So after a trade my Jeep is fixed and I have a toy, and I think I like it!

Beautiful knife! I'm beginning to appreciate the plain Jane scales more and more. There is a certain beauty they acquire that can't be beat as they gain a user patina. My current edc is a plain large Seb.....
 
Glad it all worked out for you buddy, and you still ended up with a knife!! Even better that it's one you really love!!
 
Im glad to see you notice it as well. Many do.
Please send me your 25 when you need it done again.
Matt

Nikkogi said:
Glad to hear it, Matt! What is the birthdate of this 25?

My plain Jane 25 you reprofiled is an early (1/30) first production model and the steel is definitely harder than my 21's.
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Congrats on the happy ending. Happy to see a CRK back in your pocket. Regarding the perceived hardness difference between the 21 and 25, would the thin hollow grind of the 21 and the near flat grind of the 25 make any difference with this?
 
BellaBlades said:
Is there a reason for the groove in the blade?
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If you are talking about the semi-circle cutout on the spine just in front of the thumb studs, I don't know for sure, but it makes a good fire steel striker. It is in the ideal location for striking with the blade closed.
 
Not even remotely. The fact the 25 cuts wood better or the 21 excelling in the kitchen due to the grind sure.
But the blade grind has zero to do with it.
It is no doubt harder and very easy to tell the difference. Edge retention is up there. It also has a different edge structure when sharpening as well. And will get far more keen and and hold it better too. But it does take twice as many strokes even on the micro bevel to produce the same removal of steel.
I am guessing it is a solid point higher RC. Without a doubt.

uofaengr said:
Congrats on the happy ending. Happy to see a CRK back in your pocket. Regarding the perceived hardness difference between the 21 and 25, would the thin hollow grind of the 21 and the near flat grind of the 25 make any difference with this?
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I think since he has a range of 58-59. I feel that since the 25 is marketed to hard use he aims for the 59 setting. And perhaps ideally 58 for the other models.
As some have said I am sure he would not admit this, but it clearly is happening. I actually will give them a call and ask. I would allow somebody to test my blade, but honestly I dont want it stamped with anything and certainly will not entertain the idea of being without here lol.
I also think that with a thicker blade and a lightly tougher grind perhaps they think it will handle it better.
The difference really does blow my mind. I noticed this as well when I sharpened a 25 for two other members. It was not in the same boat as doing the same job to a 21.
I doubt every one would notice this. But I have just done so much cutting , sharpening and edge testing just by nature of my hobby. And I cannot come to any other conclusion.

Over all I am simply very happy about it.
 
I just sent this mail off to CRK today:

"Hi,

I've read several reports on BF etc. claiming that the bladesteel in the 25 is harder than on the 21. Is there any truth to this? I mean they are both S35VN and hardened to 58-59 RC?

BR
Jo"

And just got this answer from Angela:

"Hello Jo,

We use the same blade steel for the Sebenza 25 and Sebenza 21 which is S35VN and it is hardened to 58-59 RC.
The difference between the blades for the 25 and the 21 is that the 25 is actually a little bit thicker and has a large hollow grind.
It is not harder or stronger.
Thank you for contacting us so that we were able to clarify this for you.
If you have any other questions or concerns please let me know.
Have a great day.




Thank you,




Angela




Customer Service - Chris Reeve Knives | customerservice@chrisreeve.com

208-375-0367 | Monday - Thursday 7am - 5:30pm | Enjoy your day!"


So I guess it's still kind of a mystery..
 
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Of course that is their reply, but from my experience and a few guys I called, it is ran harder than the 21. Also it is stronger. That statement makes no sense. That is basically saying they are the same thing.
That is the cookie cutter reply they are supposed to give. They said that to me last week as well in email, however. I know the grind has nothing to do with it.

I will say if it is not intentional under the radar.. Perhaps the thicker blade requires a slightly longer or deeper heat treat making it just a touch harder. Even a small percentage.
 
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Yes, but I still think it's kinda weird, if they found that running the 25 a bit harder is better, then why continue to run the 21 lower? Maybe they started running all their knives harder from a certain point in production history?

That would at least make much more sense.
 
This may be a mystery for some time to come.

Im am comparing a 2013 25, to a 2011, 2012, 2013 and two 2014 21 models that I have sharpened and used.
I dont have an answer. It really is a mystery. The only way to know is to RC test some of each blade to have a controlled comparison I suppose.
Matt
 
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