SNG vs. Sebenza vs. Umnumzaan?

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. Unfortunately, this thread is so balanced in opinions, that it didn't help much, but hey, thats all the fun! I do very much enjoy reading your responses and thanks for that. So, so far I still feel torn between these knives. I am perhaps leaning just a bit towards the Striders for some reason, although I do wish with their reputation, the tolerances were a bit more close. And, I love how all I hear about CRK is how perfect the fit and finish are which is important to me, but i guess I have some more thinking to do. I do also like the Zaan, and the StarTac looks cool too. But, im really all over the place with this decision. I do not want a huge knife. Thats why im staying away from the SMF. I am used to carrying Busse fixed blades so a big knife isn't a problem, I just find myself gravitating towards more "carry comfortable" blades, and since I only have a small collection of serious folders, I feel i need a new folding knife for more or less my new every day anything knife.
And, this may sound silly, although Im sure almost everyone here feels my dilemma, but I really wish I could afford to buy a SNG in DGG, a SNG CC, a PT cc, the Large Sebby and Small to test out size, and perhaps an Umnumzaan too. Then, I could sell the ones I wasn't crazy about.

Yes yes, i know Im dreaming, but I just love talking knives with you guys. So, please feel free to keep the suggestions coming. I will, of course, be reading over this thread many times before I make this decision, and will still be searching threads and pics and YT vids as much as possible until one starts pulling on my brain harder than the rest. For now unfortunately, I will only be able to pick up one, so I must feel great about the decision, and while all these knives seem awesome, like I said i am still just torn between these knives for general use and above all EDC. So, yea. Oh, Im sure I won't be using any of these as a crow bar, but they all seem very over built which i just love.
I just hope I can make a decision sometime soon, as I really want to get myself this for Christmas.

Btw, it seems that these knives, especially Striders, are just hard to find. Most sites seem to be sold out, and the more custom ones are just really up there in price. So, again, for me its important to make the right choice, as funds are very limited at the moment. In fact I can't even afford this knife which ever it may be, but heck, that is why I have a problem, and I am aware of the problem, the first step....:D

So again guys, thanks for all the help, and please keep the opinions comin':thumbup:

dave
 
They are equal, strider is more tactical, Chris reeve is more a lifestyle, as it's the build quality that gives it a legendary life. . .

I would go umnumzaan. As it has the legendary status and feel, but more tactical.

I almost think that strider are for more newer collectors, where tactical is the winning key, but once you have owned all the knives, Chris reeve has a little something special over the rest of the knives, but it takes time, and owning alot of knives, to realise this karma attached to reeve knifes.

So personally I think you would be happier with strider, but in time, an umnumzaan that has stuck with you for a long time, will build the best bond someone can have with a knife
 
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Haven't owned any CRKs, so I won't comment on them. However, I have owned a couple Striders. They are a little rough (to be honest the only issues I have experienced is some blade play and an odd stamp on the ricasso). They exhibit far better fit & finish than Emersons. But what people don't realize with Strider is that there is a lot more going on to the knife than one would think, especially in regards of machining the handle. Going to my next point, Strider folder handles look extremely unergonomic. But in your hand, they just lock in. There's a few threads on a different forum about how the handle works. Plus the flavor of the month steel seems big with the Strider and you can get those steels for the same price as one of the S30V Striders.

That being said, having not owned any CRKs I can't offer an unbiased opinion. You can't go wrong with a Strider imo...neither can you with an Emerson. Both brand's knives have a character that's hard to describe, but as you use them and carry them you will understand. Most other knives that I have owned do not have the character/soul of those two brands. YMMV. I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you know what to expect.
 
Someday you will own both strider and crk, its just the way it goes if you continue to be intrigued with high end knives. You may also hunt down the xm-18. The trifecta.

Having owned them all, like I said earlier the sng will be the best ergos imo. Fit n finsh I nod to crk, but my sng isnt bad.

Not to throw a wrench in all this, but you could also look at the spartan akribis. Its supposed to be a1. I have one coming and will compare the sebenza to it. There is a gentleman on youtube who compares the sebenza to the akribis. Good review. He favors the akribis by a little....if your leaning strider over crk then buy the sng over the arkibis as they are vastly different. If your leaning sebenza, the akribis may be the ticket.
 
I was in the same boat as OP.

had some cash to burn, quit smoking and cash was piling up so I wanted to treat myself.

researched here and there, decided on some high end folders.

Visited a few fine cutlery shops over a few weeks, making sure I handled each knife and tried to memorize certain details.

