Small Inkosi vs Small Sebenza, your prefernce

H

Humint

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Apr 1, 2011
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For those that own a small Inkosi and a small Sebenza, which is your preference. I have owned the small Inkosi and LOVED it. Sadly, she went missing a couple of months ago and I am hoping to make a purchase again soon. I have realized that carrying a small knife just works for me, however I just wish the small Inkosi had a little more blade length. To this end, I am now questioning if I should get a small Sebenza instead. I have had a small micarta 21 in the past and liked it as well. I have never had a small Insingo and that is pulling at my brain too. So let me know your thoughts.
 
The small Inkosi is a better knife. I have lots of smalls including a 2010 Annual, and Insingo and the Inkosi is the one that is the smoothest and best for me. I currently only have one small 21 CF with basketweave damascus and it just sits in my desk to be admired while the Inkosi does all the work. You should already know the answer if you had a small 21 and an Inkosi. It has the next generation of features that Chris wanted to do. I don't think it will really ever replace the Sebenza in peoples hearts and minds but for me its the best small CRK I have ever owned. Runner up is my old model Mnandi, but that is a different class of knife then the Inkosi/21.
 
I have them all and prefer the small Inkosi to the small 21-- regular or Insingo blade. I feel that with a blade that small the benefit of the deep hollow grind on the 21 is not realized because you won't be using it where the hollow grind comes into play. On the other hand, the less hollow grind of the Inkosi acts like a nice wedge for cutting small things you need to split and the blade is a bunch tougher overall in case you need to take it to task.

No inlay versions yet... but that may change late this year or next year, but I would not wait for them (demand will outstrip supply for months when they come out).
 
The small Inkosi, definitely. It's just a killer small knife. If I could only have one sub-3" knife, the Inkosi would be it.

If you're going to go for a small Sebenza, I'd recommend a small Insingo Micarta. It's by far the best small Seb IMO.
 
Ahhh, I wish I never sold my small Inkosi. That is such a great little blade.
 
Love my small Insingo Micarta. I'd decided I didn't need the Inkosi and I don't like the idea of using locktite when the sebbies are perfect as is, but the raves on the Inkosi have about won me over.


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I had a small inkosi and traded it for a small seb recently. I really love them both but never had a 21 before and wanted to try it out. They are both excellent knives and both #1 on different levels. When I can, I will have a small inkosi again. It's hard for me to pick which one I like better.
 
Looks like I'm in the minority but my small Seb micarta clip point is my preference, its more comfortable in hand and I find the blade style the most versatile.
 
Go with what you know.........it's kinda like eating at your favorite restaurant, there's plenty on the menu and you can never go wrong with your favorite meal. You may try a different item and be disappointed you didn't go with the sure thing.
 
Small 21.
Having had the chance to spend time with both, the small 21 is just a more comfortable knife to carry in my opinion.
Inkosi definitely is a bit smoother out of the box because of the larger washers I suppose and the clip off the lock bar makes disengaging a lot easier on the thumb. Those are the only strengths in my opinion.
It is just a tad too short. That is my biggest gripe. I can get a great grip on my small 21. It is the perfect size. Unless you have really small hands your pinky falls off the Inkosi.
Thin profile of the 21 also makes it a little more pocket friendly.
My now broken in 21 feels just as smooth as an Inkosi.
 
The only CRK folder I have ever truly liked in terms of edc is the Sebenza 25 (all others have bad ergo for me personally, hot spots). That is until the inkosi; it is absolute perfection for my hand. I absolutely can't wait for the insingo blade with Micarta version. *drooling*

Oh, and I loved the original small sebenzas as well. My favorite was stolen years ago 😕
 
After about 4 months of having a small 21 Insingo in my rotation, and about 1 month of having an Inkosi in my rotation, I decided to get rid of the Inkosi. The Inkosi is hands down smoother but the 21 feels tighter, if that makes sense. It's a sin here, I know, but I like to flick my knives open, and it's much easier to flick open the 21.
I have relatively large hands, and the Inkosi is just a bit too small, whereas the 21 is perfect in size for a small knife. I love the aesthetics of both, but I prefer the cleaner, straighter lines on the 21. The Inkosi is a fantastic little workhorse knife, but the whole "robust sub-3 inch folder" category just isn't for me.
 
I sold my small Sebenza after using and carrying my small Inkosi for a few months. It's been close to a year now and the Inkosi has become my most carried and used folder.
 
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