Sebenza or xm 18 bowie

F

Fletcher.357

Joined
Jul 6, 2013
Messages
291
Im going to buy a high end production folder and I have narrowed it down to these 2. Im just stuck and cant decide between the two. I really like the flipper on the Hinderer but I prefer the looks of the sebenza.
 
There's a knife shop in OKC that has a few Sebenzas in stock, you should go check em out if you haven't already (MacArthur & NW 33rd). People around here seem to love the Sebenza, and it's also that shop owners knife of choice, but I prefer the Hinderer out of those two choices.

SAM_2758.jpg


SAM_2760.jpg


SAM_2761.jpg


SAM_2759.jpg
 
I've always loved the bowie shape. Buy both if u can. Used bowie xm and crk folders are all over the place. That said I've owned a spanto xm and it was horrible for cutting. Fun to beat on. While CRK knives are great slicers in general with plenty of tip strength and nothing is easier to take down, clean, and rebuild with no lock tite .
I still plan on trying another bowie some day.
 
Last edited:
I'd go with the Sebenza, I love the fact the tolerances are so tight you can take apart and reassemble the the knife without locktite and no need to adjust the pivot. It's that attention to detail that sold me on a Sebenza, took 25 years till I got one but it's the right voice for me.

8UBD8S7.jpg
 
I'd go for the Sebenza. I like the slimmer handle and slimmer blade stock on it.

Great comparison pics Corey!
 
Both are nice knives and you can't go wrong with either. I personally would go with the Sebenza
A. due to the XM-18 being about an oz. over my high end EDC comfort zone(which the Sebenza is right at)-doesn't sound like that much, but for me it is the difference between an EDC and a knife that sits in a drawer.
B. I am not that fond of flippers
C. Like the poster above, I find the thinner blade stock of the Sebenza a good match, unless you really have the need for a thick blade.

I am referring to the LG. Sebenza and 3.5" XM-18
 
Last edited:
Sebenza all the way, I'd choose a Large Inkosi (25) or the zaan, posted a pic for reference
IMG_8178.jpg
 
I will add that my opinion is basically based on my own initial impressions. When I received the Sebenza, I handled it and realized it just felt too chunky for me and I also didn't care for the thumb stud position (maybe a 21 would feel better to me), so I never carried it. I really like the feel of the Hinderer, but the detent isn't as strong as I like. I carried it a few times, but never put it to much use. I found that it just takes up too much pocket real estate for me, so I made it a safe queen as well. I'm sure some of these other guys can give you much more sound advice on your purchase decision than I can, but I'd say you really need to handle both before you chose.
 
I much prefer the Sebenza myself. The great straight handle design is much better than all that drop in the XM handle. The XM handle is terrible for push cuts. I tried one for a week in a pass around.
The Sebenza is also a much better made knife IMO.
They have a great warranty, and can make an old worn looking knife look almost new again. They even re-blast the handles for free, if one ever wanted that done.

But, many love the XM, so if possible try to handle both before you buy.
 
CRK for me. I had a XM-18 3.5 spanto and as cool as it was it was I just didn't care for it. Mine didn't flip well, I could not get it to center and personally seeing Teflon washers in it was disappointing. Great knife but not for me. Sebenza 25 replaced it.
 
alright I dont have a Sebenza and got only one Hinderer xm 18 3.5" spanto just a couple of days ago, so I wont comment on the Sebbie. Contrary to above posters, I feel the Hinderer has the best ergo among all folders that I have tried. It melts in my hand regardless of the grip. Also, the detent is perfect, not weak at all, maybe because it is a newer gen.
 
Whichever one you get, you'll still be hungry for the other. They're both great knives! That being said, I prefer the Sebenza.
 
I thought the general consensus was; Sebenza for performance & function, but Hinderer for looks & style.?

Sebenza would be the one if I had to choose only one.
 
hahaha I dont understand where the mall ninja stuff is from but to me the xm 18 3.5 is a bit too cute or small. I mean if you look at the cutting edge it is just a tiny bit over 3". The finger choil is sth that I dont like about hinderers.
 
I've owned both, and I have enjoyed using both.

I think you need to go a few steps further in your evaluation than:

"I like the Flipper on the XM, but I like the look of the Sebenza better"

I hope that isn't your selection criteria?!

If you plan on Using the knife you buy, a Sebenza is a much more versatile and "easy to live with" EDC...it just does more tasks better, but depending on what you do most with your knife's, the XM can work just as well.
 
You'll get both eventually. Flip a coin on which to get first. If I could only keep one...um...probably the Large Seb 21...no the XM...both!!
Seriously I love both and would be hard pressed to decide on only one. The Seb is the better everyday knife, though.
 
I'd say that it depends on what type of use you plan to use them for on a daily basis. The sebbie is a better slicer, the xm is faster to deploy and imo a sturdier built knife. I have both and like both, a sebbie will do everything a person needs to do on a daily basis, however and xm will get you through those times when you may need it for doing things a knife shouldn't be used for. But honestly, handle and play with both if possible and go with what's more comfortable in your hand. The best knife is the one that you have on you!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top