Sebenza vs. Skirmish

HotSwat

HotSwat

Joined
Sep 13, 2002
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I've got a couple of Benchmade 630 Skirmish knives, and I've got the few other titanium frame-lock/RIL folders including a Cuda Maxx 5.5. Even with a good selection of knives in my knife box, I'm starting to yearn for a Sebenza 21.

I really don't want to spend $350+ for a new knife when I already have so many great knives in my collection.

I've read the "Is sebenza the best?" thread and I've handled a small 21 at my local knife shop and it's getting hard for me to resist getting a sebenza.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the 630 is way better than a 21 so I can avoid buying a crazy expensive knife?
 
I had a 635 for a bit (returned it to seller) and they're quite nice knives. Never had a Sebenza though.

But I can tell you, on the second hand market, very nice condition used Sebbies can go for under $300 (even some that are like new looking).
 
I wouldn't say the "Sebenza is the best".

The Sebenza is a pretty good general purpose design, sort of a 90's version of a Buck 110, that happens to be well made of quality materials.

But "best" it is not.

What one considers "best" is subjective and highly dependent upon one's needs, desires, etc.

Me? I stick with one of my Benchmade 710hs knives. I like the 710 more than the Sebenza. For a ti framelock, I've got several options but usually use a 750 Pinnacle.
 
Same discussion as in that other thread. The Sebenza is what it is, and it's kind of unique. There are other similar knives, like the 630/635 and the Spyderco Military and Sage 2, that offer a big % of the Sebenza for a smaller % of the price. How you balance that is a totally individual decision. In your place, though, I wouldn't be rushing out to get a Sebenza. It's not like they're going to be discontinued anytime soon if you change your mind, either.
 
Love my Sebenzas but also EDC my Spyderco Military and Benchmade 710 also. Each have their own characteristics which makes me want to use each one. The 710 fits my hand perfectly. The Military has a great feel and also one of the best steels. The Sebenza just flat out works and has perfect build quality. None of them are better than the other so you just have to have all of them! :)
 
orthogonal1 said:
I wouldn't say the "Sebenza is the best".

The Sebenza is a pretty good general purpose design, sort of a 90's version of a Buck 110, that happens to be well made of quality materials.

But "best" it is not.

What one considers "best" is subjective and highly dependent upon one's needs, desires, etc.

Me? I stick with one of my Benchmade 710hs knives. I like the 710 more than the Sebenza. For a ti framelock, I've got several options but usually use a 750 Pinnacle.
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If what is best is subjective, then what is not best is also subjective!

I've had lots of Benchmades, Spydercos, CRKTs and a few customs. The knife I used most in my Army career was my Sebenza (BG42 version). It's the best folder I've found so far – enough so that I've stopped looking!
 
HotSwat said:
I've got a couple of Benchmade 630 Skirmish knives, and I've got the few other titanium frame-lock/RIL folders including a Cuda Maxx 5.5. Even with a good selection of knives in my knife box, I'm starting to yearn for a Sebenza 21.

I really don't want to spend $350+ for a new knife when I already have so many great knives in my collection.

I've read the "Is sebenza the best?" thread and I've handled a small 21 at my local knife shop and it's getting hard for me to resist getting a sebenza.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the 630 is way better than a 21 so I can avoid buying a crazy expensive knife?
Click to expand...


If you have an itch for it, then you might as well go ahead and get it. As far as best goes, best is always in the eye of the ownwer of any knife. Some swear by the Sebenza, some swear at it (don't know why, it is the best available:eek::)).

Anyway, I say scratch that itch......the sooner the better.
 
The reason the Sebenza is special and probably the best......it's these comparison threads. If you have to ask why....you are probably looking for justification for not having one.

I thought it was over rated, bought a small Classic, and don't ask why any more.
 
The 630 will do anything a Sebenza will do in EDC chores. The reason to get the Sebenza is for the luxury aspects. To some that is sufficient justification. My choice would highly depend on how much it would hurt me financially to go for the Sebenza. If I could afford it without any trouble, then I would easily choose the Sebenza if I were to pick between the two. If you're still not sure, you could buy one and resell it without much effort and go back to the 630.
 
I think that the Skirmish has a better handle. I prefer one that has some contour and the rectangular Seb handle leaves a little to be desired. The chamfering on the opening hole of the Skirmish is complete garbage IMO (it should have been cut flush like a Spyder hole so you can get it to catch your thumb). The Seb opens more smoothly and locks up better. Over all I'd rate the Skirmish at 6.5 out of 10 and the Seb at 8 out of 10. I'd say you should buy one if you have handled it and like it. It's just money, bro ;):thumbup: (I hate it when people say that :D)
 
the Sebenza is the best....buy one you won't regret it, then sell off your other knives to get back your $$$

jm2c's
 
Did make some pics for you to compare;).

You are talking about a normal skirmish but i think the mini suits better for comparing with a large sebenza.

I have got a mini skirmish and a large classic sebenza and for extra comparing pics a spyderco military(lined them up to compare the cutting edges).

As you can see the blade(length) of the mini skirmish is comparable with the large sebenza.


The mini is a big blade folder in short handles:thumbup:.

Both the sebenza and the mini are great knives:thumbup:.
The sebenza is a better cutter but its also twice the price.
I also think the sebenza is more sheeple friendly because of the simple design.

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And look at the size comparing the military handles with the handles of the mini:D.
 
I've had several of both (Small & lg. Sebs & BM 635 & 630). I think they're different folders, IMHO.

I think a BM 750 Pinnacle & Bradley's Alias's are better comparisons to the Sebs, although I still prefer the Seb to them.

The Skirmish is huge & I'm assuming you'r talking about the 635 mini-Skirmish, but either way, a Kershaw Ti Cyclone ZDP comes to mind.

Having said all that, it's whichever one's more comfortable. Do you like curved handles & a folder that sits wider in the pocket or a straightish handle that sits narrow in the pocket (My small 21 micarta is the most comfortable to me).

As for prices, if you look at the secondary market, & BM 635/630s aren't made anymore, you'll probably see that it's more like the BM's about 2/3 the price of a Seb (In the secondary market).

For me, I'd get the Seb, I like it better. In fact, I prefer the Alias to the Skirmish, BUT it is a subjective thing. If the BM's more comfortable to your hands, then definitely get that.

Both knives will sell or trade well if you don't like one of them, BTW. The Seb is a Seb & the BM Skirmish are no longer made & a very nice knife in its own right.
 
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