Small Inkosi or Small Carbon Fiber Sebenza

I've had both. The Inkosi didn't fit my hand so it didn't stay around long. The Small CF Insingo was A-MAZING. That would be my choice. The size is better for me, the fit in my hand is better for me, the weight is fantastic, the CF makes it looks "dressier" for work but is still tough as nails, ....... I could go on and on.
 
I found my happy spot for smaller CRK folders with a small 21 with inlays. Wanted to love the Mnandi (very much) but my hands found it too small. The Small 21 also was close but just too slim in the grip, whereas the 21 Micarta fit the bill perfectly for me.
 
Sebenza with the pivot bushing system always wins IMO.
Doing away with it helps keep cost down, as they have said in a post here once, and I fully understand that.
I may be wrong, but I look for it to be a thing of the past one day when/if the 21 is discontinued.
I would get one with it while you can, but that's just my opinion.
I also dislike finger groves on any knife handle. I prefer a straight clean handle which I know will fit my hand, and gives you more grip options. Just my opinion though, as we all like or dislike different things in a knife.
 
Resurrecting this thread, as I'm hoping to get some more feedback on this exact topic. Torn between a Small Carbon Fiber 21 and an Inkosi. I typically prefer larger knives (I own two large 21's and an Umnumzaan), but I travel quite a bit for work and sometimes wander into areas with 3" blade restrictions. This may be the only small CRK I ever buy, so I want to do it right. Unfortunately I do not live close enough to any dealer to hold them in hand, so I'm hoping you guys can help me reach a conclusion!
 
Anarchy84 said:
Resurrecting this thread, as I'm hoping to get some more feedback on this exact topic. Torn between a Small Carbon Fiber 21 and an Inkosi. I typically prefer larger knives (I own two large 21's and an Umnumzaan), but I travel quite a bit for work and sometimes wander into areas with 3" blade restrictions. This may be the only small CRK I ever buy, so I want to do it right. Unfortunately I do not live close enough to any dealer to hold them in hand, so I'm hoping you guys can help me reach a conclusion!
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I love the small Sebenza and would love to get a carbon fiber model someday. I would ask though, do you have to have the carbon fiber model? I would maybe just look at the regular small Sebenza vs the inkosi, which if you're used to bigger knives then the small Sebenza is probably as small as you want to go. I've never held an inkosi but have heard nothing but good things about them, however people do say they are a bit smaller than the small Sebenza. So maybe start with a regular small Sebenza without the carbon fiber and then down the road add a carbon fiber model if you want one.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
I love the small Sebenza and would love to get a carbon fiber model someday. I would ask though, do you have to have the carbon fiber model? I would maybe just look at the regular small Sebenza vs the inkosi, which if you're used to bigger knives then the small Sebenza is probably as small as you want to go. I've never held an inkosi but have heard nothing but good things about them, however people do say they are a bit smaller than the small Sebenza. So maybe start with a regular small Sebenza without the carbon fiber and then down the road add a carbon fiber model if you want one.
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I hadn't really thought of getting a regular small. I figure the CF version could double as a lightweight gentleman's folder / 'dress' knife since it's so light, and the black front scale is a little fancier. I guess if it came down to the plain Jane small vs Inkosi I'd probably go with the Inkosi. I've already pre-ordered the large Inkosi...so it'd be kinda nice to have both. But that carbon fiber looks so sexy!

I probably won't be adding another small CRK to the collection down the road (there will be more larges to buy!), so it's a tough decision.
 
Anarchy84 said:
I hadn't really thought of getting a regular small. I figure the CF version could double as a lightweight gentleman's folder / 'dress' knife since it's so light, and the black front scale is a little fancier. I guess if it came down to the plain Jane small vs Inkosi I'd probably go with the Inkosi. I've already pre-ordered the large Inkosi...so it'd be kinda nice to have both. But that carbon fiber looks so sexy!

I probably won't be adding another small CRK to the collection down the road (there will be more larges to buy!), so it's a tough decision.
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You really can't go wrong with any of them. Trying to figure out which wonderful CRK knife to buy Is a pretty good problem to have. If you have a large inkosi coming then maybe getting the small would be a nice match. You are right though about the carbon fiber. It is sexy.
 
I have a local CRK dealer. Today, I handled the Inkosi and I must say that this knife isnvery smooth compared to the small Sebenza. If I could swing two CRK's, I would have bought the Inkosi as well. I only got the Large Insingo since I've been lusting for one for a long time.
 
I've handled both and found that I like the small CF just a little bit better than the Inkosi. It's a great combination with the carbon fiber and fits my hand better. I've not found that the CF is easy to damage in any way as well. I've dropped mine on several occasions and only got a very minor scratch.

If they made a small Inkosi with an inlay, that may be a different animal but until then. for me the small 21 is the way to go if you need a sub 3" blade.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
Either way you go you are sure to be happy. Just let us know what you choose.
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After agonizing over it for a few days, I've decided to go with the Inkosi. I only plan on buying one small knife and the Inkosi seems to be a better all-around work blade. It's small enough to meet knife laws anywhere I travel, and it's robust enough for any non-fixed blade task.

Thank you for all of your help!
 
icefire said:
I have a local CRK dealer. Today, I handled the Inkosi and I must say that this knife isnvery smooth compared to the small Sebenza. If I could swing two CRK's, I would have bought the Inkosi as well. I only got the Large Insingo since I've been lusting for one for a long time.
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I appreciate your feedback on the Inkosi. Made me feel good about my decision!

The Large Insingo is my favorite thus far. The blade shape is just awesome. Hopefully they'll make a large Insingo Inkosi down the road. :)
 
My first CRK was a small 21 no inlay clip point. It's so good of a knife that I see no reason to ever buy another CRK product. I would never buy a carbon fiber sebenza. It's ugly, one side titanium and the other side is fiber which is carbon and of a lessor grade. Chris designed the sebenza line with titanium and stainless steel, period. Fan boys buy carbon fiber knives, men buy original. The inkosi is on my radar though, that should say something. 😃
 
staysharp^ said:
My first CRK was a small 21 no inlay clip point. It's so good of a knife that I see no reason to ever buy another CRK product.
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This is exactly how I felt when I bought my first plain Jane large 21. Then I bought (and fell in love with) my PJ Large Insingo. Then I bought an Umnumzaan. Then I bought (and sold) a Mnandi. Now I'm buying a small Inkosi, and will be buying the large version in a few months.

Each product has small differences / improvements that I absolutely love. The Large Insingo is my favorite thus far, but I have a feeling the Inkosi - both large and small - may take the crown. I'll be sure to share my thoughts when I get it.

I'm not a big fan of inlays, or CGG handles. I just love the look and feel of CRK's plain titanium, and it ages so nicely. As far as CF goes, I like the look of it. Chris Reeve has been known to carry one himself, so I'm assuming he likes what CF brings to the knife. The weight reduction is nice, but I don't baby my knives, and I feel like I'd constantly be worried about marring it (right or wrong). That is part of the reason I went with the Inkosi. I really love the ceramic ball dedent / lock bar insert from the Umnumzaan, too.
 
Update: I put an insane amount of thought into deciding between the Inkosi and small CF Sebenza. Ended up buying the Inkosi (it arrives today). Last night I was cruising the exchange and found a great deal on a NIB small CF Sebenza 21. Couldn't resist. Now I have both coming.

When a question like this comes up, it's true what they say on BladeForums - buy both. It's a sickness. ;)

I'll be sure to share some thoughts when I have both knives in hand.
 
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