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Sebenza vs Tom Mayo's TNT
- Thread starter RKnight
- Start date
It's pretty brutal to compare a production knife which uses CNC and other manufacting technologies to a handmade custom.
CRK makes about 1000 Sebenzas a year. I think Tom has made about 100 TNTs total.
CRK uses CNC technologies. Tom uses a bandsaw, a drill press and an old manual mill. <A HREF="http://www.students.washington.edu/mitchlum/mayo/tnt.html" TARGET=_blank>Click there to see how he does it.
</A>
I think the Sebenzas are going for about $360, and a TNT is about $500. But, if you have problems or whatever Tom will fix your knife and not charge you $75 to get out the door (that's what I paid to have my Seb refurbished.) Also let's not forget that Talonite is significantly more expensive than BG-42.
As I sit here any type this the two knives on me are a large Seb and a medium TNT. All the things I have listed so far are just plain facts. "Better" is a hard thing for me to decide for you.
If I had $360 to spend, I'd save up another $140 and get a TNT.
~Mitch
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My Hobby Page
[This message has been edited by UW Mitch (edited 04-28-2001).]
CRK makes about 1000 Sebenzas a year. I think Tom has made about 100 TNTs total.
CRK uses CNC technologies. Tom uses a bandsaw, a drill press and an old manual mill. <A HREF="http://www.students.washington.edu/mitchlum/mayo/tnt.html" TARGET=_blank>Click there to see how he does it.
</A>
I think the Sebenzas are going for about $360, and a TNT is about $500. But, if you have problems or whatever Tom will fix your knife and not charge you $75 to get out the door (that's what I paid to have my Seb refurbished.) Also let's not forget that Talonite is significantly more expensive than BG-42.
As I sit here any type this the two knives on me are a large Seb and a medium TNT. All the things I have listed so far are just plain facts. "Better" is a hard thing for me to decide for you.
If I had $360 to spend, I'd save up another $140 and get a TNT.
~Mitch
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My Hobby Page
[This message has been edited by UW Mitch (edited 04-28-2001).]
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2001
- Messages
- 281
That's a pretty broad question. It would help if you were more specific. In other words, better at what?
I think both are superior examples of state-of-the-art framelock tactical folders. The TNT is more pocket-friendly, the Seb is blocky. Blocky has advantages of its own, it depends on how and where you use the knife.
Probably the largest difference is that Tom uses Talonite, somthing CRK cannot do (at present) as they use magnetic holders while in production. Talonite will not rust, and has unique edge holding properties. Talonite vs. other blade steels has been discussed frequently--can be found via the search option.
I like 'em both...
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eschew obfuscation!
Knife Collection in Training
I think both are superior examples of state-of-the-art framelock tactical folders. The TNT is more pocket-friendly, the Seb is blocky. Blocky has advantages of its own, it depends on how and where you use the knife.
Probably the largest difference is that Tom uses Talonite, somthing CRK cannot do (at present) as they use magnetic holders while in production. Talonite will not rust, and has unique edge holding properties. Talonite vs. other blade steels has been discussed frequently--can be found via the search option.
I like 'em both...
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eschew obfuscation!
Knife Collection in Training
- Joined
- Sep 8, 1999
- Messages
- 90
"Better" could also connote options of which Tom is definitely more flexible.
Let him know the length of the blade you want, it's thickness, handle style, carry options - you got it. Plus he doesn't have to make the blade from Talonite (though that would defeat the purpose of the TNT).
He's also a great guy to talk to.
Jerome
Let him know the length of the blade you want, it's thickness, handle style, carry options - you got it. Plus he doesn't have to make the blade from Talonite (though that would defeat the purpose of the TNT).
He's also a great guy to talk to.
Jerome
not2sharp
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 1999
- Messages
- 20,472
It would be truely lucky to have to choose between these two. Either is an excellent knife. Which is best would depend on your criteria. The Reeves is a little cheaper, and easier to find, while the TNT offers Talonite (plenty of holes) and is a genuine hand made knife.
Just got back from the blade show in Eugene OR. where I specifically went to pick up a TNT from Tom ( I already owned one from buying it off his web site) I had owned a Sebenza since they came out..about 10 years and its a great knife, no doubt...but I just sold all my Sebenza's ( 4 of em)and have swithched to the TNT as my EDC..perhaps I just wanted something different after all those years..I,m really not sure but for me now....it is TNT all the way...I like all kinds of knives, but the ones I buy, I buy to use em The TNT has a much nicer handle finish that really resist scuff marks...rides super nice in your pocket no matter which size you get..(mine is HUGE!)the action on the TNT is super smooth and I have put the talonite blade through some tuff cuttin tests and it really holds an edge...like I said, Sebenza is a great knife....but my vote is for the TNT...get a hold of both of em....you decide..thats really the only way to do it........
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as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another....Pr.27:17
David Buhrer
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as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another....Pr.27:17
David Buhrer
- Joined
- May 18, 2000
- Messages
- 3,743
RKnight, If you really appreciate quality in what you own, then go with the TNT. I think there is a personal feeling to a custom knife made by a fine maker/artist. This makes the difference in how you feel when you hold or use it. Personal satisfaction is important.
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Aloha
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Aloha
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2000
- Messages
- 525
the sebbie is a great knife...but i do "love" my TNT!!!!! 'plan to get another from tom at the blade show
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russ aka BladeZealot{former screen name: russ, dec.'99}
a cat almost always blinks when hit in the head with a ball-peen hammer.
the only thing better than a good knife, is a good woman.
