Sebenza or Inkosi???

E

Elly's Pa

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Mar 23, 2016
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I just can't decide... Inkosi or Sebenza. Sebenza or Inkosi? Inkosi or Sebenza? Errr... I CAN'T DECIDE!!! At least I have it narrowed down to a drop point blade with black micarta inlay.

I'm a first time CRK buyer but which should I choose. The obvious choice seems to be the legendary Sebenza but the Inkosi has me hooked too. Is the Inkosi just a new updated Sebenza? So whats the answer???

I know which ever I buy I'll probably end up buying the other one eventually.
 
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From what I know the Sebenza 21 was the last true “Sebenza” since the 25 was made with the thicker blade stock, non bushing system, and ceramic contact on the lock bar (like the Umnumzaan). The Inkoso is the modified 25 with a crooked pocket clip as far as I can tell ;)

You can’t go wrong with either. In the past the 21 gave me a hot spot on my palm but the 25 doesn’t since it had the extra finger groove. I’d assume the inkoso is even more comfortable to hold.

Let us know what you get.
 
The Sebenza has a thinner blade which will make it a better slicer.
They're different knives, The Sebenza has the pivot bushing, the Inkosi does not, it's an adjustable pivot meaning that you can dial it in and find your sweet spot. The Inkosi's pocket clip is angled which IMO, is the smoothest CRK out of the box. The Inkosi doesn't have the lanyard hole in the slabs which many feel is cleaner looking.
The Sebenza is timeless, other than a few subtle changes over the years, it's remained the most iconic knife ever produced. The choices you have with a 21 is far more than the Inkosi. The different inlays, graphics, inlayed stones are offered in the 21 are stunning.
 
The Inkosi is just plain awesome, but everyone has to have a Sebenza as well. Sorry I am no help, but I would say Sebenza because it’s a great classic.
 
Elly's Pa said:
I just can't decide... Inkosi or Sebenza. Sebenza or Inkosi? Inkosi or Sebenza? Errr... I CAN'T DECIDE!!! At least I have it narrowed down to a drop point blade with black micarta inlay.

I'm a first time CRK buyer but which should I choose. The obvious choice seems to be the legendary Sebenza but the Inkosi has me hooked too. Is the Inkosi just a new updated Sebenza? So whats the answer???

I know which ever I buy I'll probably end up buying the other one eventually.
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I think for someone going into CRK for the first time the inkosi is a better option. Part of this is because you can’t pinch a washer if you disassemble the knife.

However if you are getting a small then I like the small 21 far more than the small inkosi. This is because the small 21 has abit of a longer handle and better ergonomics imho. For the large ones it doesn’t matter.
 
The best is to get to the nearest retailer and fondle those folders. Then you will know which is for you. As for me, I bought an Umnumzaan first as I was hokked on its blade shape and combination with its milled slabs. About 3 weeks later, I bought a 21 Large with drop point blade plain jane version, and now I edc the 21 more than the umnumzaan. Really appreciate the engineering that went into these knives. Anyway all the best in your choices. You will eventually have it all...... :)
 
Another vote for the Inkosi. I have both and if I was forced to give one up it would be the Sebenza.
 
I just got a small PJ inkosi, and I really appreciate the design improvements. You can effectively disassemble it by unscrewing two screws. The washers are "keyed" so they sit precisely against the stop pin. I like the different position of the pocket clip, and I like the shape of the scales. If you want to get something that is the latest iteration in innovation from CR, go inkosi.

That said, I also own a large Sebenza 21 with wood inlays, and its got that classic beauty. I also love how the pivot is designed where you dont need loctite to get a perfect and snug fit/action. Go Sebenza 21 if you are looking for something "classic".
 
