Sebenzas - Original, Classic, Regular, 21 - What's the diff?

[SSonnentag]

How can I identify what model a Sebenza is?

 

[DallasSTB]

There are styling differences between the models, as well of dates of manufacture that are referenced in this sticky....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=639407

If you have some pictures, you can post them here for help. Most of the regulars around this sub-forum can assist in identifying certain models.

 

[SSonnentag]

This is the one I'm wondering about:

 

[Josh K]

This is the one I'm wondering about:

I would bet good money that it is a Classic model.

 

[SSonnentag]

OK, any hints as to how you can tell?

Also, are the ones with the wavy thumb cutout area on the scale always "Regular" Sebenzas?

 

[Josh K]

OK, any hints as to how you can tell?

Also, are the ones with the wavy thumb cutout area on the scale always "Regular" Sebenzas?

The scallops are always "Regular" Sebenzas. The "Classic" model and the "21" model have some very slight differences. One is the larger chamfer on the front edge of the scale (not uniform, but more pronounced at the tip) and the blade shape.

This is missing the chamfer and has a Classic blade shape, thus it is either a Classic or something older. I'm not well versed with older, so my guess is Classic.

 

[SSonnentag]

OK, I see what you're talking about. Thanks!

 

[DallasSTB]

The back of the Classics also say "Classic MM". The 21's look very similar to the Classics, but without the letters. There are other subtle differences, but those are the obvious ones. Both are similar in appearance to the Original Sebenza, but it never had inlays like that. The ones with the "wavy" thumb cutout are Regulars.

 

[jfn]

Also, stock photos of the 21 typically have the cord tie.

 

[stjames]

Yes, I'd say that was a classic.

 

[Josh K]

That's a 21, the handles front end has that sculpted look, the classic had a flat edge.

It's not a 21....

21 (note the front edge)

(note the lack of front edge)

Also note the different thumb cut out (milled straight on the 21, milled with a relief on the Classic).

 

[Roefisher]

Here's a picture of all three together if it helps anyone for a quick reference later.

The Regular is pictured top, the Classic is shown middle and the 21 is bottom.

Oh, by the way, designs vary greatly. For instance, any of these knives can be purchased (some second-hand only now) without handle inlays so will have plain titanium scales or will maybe have etched graphics there instead. Blades will also vary in steel and pattern but will all retain the family shape shown below and you can have single or double thumb lugs on any blade in colours such as blue silver and gold, like the lanyard attachment and backspacer which are also available in differing colours. I guess what I mean is look at the overall shape to identify the model.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[rprocter]

So far only the minor handle differences have been discussed, but is it not the blade profiles that are the more significant differences ?
The Regular is easy to ID, but are profiles identical on the Classic and the 21 ?
also what does "MM" stand for ?
I only have 2 Sebenzas, a large Classic and small 21, both S30V.
roland

 

[Roefisher]

So far only the minor handle differences have been discussed, but is it not the blade profiles that are the more significant differences ?
The Regular is easy to ID, but are profiles identical on the Classic and the 21 ?
also what does "MM" stand for ?
I only have 2 Sebenzas, a large Classic and small 21, both S30V.
roland

As far as I know and can see from looking at them together, the Classic/21 blades are the same.

Yes, as you say there is a noticeable difference between the Regular and the Classic/21 blade. The regular has a step on the spine and has much most belly to the cutting edge. The Classic looks slicker to me with it's more even spine drop and it appears pointier too, as a result of that feature.

Between the older Classic and the newer 21 model - on the scales, the difference there is that the 21 has a deeper pivot end bevel (both front and rear) which was designed to make it more pocket friendly and it also did away with the rear scale writing. MM is there as a Roman numeral acknowledgement for the year the Classic model launched.

Mark

 

[Roefisher]

Hi folks,

I took the three styles out again to have a closer look. One thing which did surprise me was that the Regular Sebenza is slightly shorter. (Top - Bottom = Regular, 21, Classic)

As you can see from these two pictures, the classic and 21 blades follow each other perfectly while the Regular with it's bulkier looking step drop spine is different. (Top - Bottom = Regular, 21, Classic)

A final picture to show the deeper pivot end bevel on the 21 (middle) On a side note you will see the edge ridges which the regular Sebbie used to have, now discontinued, and the different thumb grip cut-outs which were tried out on a limited run of all Sebbies around end 2004 into 2005. Both features are shown on the Regular (top)

Cheers,

Mark

 

[SSonnentag]

Thanks for the great series of pictures! They should help me out (and others) greatly in determining what's what in the future. :thumbup:

 

[rprocter]

Me too. Thanks Mark.
roland

 

[peppercorn]

Great comparo shots, definitive and helpful.

Thanks a lot.

 

[ickkey]

Wow, very interesting... thanks Roefisher for the info!

 

[JNewell]

Some day someone's going to make one of these threads a sticky...this one is a good candidate. :thumbup: