Well, if a knife is made to cut why doesn't everyone just walk with opiniels or saks in their pocket, there is no need for anything more. The opiniels cut wonderfully with their thin blades. There is no need to even by a cheap spyderco with that argument. I personally think that the knives are worth the money, and the general consesus is that everyone else does too. These knives carry their value.... and they could only do that if people thought they were worth the money.
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Sebenza Overrated?
- Thread starter Thrustus
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$400 can get you much better than a Sebenza. That's the price of an XM-18 or a custom Les George.
As others pointed out, I find the Sebenza too small and too bland. F&F is great.
I like the 'Zaan better, however I don't really trust the thumbstud/bumper/stop pin design and I heard bad things about that ceramic ball lock interface.
As others pointed out, I find the Sebenza too small and too bland. F&F is great.
I like the 'Zaan better, however I don't really trust the thumbstud/bumper/stop pin design and I heard bad things about that ceramic ball lock interface.
Well, the hype got me to look at them several years ago. I fell for other Ti/S30V knives in the interim. The BM 630 really got me... and so did the 'little' Buck 172 Mayo TNT, which Santa found me last year. The real find from early last year was the Kershaw JYDII in Ti/SG2 - the sharpest out of the box knife I've ever owned. Love my Benchmade collection - but even the 790 Subrosa, another Ti/S30V combo, pales in comparison to the 630 Skirmish.
Why oh why did I buy the Wilson Combat/CRK StarTac 'Umnumzaan'? I splurged. I celebrated my first SS retirement deposit in my account - after 46+ years of SS deductions! Do I regret the $430 expenditure? Not a bit... hey, it included free s&h - and it was less than a standard 'zaan would have been locally with s/t. Defending it in person is easy - it is extremely well made. But... how does it rate compared with two or three of the others in the above picture? I'd rather have the other two or three - they summed to the same price. Plus - I can buy them over a year - or so - and not have just one knife to show for such an expenditure. Having three different styles of
The next similarly styled Wilson Combat variant of a CRK is a small Sebbie - I actually entertained it's purchase - my second SS deposit occurs Wednesday - I guess it could be another memorable occasion. Sanity has thus far prevailled. That Buck 172 Mayo TNT was a closeout type purchase - and, new, was just over a third of what that small StarTac Sebbie would cost. Super knife - not a CRK - but closer than you'd ever expect. Plus - I'll be able to order that Buck Custom Shop 110 I want - walnut scales, nickel-silver bolsters, S30V blade - $86! And, talk about a well made and close tolerance knife... it'll be perfect! No, collections of CRK's aren't for everyone.
Stainz
PS When that CRK 'zaan arrived here last month, I momentarily thought it would have saved me a fortune, had I bought it first - no future knives would be needed. Reality struck - I like my 'assortment' - and feel really blessed to have it. Celebrate something - and try a CRK - the only was to really 'know'!
Why oh why did I buy the Wilson Combat/CRK StarTac 'Umnumzaan'? I splurged. I celebrated my first SS retirement deposit in my account - after 46+ years of SS deductions! Do I regret the $430 expenditure? Not a bit... hey, it included free s&h - and it was less than a standard 'zaan would have been locally with s/t. Defending it in person is easy - it is extremely well made. But... how does it rate compared with two or three of the others in the above picture? I'd rather have the other two or three - they summed to the same price. Plus - I can buy them over a year - or so - and not have just one knife to show for such an expenditure. Having three different styles of
The next similarly styled Wilson Combat variant of a CRK is a small Sebbie - I actually entertained it's purchase - my second SS deposit occurs Wednesday - I guess it could be another memorable occasion. Sanity has thus far prevailled. That Buck 172 Mayo TNT was a closeout type purchase - and, new, was just over a third of what that small StarTac Sebbie would cost. Super knife - not a CRK - but closer than you'd ever expect. Plus - I'll be able to order that Buck Custom Shop 110 I want - walnut scales, nickel-silver bolsters, S30V blade - $86! And, talk about a well made and close tolerance knife... it'll be perfect! No, collections of CRK's aren't for everyone.
Stainz
PS When that CRK 'zaan arrived here last month, I momentarily thought it would have saved me a fortune, had I bought it first - no future knives would be needed. Reality struck - I like my 'assortment' - and feel really blessed to have it. Celebrate something - and try a CRK - the only was to really 'know'!
