Sebenza or multiple Benchmade and Spydercos

[Joshua J.]

Get the knife model you want most, don't worry about the cost (cheaper knives by the dozen cost -much- more than the one expensive model you were actually after).

If you're not sure what you want and just have some free cash to play around with, I would get the three cheaper ones, pick your favourite and sell the other two, get the Sebenza, then sell one of the remaining two, or don't. It's all about knowing what you want.

 

[cchu518]

With all due respect and I haven't drunk the Sebenza kool-aid but no way in HELL would either of these two models below come even close to fulfilling the shoes of a Sebenza which is one of the purest and classiest of knife designs in the entire market. The whole entire framelock market is basically out there trying to fill the shoes of CRK and his framelock models.

I have a better idea. Do you have any way of getting a Sebenza in your hands? If you do, then try them out for fit and see if it's for you. If not go buy one with all the accompanying box and birthday cards, make sure it has all the stuff with it. You will be able to sell it or trade it for almost any combo of user Spyderco/Benchmade/ZT lineup afterwards or for a slight loss of shipping and handling more or less. There will be a line of people wanting to do a trade. I personally love users myself!

Right now I'm debating a Spyderco Sage 2 just to have a ffg ti-framelock if for no other reason than to have it in the stable or a ZT566 as I've never owned a ZT before so I'm trying to branch out and get a fun knife vs something that I will use everyday and that is pragmatic and boring. My current favorite users are a BM mini-presidio at home and my cheapo Colt peanut which I love! I was lucky though in that I was able to try out a Sebbie in person. It's the only way to get it out of your system.

For someone who hasn't drunk the Kool-Aid, the unending obsession with the SeBOREza is mindboggling! For the price of one it'd be possible to buy the badass Spyderco Szabo and the wicked Benchmade Bedlam. Why settle for dull when you don't have to?

 

[JDunn709]

If you can't handle a new seb or borrow a friends for a while I'd say buy a used one and try it out.

If you like it you've probably saved yourself money by not having to buy a pile of other knives first and if you don't like it you can sell it for what you paid and rest easy knowing you'd rather have something else.

 

[McVeyMac]

Hey guys. I have wanted to try out a Sebenza for a long time now. I finally ran into enough money to pick one up, but now I'm unsure. With the price of a Sebenza, I could pick up a Spyderco lefty Military, a Paramilitary 2, and a Benchmade 710. I know from reading multiple Sebenza threads that they are definitely worth what they cost, but my question is, would you rather have one Sebenza than 3 very nice, lower cost knives such as the ones mentioned.

Personally, I would rather have the large Sebenza 25 to 10 of the knives that you have mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I carry BM knives regularly. I have not gotten into Spydees, mainly because I try to stick with US made knives as much as I can for the application (acknowledging that Chris has roots as a South African company that is now made in Idaho). I am not knocking the knives you mention one little bit. The Benchmade knives that I own are quality performers. But there is something about the design, fit finish and feel of my Sebenza 25 that trumps all other folders that I own, including Strider. I do not know what you would like to do with your knife, so I may be assuming your application will be akin to mine. So take this with a grain of salt. If you require more functional capability in your daily knife use that can only be covered by purchasing multiple knives of various sizes, etc., then go with the BM and Spydees. But if the Sabenza will satisfy your knife using applications, then go for it. I cannot imagine that you will be dissatisfied.

 

[jazub]

I have to agree with the posters above who recommend variety. The Sebenza is a nice knife but the other 3 you are considering are classics as well. I sold my one Sebenza after half a year and have no plans to replace it; there are just so many high quality alternatives available now.

Ultimately, though, put our opinions aside and consider what will provide you with the most satisfaction. Sometimes you need to satisfy that nagging curiosity in order to gain the perspective you need. Good luck in your decision :thumbup:

 

[78LilRed]

I have not gotten into Spydees, mainly because I try to stick with US made knives as much as I can for the application.

lol....

 

[Skywalker31]

Another lefty here... I feel your pain on the LH framelock thing. Own a couple of Sebs myself for that reason.

