Sebenza's Equivalent?

C

corbon

Joined
Nov 12, 2001
Messages
82
There are always discussions concerning the Sebenza, either love it or hate it. I'm actually indifferent. It is a great knife, but on the other hand it isn't exactly pocket change for a production folder. For those that love it, what would be your second choice if the Sebenza wasn't available? For those that feel that it isn't the ultimate knife, what do you prefer? Another production or custom folder?
 
I prefer the Strider SNG over the Sebenza. I just prefer the functional characteristics of the SNG over the fit and finish of the Sebenza. Both are great knives though.

All in all, I may prefer the Spyderco Military over both. The functional characteristics of the Millie are off the charts.
 
Best folder after the Seb is the Para2 or the large Ritter Griptilian (I guess you are ruling out the Umnum too)

But you could get yourself a 1970s Puma Gamewarden and be mighty impressed by the old world :)
 
Agreed on the para2 - go for the sprint run cts 20cp, a whole lot of knife for half the price of the seb.
 
Do not see anything exciting about Sebenza. And yes, I have had it in my hands, opened and closed a few times... But I do not hate it at all. Why should I! In fact, if it was significantly cheaper I would even consider buying one to try out. Like 50% cheaper...
There is too much talk about it here - as well as about Strider. Much noise with no actual content. Because whatever could have been said has been pretty much said already. But that is more to do with people - does not make the knife any better or any worse. No reason for hating the knife.
 
If I couldn't buy a sebenza. I'd buy the umnumzaan. If I couldn't buy the umnumzaan. I'd buy a Lochsa.

Seriously tho, the closest "equivalent" IMHO would be a Scott Cook Lochsa.
 
From my perspective the Sage 2 is a significantly enhanced version of the Sebenza, at a fraction of the price. I much prefer the ergonomics, pocket clip, Spydie hole rather than pointy, slippery thumb stud, and blade grind.
 
There's no fuss to be made about the Seb, really - not one way or the other

What you are paying for are tiny, tiny tolerances (relatively), and they take money to reach :) Once you know that, you can relax
 
Noddy said:
There's no fuss to be made about the Seb, really - not one way or the other

What you are paying for are tiny, tiny tolerances (relatively), and they take money to reach :) Once you know that, you can relax
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Yes, but why would you be willing to pay for tiny, tiny tolerances?

Just kidding.
 
Poez said:
Yes, but why would you be willing to pay for tiny, tiny tolerances?

Just kidding.
Click to expand...

Because, quite simply, I can afford it. To a function focused individual like myself, there's little that beats the Sebenza--some things might beat it in one or two areas, but I have yet to come across something that is as good as the entire package. Of course I could go full custom, but I like knowing that CRK is a relatively stable company that should still be there if I have any problems years in the future.

To answer the OP's question: I'd have to go full custom. As a lefty, there just aren't many options around. I've love to get a left handed Les George Project VECP.
 
I saw a lefty Ti framelock with a double-ground CPM154 blade by Pohan Leu at the knife show. $450.
 
Cynic2701 said:
To a function focused individual like myself, there's little that beats the Sebenza--some things might beat it in one or two areas, but I have yet to come across something that is as good as the entire package.
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Not sure what statements like this mean. For function, there are folding knives that have blades made of corrosion resistant steel at higher hardness, with higher wear resistance, and higher impact toughness. In that they beat the Sebenza blade. These knives also have locks that are ambidextrous, can be manipulated without placing the fingers in the path of the blade, withstand greater static loads and impacts, and are warrantied against flicking. In that, they still beat the Seb in function. The handles on these knives have scales with texturing that provides greater grip traction in wet conditions, expose less metal for use in temperature extremes, and have shapes that provide greater grip security. Again, all better in functional use of a knife.

The Seb is executed to much greater tolerances, but performs the same functions as any other knife, within a smaller range than some. CRK receives manufacturer awards annually for good reason.

For ultimate folder, custom all the way. To match all the functional areas I mentioned, any production folder with an M390 blade, axis lock, and G10 scales.
 
Camillus Dominator - Titanium handles and frame lock like the Sebenza - plus Speed Safe *and* a flat-ground blade.

Mark
 
This question is impossible to answer. Let me first say that tolerances only have to be so "tight" to make a knife amazingly functional/operational. There are much more comfortable knives, knives w/ (better blade steels such as zdp), and ergos, stylistic choices, blah blah mother$%^&ing blah; available for less than the sebenza..... Now having said that, there are obviously people who think it's worth it, and enjoy the tolerances and feel/look of the seb. There are obviously people who think, WTF 200 dollars for tolerance control? Both groups of people are right. Because it is nice, but it does have a premium for a very small difference, and if you're not a perfectionist, you may just be underwhelmed.

My opinion:
If you aren't blown away by the styling of the seb, but you were willing to pay the price, pay around the same amount and get a custom, or something similar but more your style. However if you do like the sebenza and you want to experience it and are willing to pay for one, then by all means choose the sebenza.

Or

Just wait awhile and check out more knives, go handle a seb somewhere, etc. I don't predict a raising of prices or disappearance of them anytime soon, could be wrong, but I doubt it.
 
Gareth Bull SA Hunter.

Perforated washers, RWL-34 at hardness of 62, very fine grain structure, can get it custom ground, G10 scale of your chosing or TI scale. Simple, sleek.
 
Gareth Bull SA Hunter.

Perforated washers, RWL-34 at hardness of 62, very fine grain structure, can get it custom ground, G10 scale of your chosing or TI scale. Simple, sleek.
 
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