Sebenza vs Hinderer? (Old Thread)

Hinderer XM18 or Sebenza 21 Large

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    185
I have issues with both makers ergos and have had a few of both but just couldn't really get in the groove.
Until I found the XM-18 M390 no-choil spanto.
I found "my" knife.
Groovy.
 
Hinderer all day. I have owned 5 CRKs and 3 Hinderer knives and they are both great knives. I just prefer the style and action of the Hinderer knives. I carry a 3 inch XM 18 everyday.

I always wonder about those that say the Hinderer has poor flipping action. Hinders typically flip poorly at first when new, but break in nicly with use. After break in they have been the smoothest knives I have owned.
 
gastonian said:
Hinderer all day. I have owned 5 CRKs and 3 Hinderer knives and they are both great knives. I just prefer the style and action of the Hinderer knives. I carry a 3 inch XM 18 everyday.

I always wonder about those that say the Hinderer has poor flipping action. Hinders typically flip poorly at first when new, but break in nicly with use. After break in they have been the smoothest knives I have owned.
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I hear yah man. I've got no doubts they aren't smooth. I'm just not sure if I want a 400 flipper yah know ? I think it's just all preference. I bought a ZT0450CF to see if I loved flippers..I mean don't get me wrong it's a nice knife and I'm sure the Hinderer is leagues apart from my little ZT, but I find day in and out I reach for something other than my ZT for some reason.
On the other side of the bridge. When I'm watching TV with the wife ..I grab the ZT (flipper) no questions asked lol.
 
Aquaholicc said:
I didn't trash the Sebenza lol. I was looking for real time reviews on the knife other than biased stuff on YouTube and whatnot.
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Real time reviews on the knife other than biased stuff on YouTube? Like biased stuff on discussion boards?
 
I really wanted to like the xm-18 but the fact it wouldn't flip (really weak detent) and for me, my opinion. I think teflon washers in a @$500 knife is just unacceptable. If the price would come down or some extra funds show up I'd like to try a xm-24 but for now I'll stick with my umnumzaan.
 
Judge Luco said:
I think teflon washers in a @$500 knife is just unacceptable.
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Many prefer Phoshor Bronze and some even replace the washers with them. I have never had any problem with the Teflon washers and they have the advantage of your being able to just throw another set in there if you did vs having to send the knife back to CRK for new washers. They sell replacement Teflon washers for the Hinderers. I bought a pack of them, but so far they just sit in my repair parts drawer.
But we all have preferences and I understand yours don't include Teflon washers.
 
After owning multiple knives from each company, I'd take the Sebenza any day, based on my experiences. I won't go too deep into the F&F/tolerances thing, as I doubt anyone is really going to debate that if they've owned both. Once you get into top-tier production folders, the differences are fairly subtle, but they are there. When I've purchased knives other than CRKs in this price point, I didn't do it to find something "better", but to try something "different".

Aside from personal tastes(I just plain like Sebenzas more), the biggest reason I'd choose a Sebenza over an XM-18 comes down to how well the knives perform at what the makers designed them for. Mr. Reeve designed the Sebenza to be a good, solid performing pocket knife that could easily be serviced by the user. It does this job very well. Mr. Hinderer designed and marketed the XM-18 to essentially fill a role for Front Line guys as a folding multi-tool of sorts. The thing is, it doesn't do a great job in this role, if we want to be honest about it. The original Spanto tip does a poor job as a pure cutter, but isn't really that great at prying and whatnot , either, when you consider most Front Line guys like firefighters, are arriving on scene on what amounts to a big red rolling tool box. To be clear, if one of my guys decided to bring an XM-18 to take a door as opposed to bringing the Irons, I'd use my foot to kick his arse through that door.

I know the OP has made mention more than once in more than one thread he's not sold on the Sebenza's hype and that's fine. I'd suggest he remember that when considering the XM-18 as well. It's great knife, just not the do-it-all tool some hype it up to be, either.

I don't know if the OP actually wants a Sebenza at this point, or is trying to knock it in some sort of way through his threads. Time will tell, I guess. If he does want one, no other knife will scratch that itch.
 
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flipe8 said:
After owning multiple knives from each company, I'd take the Sebenza any day, based on my experiences. I won't go too deep into the F&F/tolerances thing, as I doubt anyone is really going to debate that if they've owned both. Once you get into top-tier production folders, the differences are fairly subtle, but they are there. When I've purchased knives other than CRKs in this price point, I didn't do it to find something "better", but to try something "different".

Aside from personal tastes(I just plain like Sebenzas more), the biggest reason I'd choose a Sebenza over an XM-18 comes down to how well the knives perform at what the makers designed them for. Mr. Reeve designed the Sebenza to be a good, solid performing pocket knife that could easily be serviced by the user. It does this job very well. Mr. Hinderer designed and marketed the XM-18 to essentially fill a role for Front Line guys as a folding multi-tool of sorts. The thing is, it doesn't do a great job in this role, if we want to be honest about it. The original Spanto tip does a poor job as a pure cutter, but isn't really that great at prying and whatnot , either, when you consider most Front Line guys like firefighters, are arriving on scene on what amounts to a big red rolling tool box. To be clear, if one of my guys decided to bring an XM-18 to take a door as opposed to bringing the Irons, I'd use my foot to kick his arse through that door.

