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Sebenza vs Tom Mayo's TNT
- Thread starter RKnight
- Start date
Well, I see the Sebenza as more of a light tank for a hard day's work. The TNT as smooth just as sharp as hell, slicker handled (sorry folks
)and nicer feel in the hand for everyday chores. BTW, Talonite and D2 feel the same to me when cutting really.
Originally posted by Jumbi:
. It seems that one of the craftsmen under discussion felt compelled to offer his two cents worth When someone else proclaims your merits it ain't bragging I hope there's more objective discussion to follow since I'm trying to decide between the two.
above qoute slightly edited by me...OK I will BRAG for Mr Mayo then...His knives are incredible!!!! they have got to be one of the finest frame locks made on this planet!! oh yes..there are others out there..and Tom probably wasn't the first...but I think his TNT's have the smoothest action and the best ride in the pocket and he will build one exactly to your specs. (even better than your specs
...) and not only that. In reading the above posts..I don't see to many negatives for either knife, but I do see a lot of votes for the TNT!! Tom is a super nice guy to work with (Anne and Chris are great also) The final word again...is YOU have to get a hold of both of them....it comes down to personal taste in the end usually...most of us have said the Sebenza is a fine knife....you can not go wrong with either one...Tom will even take in a sebenza on trade toward one of his knives sometimes, because he knows he can sell em again....as He said..he owns several from doing just that....enjoy which ever one you get...just make sure its the TNT......(I do have a CR Kathathu coming next week) I would be surprised to find any of us only owning one makers knives Really I like em both...as I said earlier///sebennzas for 10 years...but now its the TNT for me.....
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
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- 29,205
As much as I like the Sebenza, I would take Tom's TNT over it without a second thought. I like the look, materials and workmanship more, and can order it the way I would like it.The TNT is one heck of a knife.
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Keith
AKTI Member #A001338
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Keith
AKTI Member #A001338
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2001
- Messages
- 281
I hope we can continue this interesting thread, at least as long as it stays calm.
Ptpalpha,you are exactly correct in my case. I would not have paid any attention to a knife like the TNT without first experiencing CRK products. I started with one Umfaan a year ago, and now have a couple of them as well as a few Sebs. They're great knives, and I have no plans to part with them. However, as I spent some time carrying the Sebs, I found that as the size went up, the ergonomics of the CRK design were a bit annoying for constant carry. I understand Reeve's vision of the knife, and that working ability is valued above most other considerations.
If you've seen pictures of the Mnandi (upcoming from CRK), it shows a design that is a bit more relaxed, more towards the gentleman's knife end of the spectrum. I think the TNT is somewhere in the middle--very tough working design, rust free, top quality materials, but...Tom has paid attention to ergonomics--how the knife feels in your hand, how it opens, how it rides in your pocket.
So in MY pocket, you can frequently find a TNT. Even more frequently in a few days, when my XXLG recurve arrives, and there will be rotation problems when Tom gets the other two (Beefy and Tiny) done.
If I can stretch the car analogy into SUVs, I'd say we are comparing a Toyota Land Cruiser with a Range Rover.
Jumbi--talk to Tom on the phone, I think you might change your opinion. It's all too easy to draw premature conclusions about a person based on a couple of forum messages.
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eschew obfuscation!
Knife Collection in Training
Ptpalpha,you are exactly correct in my case. I would not have paid any attention to a knife like the TNT without first experiencing CRK products. I started with one Umfaan a year ago, and now have a couple of them as well as a few Sebs. They're great knives, and I have no plans to part with them. However, as I spent some time carrying the Sebs, I found that as the size went up, the ergonomics of the CRK design were a bit annoying for constant carry. I understand Reeve's vision of the knife, and that working ability is valued above most other considerations.
