Ah, this sounds like a question that Stjames and others can answer at length, esp the bit about its history. I'll throw in my .02 but more knowledgeable folks can elaborate.
The Sebenza was certainly devised as a heavy duty folder. If you haven't yet seen it, I believe the CRK site at
www.chrisreeve.com provides some of the background rationale as to how and why Chris Reeve designed it the way he did. Note that CRK originally only designed tough, working fixed blades, and C Reeve didn't want to create a folder unless it could stand up to a high measure of use. The original idea was essentially to create the toughest folder available.
The main feature, which I believe was introduced by CRK, is its integral lock. It took the concept of the liner lock originated by Michael Walker and strengthened it exponentially, essentially by eliminating the liner and making the thick handle scale itself the locking bar. From the start, CRK has used the best available material, 6Al4V titanium, for its strength, durability, and light weight. (Some recent threads have discussed this issue specifically.)
Several of the top makers now also use the integral lock design for its proven strength and reliability. Newer excellent locks have since been developed like the Axis, but note that, to date, *no* Sebenza lock is known to failed in actual use.
There has been some concern expressed about the relative softness of ti, and therefore its potential to wear quickly. But Anne Reeve recently noted that CRK heat treats the face of all of the Sebenza locking bars, which creates a thin coat measured as high as *90 RC*. I personally find that quite remarkable and dificult to believe, but suffice to say that my own Sebenza lock (which has seen near-daily use for 2 yrs) has shown no real signs of wear. Moreover, I have not seen any postings by others indicating actual wear -- and some folks here have had theirs for many, many years.
The Sebenza has seen several minor changes over the years, all towards improving its performance. The handle design in particular has seen some notable changes. But the most significant change, no doubt, was CRK's adoption of BG42 as its blade steel. Folks who have both pretty consistently testify that it shows a real improvement all-round over the ATS-34 which CRK used previously. There has been substantial discussion of late re: 440V, 420V, talonite, and such, but CRK remains satisfied w/BG42, for which it has devised its own heat treat. For users, it still appears to deliver excellent cutting ability, toughness, and edge-holding, along w/high corrosion resistance.
Also, CRK's customer service is tops in the industry. If you have a problem, Anne Reeve and co. will do everything they reasonably can to make things right.
I'm not sure what you mean by "jamming," and which knives w/similar locks you're referring to, so maybe you can elaborate a little on this? (Have the blades collapsed *inward* due to a *cutting* motion?! Or has the lock been jammed inward to point where it's difficult to remove?)
Anyway, I can go on, but you may simply want to check out some recent threads, if you haven't already done so. (Recent one by Scarman, who just got his "first"!)
Bottom line, you're getting a great knife. The best? I dunno, but it's certainly the best folder I've handled, and I've put it through some tough paces. When you get yours, give it a go, and let us know what you think! -- praise, criticisms, whatever!
Glen
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The piano has been drinking -Tom Waits