I know the OP has made mention more than once in more than one thread he's not sold on the Sebenza's hype and that's fine. I'd suggest he remember that when considering the XM-18 as well. It's great knife, just not the do-it-all tool some hype it up to be, either.

I don't know if the OP actually wants a Sebenza at this point, or is trying to knock it in some sort of way through his threads. Time will tell, I guess. If he does want one, no other knife will scratch that itch.
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That's just it, I don't own a "top tier" folder and I feel as if Sebenza is definitely the way to go since I'm not at all a first responder of any sorts. It does seem like the Hinderer is just a beefy nicer version of ZT knives. So I guess I can rest my head at night now knowing I'll go with the Benza..

Thanks guys! No further comments needed..I can tell your sick of me. The next post I make will be some snaps of my new Large 21 :cool:
 
I will not cast a vote.

Having owned multiples of each, one would think I would have a pretty good idea which I prefer, or would recommend, but I don't.

Just pick one? I can't..




P.s. Your poll inspired me to carry my XM today. I always carry my 21 (backup) and rotate primary .. so maybe that kind of answers your question.
 
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My vote goes to the Seb. Too many reasons to list.
I was always confused when it came to the Hinderers though.
It's said they were designed for first responders. I would LOVE to know how many first responders actually carry one.
I know a bunch, and have yet to see one of them carry a Hinderer. Or any high end knife.
Just curious.
Joe
 
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I really like my Hinderer's and all mine flip well. I also own a pair of Crk, the Startac being my favorite. Both companies put our well made knives that look as good as they perform. Ergonomics is what puts Hinderer ahead of Crk for me.
 
palonej said:
My vote goes to the Seb. Too many reasons to list.
I was always confused when it came to the Hinderers though.
It's said they were designed for first responders. I would LOVE to know how many first responders actually carry one.
I know a bunch, and have yet to see one of them carry a Hinderer. Or any high end knife.
Just curious.
Joe
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I think the whole Front Line thing is a bit over the top. I do carry my knives at work, regardless of cost, but that's because I'm a knife enthusiast, not because I happen to be a Front Line guy.
 
palonej said:
My vote goes to the Seb. Too many reasons to list.
I was always confused when it came to the Hinderers though.
It's said they were designed for first responders. I would LOVE to know how many first responders actually carry one.
I know a bunch, and have yet to see one of them carry a Hinderer. Or any high end knife.
Just curious.
Joe
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I feel the same way..I have a childhood friend who went into the police force recently. So naturally I was excited to talk knives with him..I was VERY wrong to assume he would have some badass knife like we all do. He send me a picture of a little CRKT knife and says that's all he really needs lol. It was a very sad day indeed
 
Exactly how I feel flipe!! I'm in HVAC for more than 40 years. I need a knife at work, every single day. If I'm being honest, do I need to carry a Millie, PAC Salt, Rift, TR-3 etc?? Nope. A utility knife would be fine, mostly.
I carry them because I'm a blade nut and love a well made tool.
The reasons given in regards to the bad flipping action on Hinderers, going by what I've read and seen on YT only, don't make sense to me. That's the main reason I haven't tried one.
Joe


flipe8 said:
I think the whole Front Line thing is a bit over the top. I do carry my knives at work, regardless of cost, but that's because I'm a knife enthusiast, not because I happen to be a Front Line guy.
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I own XM18 3.5s (2 regular and 1 "Fatty") and a CRK Umnumzaan and a Lg Inkosi. I like them all. IMO, both companies make a solid product. The Fatty gets the most pocket time though. (For those who have convinced themselves that PB washers are magical and"better" than teflon, you can buy PBs for your Hinderer for about 2 dollars)
 
My two cents...owned two large XM-18's at ~$735 each and sold them again within two weeks. Many reasons. Note that the closed and open lengths of the 3.5 XM-18 and the large Sebenza are nearly identical.
I've owned at least 20-30 CRK's...lg and sm Sebbies and Zaans and still have a couple of large Sebbies left.
Here are the reasons: wt of Hinderer is 5.6 ounces... large Sebbie is 4.7 ounces.
Blade thickness of XM-18 (3.5") is 0.165"... large Sebbie is 0.125".
Handle (grip) thickness: XM-18 is 0.540".....large Sebbie is 0.460".
The reasons that I MUCH prefer the Sebenza are in bold print above.
Of course, opinions may vary...but physical facts such as weight and dimensions do not.
 
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It all comes down to preference. Both are well made and will last longer than you'll probably need them to. Unfortunately for most of us, it took owning both to figure out which we like more. I like both for different reasons. For a large knife (3.5"+) I prefer the XM because it just exudes confidence that it'll handle anything you put it through. I like the flipper because it's another opening option and acts as a finger guard when open. Ergonomics are better for me also. Plus the customization factor is awesome.
For a smaller knife (3") I like the Sebenza. It's lighter, thinner, a better cutter, carries better, and is a far better gents knife, IMO. I don't really like or want a flipper on a 3 incher anyway. Plus they're just classy.
 
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