If you've seen pictures of the Mnandi (upcoming from CRK), it shows a design that is a bit more relaxed, more towards the gentleman's knife end of the spectrum. I think the TNT is somewhere in the middle--very tough working design, rust free, top quality materials, but...Tom has paid attention to ergonomics--how the knife feels in your hand, how it opens, how it rides in your pocket.
So in MY pocket, you can frequently find a TNT. Even more frequently in a few days, when my XXLG recurve arrives, and there will be rotation problems when Tom gets the other two (Beefy and Tiny) done.
If I can stretch the car analogy into SUVs, I'd say we are comparing a Toyota Land Cruiser with a Range Rover.
Jumbi--talk to Tom on the phone, I think you might change your opinion. It's all too easy to draw premature conclusions about a person based on a couple of forum messages.
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eschew obfuscation!
Knife Collection in Training
That reply by Smoke really got my attention.
I've read about the cutting ability of Talonite, but not having used it, I didn't know how to put it into perspective.
But when you say it feels like D2... now that does put it into perpsective.
[This message has been edited by RKnight (edited 04-29-2001).]
I've read about the cutting ability of Talonite, but not having used it, I didn't know how to put it into perspective.
But when you say it feels like D2... now that does put it into perpsective.
[This message has been edited by RKnight (edited 04-29-2001).]
I was sad to see that Tom Mayo's post about owning 6 CRK knives was taken as a negative post. I would think that a post by any knifemaker, about owning so many of someone else's knives, would be taken as a compliment!!
I would suggest that anyone who feels that Tom is the kind of guy who would put down a fellow knifemaker should give him a call. I have spoken to Tom many times, and I have never heard him badmouth anyone.
Michael
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He who has smelt the smoke is never free again...
I would suggest that anyone who feels that Tom is the kind of guy who would put down a fellow knifemaker should give him a call. I have spoken to Tom many times, and I have never heard him badmouth anyone.
Michael
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He who has smelt the smoke is never free again...
- Joined
- Nov 24, 1999
- Messages
- 4,981
Its pretty obvious to me.
With the sebenza, you spend at least $300. You get a well made frame lock, that has become pretty common among high end knife users.Theres not a whole lot that sets it apart from other production knives like the BM750. Sure its made with more precision and a better steel, but when it comes to actual cutting, the difference in performance is not anywhere close to the difference in price. And the 750 has been argued to have better ergonomics. A spyderco military will cut circles around a sebenza for $200 less.
Then there's the TNT, slightly more costly. Its handmade, one knife at a time. Its started and finished by the same guy who has high standards for his work. You can bet the finished product is going to be right with lots of atttention to detail.Its got a talonite blade, and other top quality materials. And it hasn't ever been described as " a gray turd". On top of all that its, something different. Not everyone and his brother has one yet.
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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
With the sebenza, you spend at least $300. You get a well made frame lock, that has become pretty common among high end knife users.Theres not a whole lot that sets it apart from other production knives like the BM750. Sure its made with more precision and a better steel, but when it comes to actual cutting, the difference in performance is not anywhere close to the difference in price. And the 750 has been argued to have better ergonomics. A spyderco military will cut circles around a sebenza for $200 less.
Then there's the TNT, slightly more costly. Its handmade, one knife at a time. Its started and finished by the same guy who has high standards for his work. You can bet the finished product is going to be right with lots of atttention to detail.Its got a talonite blade, and other top quality materials. And it hasn't ever been described as " a gray turd". On top of all that its, something different. Not everyone and his brother has one yet.
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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
Sebenza. Absolutely the best production knife available. Strong, smooth, and perfectly fit. The customer service at CRK is incredible. I own a large, a small decorated, and an Umfaan. Love them all!
The TNT. A custom knife. Made exactly the way that YOU want it made. You have input on blade style, length, handle shape, and even blade materials (although it would not be a TNT without Talonite). Strong, smooth, and perfectly fit just like the Sebenza although one of the things that I find appealing is that a perfect fit is a lot easier to obtain with a computer controlled CNC machine then by one talented man in a shop by himself. The service from Tom is also exceptional. I love my TNT!
