Should I get a Sebenza?

jfindon

jfindon

Joined
Dec 12, 2006
Messages
967
First off let me say I'm not a heavy use of knives at all, I mainly carry them for the "what if" factor, and rarely do I actually need to cut things. I think I'm just more appreciative of quality knifes and love the different styles of them, I just generally like knives.

With that said, is it "overboard" to shell out the money for a Sebenza when I will rarely use it? I've been looking at them a lot over the past week and I love the simplistic design of the classic ones, and really love the ones with the graphics. I'm unsure if I should drop the money for a "custom" one or just stick with the classic. I heard you could just order the handle portion and get that machined?

I don't even have many knives, only a Benchmade 710 and two Kershaws. I could keep buying cheaper ones of those or just go ahead with a Sebenza, but do you think it's worth for someone in my position?
 
There is exactly one person on the planet who can tell you if it's worth it to you.

Guess who that is!

Best case: You'll get a knife you really like and enjoy owning.
Worst case: You don't like it and sell here in the exchange for close to what you paid for it.
 
I suppose you're right :) I just can't decide if it's worth spending $385 on a knife just to carry and enjoy doing so. I read the other thread here about someone else wondering which one to buy, and most people said to get a plain one to decide if he liked it, then buy one of the ones with graphics on it down the road. I'm still not sure if I should get a plain one or just go for it all and get a custom one.

If you really can just order the handle with a graphic on it some time I'd probably prefer to do that, I'll have to see his site again but I didn't see anything about just ordering the titanium handle slabs.
 
jfindon said:
I suppose you're right :) I just can't decide if it's worth spending $385 on a knife just to carry and enjoy doing so...
Click to expand...

Trust me, this doesn't even come close to making the list of
dumb things you will spend money on in your lifetime..

Keep your eye's peeled on the BF knife exchange (and others),
great deals on graphic Sebs pop up all the time..

Realistically, this is probably the last place you should ask this.
If you feel you have to ask someone if you can afford something, you can't.

gajinoz said:
There is exactly one person on the planet who can tell you if it's worth it to you.

Guess who that is!
Click to expand...


Regards, -Ron
 
You can justify most knives by calculating how long it would take to smoke, drink or eat the same amount of money.

A Seb is going to last ALOT longer than any of those so it's always worth it :p :thumbup:
 
My standard approach is to recognize that in 5 years or 55 years, all of us are going to be worm food. And no one will remember nor care that - way back when - we dropped $350 on a Sebenza that quite honestly does not open a box any better than does a $35 Tenacious.

But it does instill a pride of ownership, is finely designed and crafted, and IMO borders on artwork. The Tenacious doesn't quite go there. Though I recommend getting one of those too. :thumbup:

So if you want it, and the cost does not keep you from paying the light bill or saving for retirement, go for it.
 
Just went through the same senario. I've got a good number of knives, both folders and fixed blade from more than a few makers. Carry something everyday and use them with some regularity. For the most part I'm very happy with my collection but am always looking for new and interesting additions.

Ever since I found this site I've seen the name "Sebenza" in a lot of posts in a variety of forums. Always wondered what a "Sebenza" was? After some research and finding this particular forum all my questions were answered except for the same one you're asking.

"Is a Sebenza the right knife for me"?

As gajinoz stated, you're the only one that can answer that question but if I may, allow me to relate some things that helped me make my decision.

First off take a look at the posts in this forum. Sure a lot of folks like their knives and many are brand loyal even to a fault. Here I noticed something different. Sebenza owners as well as CRK owners in general don't just take pride in their knives, they actually APPRECIATE them. By that I mean they recognize and appreciate the design. They recognize and appreciate the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship that goes into each kinfe. They recognize and appreciate the investment in money that acquiring a CRK knife involves. You don't see people buying a Sebenza to have one. They buy it to OWN one and there in lies the difference, at least to me.

I decided I didn't need to buy a CRK Sebenza, I wanted one to own one. I've owned mine for two days now and have no regrets at all.
 
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jfindon said:
If you really can just order the handle with a graphic on it some time I'd probably prefer to do that, I'll have to see his site again but I didn't see anything about just ordering the titanium handle slabs.
Click to expand...


Am I understanding that you want a handle without the Blade? Are you thinking you can get it now and the Blade later when you have the funds?
Maybe I'm missing something, because I don't see why anyone would want only the slabs. The knife as a whole is where you see the qaulity.

You said you liked qaulity, CRK has won that award at the Blade Show for the past few years.
I would go for it, I don't think you will find a better folder. And like someone said, you could sell it pretty easy if you didn't like it. Can't imagine you wouldn't love it though if your after quality.
 
Ken44 said:
Am I understanding that you want a handle without the Blade? Are you thinking you can get it now and the Blade later when you have the funds?
Maybe I'm missing something, because I don't see why anyone would want only the slabs. The knife as a whole is where you see the qaulity.
Click to expand...

He is wondering if he can buy a "plain" Sebenza and if he can then buy a replacement front slab with a graphic on it if he chooses to. I agree with gajinoz that you should buy and and worst case scenario if you don't want to keep it they go pretty quickly on the exchange here. I've got my first Seb coming in the mail and should be here this week, I can't wait!
 
I prefer the inlaid Sebenzas more then the plain or the graphics, I'd be hard pressed to say if it's because if ergonomics or asthetics but really, who cares it's just my opinion.

As other posters have said... If you can swing it get one, if you don't like it sell it on the forums for say 10-15% less then new depending on condition. So $385 outlay for a plain, it got a few scratches and you sell it for $340, you just rented it for say 6 months for $45.
 
