Sebenza Problem

Joined
Apr 12, 2001
Messages
1,744
Ok, I have a bit of a problem. I like the Sebenza too much. I am in the market for a new EDC. I had been carrying a small classic woody for a few months but have stopped for personal reasons. So, I started looking all around for something. I got an SnG and liked it, but it just wasn't a perfect fit. Started looking at customs in the $400-$600 range. Liked the looks of the Terzuola ATCF some of the Smith's, DDR's, Carson's, etc. But....they just arn't the Sebenza. I started realizing how much I would miss being able to easily dissasemble the knife (without upsetting anybody) and the simplicity of the Seb. I also like the slimness of the knife, the overal design and the tip-up carry. So, as much as I was ready to drop 6 bills for a nice custom EDC I just couldn't do it. Instead I ordered a large regular Sebenza with silver stud and spacer from Newgraham. Should be here in a few days. These Sebenzas are addictive!!! Even higher end custom stuff doesn't do it for me as much as these darn Sebbies.
 
It's not so bad a problem to have.

You could be buying Strdiers and etc. only to find after you spent the money, they aren't "it".
 
The problem of going back to collecting, is the possibilty of being disapointed by your new knife. Im often tempted to order a new edc but ive been down that road; and i know when i gethome im going to sit down with it and start playing with it and notice a small burr that wasnt ground off ; or some mother of pearl bolster that isnt lined up just right. Its so hard after being a sebenza owner to ever go back to anything else. You get used to perfection and nothing else ever seems to measure up.
 
I've been "into" knives for over 30 years. Many makes and styles have passed through my hands in that time. Of all the knives I currently own, only two company names can be found in my pockets more than any others...Victorinox and Chris Reeve Knives.
Not too long ago I was looking for another "nice" knife to add to my carry rotation. I opted for a "custom" model. When it arrived, I hadn't even opened the blade, I knew it was going back. My Mnandi and Umfaan simply blew it away.
Since I bought my first Sebenza my knife buying has slowed tremendously. This is good as it has freed up some cash for other interests. Sure, I miss picking up the newest and hottest blades sometimes. But all I have to do is pull out one of my CRKs and I don't miss it nearly as much. :)

Paul
 
I can't begin to tell you how many custom folders I own. The only knife that I carry is a CRK! There is simply no comparison. They are flawless in design and function. The people at CRK are wonderful to deal with and always available to handle any problems or questions. Infact there is not a day that goes by that I don't ask myself why I don't ditch the rest of them and buy more Sebbies.
 
I rotate from large and small sebenza as edc with one in my pocket and one in my car seat pocket. The large is a great carry as it practically opens by itself. The larger geometry just makes it easier and smoother. BUT, the knife you probably want is the Lochsa by Scott Cook. He was Chris Reeve's foreman for many years and ground just about every blade himself. The Lochsa has a one-piece handle of Titanium. It is grooved out to accept the blade. Only one screw in the entire knife at the pivot (not counting the carry clip screws). Comes with a wrench for take apart. Because it is one piece, it has the equivalent of a full backspacer - no coins or keys to wedge or ding the blade. Price is about $500 and waiting list is over 1.5 years. I almost got a damascus Lochsa for $750 from a custom knife dealer, but it was already sold. Scott Cook emailed me the dealer had it, but he didn't think it would sit there long. The Lochsa is THE folder, acknowledged to be a CRK type knife, but superior because of the one piece handle and flawless workmanship. The blade geometry is also considered exceptional, in S30V. He will make it for you in S90V, but you will need to hook your belt sander up to a V-8 engine if you want to sharpen it. Check out the websites for Scott Cook knives.
 
Does the Lochsa have the bushing system the Sebbie has? I love the fact that I can tighten all the screws and the blade has no play, yet opens smooth as glass.

It is spoiling me somewhat....

I still love framelocks and want more, I have one in mind that I want the Jones Bros to make me... :cool:
 
slide13 said:
Ok, I have a bit of a problem. I like the Sebenza too much.

Your'e just fine. With the purchase of each CRK folder, you will feel even better. Notice that I didn't say, Sebenza, because you are going to be wanting a Mnandi very soon. :)
 
Actually, I'm not a huge fan of the Lochsa. Never actualy held one but they just arn't that visually appealing to me. The one peice frame design is cool, but I like open backed knives because they seem to collect less crud. I don't cary anything else the pocket my EDC rides in so I don't have any problems with keys/coins. I would love to check out a Lochsa some day, I've heard the worksmanship is outstanding, but I doubt I would ever buy one.