You really can't go wrong either way. The Sebenza is a classic, has a pivot bushing, simple 1 tool take take down and comes in many different flavors.
The Inkosi is modernized with finger grooves, adjustable pivot and very easy reassembly. It also comes with dual thumb lugs where these are an add on with a Sebenza. I find it easier to use the left thumb stud on the Inkosi as well. (I'm a righty)
I prefer the Sebenza however my friend loves the Inkosi and rarely carries a Sebenza anymore.
Personal feelings aside, I feel like you get more for the money with the Inkosi.
 
If you have not already, why not do some homework of your own and Youtube some reviews of each model? Nick Shabazz I have found is a very fair and balanced reviewer. Same for the Apostle vids. Asking a question like you did here is only going to get votes for either model without a clear cut answer for you since no answer is right or wrong.
 
I appreciate the input. I've watched a bunch of comparison videos. I'm leaning towards the sebenza, it's what CRK has been making for ages. It's a CRK classic. And... then get an Inkosi
 
Both, Sebenza first.... strongly consider an Insingo, and drop point on the Inkosi
 
Elly's Pa said:
I appreciate the input. I've watched a bunch of comparison videos. I'm leaning towards the sebenza, it's what CRK has been making for ages. It's a CRK classic. And... then get an Inkosi
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Then just grab a Sebenza 21 off the "CKR for sale" forum here. Be patient and you can pick one up for a steal. Get one a few years old and one that was a lightly carried EDC. Just buy cheap as it won’t be your last and only purchase. Once you are bitten you will want to upgrade eventually to other models. You can find very sweet large PJ’s here in the $325 range.

I bought 6 more Seb 21’s after my first just to try out. I also bought 3 Mnandi’s which I re-sold all CRK’s pretty quickly for what I paid for them because I bought them right. I gave a large PJ 21 to my Son and kept a Spalted Beech as my EDC until yesterday when I purchased a large Box Elder Damasus 21 new for $800. Like I said the CRK bug bites us pretty hard. After handling CG’s, wood Inlays, PJ’s, Manandi’s and a small PJ my tastes have zeroed in on wood inlays.

I don’t know how soon you need one, but if you want to save yourself some time I’d go initally for a polished one with wood inlays. See link below where I picked up a large 21 with wood inlays. I sent it into CKR for their free spa treatment because Im a pefectionist and it had a very slight movement or blade play, just before it went into lockup (CRK are built to such tight tolerances, they have no play). They will send it back to me just like new.
I’m going to list it here when it comes back. The 4 I’ve sent back over the past few months averaged around a 5 week turnaround, but this time I gave them my overnight Fedex number and that will cut off a week.

Check out the link and PM or email me at expidia@yahoo.com if you have an interest because I know you will probably start with a PJ and then want to move up to the class of the Sleek Sebenza 21 polished handles with the various wood inlays. They sell new for $550 on the authorized online discount sites depending on the wood.

I picked it up here on July 3rd. Now that I just sprung for the Box Elder Damascus I'm re-selling this Bocote inlay and rolling the proceeds back to my credit card.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sold-large-21-bocote-inlay-mint-condition.1594335/#post-18213700
 
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E Elly's Pa , I sorta feel your pain. My CR quiver lacks a Large Inkosi and I can’t decide which variation is going to be my next purchase. The drop point PJ’s have an amazing rugged understatement. The Wilson Starkosi is gorgeous. But then there’s the KnifeArt insigno...Oh well, at least I’ve narrowed it down to three!

Back to your dilemma. I say choose between the 21 and Inkosi based on your visual preference. If that doesn’t help, I find it pretty awesome that I can adjust the pivots of my Umnumzaans and sm Inkosi to my liking without inducing blade play or centering issues.
 
Josh K said:
Inkosi for sure. Micarta inlays are a worthwhile upgrade as well.
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I agree, it's a more refined Seb 25.

And the Seb 25 is awesome, just got a Large Inkosi to replace my Seb 25 I sold awhile back. (I always have one CRK around)

I do believe they thinned the blade out a little, slightly deeper hollow grind than the Seb 25, it was noticeable to me as I had both.
 
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