Badhammer said:
Just went through the same senario. I've got a good number of knives, both folders and fixed blade from more than a few makers. Carry something everyday and use them with some regularity. For the most part I'm very happy with my collection but am always looking for new and interesting additions.

Ever since I found this site I've seen the name "Sebenza" in a lot of posts in a variety of forums. Always wondered what a "Sebenza" was? After some research and finding this particular forum all my questions were answered except for the same one you're asking.

"Is a Sebenza the right knife for me"?

As gajinoz stated, you're the only one that can answer that question but if I may, allow me to relate some things that helped me make my decision.

First off take a look at the posts in this forum. Sure a lot of folks like their knives and many are brand loyal even to a fault. Here I noticed something different. Sebenza owners as well as CRK owners in general don't just take pride in their knives, they actually APPRECIATE them. By that I mean they recognize and appreciate the design. They recognize and appreciate the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship that goes into each kinfe. They recognize and appreciate the investment in money that acquiring a CRK knife involves. You don't see people buying a Sebenza to have one. They buy it to OWN one and there in lies the difference, at least to me.

I decided I didn't need to buy a CRK Sebenza, I wanted one to own one. I've owned mine for two days now and have no regrets at all.
Click to expand...


Some good points, thanks.

ndeezl said:
He is wondering if he can buy a "plain" Sebenza and if he can then buy a replacement front slab with a graphic on it if he chooses to. I agree with gajinoz that you should buy and and worst case scenario if you don't want to keep it they go pretty quickly on the exchange here. I've got my first Seb coming in the mail and should be here this week, I can't wait!
Click to expand...

That's right, a replacement slab, not just the slabs now :p I don't really have a problem affording either at the moment, I'm just selective of what I buy and usually research the hell out of it.

Also true is the other things we spend $300 on. I've spent that much on graphics cards for my PCs, and they're useless now. At least this wouldn't become useless.

str8flexed said:
I say look at the sales forum here, you can easily get a new or like new one for 10-20% cheaper.
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I'd have to take a look, I'm not big on anything used, it's a weird thing I have. Off topic, but would you happen to be the str8flexed from BB.com?


I'm sure I'll end up getting one eventually. I'm just not sure if I should go all out once or just get a plain one for now. Is it basically a set price for the computer generated designs and a set price for the unique ones? Meaning all the computer designs are the same price, and the uniques are more than computer designs but the same as each other? I'm confused how I'd go about ordering such a design.

If I get one I usually use GPKnives, are there any places that are "better" for these knives or will any dealer do the trick and come with the same stuff?
 
I got mine here

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CRKSEB21L

They have free shipping on them. When you checkout they ask if you have any promo codes. If not you can get one by signing up for their newsletter and they will give you a promo code for free shipping, a little Barlow knife and a Gerber sharpener. Since you already have free shipping the promo code actually takes an additional $6.95 off your cost so you only pay $378.05 Shipped for your new Sebenza.

Every dealer I've found sells them for $385.00 which is the CRK list price + shipping. This was the cheapest place I found and fast. Ordered mine on Monday and had it Wednesday.


Whoops! Just noticed they are not in stock. Could probably still order it and get the savings.
 
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Definetely get one. I have a plain 21 and it is a great knife. It is actually perfect in every way. The Sebenza is the benchmark of production folders. I like the plain because the fancier ones are polished and this sucker is a user. If you get one you will be looking for reasons to use it.
 
I wouldnt worry about not using it much. I find most knife buyers dont use their knives anyways. They just love them, and thats what counts. I personally use mine daily and it shows but thats what makes her special to me:)
 
mmarkh said:
Definetely get one. I have a plain 21 and it is a great knife. It is actually perfect in every way. The Sebenza is the benchmark of production folders. I like the plain because the fancier ones are polished and this sucker is a user. If you get one you will be looking for reasons to use it.
Click to expand...

I doubt it, probably just the opposite :)

Thalestin said:
I wouldnt worry about not using it much. I find most knife buyers dont use their knives anyways. They just love them, and thats what counts. I personally use mine daily and it shows but thats what makes her special to me:)
Click to expand...

That's how I feel, I just like knives and really appreciate great quality, and I do kind of look at them as art. Like I said, I'd have it in my pocket daily but probably only use it in an emergency situation.
 
they're one of the nicest, toughest production knives money can buy. BUT, if you can get a custom that fits your needs,there's a lightfoot on sale for dirt cheap right now btw, then I say go for the custom. Maybe the custom costs a little more. Save a little, its worth it. Maybe it costs less than a Sebbie-again, the lightfoot. A custom just has a special touch to it, and IMO, nothing beats a custom.

Just my 2 cents
 
nate3993 said:
they're one of the nicest, toughest production knives money can buy. BUT, if you can get a custom that fits your needs,there's a lightfoot on sale for dirt cheap right now btw, then I say go for the custom. Maybe the custom costs a little more. Save a little, its worth it. Maybe it costs less than a Sebbie-again, the lightfoot. A custom just has a special touch to it, and IMO, nothing beats a custom.

Just my 2 cents
Click to expand...

I have no idea what the Lightfoot looks like that you speak of, do you have a link?
 
ndeezl said:
He is wondering if he can buy a "plain" Sebenza and if he can then buy a replacement front slab with a graphic on it if he chooses to. I agree with gajinoz that you should buy and and worst case scenario if you don't want to keep it they go pretty quickly on the exchange here. I've got my first Seb coming in the mail and should be here this week, I can't wait!
Click to expand...

Doohhh:o

I really need to quit watching TV while I'm reading post...or at least thats my excuse for today:p


jfindon, since money isn't a factor and you like the UG sebbies I think you couldn't go wrong with one. I was so impressed with the first i bought years ago that I have since sold most all of my custom folders.
 
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