Small Sebenza vs. Para 2

powernoodle

powernoodle

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I started this thread recently comparing the small and large Sebenzas, but I thought I would break this one out into its own thread.

I got to thinking (it happens sometimes, you know) about the overall utility of the small Sebenza vs. one of the highly regarded production knives - in the case the Spyderco Para Military 2. The Para 2 is widely regarded as one of the premier production knives in terms of EDC, defensive/"tactical" carry and general hard use utility. I have 5 Paras in the Powernoodle Arsenal.

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Now, I recognize that the small Sebenza is no tactical folder (though it could be pressed into action), and its probably not the first folder you would reach for on the job site (though again, you certainly could). But what I noted in comparing the two knives is the similar blade length, which translates - in very broad terms - to similar cutting utility.

With the diminuative size of the small Sebenza, I never would have imagined that it matched up with the Para 2 - at least on this one measure of utility.

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Small Sebenza, top, with Para 2. Similar cutting surface and overall blade length.

While the Para is much longer overall (8" vs. 6.75"), the sharpened edges are quite similar in length. With the Sebenza you gain with the materials, construction and pocketability, whereas the Para adds ease of deployment, a little more belly/sweep and more real estate for a better grip.

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While this is certainly a comparo of dissimilar knives with different purposes and entry fees, my thesis is that in terms of cutting efficacy and utility, the similar blade lengths may allow for broadly comparable cutting utility in two very dissimilar knives. Ergo, don't feel outgunned when the small Sebenza is in your pocket. It may be a wolf in sheep's clothing. Precision-engineered, titanium sheep's clothing.
 
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I agree 100%. It's size is misleading. It has plenty of cutting edge to handle most cutting task(for me).

Although no trees would be cut down with it, it's a fantastic folder with a lot going for it.

I'm really enjoying these threads :thumbup:
 
If I had to pick one I'd take the PM2. Keep in mind I own both knives and do love each one in there own way. Now throw the comparison of the Large Sebenza 21 vs PM2 and hands down ill take the Large Sebenza everytime.

Advantages of the PM2:
- price
- ability to obtain a premium blade steel
- handle length
- speed of deployment
- four way pocket clip
- can serve as all purpose blade, utility, self defense, etc

Those are just a few reason why if I had to chose just one I'd take the PM2. Thanks Powernoodle for starting a great thread comparing two great folders.
 
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Great observation and well said! I just grabbed my Para 2 and Small Sebenza for a little side-by-side hands-on comparison myself and am more impressed with my Sebenza every time I use it.

Thanks for this!
 
Solid point- I actually took a similar photo when I still had my Mini Grip (can't find the photo now). The cutting edge of the Mini Grip actually matches that of the Para 2, which surprised me since it's a much more compact folder.
 
I think the large vs. PM2 is a better comparison. Both are excellent knives by any measure with pluses and minuses on both sides but my money will always be with the large Sebenza (if I had only one to chose from).

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franzdom said:
Thank you! I am still wondering why you flipped the first picture though
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Yeah, I just noticed that. The gravitometer on my Samsung Skyrocket made the pic appear upside down because of the angle the camera was at, and I flipped the pic upright with photobucket. But that also reversed it. So there you go. Its sort of a giveaway when "Idaho Made" is illegible. :)

Edit: I fixed it.
 
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dinokay said:
I think the large vs. PM2 is a better comparison.
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You forget that everything I do is, by definition, correct, borderline perfect and highly righteous. So the small Sebenza vs. Para 2 comparo was the right one, as it was counter intuitive yet revealing. We learned that the small Sebenza's edge length is very close to that of the larger Para 2, suggesting at least a limited degree of functional equivalency in two knives that are never associated. And in the process we added a brain cell or two - which I very much need. It would been of no surprise to learn that the large Sebenza and Para 2 are more or less functional analogs.
 
I prefer my para 2 over my large sebenza hands down. I carry my umnumzaan and my para 2 about the same though, however I think I still prefer my para 2. I appreciate the build quality of my chris reeve knives but functionality-wise (ergos, cutting performance, edge retention/edge durability) i think my spydercos smoke them. I am very excited for the production 25 though, I handled one of the limited ones two days ago and I definitely think its a step up from the 21.
 
That's a well written review.
Short, but good. Nice pictures too. :D


Personally, blade length or cutting edge is much less important than handle size.
Give me a full-sized handle and I'm happy.
 
Nullity said:
That's a well written review.
Short, but good. Nice pictures too. :D


Personally, blade length or cutting edge is much less important than handle size.
Give me a full-sized handle and I'm happy.
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I occasionally read a blog by a guy who discusses blade-to-handle ratio as some kind of defining arbiter of knife design. That number does not take in to account the fact that the small sebbie is too small for my giant mitts; or that the PM2's choil, which takes up the "extra" blade and handle space, makes it much better for fine detail work, and actually improves the in-use ergos to the point where I don't need to carry a Millie in my pocket. Both the small 21 and the PM2 have as much cutting length as I need in an EDC knife, but the Para2 functions much better as an extension of my hand. In the ergos regard (as well as steel choice - I have the blue one, too), I actually prefer it to a large sebbie - though I still have to get one of those one day.

Thanks for the thoughtful review, Powernoodle.
 
PAZach said:
If I had to pick one I'd take the PM2. Keep in mind I own both knives and do love each one in there own way. Now throw the comparison of the Large Sebenza 21 vs PM2 and hands down ill take the Large Sebenza everytime.
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Nullity said:
Personally, blade length or cutting edge is much less important than handle size.
Give me a full-sized handle and I'm happy.
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These posts precisely capture my thoughts. Ultimately the Mighty Zaan is my best friend and he doesn't mind if I rotate him with the Para2.:)
 
I have 2 Para 2s at present, the blue and the gray. Love the ergos, the steels and the quick ambidextrous opening. Every time I look at them however, it bugs me that there's almost half an inch of unused handle space. I can appreciate the large gripping surface, but why not fill it with a little more blade? To me that would justify the extra bulk in the pocket. As it is, I'll take a small Seb over a Para 2 every time. I've also found that the smoothly rounded front edge of the Seb grip works just as well as the choil on the Para 2 for me.
 
Very nice review and interesting comparison. I have 4 Sebenzas (two smalls) as well as a PM2. One advantage that the small Sebenza has is how it rides in the pocket with no clip. Can't do that with the PM2 so my small Insingo is daily office carry for my. On the weekends I do tend to pick a large Sebenza over the PM2 mainly out of habit more than anything else.
 
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