Small Inkosi users: Why the Inkosi over a small Sebenza?

d.2.the.p

d.2.the.p

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After being a frequent carrier and user of some form of a small Sebenza over the past few years, I just picked up a small Inkosi to try it out, and I'm kinda on the fence as to how I feel about it. There's definitely a lot to like, but I'm not so sure it will unseat my 21 Insingo.

I enjoy the smoother action and lock release. It's a noticeable step up from the Sebenza. Aesthetically speaking, it looks like a tougher knife with the thicker blade and oversized pivot.

However, I go back and forth about the grip. For the most part, my hands naturally find the finger choils, but I sometimes find myself, for lack of a better term, searching for the ideal grip. My hands are on the small side of medium, so I feel like there should be room. Also, the decreased real estate compared to the 21 is noticeable - not necessarily missed, but definitely noticeable.

What about the Inkosi kicked the Seb out of your pocket?
 
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For me, I just like everything about the Inkosi MORE than any Sebenza I have ever had. I started with a BG-42 in the '90's, and have had many permutations of the Sebenza. I feel that the Inkosi is the BEST knife CRK has ever made. It is the smoothest CRK I have ever owned, and it is just perfect, at least for me.
 
The inkosi didn't kick the seb out of my pocket permanently, just sometimes. My only small sebs are a CGG (that I don't use very hard) and an insingo micarta which i think are different enough where I just pick the knife I'm in the mood for.
 
The width of the 21 is much better for me personally bc have large hands. The inkosi is smaller in width and my fingers go around it completely and stick out a bit. Thats why i would prefer 21 better handle grip


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Just bought small Inkosi and it is too small for me.Also small Sebenza is easier to open and close thanks to not having those Inkosi grooves.
Preffer small 21 by a lot.Cheers.
 
The small Inkosi looks like a real treat. I only have a small 21 and a large inkosi. I am supposed to get a large 21 on Monday. I haven't gotten a chance to compare the large 21 to the large Inkosi side by side. I am not certain if the large inkosi is abit smaller than the large 21 as is the case with the small models. One of the best features of the Inkosi though is the double thumb studs in my opinion. This is because I usually carry my knives set up for right hand carry, but in the left pocket. A lot of lefties carry in this exact same way. I am not sure about the ceramic ball detent/lockbar face. I see it is sort of wearing a little groove into the blade lockface on the tang of the knife, I guess this is what it supposed to do.

As it stands if I want to open my small 21 I have to pop the blade open abit with my pointer or middle finger then using the pressure of my thumb against the side of the blade push the knife the rest of the way open. I personally think all Sebenzas should could double thumb studded as standard by now. There is no reason for them not to.
 
T.K.C. said:
For me, I just like everything about the Inkosi MORE than any Sebenza I have ever had. I started with a BG-42 in the '90's, and have had many permutations of the Sebenza. I feel that the Inkosi is the BEST knife CRK has ever made. It is the smoothest CRK I have ever owned, and it is just perfect, at least for me.
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It's funny you say that because this has me pondering chasing down a small Regular for comparison.
 
rexromic said:
Just bought small Inkosi and it is too small for me.Also small Sebenza is easier to open and close thanks to not having those Inkosi grooves.
Preffer small 21 by a lot.Cheers.
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I agree. Although I don't have any issue opening the Inkosi, that middle scallop does stick out right where you'd naturally want to approach the thumb stud with your thumb.

However, as a consolation, you can open the Inkosi like a front flipper/lip opener!
 
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For me, preference boils down to whichever knife I'm lucky enough to have on me at any given moment.
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The smoothness of the Inkosi is on a whole different level! Plus, they must have milled it with magic, because it's a little itty-bitty knife that feels like it can take on the world when you hold it.

Ah, but then there is the mystical feeling of precision, refinement, and heritage of the Small 21...

So I'll stick with my opening statement. I prefer the Inkosi when It's the one riding along. [emoji16]
 
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The only thing that has stopped me buying the Inkosi and Umnum is the ceramic ball in the lock bar. I just cannot come to terms with that kind of mating surface, the ceramic ball will eventually cut a groove into that tang, and it remains to see if that will be good or bad, but i imagine it will have some kind of vertical play issue or instability. The lock bar can already be squished all the way to 100% on the ceramic ball design, it just doesn't sit well with me. The OCD in me can feel the ball just cutting into the tang every time i think about it. I think the Umnum is the best looking knife i've seen, but i stick to my Seb 21's. IF the Umnum came with a pivot bushing and normal lock bar, i think i'd own 4 of them.
 
I have owned both and currently use the small CF Inkosi. I liked the simplicity and grip of the 21 a little bit better but the inkosi has grown on me. For me it really came down to how smooth the Inkosi is compared to the 21. The ceramic ball on the tang makes a huge difference to me for deployment as did the smoother disengagement. Makes it feel more refined.
 
I have a small insingo with micarta and a small Inkosi
IMHO the small insingo is a better all around EDC, or at least I prefer its size, hollow grind and blade thickness over the small Inkosi

However at the moment smaller knives have my preferences so the inkosi see more pocket time than the sebenza

Without contraints at work pushing me toward smaller blade i will have my sebenza with me most of the time

That being said I learnt to like my Inkosi and its smoothness is really something I start to be addicted to ;)
 
Mick_1KRR said:
The only thing that has stopped me buying the Inkosi and Umnum is the ceramic ball in the lock bar. I just cannot come to terms with that kind of mating surface, the ceramic ball will eventually cut a groove into that tang, and it remains to see if that will be good or bad, but i imagine it will have some kind of vertical play issue or instability. The lock bar can already be squished all the way to 100% on the ceramic ball design, it just doesn't sit well with me. The OCD in me can feel the ball just cutting into the tang every time i think about it. I think the Umnum is the best looking knife i've seen, but i stick to my Seb 21's. IF the Umnum came with a pivot bushing and normal lock bar, i think i'd own 4 of them.
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you don't science much do you?
 
Only have the Inkosi. Thats my choice as its the only CRK I own. Great, robust and perfect folder. Get it.


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Mick_1KRR said:
The only thing that has stopped me buying the Inkosi and Umnum is the ceramic ball in the lock bar. I just cannot come to terms with that kind of mating surface, the ceramic ball will eventually cut a groove into that tang, and it remains to see if that will be good or bad, but i imagine it will have some kind of vertical play issue or instability. The lock bar can already be squished all the way to 100% on the ceramic ball design, it just doesn't sit well with me. The OCD in me can feel the ball just cutting into the tang every time i think about it. I think the Umnum is the best looking knife i've seen, but i stick to my Seb 21's. IF the Umnum came with a pivot bushing and normal lock bar, i think i'd own 4 of them.
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I actually understand and even am cautioned by your point here. But, since we are now in 2017, I'd say the Zaan has acquitted itself just fine as a user that definitely holds up. I'm thinking the 25/Inkosi will fare just as well.
 
d.2.the.p said:
I agree. Although I don't have any issue opening the Inkosi, that middle scallop does stick out right where you'd naturally want to approach the thumb stud with your thumb.

However, as a consolation, you can open the Inkosi like a front flipper/lip opener!
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Are you opening the small Inkosi like a front/lip flipper? I have absolutely no luck opening my Large Inkosi in this manner.
 
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