Sebenza point-down carry

T

toast

Joined
Jun 18, 2001
Messages
91
Members,

Just a question: does anyone carry their Sebenzas point down? If so, were they able to get CR to do this at the shop or did they have to do after-market mods to their Sebs? I'm looking hard (very hard, very seriously) at Sebs and own a CR one-piece, but I do not and will not own any blade-up carrys for safety reasons and the numerous posts i've seen on these forums about accidents. My philosophy on safety is that even if you do the most you can for prevention, there is always the chance of an accident. Since i carry in my rear right pocket, i press the knife against the right edge, so the blade will always be tight against the pocket edge. if i can carry blade down, i would really go for a seb. thanks for your time.

toast
 
Safety is a major issue no matter how the blade is oriented. The point of the Sebenza sits far enough down in the handle (closed), about 3/16", that it is probably safer than a lot of tip down models. Most folders seem to have the tip barely covered when closed.

Paul
 
IME, carrying a knife in the rear pocket increases significantly the chances of loss of the knife. Additionally, removing a knife from a position where one is sitting on it may preclude withdrawal, or make it much more difficult, and more likely that twisting of the knife might occur. This would greatly increase the chances that the blade would open when attempting to draw it. Not safe. If one has any remote potential for drawing a knife for self defense, I know that Bob Kasper strongly recommends front pocket carry.

Since I carry in my right front pocket, then tip-up carry knives have the spine jammed against the right side of my pocket, making it virtually impossible for the blade to open before withdrawal. I have changed from being a staunch tip-down person to prefer the tip-up carry.

Certainly the strength of the ball detente on liner locks -- or frame locks -- has a lot to do with how easily the blade opens. The ball detente on my Sebenza is not the strongest I have seen, but it does, in fact, exert enough inertia to remain in the closed position that a real effort to overcome the ball detente must be made before the blade can be opened. It is a moot point for me, because I carry my Sebbie in a belt sheath.

G2 -- Gary (last name eludes my porous memory --Graley??) makes wonderful custom leather belt sheaths for Sebenzas. This makes the pocket origin essentially insignificant. I sure wouldn't deprive yourself of the pleasure of carrying a Sebenza because of it's tip in pocket orientation. As indicated above, there are also worthwhile reasons to change pockets.
 
its funny how we all prefer different things...you prefer tip down carry and i prefer tip up carry...i have six sebenzas and havent had the first problem carrying them tip up.....the detent is strong enough to hold the blade closed....now i had an emerson commander with the double detents open several times while tip up in my pocket and cut myself minimally...my first tip up down carry knife was a kit carson model 4 that i carry now and then but the clip always seems to be on the wrong end for me...i guess as long as there has been pocket clips there has beeen the question of tip up versus tip down carry----->sorta like the old saga often seen in the ann landers column whether toilet paper goes over or under;).......feverdoc
 
I didd'nt like the idea of tip up carry at first. All of my other folders are tip down. It was so wierd at first. It TOTALLY seemed backwards. Now that I'm used to it, I prefer the tip up carry. I don't know if it's just because it's what I'm used to, or if I like my seb so much that I'm lying to myself to further my acceptance of the piece, but I like it all the same. I also like the lanyard noose knot now, which I never did before.
 
I guess there was no real answer to this question, however.

I'm another user looking hard at the Sebenza line, but, as with many MANY other very attractive knives, the tip-up scares me.

I've had a bad run-in with tip-up carry -- and it's especially bad since I carry in the rear-left pocket (right-handed).

This is because my keys are in my front-right pocket (I deploy my keys more often than my knife...) and I carry my cellphone and napkins in my front-left.

Is there ANY way to convert a _small_ sebbie to tip-down carry? It looks like the clip could be switched over to the pivot side, across from the lock.

Is this possible? Will CRK do it?

Thanks.

-Jon
 
It's easiest to just call and ask.

I imagine the answer will be no.

The large seb I usually carry carved a triangular divot out of my knuckle a couple of months ago when I reached for it in my back pocket and encountered it partially open.

Now, when I carry any seb, it's in the front right pocket, blade against the seam so it can't open, or in a pouch.
 
This topic has been discussed before. CRK will NOT convert any of their folders for tip down carry. I have inquired in the past and to no avail. A competent machinist can probably drill and tap out necessary holes for a conventional pocket clip. Doesn' t seem very diffucult. But warranty will be void right away. I guess their company will stay with what has worked best for them. Sadly, my Sebenza now sleeps in the storage box.

Nakano
 
Despite excellent tension on the blade from the ball detente, I have had my small sebbie open twice in my pocket, resulting in torn pants upon the knife's withdrawal. Thankfully, that is all that was cut. I have had a regular spyderco clip installed in the tip down position by a gentleman I found on the forums- he used to customize regular benchmade knives, I forget his name. It is not a difficult job, I think it cost me around 25 bucks with shipping, and although the job wasn't executed completely cleanly (some new scratches), the tip down carry is safe and secure. And of course, I voided the hell out of my warranty- but I don't compromise with my safety. I wish I had access to a scanner to show you what it looks like. I encourage you to go for it, it made an "almost" knife now perfect for me.
 
E-mail a guy called BlackRazor on these forums. I believe he had a machine shop switch his Sebenza around.

JT
 
Had two close calls carrying my small Classic on my right hip wearing scrubs. Reached for it and found it partially open. First time I thought it was a fluke. Second time the tip of the blade came through my scrubs as I pulled it out. Mr. Sebe no longer goes to work with me anymore.

I only carry it in my right front pocket when wearing jeans so that the spine is pressed against the back of the pocket.

(. . . and no, the detent's not worn out.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top