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Over the years, I have owned just about every configuration of Sebenza, except the REALLY expensive fancy damascus versions. Loved them all; some more than others(grinds were perfect, extra smooth, etc...), but I still think my BG42/Carbon Fiber Spyderco Military outcuts them all. 
Having said that, I still can't stop appreciating the Sebenza for it's superb machining, overall high quality, fit/finish, etc...
In fact, I just yesterday, sent payment for an old Large Classic BG42 Sebenza that popped up for sale in the exchange here.
Having said that, I still can't stop appreciating the Sebenza for it's superb machining, overall high quality, fit/finish, etc...
In fact, I just yesterday, sent payment for an old Large Classic BG42 Sebenza that popped up for sale in the exchange here.
Professor
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I think it really depends on how you use your knives. If you gunk up your knives with stuff like I do, it's awfully nice to be able to take it down, clean it up, and re-assemble it so readily. Years ago, I once called it an exquisite puzzle sent from the Gods.
Having carried Benchmades exclusively prior, I could not take them down as easily, and developed spot rust on the 410 liners from gunk and sweat, that albeit removeable, was always recurring. I didn't want to give the Benchmade up either; love those Axis locks. Even tried a Sebenza for a short time and sold it, only to return to it about a year later in 2002.
It carries very flat in the pocket, and is as strong as a folder its size truly needs to be.
The Sebenza is a tool and an heirloom all in one, backed by some of the absolute best folks in the business.
So, I think it depends on how you use your knives, but I also think it depends on your level of expectation from your knives. I'm a knife guy above all else, so of course I've spent years seeking out the best for my money, so to me, the Sebenza is a bargain.
Professor.
Edited to say: I realize you requested to hear from folks who were not necessarily fans, folks who perhaps tried the Seb and didn't like it. I just wanted to give you perspective from someone who initially tried it, didn't like it, returned to toting Benchmades, and came back for a second try. The second time, it took. Truth is, there's happiness to be found in plenty of other knives too, and Benchmades are fine knives.
Having carried Benchmades exclusively prior, I could not take them down as easily, and developed spot rust on the 410 liners from gunk and sweat, that albeit removeable, was always recurring. I didn't want to give the Benchmade up either; love those Axis locks. Even tried a Sebenza for a short time and sold it, only to return to it about a year later in 2002.
It carries very flat in the pocket, and is as strong as a folder its size truly needs to be.
The Sebenza is a tool and an heirloom all in one, backed by some of the absolute best folks in the business.
So, I think it depends on how you use your knives, but I also think it depends on your level of expectation from your knives. I'm a knife guy above all else, so of course I've spent years seeking out the best for my money, so to me, the Sebenza is a bargain.
Professor.
Edited to say: I realize you requested to hear from folks who were not necessarily fans, folks who perhaps tried the Seb and didn't like it. I just wanted to give you perspective from someone who initially tried it, didn't like it, returned to toting Benchmades, and came back for a second try. The second time, it took. Truth is, there's happiness to be found in plenty of other knives too, and Benchmades are fine knives.
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My 1 month old (birth certificate) large 21 Sebenza was in hand for about an hour off and on, then on to the exchange. Handle was too short and dug into my palm. The Umni might have been a better choice with the smoother rear end.
That said, if you want a Ti framelock on steroids, ergos, different steel, cool factor, cutting ability - save your $$ and get an XM-18 3.5" blade. Zero buyer's remorse. :thumbup:
Ankerson
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My 1 month old (birth certificate) large 21 Sebenza was in hand for about an hour off and on, then on to the exchange. Handle was too short and dug into my palm. The Umni might have been a better choice with the smoother rear end.
That said, if you want a Ti framelock on steroids, ergos, different steel, cool factor, cutting ability - save your $$ and get an XM-18 3.5" blade. Zero buyer's remorse. :thumbup:
I have thought about them before, and played with one, they just don't fit me that well.
But then after holding and using my Custom Demko nothing will ever be good enough after that.
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Overrated no but maybe a bit over-hyped. The problem is it's still just a knife albeit a very fine one. When the giddiness of mailbox excitement wears off then reality sets in and every individual must judge its value. Some will die with it, others will soon be trading for 2-3+ knives. This hobby is seldom quenched by one knife so the cycle continues. I get a belly laugh out of the posts that read, "I have found my Grail and am done!".
