Some may disagree but...

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SuzukiGS750EZ

Joined
Dec 30, 2008
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I've been using and collecting knives for many years. Among my knife brands are kershaw, benchmade, spyderco, victorinox, buck, puma and a few others. My favorite companies being victorinox and spyderco. To people who are knew to CRK, I haven't been dissapointed in my CRK by any means, but it's also not my favorite. I can definitely appreciate the quality and attention to detail in it, and have explained this to many friends, but it's not my favorite. One of my favorites, yes, but not #1. It wasn't a waste of 455$, but i wouldnt sell all my knives for one. As suprised as some of you may be, my spyderco Manix 2 XL is my all time favorite knife. I searched for 10+ years for the perfect EDC, and that's it. On my quest to find the perfect EDC, i picked up a CRK, per this forums recommendation. Don't think i'm bashing CRK by any means, but i see people coming here and asking if they're worth the money. I'll say this. They aren't not worth the money, but if you're looking for some super knife or a be all end all knife, the CRK isn't for you. It's for people who have a strong understanding of a quality knife and can appreciate one. Today talking to a friend he couldn't figure out what made it so expensive. I explained it all to him a few times before we went to walmart to get him a knife. He picked up a kershaw cryo. He then got the gist of my explanation. Most of the knives he's seen of mine have been 200-500$, so he's seen straight grind lines, smooth openings and nice lockups. Not that the kershaw is by any means garbage, but it's no sebenza. So to conclude, i'm not saying CRK isn't worth the money, but have an appreciation for craftsman ship if you're newer to knives or haven't owned a higher end knife. I worked my way up the ladder as far as price points are concerned. But ill be honest, i expected more of a sweep me off my feet feeling when i held the knife. Quality was apparent upon opening it, and using it is a joy. But it's no more knife than my manix, military or blur. I don't know how to explain what i'm trying to get across to you all, so maybe someone else can finish! BUT, my CRK is definitely a knife i'm proud to own. Happy 4th of july!
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I've been using and collecting knives for many years. Among my knife brands are kershaw, benchmade, spyderco, victorinox, buck, puma and a few others. My favorite companies being victorinox and spyderco. To people who are knew to CRK, I haven't been dissapointed in my CRK by any means, but it's also not my favorite. I can definitely appreciate the quality and attention to detail in it, and have explained this to many friends, but it's not my favorite. One of my favorites, yes, but not #1. It wasn't a waste of 455$, but i wouldnt sell all my knives for one. As suprised as some of you may be, my spyderco Manix 2 XL is my all time favorite knife. I searched for 10+ years for the perfect EDC, and that's it. On my quest to find the perfect EDC, i picked up a CRK, per this forums recommendation. Don't think i'm bashing CRK by any means, but i see people coming here and asking if they're worth the money. I'll say this. They aren't not worth the money, but if you're looking for some super knife or a be all end all knife, the CRK isn't for you. It's for people who have a strong understanding of a quality knife and can appreciate one. Today talking to a friend he couldn't figure out what made it so expensive. I explained it all to him a few times before we went to walmart to get him a knife. He picked up a kershaw cryo. He then got the gist of my explanation. Most of the knives he's seen of mine have been 200-500$, so he's seen straight grind lines, smooth openings and nice lockups. Not that the kershaw is by any means garbage, but it's no sebenza. So to conclude, i'm not saying CRK isn't worth the money, but have an appreciation for craftsman ship if you're newer to knives or haven't owned a higher end knife. I worked my way up the ladder as far as price points are concerned. But ill be honest, i expected more of a sweep me off my feet feeling when i held the knife. Quality was apparent upon opening it, and using it is a joy. But it's no more knife than my manix, military or blur. I don't know how to explain what i'm trying to get across to you all, so maybe someone else can finish! BUT, my CRK is definitely a knife i'm proud to own. Happy 4th of july!
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I agree with your stance. A sebenza isn't the most best bang for your buck knife, but it is of a high tier and respect to quality and something not everyone can appreciate. :thumbup:
 
I kind of assume every single thing that anyone says on a forum, in a book, on the radio, in person or on Oprah is their opinion. I also think it is somewhat valuable to see a little dissent from any widely beloved thing, just because it keeps things in perspective. I bought and sold my first Sebenza years ago, all in the space of about a week, because it had been built up in my mind from various posters here to be an almost religious experience, and to be honest seemed awfully plain to me upon arrival. Granted, I now own one again and like it very much; partly because my tastes have refined over the years and I better understand the effort that goes into building them is the reason for the price, partly because I'm no longer a college student (as i was then) and a Sebbie doesnt represent such a signifigant expenditure to me as it did, but also because I no longer was expecting a celestial choir to sing when the box was opened.