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russ aka BladeZealot{former screen name: russ, dec.'99}
a cat almost always blinks when hit in the head with a ball-peen hammer.
the only thing better than a good knife, is a good woman.
- Joined
- Aug 25, 1999
- Messages
- 1,317
Dangerous. Loyal forumites for both knives. My opinion is that you can't get to a TNT without first owning the Sebenza. It's a logical progression. It's evolution. I love the Sebenza, and have the utmost respect for CRK and the impact the Seb has had upon the industry. It sets the standard for production quality, and sets it HIGH.
That being said, I have sold my Sebs in favor of Tom's TNT's (I currently own two, a large from a fellow Forumite, and a medium which Tom is making as we speak) and honestly haven't looked back. Here's why:
1. Talonite blade
2. better finish on the ti frame
3. custom options available
4. rounded handle slabs
5. Perfect fit and finish (which my Sebs had also; my point is that you don't give up a thing with the TNT, in fact mine has a much smoother action than any Seb I've handled)
6. I like the size of Toms large and medium just a little better than the large and small seb. It's a minor thing, but at this level the minor things are all you've got.
Bottom line is the TNT is everything the Seb is and more. Yes, you pay more for the "more", but that's the name of the game if you want to own customs!
That being said, I have sold my Sebs in favor of Tom's TNT's (I currently own two, a large from a fellow Forumite, and a medium which Tom is making as we speak) and honestly haven't looked back. Here's why:
1. Talonite blade
2. better finish on the ti frame
3. custom options available
4. rounded handle slabs
5. Perfect fit and finish (which my Sebs had also; my point is that you don't give up a thing with the TNT, in fact mine has a much smoother action than any Seb I've handled)
6. I like the size of Toms large and medium just a little better than the large and small seb. It's a minor thing, but at this level the minor things are all you've got.
Bottom line is the TNT is everything the Seb is and more. Yes, you pay more for the "more", but that's the name of the game if you want to own customs!
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
I always like to see this: A thread that contains gasoline and matches but never erupts into flames. Good info in here so far.
I also went to the Eugene show. I stood at Chris Reeve's table and played with the Sebenza whilst being extolled the virtue of the frame lock, BG-42 steel and titanium. I then went on to tables from Allen Elishewitz, Tom Mayo, Art Washburn, etc. to do likewise.
I have to agree that if I had $350 bux to spend, I would go find another couple hundred bux and get the custom. I just could not spend that kind of cash on a production piece when there are the likes of Mr. Mayo, Mr. Ralph, Mr. Elishewitz, Mr. Carson, and a virtual HOST of other names out there making the custom pieces they do.
Mind you, I am not saying anything derogatory against the Sebenza. From what I experienced (limited, I agree) it is a hell of a knife. Nobody could go wrong owning one. My tastes merely run alittle different is all.
"Better" is a subjective term in here, and I can only say that you would have to determine on your own which is better for YOU. It just may turn out that it is better to have both.
I also went to the Eugene show. I stood at Chris Reeve's table and played with the Sebenza whilst being extolled the virtue of the frame lock, BG-42 steel and titanium. I then went on to tables from Allen Elishewitz, Tom Mayo, Art Washburn, etc. to do likewise.
I have to agree that if I had $350 bux to spend, I would go find another couple hundred bux and get the custom. I just could not spend that kind of cash on a production piece when there are the likes of Mr. Mayo, Mr. Ralph, Mr. Elishewitz, Mr. Carson, and a virtual HOST of other names out there making the custom pieces they do.
Mind you, I am not saying anything derogatory against the Sebenza. From what I experienced (limited, I agree) it is a hell of a knife. Nobody could go wrong owning one. My tastes merely run alittle different is all.
"Better" is a subjective term in here, and I can only say that you would have to determine on your own which is better for YOU. It just may turn out that it is better to have both.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2000
- Messages
- 1,287
Personally, I bought a Sebenza back when they first came out, and I think they are fine knives still. I picked up a TNT from a forumite, and a sweet recurved TNT from Tom at the Eugene Show. IMO, they ride better in the pocket, you can get them in more blade profiles and sizes than the Seb, and as mentioned, the finish on the Ti is more scuff resistant. I would think there are probably a number of one-of-kinds out there too..... My vote goes with the TNT.
[This message has been edited by Kwaiken56 (edited 04-29-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Kwaiken56 (edited 04-29-2001).]
I was enjoying the discussion of the pros and cons of both knives when it suddenly turned a little sour for me. It seems that one of the craftsmen under discussion felt compelled to offer his two cents worth (adding to the cool objectivity of the discussion no doubt). When someone else proclaims your merits it ain't bragging and, as we all know, bragging can be annoying. I hope there's more objective discussion to follow since I'm trying to decide between the two.
Jumbi,
I think you're taking Tom too seriously. :razz:
I think the bottom line is that many serious knife enthusiasts at some point end up carrying a CRK Sebenza if they can afford one. Some people are perfectly content with the Sebenza as it is a great knife (I don't think anyone can argue with that). Other people while recognizing that the Sebenza is great want to take it to the next level...the TNT is logical step. Tom will make how you want it, pretty much for the same price in a given size.
~Mitch (who still has a TNT and a Sebenza on his belt)
I think you're taking Tom too seriously. :razz:
I think the bottom line is that many serious knife enthusiasts at some point end up carrying a CRK Sebenza if they can afford one. Some people are perfectly content with the Sebenza as it is a great knife (I don't think anyone can argue with that). Other people while recognizing that the Sebenza is great want to take it to the next level...the TNT is logical step. Tom will make how you want it, pretty much for the same price in a given size.
~Mitch (who still has a TNT and a Sebenza on his belt)