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I just sold my Large Sebenza. People wax on about tight tolerances and perfect fit and finish, but that really wasn't my experience, perhaps I bought a lemon. I really wanted the Large Regular and it was the last one the store had, also I really should have looked it over better when I got it. The blade was off center a lot, so that it almost rubbed on the scales on one side. I took it apart and reassembled, but that didn't help. Also it wasn't terribly sharp when I got it. For nearly $500 I do expect a sharp edge and at least a semi centered blade. To their credit CRKs did offer to fix the off center blade free of charge, but I shouldn't have to send a $500 knife back for fix ups. I don't know about the S30V either, I've owned many Spydercos in this steel and have been pleased with their edge holding and ease of sharpening. The Sebenza really didn't hold an edge very well. In fact if I didn't know it was S30V and was just guessing, I would say it was a steel similar to AUS8 or worse. I will say it was a very solid knife, and the lock is very nice. It feels like a fixed blade when open and really inspires confidence. The problem is I don't know if that is worth $500 considering all the other issues.
Ankerson
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You should have asked CR about the steel, if the S30V is soft in that knife it won't hold an edge hardly at all.
S30V has to be 60 RC or better to work as it should.
Well... I did find my grail with the sebenza.. the problem was I bought 2 other sebenzas and a zaan....
. But.. .I am getting rid of the rest of my collection, except for the knives that have sentimental value. Such as my fathers old 1095 schrades, buck knives, etc.... and of course my fixed blades. The only other knife I look forward to having is the new benchmade TSEK with M390 steel.
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Well... I did find my grail with the sebenza.. the problem was I bought 2 other sebenzas and a zaan....
Me too!:thumbup:
I think its the best, but you have to understand that the "second" and "third" best knives are not very far behind. So, its not like you experience a huge and perceptible jump in quality between a Sebenza, say, and a 710. But for many, there is a difference.
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Overrated? NO
Over priced? HELL YES
Over priced? HELL YES
I have a kershaw leek and think it truly is a wonderful knife for the money, but it ain't no sebenza... but it will cut just as good. I would still pay the price for the sebenza. I guess it was made to fit my hand perfectly, and I love the clip on it. It also rides very well in the pocket.
Also, to the person above, the sebenza's that I have received brand new have been some of the sharpest production knives I have had. The really polish the edge up nice, unlike spyderco which, even though sharp, has a really rough edge. Also, I actually was never a fan of S30V because the edge usually chipped and the fine edge was lost quickly. I found that Reeve's S30v feels a little different. It takes a fine edge quickly, and holds the edge for a very long time. He has got a very good heat treat on his S30v.
Also, to the person above, the sebenza's that I have received brand new have been some of the sharpest production knives I have had. The really polish the edge up nice, unlike spyderco which, even though sharp, has a really rough edge. Also, I actually was never a fan of S30V because the edge usually chipped and the fine edge was lost quickly. I found that Reeve's S30v feels a little different. It takes a fine edge quickly, and holds the edge for a very long time. He has got a very good heat treat on his S30v.
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While I haven't had a Les George, I've had two XMs and neither was any better built than my Sebs. In fact, as much as I liked my XMs, I didn't find them as well finished as my Sebs. They were certainly more rugged overall, but not better built, in my experience. I've only had customs from four different makers to this point, but none were better finished than any of the Sebs I've owned.
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I own three Sebenzas; did own an Umnum and a Mnandi, too.
They are the best built of any folders I've owned or handled in a passaround, including Hinderer and Strider knives, which are in the same price range.
Being the best built doesn't make them better than say, a Spyderco Military, or even a Kershaw Leek, if that's what works for you -- I have 20 or so folders that cost less than the CRKs, but I like them as much or more. One example would be a $12 Victorinox Spartan.
Despite owning several, I find it hard to justify the price of CRK knives, no matter the quality, even though I've been fortunate enough to be able to afford them.
They are the best built of any folders I've owned or handled in a passaround, including Hinderer and Strider knives, which are in the same price range.
Being the best built doesn't make them better than say, a Spyderco Military, or even a Kershaw Leek, if that's what works for you -- I have 20 or so folders that cost less than the CRKs, but I like them as much or more. One example would be a $12 Victorinox Spartan.
Despite owning several, I find it hard to justify the price of CRK knives, no matter the quality, even though I've been fortunate enough to be able to afford them.
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