And for what it's worth, I have never worn out a Buck 110, despite years of doing all the wrong things with it.

I agree that the OP's post is a tad confusing, as it seems to change tonally from pride to disappointment to pride again, but I also echo the advice to new, prospective owners that if they're new to high-end folders, they need to understand that this knife doesn't necessarily reveal the justification for its high price tag right away. You likely need to have bounced around the high-end production and custom market for awhile, and experienced what's great and what's not, before you'll "get" the Sebenza.
 
I think t1mpani hit the nail on the head. I wasn't talking up the manix nor putting down the sebenza. For a long time I swapped between a bunch of different knives. Like many I thought the sebenza was THE knife. I wasn't totally wrong but once I got the manix I knew IT was the knife. I was just trying to get across to new comers that you should explore your options and not fall into all the hype.
 
I love many different knives for many different reasons. Variety is the spice of life right? I appreciate the Sebenza because it's 2nd kind of cool to me. The fit, finish and lock up are second to none IMO. That being said I love the look and feel of my SNG, XM18, Para2, Sage, BM Rift, 940, etc....... I don't want one end all knife, I want multiple knives to use and enjoy.
 
I bought a 25 about a year ago, sold it, I have tried several other knives since then. I have a small snakewood inlay coming Monday . I wish I never sold the 25, now I appreciate everything about CRK. My 25 was the only knife I could loosen the pivot to the point the pivot screws could fall out and there was still no blade play. Unbelievable quality. I'm so excited to get my first small. I will post Picts .
 
When I bought my large regular sebenza in 2007 I felt it was a good deal for the package. I would no longer spend the asking price. I used to sneer at folks that talked about other manufacturers being ahead of CRK as far as blade steels, but now, unfortunately, I have to agree.

If CRK would only do some runs of high end steels I would be back on board. This is not just repeating someone else's words about blade steels. There is a huge upgrade possible for the Sebenza and I know this from first hand long term experience.

On the other hand, you will never be able to take my Sebenza's from me, pry them from my cold dead hands...

What I am getting at is, unless I missed a steel upgrade, to me the Sebenza is hanging on to an older status. Sure it still has the amazing design, materials ( aside from blade steel), company to stand behind it and so on, but I can see why some folks now-a-days would be underwhelmed.
 
For me and what makes the CRK a great product, is the opinion that it is the best well rounded knife made today in terms of material selected for handles, blade steel, washers/pivot type, looks and selection of models, their resale value, the collectability and demand for CRK's. I've been through the phase of super steels and found out that in real world use, they're not any better, it just takes more time to sharpen them. I feel that each time I pick up one of my CRK's and use it, I have complete confidence it will not fail me from cutting a loose string from my pants to deboning wild game.
The heavens didn't open up when I got my first Sebenza, I didn't even use it when I first got it. It was a piece for my collection. After a while and many other brand knives later did I understand the CRK.
I had two close calls with other knives that help me decide to put them down and start using the Sebenza. Of all things, it was pocket lint that obstructed the locking of the other knives.

I wouldn't try to warn anyone not to buy a knife if they so desired. It's not hype at all, any of the forums here have folks that enjoy and love the brand of their choice. I don't like the Teflon washers that Hinderer uses, mention that on their forum and see what kind of response you get and I own four of them. Here's how I feel, either a CRK is suited for you or it's not, whether you're new to knives or a long time user. It's not until you have one in hand do you realize what makes a CRK a CRK, and for some folks it takes a few eye popping, ooh and ahh knives to come full circle before the heavens open on their beloved CRK
 
I agree with the main idea of what you are saying except about the super steels. CPM-M4 at 62-64 is an absolutely amazing steel. This is talking from real world use. As far as harder to sharpen? Nope.

I have knives from just about all the manufacturers on this forum and I don't find myself defending any of them. It gets old hearing people say the true super steels are no better. I have GIVEN knives to people to KEEP just to open their eyes.

I think trying to say S30v or S35 is as good as something like CPM-M4 at 62-64 is just as bad as the folks jumping on you about washers. Its not really valid and whats worse is in this case its incorrect.

Its great to tout the Sebenza for what it is, I always will, but hoping the steel is as good or talking about tough to sharpen is just not accurate.

Do you see where I am coming from here?

Ajack60 said:
For me and what makes the CRK a great product, is the opinion that it is the best well rounded knife made today in terms of material selected for handles, blade steel, washers/pivot type, looks and selection of models, their resale value, the collectability and demand for CRK's. I've been through the phase of super steels and found out that in real world use, they're not any better, it just takes more time to sharpen them. I feel that each time I pick up one of my CRK's and use it, I have complete confidence it will not fail me from cutting a loose string from my pants to deboning wild game.
The heavens didn't open up when I got my first Sebenza, I didn't even use it when I first got it. It was a piece for my collection. After a while and many other brand knives later did I understand the CRK.
I had two close calls with other knives that help me decide to put them down and start using the Sebenza. Of all things, it was pocket lint that obstructed the locking of the other knives.

