- Joined
- Jul 3, 2016
- Messages
- 782
I apologize in advance if this is a long winded post.
I've received both of these knives, and absolutely love both. As others have said, you really can't go wrong. If you're looking for an awesome small knife, you'll be insanely happy with either one of these. With that said, if I could only have one, I would definitely go with the Inkosi.
When I first opened the box I was genuinely surprised by how small the Inkosi is. I have XL-sized hands, and when I first handled it I was afraid it might be too small. Fortunately, after carrying it for a few days, I've come to appreciate its small size. It fits my hand extremely well, and I can find a comfortable grip for any cutting task (even if my ring finger and/ or pinky hang off the end a bit in some grips, it's still very comfortable and easy to control).
It completely disappears when dropped into my pocket, it fits easily in the front pocket of my briefcase, and it's one of the best clip-carry knives I've ever owned. With the pocket clip resting diagonally on the frame (rather than the lockbar), it creates an unexpected benefit - it rides extremely well down the seam of the pants pocket. I can easily reach in to grab my keys (or whatever) without my hand scraping against the knife. A pleasant surprise.
Despite its dainty size, it's built like a tank. I really enjoy the thicker blade stock compared to the small Sebenza 21. I also love the fact that it doesn't have a lanyard pin that will rattle or fall out when the lanyard is removed, and there is no blade window hole in the middle of the handle (something that's always confused me about the Sebenza). I also love the heavy duty, "floating" blade stop pin on the Inkosis. It's very clean looking, and very simple to take apart. Not that the 21 is difficult, but this is still a nice improvement.
One thing that's really surprised me after reading other people's thoughts over the years is that I actually prefer the non-pivot bushing CRK's. I've owned 3 Sebenzas (2 large, 1 small) and now own 3 non-pivot bushing versions - the Umnumzaan, and both a large and small Inkosi - and I can honestly say that the lack of a pivot bushing somehow improves smoothness in my experience.
Speaking of which, I'm happy to say the large and small Inkosi are the smoothest CRK's I've ever handled, and they came that way right out of the box. The deployment is like butter, and the ceramic ball lockface, coupled with the groove in the blade tang on the Inkosis, is simply awesome. A very strong, reassuring lockup. There's a pleasant sensation to it that is hard to explain.
They also arrived from the factory sharper than anything I've purchased from CRK previously. Coincidence, perhaps.
In the end, I'm very glad I bought the small CF Insingo as well. It's so lightweight, and its slim profile is great for dress pants. I plan on taking the pocket clip off of it and using it as a dress knife whenever I'm forced to wear a suit.
I'll be sure to add some photos of both knives when I get a chance. Until then, if you're torn between these knives (as I was), my vote is firmly with the small Inkosi.
I've received both of these knives, and absolutely love both. As others have said, you really can't go wrong. If you're looking for an awesome small knife, you'll be insanely happy with either one of these. With that said, if I could only have one, I would definitely go with the Inkosi.
When I first opened the box I was genuinely surprised by how small the Inkosi is. I have XL-sized hands, and when I first handled it I was afraid it might be too small. Fortunately, after carrying it for a few days, I've come to appreciate its small size. It fits my hand extremely well, and I can find a comfortable grip for any cutting task (even if my ring finger and/ or pinky hang off the end a bit in some grips, it's still very comfortable and easy to control).
It completely disappears when dropped into my pocket, it fits easily in the front pocket of my briefcase, and it's one of the best clip-carry knives I've ever owned. With the pocket clip resting diagonally on the frame (rather than the lockbar), it creates an unexpected benefit - it rides extremely well down the seam of the pants pocket. I can easily reach in to grab my keys (or whatever) without my hand scraping against the knife. A pleasant surprise.
Despite its dainty size, it's built like a tank. I really enjoy the thicker blade stock compared to the small Sebenza 21. I also love the fact that it doesn't have a lanyard pin that will rattle or fall out when the lanyard is removed, and there is no blade window hole in the middle of the handle (something that's always confused me about the Sebenza). I also love the heavy duty, "floating" blade stop pin on the Inkosis. It's very clean looking, and very simple to take apart. Not that the 21 is difficult, but this is still a nice improvement.
One thing that's really surprised me after reading other people's thoughts over the years is that I actually prefer the non-pivot bushing CRK's. I've owned 3 Sebenzas (2 large, 1 small) and now own 3 non-pivot bushing versions - the Umnumzaan, and both a large and small Inkosi - and I can honestly say that the lack of a pivot bushing somehow improves smoothness in my experience.
Speaking of which, I'm happy to say the large and small Inkosi are the smoothest CRK's I've ever handled, and they came that way right out of the box. The deployment is like butter, and the ceramic ball lockface, coupled with the groove in the blade tang on the Inkosis, is simply awesome. A very strong, reassuring lockup. There's a pleasant sensation to it that is hard to explain.
They also arrived from the factory sharper than anything I've purchased from CRK previously. Coincidence, perhaps.
In the end, I'm very glad I bought the small CF Insingo as well. It's so lightweight, and its slim profile is great for dress pants. I plan on taking the pocket clip off of it and using it as a dress knife whenever I'm forced to wear a suit.
I'll be sure to add some photos of both knives when I get a chance. Until then, if you're torn between these knives (as I was), my vote is firmly with the small Inkosi.
