Sebenza vs. Custom Folder

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I am considering investing in my first Sebenza, probably a Large Classic. However, I am a little leery about paying $300+ for a "handmade" production knife. Therefore, I am wondering whether I should also be looking at folders from custom knifemakers. To the forumites who own both a Sebenza and custom folders, which do you prefer?

(This knife will be a user in outdoor environments. What I am looking for is a great field knife that will last forever when properly cared for.)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, -Alex
 
I own Sebenzas, large and small, and comparable customs, for example, a Darrel Ralph Apogee and an EDC. I really treasure my DRs but the Sebenzas are my working knives.

A little cheaper, too! :D

In fact, if you can get ot a good knife show, you will be able to handle samples of the different knives, and a lot of questions resolve themselves naturally, once your hands ask the questions, instead of your eyes.
 
CRK "production" knives are built with great attention to detail. My plain ol' regular Sebenza came to me perfect, flawless. I don't know what you're looking for in a knife, but the Sebenza's are worth the $$. I can't say that about all the customs I've seen.
 
I don't own any "customs". But I do handle them in knife shows from time to time. IME, owning and using a sebenza will help you weed out inferior customs. So buying a sebenza will save you money in the long run.
 
If you like tip-up carry and the Sebenza fits your hand well, I'd go for the Sebenza. From a functional perspective, the Sebenza is a darned good tool and an engineering masterpiece.

I'd be after a custom if I was very specific in my wants, and those wants weren't filled by a Seb. I wouldn't expect a higher level of utility or as strong a lock from a custom, but sometimes you know exactly what you want. Individual preference is a big thing.
 
For a long-term performer, you are not going to surpass the functionality of the Sebenza.

If you care for other design features, such as a different blade shape, handle shape, etc. - you will need to look to other makers. There are a number of makers that make an integral liner lock knife that will perform about as well as a Sebenza, although you will generally pay a bit more.
 
If there is a design that suits your uses better than another, that's the one you should go for. If it's shear quality you want, the Sebenza is as good, or better than anything out there. Just because a knife is "custom" doesn't always mean better. I have only ever had two "custom" folders. Both are excellent designs. Neither is close to the Sebenza in fit, finish, or attention to detail. Bottom line, get what YOU like. Buyer beware. :)

Paul
 
I only own two customs, but they're nice ones: a large Mayo TNT and a Carson/Carson/Obenauf C2O. I can honestly say that owning these knives has given me a greater appreciation of the Sebenza's quality.

The Sebenza is not an exciting knife to look at, but I don't think you'll find a better user. It is an excellent field knife: tough as nails, with strong, reliable lockup. Even better, it's a snap to disassemble and clean, even in field conditions. That, to me, is what really sells me on the Sebenza for outdoor use. I always carry one with me on camping/hiking trips, normally a large classic (because I find that its pointier blade shape a tad more useful for outdoors kinds of chores).
 
I'd like to echo Nathan's comments. I owe a few Sebenzas and several custom with CR style integral locks and I too have learnt to appreciate the Sebenza more after owning some very nice custom folders.

However I can't say that I prefer one over another. I like Sebenza's and customs for various reasons. I do tend to use my plain Sebbie more though, and the easy take-apart-put-together is a big, big plus.

How about buying a used Sebenza? If spending $300 bothers you, you may find a good conditioned used Seb for many dollars less.
 
DaveH said:
So buying a sebenza will save you money in the long run.
Click to expand...

I thought that too - but it didn't work for me! I bought more Sebenza's, Mnandi, more customs, prodos.....I bet I'm not the only one ;)
 
The Sebenza is simply one of the best, if not the best, engineered knives around. The level of fit and finish is so consistently high that it is hard for anything to match it.........custom or production. There are custom makers that match the fit and finish of the Sebenza; Rick Hinderer, J.W. Smith, and Mike Obenauf are three that I've had that are as consistently good as the sebenza. The thing with the custom is the variety you are able to get that you don't get with the Sebenza. I'm talking mainly "beefiness"! The Hinderer Firetac Extreme I have is probably the perfect knife for me as it is everything I've wanted in a Sebenza. Greater blade length and blade thickness, and greater handle thickness are the two things I've always wished for in a Sebenza.
 
Can't argue with anything here, the Sebenza is a great knife. There are deffinetly customs out there that match if for quality and they offer different designs as well, so at least look at them and see if one suits you better. Artsig1's list is a good place to start, I have a couple JW Smiths and an Obenauf and they both have the highest degree of fit and finish I've ever seen. Also look at Chris Smith (JW's son, same quality with lower price IMO) and Lee Williams. I have one from each of them and they are a match for the others listed and usually are priced lower.

I've decided that I love bolstered liner locks and that is where my collection has gone, all of my custom knives are bolstered liner locks and all have outstanding fit and finish that is at least as good as the Seb. Can't go wrong either way, just make sure you explore your options. For me, I like my custom liner locks.
 
If you are leery about spending $300 then you should get the Sebenza.

$ for $ it is a better knife than most customs.

Very few custom makers can produce a knife of the same quality and fit & finish of the Sebenza.

As far as quality is concerned it's perfect! Wether you like it or not is subjective!

Collecter
 
Since I met my first Sebenza, I, for all practical purposes, quit seriously shopping for custom folders. I'll still handle a few at shows but mainly out of curiosity to see if they measure up to the Sebenza's incredible "persona-in-the-hand"! If you understand the language, let one talk to you soon! :-)

Larry S.
 
The sebenza is a quality knife, if you like it and it fits you.

For that price range, I would say you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't at least look at and consider customs.

I have been collecting custom knives for about 3 years or so now. When I made the decession to go from production to custom/high end knives, it was a big decision. I took time and found what I wanted and what fit my needs and desires. I chose a Carson M4. It was the right choice for me. I considered sebenzas, and personally didn't care for them. That's just me, though.

Remember, once you step into the higher end stuff, there is no turning back. So take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions about makers you see that you like.

JR
 
Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions. Just the kind of information I needed. :)

-Alex
 
You also may want to take a look at the Strider SMF. Amazingly over built and world class Customer Service.
 
Nothing against the Sebbie, but Mike's small model # 2 runs about $350 (more like a small sebenza)

obensm2.jpg


or a large Obenauf # 2 for $375, if I could get my hands on one.

obenauf2flt.jpg
 
One downside to the Sebenza is that it follows Henry Fords maxim: "You can have it in any color you want, as long as its black".

So as long as you are ok with the way it looks, then it is perfect. But I started with custom folders before I bought a Sebenza, so while I appreciate it, its not the perfect one to me. I have several custom knives that I would say are every bit as good and better, from many of the better custom makers out there.
 
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