Something to last a lifetime

XtianAus

XtianAus

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I am looking to splurge and buy a new folder. Usually my money goes to fixed blades and so my folders are mid quality like kizer and bestech. But I have decided I want one higher end knife, something of greater quality, that will basically last me a lifetime. Something simple yet effective.

I need some recommendations.
Requirements are that it is a framelock, easy to maintain, built well for potential rough use and part or full ti handle.

I am after something robust that will still cut well. Something that I can take hiking and use hard and beat on, in an emergency, if required. Something that can take a little rougher use if I decide not to take a fixed blade and need something to go the extra mile.
There's nothing quite like the security and insured feeling of carrying and having a reliable knife that you know can be pushed and not fail, if need be.

Here are my current considerations:

Large sebenza 21 tanto or inkosi -potential negatives are that it has no lockbar insert and I have read that the S35vn is a little higher than normal rockwell.

Hinderer xm18 spanto non-flipper - negative is that it seems a little bulky and cumbersome. Also that it may not be the best cutter.

Reate torrent #2 - also seems potentially bulky and cumbersome. I have no experience with RWL-34

All things considered I am leaning towards a CRK at the moment.

What are you thoughts on these or do you have other recommendations?

Thanks in advance.
 
I wish I’d picked up a CRK Umnumzaan a long time ago. I would have a lot less knives in my drawer.

It’s thin behind the edge with robust stock, locks up with a ceramic ball rather than Ti or a steel lock insert, and has amazing ergonomics.
 
I think the large sebenza/inkosi would be a great choice. Between those two, it is really preference. Ergos at slightly different and pivot assemblies are as well. And I really would not worry about the lockbar insert. If you're worried about lockstick, I have never felt it on a CR knife.
 
Agree with large sebenza or inkosi. Can’t go wrong with a CRK. I haven’t had to use warranty or spa service, but the consensus is it’s second to none.
 
I like the XM-18 myself have 4 of them. The size and weight aren’t even close to a problem as some would have you believe thought the same thing till I got one. I think it kills all of your wants great framelock. You could go never disassembling it bc the washers don’t need oil and just blow some air through the handle. Built very well top notch on the hard use want. Plus it’s an ergonomic masterpiece.

The Spanto imo does need reproflied to a more acute angle and I don’t like the non flippers.
If I was getting a knife without a flipper might just get the 21.
 
XtianAus said:
Large sebenza 21 tanto or inkosi -potential negatives are that it has no lockbar insert and I have read that the S35vn is a little higher than normal rockwell.
Click to expand...
The Rockwell is on point around 60hrc give or take. The older ones are a bit lower.

The lockbar isn't an issue due to using the proper geometry. Also the newer versions have a ceramic detent ball as the locking interface which solves any potential concerns some have.

There really isn't any downsides unless you want a flipper or the latest and greatest steel. They are not normally a flick out kind of knife and because of that some people are let down.

They are great knives. They do a plain knife to its maximum and offer various models and various options.

You can find them used for some what cheaper which is nice for those that want to try them out. You can almost certainly find one at a decent knife show to try also.

Hinderers are nice. Get the skinny for cutting and get the fatty if your just collecting/safe queen. Zt makes a few Hinderers that are better flippers though.

Most knives will last a life time. As long as you don't abuse them. Though not so much some budget options.
 
another CRK vote. Unlikely you will have any issue with the lockbar, but if you do they will take care of it.
and though I like Hinderers I do find the 3.5 to have too much weight for my EDC. The Sebenza carries very well.
 
Nothing and everything lasts a lifetime. You can wear out a CRK, and a Kizer budget folder might last you forever. Although that's kind of a philosophical answer. Even though I don't own one, I would also go for a CRK, most likely a Sebenza with Inlays (just personal preference) or a 'Zaan with either blade shape. As a third option, I would go with a higher end Spyderco, big company, good CS, so even if something goes awry, you're gonna be taken care off.
 
CRK
I like the large Sebenza 21 drop or Insingo for their versatility but for harder use I think I will go for the Inkosi
 
Awesome, thanks everyone for your opinions. It seems there is almost a complete consensus here on CRK. I will dig a little further into which model I like and probably go with that.
Thanks for everyones input :thumbsup:
 
I would highly recommend buying a used Sebenza first to throw in your pocket right away. Warning from there, CRK’s are crazy habit forming. Nothing like them out there.
 
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Yup, just Cut thru the chase with a CR.
If having a Life long monogamous knife relationship
Is possible, the sebbie is the one.
 
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