Honestly, I carry my 710 and Para2 (and a couple other axis lock designs) way more than the Sebs. To me, the Sebs are a study in elegance, simplicity, and precision, and I can definitely appreciate them for that, but a Para2 or Spyderco Air or de-assisted 581 ends up in my pocket a lot more.

So I guess my vote is for the variety pack...but I definitely agree that you should at least try to handle a Seb if you ever get the chance, and make up your own mind. They're very impressive.

 

[Professor]

I'll give you another perspective, that from one who carried a Sebenza for over ten years...

It is a fantastic folder, no doubt about it. But knives are a very personal thing, and I found that it did not truly meet my personal criteria. The biggest thing was the edge for me. Chris likes a robust (durable) convex edge that I do not like. I like to be able to sharpen any knife with a flat, fine-grit diamond stone, so needless to say it takes a long time to re-bevel Sebenza's to my personal liking.

I like G10's wear and grip characteristics vs. ti. I'm rough on stuff, and while a well-worn Seb is itself a thing of beauty, I prefer the grippiness and resistance to wear and tear that G10 offers.

I like hole openers vs. thumblugs.

I never liked having the whole "early vs. late" lockup thing in the back of my mind as I opened and used my Seb, which is applicable to many framelocks. Personally, I prefer the Axis lock for it's out-of-the-box ambi characteristics. That said, my lock never really traveled all that far over in 10 years.

The Seb will always have a special place with me, and I'll always have a few, but for carry and use, I've gone back to sub-$125 folders that I inevitably do a good bit of customization on, like those in this pic.



It all boils down to personal preference. I don't think you can lose either way if you carry and use what you like.

Prof.

 

[ericvar101]

2 out of my 3 Sebbies have come by way of either trading or selling multiple knives to fund. You get to enjoy some $100+ dollar knives for a while, pretty soon you have a few and trade for a Sebenza. You then begin to accumulate more $100 knives and it goes on & on. I seemingly could never afford a good Strider or CRK outright, but in baby steps it was easier.

AND, if the Sebenza is constantly on your mind it is hard to quench that thirst and it's NOT Kool-Aid. You simply can't let other people tell you it's not worth it as some recommend pirate knives, butterfly knives & all sorts of knives that are completely different than a CRK.

That's what I do, that way the wife doesn't get upset over the big purchase. buy some cheaper ones first, enjoy them for a while then sell a few to get a more expensive one

 

[ericvar101]

For me, I enjoy the journey. I don't have a Sebenza yet but I enjoy knowing that someday I will get one. I prefer to start with cheaper knives, use them and find out what I like and dislike about them and then take the next step up the ladder. It's kind of like hiking up a mountain. Sure you can take a helicopter to the top for the view and it's great, but hiking up there is half the fun and make the end result that much more enjoyable. That's my logic anyway.

I feel exactly the same way, although I think the time may be now. I am going to list a few knives on ebay to get something a little higher end, either a Microtech DOC or maybe a Sebenza. I really like the DOC, and I guess I don't really see the draw in the Seb for the money it costs, but I am curious to find out what the buzz is about.

 

[HwangJino]

Sebenza.

If you don't like it, you lost like $5-10 at most?

After buying a sebenza, you will look at cheaper knives differently.

 

[justsomedude]

It would be a lot more economical to try the Seb then sell it if you're not happy than vice versa.

I don't think you'll want to sell the Seb, very few people who are drawn to it are disappointed.

 

[fishiker]

...........if the Sebenza is constantly on your mind it is hard to quench that thirst and it's NOT Kool-Aid. You simply can't let other people tell you it's not worth it as some recommend pirate knives, butterfly knives & all sorts of knives that are completely different than a CRK.

I couldn't agree more:thumbup:

 

[sodak]

It's up to you. I got rid of my Sebenza, the edge holding was not good, and after carrying it for a year, couldn't really see what everyone else was raving about. Many see it as the top of the hill. I don't. YMMV.