Which one wins? The knife in my pocket right now is my TNT. The rounded shape of the titanium is much nicer in my hand then the flat sides of the Sebbie. Talonite is a great blade material that sharpens easily, cuts forever, and will not rust.
-Steven
The TNT. A custom knife. Made exactly the way that YOU want it made. You have input on blade style, length, handle shape, and even blade materials (although it would not be a TNT without Talonite). Strong, smooth, and perfectly fit just like the Sebenza although one of the things that I find appealing is that a perfect fit is a lot easier to obtain with a computer controlled CNC machine then by one talented man in a shop by himself. The service from Tom is also exceptional. I love my TNT!
Which one wins? The knife in my pocket right now is my TNT. The rounded shape of the titanium is much nicer in my hand then the flat sides of the Sebbie. Talonite is a great blade material that sharpens easily, cuts forever, and will not rust.
-Steven
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- 4,842
Out of curiosity, since you mention a performance comparison, does the TNT cut better than the Sebenza? It's difficult to find custom knives that cut better than the Sebenza, based mostly on edge geometry, which is why I ask.
I don't love the Sebenza's ergonomics, but Tom's knives seem pretty straight so I can't even guess whether or not they'd be an improvement -- can anyone who owns both comment? Which is more comfortable for cutting, and which feels more secure in the grip?
Tom's knives have a sleeker, high-speed-low-drag aesthetic that looks much nicer to me than the Sebenza's more utilitarian appearance. And blade holes blow away thumb studs. But both of those are of lesser concern than performance and ergonomics etc..
Joe
- Joined
- Sep 8, 1999
- Messages
- 90
A quick comparison at work of these two alloys slicing through a regular 8.5" X 11" sheet of paper (20lbs.) reveals mixed results: the Sebenza sliced through cleanly as did my medium recurve and Beefy TNT; couldn't even get a slice started with my XLG recurve. This suggests to me - no surprise - it's definitely in the sharpening.
However, cutting prowess aside, the reasons to have the TNT for me have to do more with corrosion resistance and light weight - two worthwhile bragging points IMHO.
Jerome
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
Light weight is a huge bragging point, IMO.
Next question: the Reeves more or less claim to have perfected the integral lock (though they put it much less coarsely than that). How does Tom's integral lock stack up? Tweaking, torquing, squeezing -- anyone ever have problems?
How does Tom handle reducing the lock tension? Vertical cutouts ala the Sebenza? A long horizontal slot ala the Benchmade Pinnacle?
Thanks!
Joe
Next question: the Reeves more or less claim to have perfected the integral lock (though they put it much less coarsely than that). How does Tom's integral lock stack up? Tweaking, torquing, squeezing -- anyone ever have problems?
How does Tom handle reducing the lock tension? Vertical cutouts ala the Sebenza? A long horizontal slot ala the Benchmade Pinnacle?
Thanks!
Joe
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,625
Can't let this topic go without saying something. The Sebi is a high end production the TNT is a Custom.
Like comparing a top spec Merc and a custom modified Merc.
The TNT is a great looking knife and I know the Sebi is a fantastic knife.
Given the choice I would take BG42 over Talonite, because I can be a little rough with a knife. I don't want to ding a blade on a staple and spend hours grinding out the damage.
Both are great, one is pure utility one is pure art with a lot of utility. I would chose the Sebi and use it, but I like the frame lock and Ti slab scales. As well as the BG-42 steel. In a custom blade I have gone for a fixed blade. For now I will leave the folders to the production boys.
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
Like comparing a top spec Merc and a custom modified Merc.
The TNT is a great looking knife and I know the Sebi is a fantastic knife.
Given the choice I would take BG42 over Talonite, because I can be a little rough with a knife. I don't want to ding a blade on a staple and spend hours grinding out the damage.
