Sebenza vs Apogee

Keith Montgomery

Keith Montgomery

Joined
May 9, 2000
Messages
29,205
I chose a special edition Sebenza wood inlay myself, but that is because I think it is the most beautiful knife i have seen at near the price.
The Apogee is made completely by hand and so will not have the uniform knife to knife finish that the semi production techniques used by Chris Reeve make possible. You will get a more unique knife from Darrell Ralph, but either one would be an excellent choice.
You are looking at two of the finest knives around so which ever one you pick, enjoy.
 
Blast from the past!

To paraphrase an old saying, So, what do you want to do with your knife?



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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
Here is a pic I posted in the Dealer Forum some time back showing the Small Plain Apogee and the Small Sebenza side by side.

Apogee_Sebenza.jpg


Having owned both personally and having many more pass through my hands prior to shipping to customers I have to say that I prefer the Apogee - I like the colorful handles, the 420V steel, and above all the personal attention Darrel will give each knife as he makes it and down the road should it require anything in the way of service. I may be biased however as Darrel is a terrific maker to work with and fellow knife nut
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Kevin Pensinger
The EDGE Equipment
sales@theedgeequipment.com

Contact The EDGE for your custom cutlery needs!
 
I have to say that I can't really see spending the same amount of money for a production knife as a custom knife, so I would go with something by Darrel, although I'm getting an EDC, not an Apogee. I do think that an Classic 2000 Sebenza with a wood inlay would look very cool, and if the Sebenza was about $100 cheaper, I might consider it, but it isn't so I'd rather get a true custom for basically the same cost (especially since that particular Sebenza doesn't exist, which is another advantage to dealing with custom makers; if it doesn't exist, they'll make it exist).

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com

[This message has been edited by e_utopia (edited 07-26-2000).]
 
I have had a large, plain Sebenza for the last year. I am waiting on my EDC Dominator from Darrel. Neither of these knives was purchased with investment intent. They are knives. They are made to cut and be used. The whole production vs. custom debate is a bunch of crap when it comes down to using the knives. What works vs. what doesn't. The little details that go into making a fine knife become evident after carrying and using the thing on a daily basis. When choosing a knife to carry and to use, it doesn't matter one iota to me if it is production, semi-production, custom, semi-custom, blahblahblah. As long as it works. Which is the better knife? I can't wait to find out.
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Their both great...I've had more than several of each, but I always prefer the custom maker experience and the personal touch.

-AR
 
How do they cut? The very shallow sabre grind on the Apogee looks to define a fairly thick wedge compared to the deep hollow grind on the Sebenza. What is the usual edge profile for an Apogee?

-Cliff
 
I agree with Blademan. Assuming it's not purchased as an investment, who cares if the knife was made by one man or several? Who's gonna complain if the maker used the best available technology to get it right? Reeve uses machines? Okay, so does Ralph. So what if Reeve can make more knives faster in his small factory? The fact that there are other knives indistinguishable from the one I'm carrying doesn't diminish mine in any way.

It all depends on what you value. Some people are willing to pay extra for a one-of-a kind knife as an expression of their individuality. I'm not, but that's just me.

David Rock



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AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.
 
The apogee has evolved since the first batch.
They were .022 on the edge before the final making them cut some material better than others .. I always think of tough use in the beginning.
The edges now are .015 before the final edge is put on. I have tested this process and I am satisfied. I am going to make a few blades with a .01 edge soon to test . IF the steel has no problems I will go to this edge as the next evolution.
The EDC knives have a .09 thick blade with a flat grind that is .01 before the final edge is put on. I am happy with them in the tests I have done. The Apogee knife is built to cut most everything (EXCEPT STEEL AND CONCRETE)
well that a knife should cut. Some materials it cuts better than others. It is build for all around REAL LIFE USE not just cardboard. The deep hollow grind of some knives will not cut deep into a cut without stopping. They are also known for chipping out if side torque is applied. One maker that I feel makes a hollow grind right is KIT CARSON. There are others also that I dont know but im sure do this well. Kit makes his hollow grinds the correct way in my book. They are strong and a larger radius so they are an exception to this rule.
The apogees have a full real FLAT GRIND (((((NOT SABER)))) on them.
The first few batches were semi saber. They are full flat ground at this time. BTW use the hell out of them . A refurb which includes an update) is only 25.00 if not abused.

I make most of my products with the following steels .. 420v ,3v, 52100, 440v, 440c, Talonite, stellite k6, Titanium blades, carbon fiber blades, a2, 5160, 1084, L6, D2, 15n20, O2, 1070, 12c27 and just about anything the client wants.
Just did a blade with the steel they make the dies for money printing from. It is a die engraving steel that is heat treated after the money is engraved into them..
I am making one from a jet engine that blew up for a fellow. (his father was on the plane)
Also for the wild. I am about to forge a batch of steel that is mosaic damascus with breasts and the magic taco (YA THE PINK ONE)in the blade steel. Wont cut steel or concrete but should be valuable for the collector. Real art here huh
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Cliff hope this answers your question.
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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com



[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 07-26-2000).]
 
I can vouch for the cutting efficiency of the Apogee. My large Apogee may not cut quite as aggressively as the 'Benza I had, but it has been a while. Whatever, it is close. Darrel will grind just about whatever kinda' edge on there you want. He knew I liked thinner, so he ground mine thinner, and it cuts very well and is still very durable.

To my mind, in a nutshell: the Apogee offers better blade steel, an optional recurved blade, a bigger blade, a more ergonomic handle, and much prettier finish. Oh, and you can get the Illusion Dual-Action release if you want.

[This message has been edited by Steve Harvey (edited 07-26-2000).]
 
It's 100 dollars an hour just to look Jackyl. If you want More, it will cost More. Much more. I'm guessing Darrel probably wants a couple of grand for the whole shebang.

As for the Apogee vs Sebenza. I always thought the Sebenza was kind of ugly. The Apogee is certainly Not ugly. And that's just for starters.

Paracelsus

[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 07-26-2000).]
 
E
I dont know at this point. I willhave it tested before forging it.
It is low carbon low spark . thats all I know at this point. Il have it analized when im ready to forge it.
Ideas.



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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
 
I used to carry a Sebenza, but I now carry an Apogee. It has an organic design and feel to it. It sits in your hand like it was naturally designed for it.

-Greg
 
Yep...I'm all about the Apogee. Looks great, feels better. (Not a grey turd.)
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Besides...Darrel is GREAT to work with. He'll make any modifications you want, and does them WELL.

-AR

[This message has been edited by Jackyl (edited 07-27-2000).]
 
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