I ended up with 3 CRK knives. Quality is really good, everyone seems to like them, and very few complaints other than price.

strider? Wow nearly all of the store models have blade play, why? I hear many reasons, NONE of the store model sebenzas had any blade play..... think about it. If strider are as tough as stated, why would it develop blade play?? I do want one as I tjjnk they look very nice, especially covered in mud. Just in my mind theyre arent even close to sebenza in build quality but the price is roughly the same.
 
Sounds like you'd like to stay at right around 3.5"-3.6" blade length.

What I really like about my SNG GG is the light weight, grip and thick blade.

For the Sebenza I also recommend going with the 25 instead of large 21 since it's amped up even more.

Like someone else mentioned the Wilson Combat Star-Tac is an Umnumzaan but with a the grippier Wilson Starburst pattern which also looks better as well.

I also recommend three more related ones not on your list: Wilson Combat Eagle, Curtiss F3 Medium and Spartan Akribis.
 
For me with the choices you're giving and simply an EDC knife I'd go with the Sebenza. Why because at the pricepoint you're not going to get a better made knife. Not in fit and finish, not in feel and not in design

Striders aren't built to the same standard. They have their fan base and people love them but the quality isn't nearly on the same level. Arguments can be made for why but the reality is still the same, a Sebenza is built better. A Strider may be able to take more abuse than a Sebenza but I'm of the opinion if you're abusing a pocket knife you're using the wrong tool. And if need be, Sebenzas are plenty tough.

Umnumzaan is a well built knife but I don't like them. They have an odd deployment in my opinion though the harpoon blade can be nice. If you go that route, I agree with the comment above, the Star Tac is a nicer knife. It affords much more traction in the hand than the normal Umnumm cross pattern.

It's all very subjective and all these knives are very different in character and usability. For instance, pulling a Sebenza out of your pocket in the office will raise less eyebrows than a Strider however if you're out camping, a Strider is probably a more suitable knife. Ultimately it's up you but maybe match the knife to your overall style instead of incorporating our styles to your needs. Comparing the CRK knives to the Strider knives is like walking into a new car show room and asking which is better, a Sleek and sporty sedan or a high end pickup truck. Depends on what you're doing with it and what you really like.
 
FroOchie said:
For me with the choices you're giving and simply an EDC knife I'd go with the Sebenza. Why because at the pricepoint you're not going to get a better made knife. Not in fit and finish, not in feel and not in design

Striders aren't built to the same standard. They have their fan base and people love them but the quality isn't nearly on the same level. Arguments can be made for why but the reality is still the same, a Sebenza is built better. A Strider may be able to take more abuse than a Sebenza but I'm of the opinion if you're abusing a pocket knife you're using the wrong tool. And if need be, Sebenzas are plenty tough.

Umnumzaan is a well built knife but I don't like them. They have an odd deployment in my opinion though the harpoon blade can be nice. If you go that route, I agree with the comment above, the Star Tac is a nicer knife. It affords much more traction in the hand than the normal Umnumm cross pattern.

It's all very subjective and all these knives are very different in character and usability. For instance, pulling a Sebenza out of your pocket in the office will raise less eyebrows than a Strider however if you're out camping, a Strider is probably a more suitable knife. Ultimately it's up you but maybe match the knife to your overall style instead of incorporating our styles to your needs. Comparing the CRK knives to the Strider knives is like walking into a new car show room and asking which is better, a Sleek and sporty sedan or a high end pickup truck. Depends on what you're doing with it and what you really like.
Click to expand...

Well said.
 
Best way to make this decision is to think about, what task do I perform most with my knife, then second most task, then third most. Then think about how many times you do each of those tasks. You may do task #1 15 times a day and task #3 once every two months. So figure out what tasks you do with your edc and get the right tool for the job.
Then think about size and fit. Length, height, width, weight.
How much blade do you want? Though the SNG is about the same physical length of the Large CRK, the cutting edge of the SNG is only the length of the Small CRK.. so think about that as well. Basically you are packing more with less.

Here are some comparison pics I found out in Google Images of the SM Sebenza, LR Sebenza, SNG, SMF:

knivessebsmlgplussngsmffh9.jpg

knivessebsmlgplussngsmflq8.jpg
 
I had both, Sebenza and SnG, and own some very nice custom folders but I now EDC an SnG. The SnG is such a brilliant folder design. Also, it's just the right size, not too heavy and tough as nails. Add to this, Strider's HT and warranty and, need I say more?
There's no vs-thing. YOU will eventually carry the knife that YOU like best.
rolf
 
Those are nice pics, Hawk, very useful.