Both are great, one is pure utility one is pure art with a lot of utility. I would chose the Sebi and use it, but I like the frame lock and Ti slab scales. As well as the BG-42 steel. In a custom blade I have gone for a fixed blade. For now I will leave the folders to the production boys.
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
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hello general, have'nt made any "misleading" posts on the g,b, & u lately have you?
i notice that even you don't rule out owning a tnt at some point:" For now I will leave the folders to the production boys." note the "For now"
i have owned 6 sebenzas since i became sebenza-aware a couple of years ago, but my heart now belongs to the tnt.you will see the light...eventually
. it's just a logical progression.NOTHING wrong with a sebbie, don't get me wrong, it's just there is NOTHING wrong with a tnt either,but it has even more plus's!!!!
you have to bear in mind, i am VERY, VERY fickle when it comes to folders.just ask bigtex, garyz, or mike payne! hard to find one that satisfies my every need for a folder.the tnt does that quite well.i carry a larger blade boguszewski,[just cause i want to]but have hardly used it when a knife was needed. i use my tnt at least 10-15 times a day.
just wishing to sing the praises of the tnt...again
, and say hey to gen, and move this back up, all at once!!
excuse all the smilies, just wanted to make the intent clear.
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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.
[This message has been edited by bladezealot (edited 05-01-2001).]
i have owned 6 sebenzas since i became sebenza-aware a couple of years ago, but my heart now belongs to the tnt.you will see the light...eventually
you have to bear in mind, i am VERY, VERY fickle when it comes to folders.just ask bigtex, garyz, or mike payne! hard to find one that satisfies my every need for a folder.the tnt does that quite well.i carry a larger blade boguszewski,[just cause i want to]but have hardly used it when a knife was needed. i use my tnt at least 10-15 times a day.
just wishing to sing the praises of the tnt...again
excuse all the smilies, just wanted to make the intent clear.
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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.
[This message has been edited by bladezealot (edited 05-01-2001).]
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LOL!
I am considering a custom folder at the moment! 420V in a slip joint folder just under 3". Great for the UK!
Money comes first! Then I will buy em!
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
I am considering a custom folder at the moment! 420V in a slip joint folder just under 3". Great for the UK!
Money comes first! Then I will buy em!
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
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I forgot to say
Nice to hear from you bladezelot!
If the TNT was made from a steel like 420V or 10V. I would get one 100% when I could afford one!
Till now a Sebi will do
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
Nice to hear from you bladezelot!
If the TNT was made from a steel like 420V or 10V. I would get one 100% when I could afford one!
Till now a Sebi will do
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
Double Edge Dave
Moderator and Gold Member
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I own both and both are good knives. My question is why doesn't Chris Reeve offer a Talonite/Stellite option? They could easily ask $100-150 more for it and it would sell like hotcakes! It may actually belong more on a CRK than a TNT since, IMHO, a CRK is more of a hard-use every day knife and a TNT is more of a carry-to-defend knife anyway. Howze 'bout it Chris? BTW, Both Chris and tom are stand-up guys and neither would condone sniping between their respective offerings.
David
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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
David
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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
bandaidman
Basic Member
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- Feb 11, 2001
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I have a LH sebenza and it is a fine knife.
I have ordered a TNT because:
1. it has a talonite blade, no rust
2. can get the blade shape I want: recurved
3. I like the looks better!
David, I believe CRK is limited to steel blades at this time because they use magnetic jigs in their manufacture.
edited for poor grammar
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dan
new email
bandaidman1@dellmail.com
[This message has been edited by bandaidman (edited 05-01-2001).]
I have ordered a TNT because:
1. it has a talonite blade, no rust
2. can get the blade shape I want: recurved
3. I like the looks better!
David, I believe CRK is limited to steel blades at this time because they use magnetic jigs in their manufacture.
edited for poor grammar
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dan
new email
bandaidman1@dellmail.com
[This message has been edited by bandaidman (edited 05-01-2001).]