Small Vs Large Sebenza 21

Lord_Balkan

Lord_Balkan

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Aug 25, 2016
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Hey I am looking at a Sebenza 21 with Micarta. What are your thoughts on the large vs small versions? My main concern is it might be difficult for me to manage the lock on a small Sebenza.

Thanks,
 
I went through the same dilemma when I bought my first 21. There are a lot of threads about this topic as well; so plenty to read up on. I went small and while I liked the knife I knew the Large was where I wanted to be.

What size knives do you like now? More than likely that pattern will follow. For me the Large carries smaller than other knives in that size range because it is so streamline and thin.
 
It is really your pick. There are those that like smalls and those that like large and some like both. Of all the smalls the small micarta is my favorite It is a very nice knife, but then again so is the large micarta.
It comes down to personal preferences.
 
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Large is the way to start.
At least that's my experience - I started with a small and liked it so much I had to have the large one.
Now I seldom use the small, if at all.
OK, OK, I got myself a small with wood inlay.
 
It really will depend on you. If you are able to find a dealer locally that will let you hold one of each you would be best to try that to prevent you from buying something you will not be happy with.

My first Sebenza was a small 21. I loved the knife, but it was too small for me. I ended up moving on to large Sebenzas after that and would not go back to a small.
 
I prefer the large over the small, although I have three smalls (two small 21's and a small Regular) that I like to use. I have XL hands, so the large CRK's are perfect for me, but I can manage the smalls fairly ok. Indeed, the small can be useful in its own right.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
Hey I am looking at a Sebenza 21 with Micarta. What are your thoughts on the large vs small versions? My main concern is it might be difficult for me to manage the lock on a small Sebenza.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Why do you think it would be hard to manage the lock on the small? What size knife do you carry now? Also what are the knife laws in your area for what you can carry?

Those are all things you should think about. I find my Small 21 and Small Inkosi to be easy to operate. The Inkosi is the easier of the two even though its slightly smaller. The small sebenza fits more hand sizes then the Inkosi, but even people with large hands can like the small Inkosi. Its really a try and see if it fits you on that model.

One thing I have noticed is the large Sebenza is a little smoother operating then the small Sebenza. I think the longer lock bar is part of that difference. Over time there is not much difference but fresh from the box its there. The Inkosi is easier and smother then them both.

The best thing it to go to CRK and check the dealer list and go to a store where you can handle them both. No one else can tell you if your hands will have an issue. Other then that I suggest buying a used on on the Exchange. If you don't like it you should be able to sell it back for what you paid for it here. Or buy from a dealer that will allow you to return the knife if it does not work for your hands. Selling a CRK bought new is going to lose you $50-$100 depending on model and the demand at the time. Which is why buying on the secondary market works out. Most of the time knives on the exchange here are never actually used just pre-owned by collectors.

If you have the money you can always buy both sizes on the exchange and sell the one you don't like as much.
 
Driften said:
Why do you think it would be hard to manage the lock on the small? What size knife do you carry now? Also what are the knife laws in your area for what you can carry?

Those are all things you should think about. I find my Small 21 and Small Inkosi to be easy to operate. The Inkosi is the easier of the two even though its slightly smaller. The small sebenza fits more hand sizes then the Inkosi, but even people with large hands can like the small Inkosi. Its really a try and see if it fits you on that model.

One thing I have noticed is the large Sebenza is a little smoother operating then the small Sebenza. I think the longer lock bar is part of that difference. Over time there is not much difference but fresh from the box its there. The Inkosi is easier and smother then them both.

The best thing it to go to CRK and check the dealer list and go to a store where you can handle them both. No one else can tell you if your hands will have an issue. Other then that I suggest buying a used on on the Exchange. If you don't like it you should be able to sell it back for what you paid for it here. Or buy from a dealer that will allow you to return the knife if it does not work for your hands. Selling a CRK bought new is going to lose you $50-$100 depending on model and the demand at the time. Which is why buying on the secondary market works out. Most of the time knives on the exchange here are never actually used just pre-owned by collectors.

If you have the money you can always buy both sizes on the exchange and sell the one you don't like as much.
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Unfortunately I am in Central Illinois and there is no nearby dealer where I can handle these myself.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
Unfortunately I am in Central Illinois and there is no nearby dealer where I can handle these myself.
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In that case you may have to just pick one and try it. If you buy on the exchange (at a reasonable price) you should be able to get all or most your money back, if you choose wrong. The small will do the majority of tasks , but there are some that only a large can handle well. As you can see from the comparison photos, the size difference is greater than the specs would lead you to believe.
small & large micarta would make a great pair.
 
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I might as well get one new. Where is a good place to get one? I was thinking here

My current collection consists of ZT and Benchmade. ZT 452CF, BM 710-1404, BM 810-1404, BM 531, BM 860 Bedlam and the BM 482 Megumi. I haven't spent over 200 on a knife yet so I am a bit apprehensive.
 
KSF, is a very good place to buy from. They are top notch folks and treat everyone respectfully.
I was in the same boat about spending so much on a knife, but once you pull the trigger, it will be worth it.
You gotta post pics of what you got once you have it.
 
If you like small knives then you'll love the small. I personally have larger hands and found the small to be a little annoying to deploy, not in a major way but enough to make me not want to keep it. The large fits me perfectly and is a pleasure to use. Both are fantastic knives though in terms of being good cutters and handling everyday tasks.
 
hazy said:
If you like small knives then you'll love the small. I personally have larger hands and found the small to be a little annoying to deploy, not in a major way but enough to make me not want to keep it. The large fits me perfectly and is a pleasure to use. Both are fantastic knives though in terms of being good cutters and handling everyday tasks.
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I have smaller to medium hands so even something like the Benchmade 531 or the Benchmade 482 Megumi fits my hands pretty comfortably. I like larger knives as well but I work in an office environment and I already have plenty of quality larger knives. There are not many quality knives with quality materials / while also being stylish at the ~3 mark which is why the small sebenza caught my interest.
 
I've got large hands. I got a large cocobolo for my graduation present and carried it every day for about four months. I always thought it was just right and I would never need another knife. I got a small insingo before I went to college to have a little more inconspicuous carry, and now every time I grab a larger knife like my large, 0452, or bad monkey I just feel like it's overkill. I don't do much hard use now that I'm back in school, so the small is great. Once summer rolls around again I'll probably throw the large back in my pocket.

You could always get a large first, carry for a couple weeks, and sell it to buy a small if you don't love the size.
 
I have medium hands, I have the small 21 and I love it! Never held a Lg but never felt I needed to either. For a larger blade and the tasks I demand from it I want a fixed blade.
 
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