I wouldn't try to warn anyone not to buy a knife if they so desired. It's not hype at all, any of the forums here have folks that enjoy and love the brand of their choice. I don't like the Teflon washers that Hinderer uses, mention that on their forum and see what kind of response you get and I own four of them. Here's how I feel, either a CRK is suited for you or it's not, whether you're new to knives or a long time user. It's not until you have one in hand do you realize what makes a CRK a CRK, and for some folks it takes a few eye popping, ooh and ahh knives to come full circle before the heavens open on their beloved CRK
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Ajack60 said:
For me and what makes the CRK a great product, is the opinion that it is the best well rounded knife made today in terms of material selected for handles, blade steel, washers/pivot type, looks and selection of models, their resale value, the collectability and demand for CRK's. I've been through the phase of super steels and found out that in real world use, they're not any better, it just takes more time to sharpen them. I feel that each time I pick up one of my CRK's and use it, I have complete confidence it will not fail me from cutting a loose string from my pants to deboning wild game.
The heavens didn't open up when I got my first Sebenza, I didn't even use it when I first got it. It was a piece for my collection. After a while and many other brand knives later did I understand the CRK.
I had two close calls with other knives that help me decide to put them down and start using the Sebenza. Of all things, it was pocket lint that obstructed the locking of the other knives.

I wouldn't try to warn anyone not to buy a knife if they so desired. It's not hype at all, any of the forums here have folks that enjoy and love the brand of their choice. I don't like the Teflon washers that Hinderer uses, mention that on their forum and see what kind of response you get and I own four of them. Here's how I feel, either a CRK is suited for you or it's not, whether you're new to knives or a long time user. It's not until you have one in hand do you realize what makes a CRK a CRK, and for some folks it takes a few eye popping, ooh and ahh knives to come full circle before the heavens open on their beloved CRK
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I agree with this ΔΔ. :thumbup::thumbup:

The only thing I could add is that Chris Reeve has a great sense of proportion and design. Aside from the fine attributes so many have listed a Sebenza is also a beautiful object, at the same time as it is a great tool. The minimalistic, yet interesting and graceful design of all the CRK folding knives shows great taste on part of Chris Reeve, which coupled with the fact they are bulletproof, have great blade-to-handle ratio, and are comfortable in hand, makes them worth the pruchase price to me. The are a home run on more than one front. They are like the person you marry, you want beautiful and functional if you're lucky. ;)
 
richstag said:
When I bought my large regular sebenza in 2007 I felt it was a good deal for the package. I would no longer spend the asking price. I used to sneer at folks that talked about other manufacturers being ahead of CRK as far as blade steels, but now, unfortunately, I have to agree.

If CRK would only do some runs of high end steels I would be back on board. This is not just repeating someone else's words about blade steels. There is a huge upgrade possible for the Sebenza and I know this from first hand long term experience.

On the other hand, you will never be able to take my Sebenza's from me, pry them from my cold dead hands...

What I am getting at is, unless I missed a steel upgrade, to me the Sebenza is hanging on to an older status. Sure it still has the amazing design, materials ( aside from blade steel), company to stand behind it and so on, but I can see why some folks now-a-days would be underwhelmed.
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I agree with above.
I think they at least can keep a limited number of SG2 that they have been done before which means they know technology.
 
richstag said:
I agree with the main idea of what you are saying except about the super steels. CPM-M4 at 62-64 is an absolutely amazing steel. This is talking from real world use. As far as harder to sharpen? Nope.

I have knives from just about all the manufacturers on this forum and I don't find myself defending any of them. It gets old hearing people say the true super steels are no better. I have GIVEN knives to people to KEEP just to open their eyes.

I think trying to say S30v or S35 is as good as something like CPM-M4 at 62-64 is just as bad as the folks jumping on you about washers. Its not really valid and whats worse is in this case its incorrect.

Its great to tout the Sebenza for what it is, I always will, but hoping the steel is as good or talking about tough to sharpen is just not accurate.

