Sebenza vs TNT

Junkyard

Junkyard

Joined
Aug 8, 2002
Messages
710
I know I'm new here, so please forgive me if I did something improper.
I am very familiar with the CRK Sebenzas, and I love them. I own several. Reading some of the threads, I have seen several mentions to Tom Mayo's TNTs. all of them were very positive. I looked at Tom Mayo's website, but I don't think that does his knives justice. I was wondering, How do you feel the TNTs compare to Sebenzas? Better, Worse? How? Why? I'm interested. Also, any and all pictures of TNTs would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Jason
 
Jason;

Welcome to the forums.

You might try running a search, as this subject has been covered in the past.

You should gain some insight to your question.
 
Two deferent animals Jason, both top drawer!

The Sebenzas are the top in production Ti handled folders with Chris's Frame lock and blades that cut all day and then some.

Tom's TNT's are handmade to your order one at a time with Ti Handles (don't forget those holes hehe) and frame lock, choices of deferent blade steels like Talonite and many deferent blade shapes which Tom will be glad to make special to your order. Cost wise the TNT is more for sure as you know, but well worth it in my book, but i would not compare it with the Sebenza, like i said two deferent animals and IMO both a great value for the money. Fit and feel on both are outstanding and made to last a life time.

James
 
The Sebenza is by far the best knife I've ever handled. It's the one I carry every day. I have no experience with the TNT. By all accounts, it too is an outstanding knife. It is one of the very few handmades that has my eye at this time. If you already own several Sebenzas, a TNT would be well worth a try.

Paul
 
Thank you all for your insight. It is truly appreciated. As I said, I own several Sebenzas and I love them. But now, I too have my eye on a TNT. I believe I'm just gonna have to get one.

Thanks again,

Jason
 
Jason,

As you already have a Sebenza (or two ;) ), you are aware of the high quality, fit and, finish of the knife and its pricepoint relative to other knives in the production arena from companies such as Benchmade and Spyderco.

Once you go beyone the CRK Sebbie, you are looking at a custom piece which is built to suit your specific needs. That puts the focus on you. What do you want from this knife? Is it just a work of art? Is it specialized knife to work in salt water or in a non-magnetic world? Will you whittle with it, cut poly rope on a boat dock, do food prep, etc. with it?

I view the Sebenza's like a tool, a very good tool. Sort of like you comparing some no name Asian import socket and wrench set to a Sears Craftsman, Snap-On, etc.

With the TNT you have a very good tool. Assuming you select an appropriate size and blade shape, you have tool that matches your environment. With that tool, you now get the custom features that make it fit you better and any cosmetic upgrades that appeal to your eye to make it special to you.

The TNT's have more variations then a Sebenza so, you have many more options (not to imply a Sebbie is in any way lacking - it is purpose built with a time tested design and features). I have had my eye on a Beefy-T model myself. A very stout and hand filling knife.

You might want to consider going to Blade East in January up in Atlanta, Georgia in June. There outght to be one or two there ;) . Then you can actually feel the knife in your hand and find the one that fits you best. There are also a couple of big knife shows in Florida that may offer an oppurtunity to see them in person as well.

Along the lines of hard working knives, you may also want to look at Kit Carson's Model 4's. I recently acquired a Large Model 4 Clip Point in CPM30V and am very impressed with it as a working man's "tool".
 
Both are excellent knives, I own Sebenzas and lovingly handled a TNT, I definitely want one. I would bet every TNT owner also owns a Sebenza or did so at some earlier point- TNT is "ultimate evolution" to date of the Sebenza concept, Tom Mayo is very fond of the Sebenza. He uses advantages of handmaking a knife- choosing different materials, modifying specs, blade types and grinds, etc, to go beyond production constraints of the Sebenza- but not in disrespectful way, I think everone who handles a TNT sees how it pays homage to its predecessor by Chris Reeve.
Martin
 
You must take anything Russ aka Bladezealot has to say about TNT's with a grain of salt, afterall, the man suffers from the most severe and advanced case of TNTinitis that anyone has ever contracted!!:D ;) :D

Check out my signature line to see what I think!;) :)
 
As Mayo has said many times, the Sebenza is the best production knife out there. The TNTs are a different story and it is all about a true custom. I have two TNTs but do not currently have a benza. Both are awesome knives . . . the benza may very well be the best prodo and the Mayo is my fave user folder custom or prodo.:D :D
 
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