If I had to choose on the basis of looks, I might go with the SNG. Striders look so cool.

Actually, I did -- twice. Had to send both SNGs back (and one SJ75) because of the locks. All the locks got worse, not better, with break-in.

I now own 10 Sebenzas (seven small); three Hinderer XM 18s (two small); and just one Strider -- a PT with the latest lock. So far, no problems

That pretty much sums up my less than satisfactory experience with Strider.

Do I still look at them and consider getting another? Sure. They look cool.
 
There's nothing worse than finding blade-play on your $400 folder after a month of use.
With CRK, there's no question.
I beat the fire out of my Lg Micarta Insingo and it shows no signs of budging.
I have heard/read so many horror stories about Strider (bad reputation, quality control, fit + finish, customer service, etc) that I focus my $ elsewhere.
 
The Sebie is a nice knife and it cut's.....
If weight is important to you - there are Sebies with a CF scale.
It's hard for me to imagine to use my Sebie for "digging".
hope this helps.
red mag
 
I would say to check out ag Russel acies 2


dsc03485tg.jpg
 
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I have had PTs, SNGs, an SMF, more Sebenzas than I should have, an Mnandi and an old pivot Umnumzaan. Right now, I have a large micarta classic, a large micarta Insingo that I EDC and a new pivot Umnumzaan. The SNG/SMF/PT design is actually more ergonomic than the CRK design in my opinion, but Striders have a rougher finish, and more hotspots. Unless you will be wearing gloves, I would go with the CRK models. The actions are much smoother from the beginning on CRK's, Striders have a working in period. Striders need special pivot tools that you can buy, or make yourself, which can be a pain in the rear, but it can be done. I am a huge fan of the blade shape, could do without the thumbstuds. Chris Reeve handles may not look as ergonomical as the Strider design, but over prolonged use, they are quite comfortable. No hot spots. I've never had an edge roll on either brand, knock on wood. I have dealt with both company's warranty service. Both company took care of me, I sent an SNG to Strider around the NYC show, and a forum member helped me get a hold of them.

I carried my Umnumzaan yesterday, home from work on a snow day, and did little tasks all over the house, including kitchen prep. I have noticed that my Insingo gets a lot of lint from pocket time. The Umnumzaan and Sebenza seem to be better. Personally, I would go with a micarta Sebenza for use. I carry a slipjoint with the Insingo, so I have no need for a small folder. Your decision whether to go with a small or large Sebenza.
 
If you want a very tough knife with the best fit and finish in the business get a CRK.
I've sold my modern customs in favor of Sebenza's, and will never get another modern custom.

I can't really tell you how I feel about Micky Ray Burger(Mick Strider) in this room, but here's something you may, or may not, wish to read before you decide who you want to have your money....Thread started by Blade Forum owner...http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/453852-Mick-Strider-has-some-explaining-to-do
 
Don't buy into politics! They make a dam good knife, and that's what you looking for aren't you?
 
This is a relatively common question as people start looking at the "next tier" of high end production/mid-tech knives. SolosKnifeReviews did a video (with a Hinderer XM-18) added in the mix that I found relatively interesting and helpful when looking to compare. I don't own a strider, I have never even held one but I have owned a couple CRK's and Hinderers. I go back and forth with which one I like best to be honest. You might want to add Hinderer to your list while you are researching. They don't command the $800 secondary market price they did a year ago so you could pick one up for a couple hundred or less more than a new CRK or Strider. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I would just go with the one that "speaks" to you. For my use, I prefer a knife that looks less tactical than a Strider. A sebenza to me is a gentleman's knife that can be used just as hard as any other, just less scary to non knife people. The Strider to me looks like it belongs more on the tactical side and the Hinderer is somewhere in between. All very capable of anything you should be using a folder for.

Here is a link to the Vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2iqS6RxC9M

And here is a pic of my 25 and XM-18:)
 
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CRK, very sweet knifes, not really my style, but I'm looking for the right Zaan!!! When I'm in need of a knife, I pull it out and use it, the Sebenza I had, it stayed in my Pocket, I don't want to put ANY mark on it.

A strider SnG, I'd use it a heart beat to open a bag of cement!! Lots of guy that have never handled a Strider, I don' think they know how light they feel, and the handle fit's my hands very well. I'm also a Sucker for Carbon fiber, I had Barry from here put a CF scale on my z-wear SNG, my favorite EDC Currently!!!

All 3 knifes in the title, are all most excellent knifes.
 
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