Do you see where I am coming from here?
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That's exactly my point, I do see where you're coming from. But that's you and me. I don't have a problem and you don't either keeping these super steels hair popping sharp. There are folks that can't sharpen a knife to save their soul. Don't take for granted that everyone that owns a knife knows how to maintain it. For you, CPM M4 is a snap to sharpen, not so for someone else. How discouraging is it for someone to have an expensive knife and cannot sharpen it? Read some of these threads about folks concern with the super steels and you may get my gist on the matter. And you obviously don't agree and that's ok.
I will beg to differ between S30V/S35VN and any other steel, not just based on edge retention alone. There's a host of factors that come into play when talking about all around steel for knives and that's for another discussion, but I will say this, and please correct me if I'm wrong. Can't comment on S35VN, but S30V was designed specifically for the cutlery industry. There were several knife makers that advised Crucible when they developed S30V. I think it is the only steel that was made for this industry that was not used in other applications. With that said, how can anyone argue about the all around performance of S30V.
To validate my point concerning super steels not being any better, fiberglass insulation for pipe will kill an edge on any knife with any steel as well as sheetrock. Of course it's all relative to the thickness, density of either that will determine how long an edge will hold up. And that's all I'm saying about that.
In conclusion, I'm not knocking any super steel. I love CPM M4, I hunted down a Strider just for CPM M4, my Gayle Bradley is a great knife. I love CPM S110V, S90V, Elmax, just picked up a Big Chris fixed blade with CPM 4V and it is impressive. But not everyone can be safe with steel that is that sharp. I will not let any of my co workers use one of my knives that I just finished sharpening because they will cut themselves.
 
To make a sebenza blade out of super steel would also increase the labour and factory consumables required to grind it, stonewash it, add jimping, round the spine, fit the lock etc. People forget one of the goals of S30V and even moreso S35VN was to make manufacturing easier, it wasn't just about making sharpening easier, or to develop the ultimate blade, it helps to keep manufacturing costs down, with a high level of finish, and thus prices reasonable. If CRK was to make a folder out of super steel, they likely couldn't sell it to you for the price they do, or it would have to be a little less perfect.
 
Ajack,

I'm not knocking people that like the sebenza just as is. If it's easier for some to sharpen, okay, but I've helped countless people struggle to sharpen it here over the years.

Anyhow, yes, CPM-M4 is Imo all around by far better than cpm-s30v and I've extensively used both. Cpm-m4 was the first steel that held up to cutting commercial flooring. Believe me it's tougher than fiberglass insulation.

The only lacking factor would be the fact that it's a high speed tool steel without stainless attributes.

I own both, have used both, can sharpen both and I'm not making this up or trying to justify my decisions. If I got better performance out of one of my many Sebenza's I would still be carrying one.

I'm all about performance and I am not trying to take away from CRK. I would like to see an addition. They do damascus.

Now I am sounding like the guys I used to hate when I was really into CRK. I'm going to say, I don't know it all, but I try not to speak when I'm unsure.
 
richstag said:
Ajack,

I'm not knocking people that like the sebenza just as is. If it's easier for some to sharpen, okay, but I've helped countless people struggle to sharpen it here over the years.

Anyhow, yes, CPM-M4 is Imo all around by far better than cpm-s30v and I've extensively used both. Cpm-m4 was the first steel that held up to cutting commercial flooring. Believe me it's tougher than fiberglass insulation.

The only lacking factor would be the fact that it's a high speed tool steel without stainless attributes.

I own both, have used both, can sharpen both and I'm not making this up or trying to justify my decisions. If I got better performance out of one of my many Sebenza's I would still be carrying one.

I'm all about performance and I am not trying to take away from CRK. I would like to see an addition. They do damascus.

Now I am sounding like the guys I used to hate when I was really into CRK. I'm going to say, I don't know it all, but I try not to speak when I'm unsure.
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It's all good brother, to stay on topic and get off a particular steel for a specific job duty, I stand by the Sebenza being the best well rounded knife made for anyone to have and no one should be discouraged from experiencing a CRK to determine if it is suited for them. That's all.
 
I wish I'd read this thread before I bought my first Sebenza, another one and a Mnandi. I feel like such an idiot now.
 
Sure man, I bought one for my brother in 2007 and he has carried it around the world since then. Its a great knife. Like I said I wasn't trying to knock it.

Heck, he has probably used it more than most on this forum seeing as how he is a marine scientist and he doesn't have the same values as me. He will cut anything with that knife. It has lived a tough life in his hands and most years the washers are green before I clean it out for him. He can't sharpen worth spit either, but the sharp maker I gave him with it works well enough and the carbides do the rest. His knife usually has that toothy edge, but not from sharpening stones if you know what I mean.

Don't take it personally, I do like S30v, and I used to defend it to no end when all the rubber s30v complaints came about. I never had any trouble..
 
Right, and I guess I should throw my drawer of CRK's fixed and folding right in the trash.... :yawn:

AllanC said:
I wish I'd read this thread before I bought my first Sebenza, another one and a Mnandi. I feel like such an idiot now.
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