SNG vs. Small Sebenza

E

ErikD

Joined
Dec 5, 2000
Messages
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I am in need of a new work knife. I work in a local store, and do a lot of stock work. This entails cutting a lot of boxes, and zip ties, etc. I need a knife that I can pull out without drawing unwanted attention from customers. I have been using a Camillus EDC, and I beat it up pretty bad, and am looking for a new knife. I have plenty of larger knives, but I think something with around a 3" blade would be most appropriate.

I don't really want to start a debate about the merits of one knife versus the other. I am more interested in seeing what you think of the "scary" factor of the SNG. I know that the Sebanza is about as sheepeople friendly as a knife can be, but the SNG is a LOT smaller than the AR. I think I might just be able to pull it off, what do you think? I kinda think I want an SNG more than a small Sebenza, or should I get both and do a test( this would be extremely difficult at $5.15 an hour) ;)

As a side note, I never got any bad comments for having/using the EDC. In fact often when something needs to be cut my co-workers will ask for my knife, as it is the only sharp one there. :D

Thanks
 
I think you'll find that in overall size the SNG is not that much smaller than the AR.

The SNG will still dwarf a Small Sebenza in overall size and appearance.

Given your requirements I would opt for the Sebenza, but you may not want to lend it (or an SNG) out to co-workers any more ;)

Hopefully NCblades won't mind me borrowing his picture but it's perfect for this question.

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Version 2 of the SnG is coming out soon, and it will be not as intimidating as it does not have the tiger stripes or the finish of the current model on the Ti handle. Rather it has a tool finish on the blade and Ti handle.
 
Great steel, great lock, great grind and to me, great ergos. It's light, tight and mostly socially acceptable. These are well known to use the best materials available and are built to very exacting specifications. I have a plain one and wish I'd got a decorated one as I think it would be perceived as even less intimidating. The plain grey utilitarian look of the plain ones seems to catch a look once in a while when around sheeple and I think the decorations would help them see it as just the cool artifact and useful tool that it is.

For a lot less money, a Benchmade 705 will deliver a solid package with great steel and a great lock, yet keep the intimidation factor low and the price reasonable. The 705 blade is just under 3" and with stainless liners, G10 scales and an Axis lock. The knife overall seems like a compact, but useful workhorse.

I have nothing against the Striders, but I work in a lot of retail environments and I think there are less intimidating designs that might be better choices around the general (knife shy) public. This is assuming that you don't work in a gun store or an outdoor outfitters.

Be really careful cutting zip ties. I've known a bunch of guys that have cut themselves cutting zip ties. The scissors on a Leatherman Micra offer a way better tool for that job, or something similar to a Micra. Keep the knife for packing straps and cardboard.

jmx
 
I saw and played with an SNG at the NY Knife show in Nov.
Really wasn't impressed.
Looked too gimmicky with the 2 different handle materials.
Wasn't that comfy in my hand.
And, to add insult to injury, there was blade wobble in both directions when locked up.
Maybe this was just an isolated example, but at least you'd think that the Strider guys would pick their best example to put on the table at a major knife show.
Think about it, have you ever handled a Sebenza that had any blade wobble at all?
Lenny
 
You may not find this suggestion to your liking, but I use a large pair of nail clippers to cut plastic zip ties. Considering that they are cheap, readily available at the Walgreens, beneath stealing, nearly impossible to injure yourself with, fit into your pocket better than any of the knives mentioned, and sheeple proof I've found them to fit the task perfectly. I have injured myself badly enough cutting zip ties with knives to have learned my lesson (left hand to the bone and right knee to the bone).

I happen to carry a small Sebenza as my EDC and I still prefer to use the clippers on my key chain to nip zips.
 
Which Camillus EDC are you using? Talonite, 420HC, 154CM, or D2? AG Russell sells a D2 version for about 90 smackers which might work better than paying so much more for just a wee bit better.
 
I am using the 154-CM EDC. It works great, and I have no problems getting it plenty sharp. I think I damaged the lock when prying with it, or torquing it in some way.

I know that there are many knives I could buy for a lot less than a Sebenza or SNG that would do the job. What I really wanted is an excuse to get another Sebenza or Strider. I have a large Sebenza and love it, and an AR and it is also great. But as I said, I need something smaller and less threatining. I guess it will be a small sebbie than, and a SNG sometime later just fun.
 
While both the Sebenza and the SnG are up to the task, and are both great knives.. I gotta say..

At $5.15 an hour, you're looking at a LOT of hours to get either one of them.

