Sebenza, Or not?

With the Sebenza, you're stepping up in class from the several other knives you could buy. You can't compare a Sebenza to knives costing one-third or less of it's price. Compare it to knives like the SpeedTech or the William Henry, and you'll be apples to apples.

The pertinent question concerns whether you want to take that step up or not. If you don't mind the lesser quality (which in many cases, like Spyders, isn't a huge gulf), then there's no reason to buy any upscale knife. If you insist upon the highest quality, then you will never be happy with a common production knife, and shouldn't waste your money.

Since you are aware of the differences (if not, I'm sure there are plenty of folks who can and will spell them out in detail!), then I would submit that before you can ever again be satisfied by one of the more common production knives, you need to know how those differences manifest themselves in your pocket and your hand. If you are able, buy a high end knife so that you will be able to answer this question yourself. You know that at some point, you've got to own one. You might as well get it over with before you waste a bunch of money on knives that leave you wondering.

There's plenty of time to buy production knives. They aren't going anywhere. But you can't get back the time you spend owning something that you're not deep down happy with. Live well!
 
Eaisaacs:

This is what convinced me when I had the same question you posed. In 1955, Volkswagen adopted a corporate slogan--"Service Sells". This slogan served VW well because they believed and practiced it.

Select three other folders that you have considered and run a search through the threads for "service" or "warranty". Then go to the CRK forum and run the same search. If you can find a manufacturer that offers the same service for their product as Chris Reeves does--then buy it! Buy them both! The idea is to get the biggest bang for your buck. Fads come and go, but this Sebenza is like a VW it basically looks the same but there has been internal improvements derived from comments of their customers. It's your money--spend it wisely!
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Why can't you compare the sebenza to cheaper knives? They perform the same job right? You use them in the same manner right? Why can't they be compared? I understnad that its action is smooth as glass, its lock is solid, and it looks nice. But there are a lot of other knives that are like that for less.Maybe not quite as good, but once you get to a certain point, does improvement matter that much, or is it overkill. My $35 delica II with a zytel handle and ATS55 blade is a great little knife. Its easy to sharpen, holds an edge, cuts well,has a solid reliable lock, and a smooth action. It will do everyhitng a sebenza will, accept cost you $300. The action my not be as smooth, but I can flick it open with my thumb and there isn't a hint of resistance or drag. So if you improved it and made the action even smoother, it would be an improvement you don't notice. Same with sharpness, my delica will take the hairs off your arm without you knowing it. Its almost scalpel sharp (slipped the other day and shaved the skin off my knuckle without feeling it, just a big flap of loose skin hanging there) so even if the sebenza is sharper, will it be enough to notice? I do appreciate all the precision machining and design incorporated in the sebenza, and will agree that it is a nice knife.But I don't see it being that much better. Is it really 3 times smoother, stronger, and sharper than any one of the spyderco's that are in the
$100 range? The only way I'd spend that kuch on a knife, is if it was a custom that I had made to my exact design, to be the perfect shape and size for what I want to use it for.
Heading back into hiding again
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Did you ever wonder why there are so many knives? Simply because there are so many different people that will buy a knife for different reasons. Everyone has an opinion, and the real opinion that matters in this thread is that of Eaissacs. Whether he buys a Sebenza or 3 other knives is up to him. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (but service still sells!
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Brian: let's hope that Sebenzas work better, longer than the average Maserati. Know any good Italian Knife-Makers?
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[This message has been edited by HarlowJ (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
Sebenza, vote yes.

I know, another Sebenza fanatic, but like a lot of you guys, I've had TONS of other knives and really love the way it slices. Depends on your work enviroment as to what edge works best for you. I spoke with a fellow last night that had a bad experience with one from a long time ago, said he was cutting a box and the blade chipped! He was in shock for a bit, couldn't believe his eyes. Said he sent it back to Chris and it was taken care of but it was, at that time a 3 month wait but it's much better now as to responce time. I've not had any of the Sebenzas chip out, but an EDI Genesis I did but sharpened out no problem.

Right now I'm testing out the Talonite Rekat Carnivore that Rob Simonich made, schools still out as testing continues, did some cutting last night with both and the Sebenzas thinner edge seemed to slice easier than the Carnivore, but not by much! This will be a tough comparison, if you guys can think of a good test medium to do a test to compare these two email me as to your thoughts. I know one fellow that stated his Carnivore replaced all as his daily carry! That's a big statement and I'm anxious to see how it pans out for me.

