Sebenza or Tirpitz

J

jetdriver21

Joined
Aug 29, 2015
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I have completed quite a bit of research on my own regarding the CRK Sebenza 21 and Boker Tirpitz. I recognize these are two very different, high quality knives and likely used for different purposes. However, I wanted to get some "expert" opinions on the two. This is not an "either or" question as I will probably acquire both at some point (unless the opinion swings to the no side). I just want to gain some more insight from those that own or have experienced both.

A little about me - I am not a collector but an admirer of quality, handmade items. In the area of knives, I have wanted to purchase a Damascus blade for sometime mainly for their beauty. However, I am a very realistic person and cannot see spending the money we are talking about for these knives to have it sit in a drawer. I plan on carrying and using any knife I purchase - Damascus or not.

I started my search and settled on the CRK Large Sebenza 21. Initially, I was drawn to the Damascus but then started to think that it might not be practical as EDC. I also would prefer a non-SS Damascus even though I know the DT Damascus to be high quality. I would appreciate your opinions on the style of S21 I should consider. I have literally looked at and considered everything from the plain jane up to the Damascus with unique graphics.

After searching for other high quality Damascus blades, I found the Boker Tirpitz and immediately fell in love with the historical and unique aspect. As an admirer of high quality, I know the Germans to be of the highest quality in many items. The Tirpitz is a little harder to find information on. I am mainly interested in your opinion of the quality of Boker knives in general, quality of the blade, durability of the blade, etc. Would I be foolish to consider this as an EDC or at the very least, split time with the CRK and my other knives?

I appreciate your educated opinions on my questions.
 
Lots of views in the past three days but no comments? I know the Sebenza has been talked about again and again. I would hope for some opinions, lessons learned, do's and dont's when buying my first. For the Tirpitz, I would appreciate any comments as mentioned before. Thanks.
 
jetdriver21 said:
I would appreciate your opinions on the style of S21 I should consider. I have literally looked at and considered everything from the plain jane up to the Damascus with unique graphics.
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This is probably the most personal question you could ask. The CRK subforum has threads showing that every type of CRK has someone carrying it everyday, from the plainest to the most blingy inlaid damascus.

The general advice seems to be that a wood inlay is a good EDC for a gentler environment, while micarta is great to fill the hand for more rugged use. Plain jane or graphics for uses that would benefit from easier cleaning, such as getting covered in blood or oil. I am always surprised that Devin Thomas SS Damascus doesn't seem any less durable than the standard s35vn.

But really, unless you have a very particular use, the best one for you is the one you want to take out and ogle every now and then. They all cut things equally well.
 
May not be a factor in your decision making process, but the Sebenza will be MUCH easier to sell later should you feel the need.

I've never gotten a good knife from Boker. I don't trust their quality control. Others have had completely opposite experiences though and given the price of that knife I'd hope it at least gets a little extra attention before going out.
 
I've had quite a few CRK's. Everyone a great knife. I don't know Boker... which means nothing, of course.
Damascus can be beautiful, but I'd look at it and be afraid to use it. I'll take stonewashed Sebenza any day.
Note that all this stuff is just opinion, and everyone's is different. Many good knives out there to pick from...

My favorite style or model of Sebbie is always the plain Jane titanium slabs. I just like the feel of titanium slabs.
 
Welcome! Good question.
You wrote you are not a collector. Could that answer your question? The Böker Tirpitz is definitely a collectors item. From what i see it is well build. So the main differences are: liner lock vs integral lock, aluminium vs titanium scales. Sebenza means 'work' in zulu language. I have to admit that the damascus blade is mostly for embelishment, the main goal of the Sebenza folder is to provide a working knife.
Another difference i see is in the size of the company. Böker is a large Company that has a long history and offers a broad range of things (watches, flashlights, sharpening devices and knives in different price categories. Well CRK sells their knives only.
My best advice is to try and handle them before you buy. All the best .
red mag
 
I think Red Mag answered your dilemma. The Tirpitz is a bizarre knife designed to liberate money from a collector's pocket. The sebenza is a tool with many years of design and production expertise to back it up.

However, the sebenza is a butt ugly and don't buy no ugly knife :) Get one with a graphic design. There are many out there, find one that floats our boat and snap it up. You can get a damascus blade for it as well.
 
Sebenza no question. I have a hard time buying a $500 knife from a company that sells $10 knives as well. Bokers QC is all over the place. In their Tirpitz it may be good, but in many of their low end knives(sub $100) it is crap and many of those knives are crap. So you get your $500 boker and Joe blow next to you has his $10 boker, nice. If Boker was known for quality in it's lower priced knives it would be different, like Spyderco. But Boker is not known for that. Stick with the Sebie.
 
ATwistedStaple said:
May not be a factor in your decision making process, but the Sebenza will be MUCH easier to sell later should you feel the need.

I've never gotten a good knife from Boker. I don't trust their quality control. Others have had completely opposite experiences though and given the price of that knife I'd hope it at least gets a little extra attention before going out.
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Resale was not my main consideration but certainly crossed my mind. I figured everyone in the knife world knows CRK - thus an easier sell. Definitely a plus!!

The Boker QC is a bit concerning considering the price. Thanks for the feedback.
 
brownshoe said:
I think Red Mag answered your dilemma. The Tirpitz is a bizarre knife designed to liberate money from a collector's pocket. The sebenza is a tool with many years of design and production expertise to back it up.

However, the sebenza is a butt ugly and don't buy no ugly knife :) Get one with a graphic design. There are many out there, find one that floats our boat and snap it up. You can get a damascus blade for it as well.
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Great points. I also agree with the suggestion not to buy an ugly knife. My leaning now is two CRKs and forget the Boker - first - carbon handle with standard blade for EDC. second - carbon handle with ladder Damascus for occasional carry. I have read the carbon handle stands up to EDC better cosmetically than titanium.
 
I have a decorated. Carbon fiber isn't interesting enough for me. With the decorated scale, sure you get some scratches, but the polished Ti does not show them as brutally as the blasted finish. Mine is ~5 years in use and still looks good.

Sebenza's damascus is good looking. If you don't want the expense, the polished blade you get with a graphic is also good and better than the stock stonewash finish.
 
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