doesn't fit. I'm going to either try a small 21 (possibly with inlays) or just keep the large 21, but the moral of this story is that (if at all possible) you should handle them thoroughly before committing.

And yes, a Sebenza is definitely on the other side of that line of diminishing returns, but if you're already into pens and watches, you already know what you're doing there. Chris Reeve knives and particularly the Sebenza are magnificent pieces, but if you want to actually use one, make sure it works in your hand first.
 
Sebenzas are a classic, but ugly, so buy a deorated one. I did :). Don't buy no ugly knife.
 
Thank you all for the information. So far I think I'm just confused. The inkosi grooves look potentially uncomfortable to me and I all of a sudden am looking more closely at the mnandi although the new ones seem to be two handed openers. Wish they made that knife with a thumb stud! I will give it some time but think I will end up with my fist instinct which is the the unembelished Sebenza 21. From a watch perspective it seems to be something between a Rolex and a Patek. Classic basic and very high end. But not so refined that I wouldn't put it away on days I'm out fishing in the mangroves. Much more reserved than my Spyderco's yet very very well made with modern materials and precision. Should go well with my ED watch. Thank you all again.

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Now I just have to decide on the blade shape I want I'm thinking Insingo has better functionality fire how I'll use it and maybe is a bit more unique

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brownshoe said:
Sebenzas are a classic, but ugly, so buy a deorated one. I did :). Don't buy no ugly knife.
Click to expand...

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" :)
I can find beauty in a well worn beadblast, others may not.
I am very fond of the small micarta inlay. A very nice EDC ( good grip and fills the hand a little better then the plain, also wears well and can be re-blasted at the spa)IMO. Mine have always been clip point, but the insingo does look very interesting.
 
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Buy a small plane Sebenza 21. I did, and haven't bought a folder since... Like some say on this thread, I also fell instantly in love with the looks. Still the most elegant, low profile, aesthetic and sexy pocketknife I know of.
 
Let start with some personnal background.
I am not a collector, I am rather on the "practical" side and I use my knives.
I started with ZT knives, and some of their designs are still my favorites.
I like mid-upper end american made production knives with 3-3.5" blade length.
ZT, Benchmade and Spyderco are my standard brands.
My EDC is urban 9-10 months a year, and wood/hiking 3-2 months a year.
I like to compare how different steels perform when I use my knives.

OK, enougth with the background and back to the question :)

For small version: Sebenza 21 as it doesn't deserve blade as thick as the one of the inkosi
For large version: Inkosi or Sebenza 25 because the actin is much smoother with heavier/larger blades
 
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