G2

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"There are no dangerous weapons;
there are only dangerous men."
.......... Robert A. Heinlein, 1959


G2 Leatherworks
 
eaisaacs
If I bought one it sure would HAVE to be the last knife purchase for a while(yea right). I just don't know if I can justify spending that much and then actually using it
Click to expand...

Cost is definitely more of a consideration when you don't have much money or knives. As several here have mentioned, CRK is reknown for their service, but Gary mentions a 3 month turnaround on a repair, on one occasion.

If this is your only knife and you can't afford a spare(s), can you afford to be without one for the time it takes to get it fixed? Of if the knife is lost, can you swallow the loss and buy a replacement?

Lots of people mention the Sebenza as the only knife they need, but lots of them can afford a replacement. I'm not one to suggest that someone who's hard up for cash, put all his eggs in one basket.

Me? I'll buy one someday, but it's not my top priority, and besides ... my $55 Buck 501MS (with BG-42 steel blade ala Sebenza) is doing just fine as a stand-in.
 
everybody needs a sebenza
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What would you do for a Klondike bar?

[This message has been edited by IUBI (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
Longden,
Money isn't my only concern, no I'm not short on cash and no it is not my only knife, I own good production knives and have the money to even replace a Sebenza if something were to happen to it. But of course money is always an issue with me on all of my purchases. I don't know that a Sebenza can really do anything better than a Spydie or Microtech for the extra $. I don't waste money (I know this wouldn't be a waste) and will I use it if I get it. It is a lot of money to spend on a box opener, letter opener, or anything else that I use a knife for everyday.(And for those of you thinking I only use a knife for these two things, stop right now. I know what a knife uses are but these I do EVERYDAY with one) It is not so much the money but money is an issue.
Eric

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Outside of a dog, a Knife is man's best friend. Inside a dog it is very, very Dark.
 
I say go for the Sebenza. I ordered one just before Xmas and it should be here very soon. I haven't even recieved it yet and am already thinking about which ones(notice the plural) to get next.

You've got plenty of time to get 5/6 knives in the future and whilst you're waiting to get them you will still be enjoying your Sebenza.

JD

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Hacker of the HORDE
http://www.thehorde.cjb.net

"If you run, you'll only die tired."

"Never underestimate your opponent, but more importantly never underestimate yourself."
 
If you find a favorite car or truck, if you can afford it , buy it new. If not, find a good used one in that model, if not, buy something else. Then drive it.

Apply above to Sebenza, substituting use for drive.

Works for me!

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I'm saving for one right now....

Brandon

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"Do or do not, there is no try..."
 
eaisaacs, as long as you have the cash to spare, you already have it on the testimonials of Sebenza fans that you won't be disappointed.

As to whether it can do anything better than a lesser knife (money wise), you should probably put that thought aside if you're planning to buy. Any fine piece of work has qualities (and cost) beyond that which is required of one that's just "adequate".

There's plenty of car owners who probably get their money's worth just sitting in the leather upholstery, let alone turn on the engine. A kind of satisfaction that's hard to quantify or justify in writing.

Unfortunately, I (maybe like Matt Shade) am pretty darned happy sitting in a car with burlap seats as long as it runs well.
 
Eaisaacs,
We,those voting for Sebensas, are not trying to sell you something. We are just answering your questions with facts such as design, materials and SERVICE.
All knives cut stuff, and all shotguns shoot birds. Unless it is raining, I prefer hunting with my Citori over my Mossburg 500. The Mossburg holds over twice the ammo, but I get more birds with the Citori. I like it's balance, trigger pull, comb and drop better than the Mossburg. Also, I could have 3-4 Mossburgs for the price of the Citori.
I love that gun and I'm glad I have it.The same applies to the Sebenzas (and Unfaam).
I got my small Sebenza really dirty collecting mushrooms. The earth picked up between my palms and knife scales produced minute scratches and the action got gritty too.
When I got home I dissasembled the knife (great feature-tool provided), cleaned the action, and removed the dirt stain and scratches from the scales with warm water and Soft Scrub. The knife looks new again.
All my Reeves folders have the plain finish.
To me it is an advantage when it comes to cleaning and restoration of the finish.
To pretty them up a bit, I have my name engraved on all three of them. Accordingly, they are both personalized and forever knives.
I'm extremely satisfied with these knives.
Bill
 
Well, I have been thinking about it quite a bit and I think I am going to get a Sebenza. I really want to handle one first but don't know anywhere in my neck of the woods that might have one. Does anyone know if there are any knife shows in Minnesota soon.
Thanks everybody for the advice and recommendations it was very helpful.
Eric
 
Get a sebenza Eric. You will love it, you will cherish it, and you will see what we mean. We can't all be wrong can we?

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Johnny
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