My large Sebenza arrived today. I love the look of it with the plain silver thumbstud and backspacer. This is the first time I've ever handled a large Seb and it's bigger then I expected. Looking at pics makes it seem much closer in size to the small Seb, but once you have one of each in hand the difference is pretty dramatic. I love both sizes and am really happy I chose to go with this large one. It also has the new thumbramp grooves which are very nice as well. All in all I'm just as impressed and happy as I expected to be. That's the great thing about CRK, once you have had one you know what absolute perfection is like and you know you can expect that everytime you open up a little white box with the CRK sticker on it.

The SnG was really nice, but it's going up for sale soon, this large Seb is deffinetly my new EDC.
 
The large Sebenza is the best carry knife I have owned. The heft and feel is just right. The action is like a fine handgun. I think of it as a fine durable tool. Only problem is that it will scare the neighbors. It is on the large side for a pocket knife.

I am still trying to get a Lochsa, but doubt I will succeed.
 
DJ _Wolf said:
Does the Lochsa have the bushing system the Sebbie has?

Yes, the Lochsa has the same bushing system except the bushing is phospher bronze instead of steel like the sebenzas.
 
DJ - go to Scott Cooks website. That will definitely raise the temptation level. I tried to buy one from dealer Bob Neal as Scott emailed me that Bob was the last dealer to pick one up. I immediately went to Bob's site that evening, saw the Lochsa listed as "in stock", immediately filled out the order form and called to confirm. Thought I had it. Got an email back that night stating, "Sorry - sold". Damn, it was a fine Damascus blade as well (for $750).


Scott Cook is now quoting 1.5 years plus for delivery time. That certainly speaks for itself. I have heard that a knife must be perfect before it leaves his shop.

So, after perusing his site, examining the details of his product, the single screw disassembly, the closed back to protect the edge, reading reviews, etc, one comes to the conclusion that they want the knife - but are unable to get it. (Sorry about that.)
 
Like many of you my knife buying has been greatly effected by the CRK line of folders. I make it a point to carry my small Sebbie to every knife show or store and I compare it to any knife that I may find interesting. Then 99% of the time I find myself handing the knife in question back to the salesperson, saying "thank you" and moving on.
 
To tell you the truth ive had a bunch of customs and a ton of production knives , but i think the sebenza is the best by far.
 
A large Redwood Sebenza is my EDC and I absolutely love that knife.

The only other knife that kept tempting me is Scott Cook's Lochsa.
They do sell quickly on the aftermarket but are available if you try.
I posted a wanted ad in a few knife forums a week ago and got two offers within 24 hours, neither was inflated over regular retail (one was a numbered edition and was selling for just a little over current retail which I thought was fair).

I have one Lochsa incomming which means that there is at least one other Lochsa looking for a good home.

I have high expectations and I can't wait to put it through it's paces to see how it compares to the Sebbie.
 
slide13 said:
Ok, I have a bit of a problem. I like the Sebenza too much. I am in the market for a new EDC. I had been carrying a small classic woody for a few months but have stopped for personal reasons. So, I started looking all around for something. I got an SnG and liked it, but it just wasn't a perfect fit. Started looking at customs in the $400-$600 range. Liked the looks of the Terzuola ATCF some of the Smith's, DDR's, Carson's, etc. But....they just arn't the Sebenza. I started realizing how much I would miss being able to easily dissasemble the knife (without upsetting anybody) and the simplicity of the Seb. I also like the slimness of the knife, the overal design and the tip-up carry. So, as much as I was ready to drop 6 bills for a nice custom EDC I just couldn't do it. Instead I ordered a large regular Sebenza with silver stud and spacer from Newgraham. Should be here in a few days. These Sebenzas are addictive!!! Even higher end custom stuff doesn't do it for me as much as these darn Sebbies.

You remind me a little of my self. I spent many years amassing a large custom knife collection, thinking I would find my "holy grail". Well, after many years and many knives, I must also admit that one of my favorites is a plain jane small Sebenza. Ok, Ok, I had the scales heat flamed ala a SnG and I replaced the non-locking scale with a solid carbon fiber one, but it's still a Sebenza! :D
 
How does one flame a Sebenza. I would like to do it. Can you explain or point me in the right direction. Also, how did you come up with a carbon fiber scale? Finally, How about some pics.
 
BoySetsTheFire said:
How does one flame a Sebenza. I would like to do it. Can you explain or point me in the right direction. Also, how did you come up with a carbon fiber scale? Finally, How about some pics.

If someone wants to host some of my pictures, I will be happy to forward them. Also, the individual that heat treated my Sebenza does not post on this forum. E-mail me off line and I will get you his e-mail address.

Barry H
 
I have that problem too. I have a bunch of very nice customs but my large Sebenza seems to always find its way back into muy front left pocket. :cool:
 
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