Small sebenza 31 or small inkosi

L

lumberjack_jack

Joined
May 6, 2015
Messages
95
Hello,
Let me start off with a bit of story, I've never had a CRK, but have wanted one, and when the Sebenza 31s came out I decided i would finally get one with a wood inlay - I like the look of the one peice inlay on the presentation side of the 31 vs the 2 peice on the 21, and also inkosi.
Being that I require my knives to be able to survive in any conceivable situation i could be in, I'm nervous about the wood after doing some reading about people who have gotten theirs wet and ended up having to send back to CRK and what not. So maybe I should consider a plain titanium one even tho i dont care for the look as much, and if I'm going to go plain, why not open up to the possibility of the small inkosi as well.
Here is what I am seeking advice on - is the wood inlay as fragile as I am making it out to be?
And if I go plain, can anyone provide whether they prefer a small sebenza (I would be getting the 31) over small inkosi or vice versa?
I do like the toughness factor of the inkosi based on what I've read.
Also, there is no reasonable chance of handling either before I buy.
 
If you like the idea of inlays but are worried about the durability of wood, why not consider the Micarta inlays? To me the thickness that inlays add make either the Sebenza or Inkosi more comfortable in hand, and they definitely add some traction versus the plain titanium.

Between those two knives I would choose the small 31, the small Inkosi is just enough smaller than the small Sebenza that I find it a little "fiddly" to open/close. The difference in actual toughness and performance between the two knives can be debated all day, but in my usage of both knives it has been an absolute non-issue. Both knives are more than capable or standing up to anything that can be reasonably expected of a folding knife.
 
I would go small micarta 31. I’ve personally never handled a small Inkosi but I do know they’re just a touch smaller than a small sebenza. For me I wouldn’t want any smaller than the small sebenza so that rules the small Inkosi out for me. I edc a large Crk everyday. Micarta is a great and durable inlay. I’ll take micarta over wood any day. Micarta with blasted handles makes for a great user. Also if you want to have it done, with micarta inlays you can have the handles reblasted.
I think what kniferbro kniferbro is getting at is that the sebenza is a better slicer while the Inkosi is a bit beefier blade and overall build. There’s not much I wouldn’t trust the sebenza with over the Inkosi tho.
 
Like others have said, if you are going small, the Sebenza is just a tad larger. I dont have overly large hands but the small Inkosi is a bit too tiny.

However, having handled the Large Inkosi against a large Sebenza, the Inkosi fit my hand better. I like the finger groove set up and slightly prefer the more beefy configuration compared to the 21. That said, a large 31 is most likely on my list to get in the back end of the year.

I can't help you on inlay durability. I have pretty much zero interest when it comes to inlays. For carry and use knives, I like the all business feel of the blasted PJ titanium. Every bump, scratch, and wear point tells a story of how the knife has been carried and used. I have only had my Inkosi for 4 months, but I have is the first knife in a long time (maybe ever) where I have not waffled and carried something else in its place. I honestly dont think I could go back to a "lesser" knife, and I think only a large Sebenza 31 could dethrone the Inkosi.

They are true lifetime carry knives.
 
Excluding specs and performance, because I think CRK tends to get those things right on just about everything they turn out,
I'd get the Sebenza because if you find you really like CRK you're going to want a Sebenza anyway.
I think the Small Sebenza is one of the best introductions to the brand because it is a knife that is appropriate for so many situations and pockets.
 
I think anyone considering a CRK should get a 21 (or now 31) because it's more of the flagship model with all of Mr. Reeves intended design. The quality, action and pivot of the 21/31 is really something all knife connoisseurs should experience. It's hard not to argue that the Sebenza has long been the comparative example as to what many knives are held to standard.
Large or small, resale is almost guaranteed so settling into a size shouldn't pose much hardship. All other offerings of CRK are equal in quality but establishing a personal baseline of the infamous Sebenza is a stepping stone and right of passage for many of us here! :)
 
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Thanks everyone, i think I have been convinced to be patient and wait for a 31 in micarta. Seems like the best case for all my requirements. The Inkosi blade I want to say would probably feel just a tad short for me.
 
The small Sebenza is a great edc . :thumbsup:
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