Perhaps you would be better off using a cheaper knife. That way, if you lose it, break it, or it gets stolen, you won't feel so bad.

Sure, the Sebenza or the SnG will outperform most cheaper knives. Likewise, a Dodge Viper will outperform my Honda. Either would get me to work. But, the Honda will get me there with a lot more money in my pocket. If I had the money, would I buy a Viper? Sure. Until I do, though, I'm going to stick with the more viable alternative.

You could take that $400 for the SnG, and use it to get a better job (i.e. put it towards education, start your own business, etc). Then, with all the extra money you've got from your new job, buy both.

If the Camillus EDC is working for you, buy another one. :) The nailclipper idea isn't a bad, either.

Just a suggestion. I know it doesn't help much. Given the choice between the two, I'd buy the Strider.

-- Rob
 
Actually, I am in college. I have almost a full scholarship, and live with my parents. This means that I basically have the job to buy knives;) , and I don't mind working like 100 hours to just buy a knife to use at work.

As for losing I don't worry about that, I am careful about keeping tabs on my knives. I doubt I would break either one easily, and I wouldn't try to break it on purpose.
 
I have both a regular sebe and an SnG. The sebe stays in the case and gathers dust. I carry the SnG everyday. I admit to being a Strider fan and would recommend their product to anyone. But for your use and want of not alarming the general shopping public, I'd go with a Sebenza. I think they are less money as well.

A few things to consider: (flame suit on) The Sebenza out of the box is fitted and finished better then the current run of SnG IMHO. The Sebe will scare less people when you with pull it out. The SnG is lighter then a large Sebe. The Strider warantee cannot be beat. It really comes down to a personal preference of which one you like better. I think you need to feel both in your hands to make a good decision.

Good luck in choosing,

S.
 
Whereas I can't speak for the SnG, I can speak for the small Sebenza. I have had 2 and an Umfaan and all 3 were perfect in every single way. If you are looking for a tough knife, I'd stick with the Sebenza.
Matt
 
i think I'd rather use an OLFA with the snap-off replaceable blades for cutting crap like boxes.
 
Originally posted by Alberta Ed
i think I'd rather use an OLFA with the snap-off replaceable blades for cutting crap like boxes.
Click to expand...

Along those lines the Tigersharp knives seem to work pretty well. Also, the new Leatherman S4 Squirt would work well too. (New smaller Micra type multitool.) Of the two choices I like the look and feel of the Sebenza. IMHO it's also less threatening to the general non-knife public.
 
I know you did not ask for this but I gotta inject it anyway. You might want to look into a custom framelock and I just happen to have the name of a great maker, Mike Obenauf!;) I just picked up two of his large model 2's, one "beefy" model that I specifically ordered that way, and one standard model off the forums here. Both have the same identical lockup with about 1/3rd of the blade tang getting covered and both have lockup that is equal to that of the Sebenza, which is the best framelock made today, in my opinion. All of this for the same price as a standard large Sebenza. Don't know the cost of the small but imagine it would be in line with a small Sebenza and you get a true handmade/custom folder. Again, I know you didn't ask for other options just had to toot Mike's horn for such a fine piece of craftsmanship!!:D :cool: :)
 
buy a 6$ utility knife. i don't know where you work, but places like home depot would never allow their associates to carry anything other than the standard issue safety knife. unless you work in the back, cracking open high-end folders on the sales floor is going to raise eyebrows-- not only with customers, but with management.
 
scar1, luckily my manager doesn't really care:D As long as I get the work done by the end of the night I can do pretty much whatever I want.

I do know about that BS at Home Depot, in fact they don't get any knives at all:eek: , I once went to buy a few feet of 1/2" rope, and he was trying to cut it with a screwdriver!! I just took out my knife and left the same day, rather than wait. Really sucks IMHO, and I would carry and use a decent knife even if it was against the rules.
 
How 'bout a Sears Craftsman safety knife? They are about $3 and will outcut almost any knife made.
 
if your manager is cool with it, then you are all set. as for home depot, their policies may be annoying, but they are there for a good reason, and it's not all BS. as you probably know, HD was hit with several lawsuits involving safety (or lack thereof) where customers were injured (or killed) inside a store. i don't blame them for being somewhat strict about associates carrying knives on the sales floor. accidents do happen--and they are taking precautions, that's all. however, using a screwdriver to cut rope is probably even more dangerous than using a sharp knife! that is a classic which i'll have to tell my home depot- hating friends. :D
 
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