Southard vs Sebenza

F

fire_wicket

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Mar 8, 2013
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I know this will generate bunch of hate...but I am debating it myself. What value difference is there between the Sebenza and the Spyderco Southard. AND, I know as my main concern, there is the warranty consideration (which I just spoke to a spyderco representative about and she confirmed Taiwan made is the same as Golden Colorado made in terms of warranty)
 
Well, they are very different knives. What kind of knife do YOU want. That will determine your happiness and thus determining value.
 
Have to agree. We need a bit more info from you on what you are going to use the knife for.
 
Sebenza has resale value, Southard not so much. You would probably get your money back, or nearly on a Sebenza, not so much with a Southard.

I like Sebenzas for the sheer marvel in manufacturing that they are, but don't have one. The handles look uncomfortably straight. Price may scare you from actually using it.

I have a Southard and the thing feels great in hand and is really smooth. Uses better steel and the ball bearing pivot. It feels like a knife you want to have out your pocket to use hard.
 
Value difference,well if you can afford sebenza get it.You are getting what are you paying for.But in the end whatever feels better in your pocket and gets more uses gonna end up as one to carry.And as well we all know that changes all the time.:)
 
I have both and enjoy both. Which I decide to use on a given day depends on what I may be doing. If I was forced to choose one for hard work it would be the Southard, but that doesn't diminish the usefulness of the Sebenza at all. The steel on the Southard will generally hold its edge longer. Given that, anyone who is very curious about a Sebenza and has the means to acquire one by either trade or purchase owes it to decide for themselves.

Today it's the Sebenza..

sebtoday.jpg
 
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Finedges said:
Well, they are very different knives. What kind of knife do YOU want. That will determine your happiness and thus determining value.
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True, I just spent 387.90 on a NIB Benchmade Rukus. I could have bought another Sebenza, but I chose the Benchmade.

Why? Simple. The Axis lock. So get what you want.
You will be happier that way.

I have owned dozens, maybe 50-60 Sebenzas.
So I know a lot about the frame lock. I'm not impressed no matter who makes it to say the least after doing my own testing.

Anyway back on topic...
 
I bought two new Southards; sold them pretty quickly. They are nice, well made and smooth, but kind of light for my taste.
I've had perhaps 15 or so Sebenzas; have about 5 now, and I love 'em. I cannot compare the two in that respect. One is a $400 knife; one is a $200 knife. I don't think the Sebbie is twice as good, but it is a better EDC in my opinion, for MY NEEDS. Other opinions will, of course, vary.
Sonnydaze
 
I had the same debate a few months back. I decided to get the Southard. The reason why is that I believe it excels in certain areas that the Sebenza is lacking. The biggest reason why I went for the Southard is the steel. If I'm paying $400 for a knife, I want the latest steel. I know S35VN is used because it is easier to sharpen, but I don't really mind. I'd rather have better steel. The second reason is the flipper design. I think it's really convenient and fun. I want my EDC knife to be really enjoyable. The last reason is the value. In my humble (and possibly wrong or upsetting) opinion, the Brad Southard Flipper is a better value. I know you get tighter tolerances with the Sebenza, but you are pretty much paying for things you can't see. I get the appeal, and I nearly bought a Sebenza. So I get it, but the Brad Southard was just too cool to pass up.
 
I ever handled a Sebenza at a local knife store, honestly I didn't feel anything special or should I say "Premium", I was not impressed. I guess I'll never spend $400 on a plain Sebenza, maybe I'll try one with graphic, they seem to be really nice (but more expensive of course!)

Southard, tried at the Spyderco store in Golden CO, really nice feel, I would definitely buy it if it was made in the states, for a Taiwan product, the markup is just too much for the Southard...
 
dongbeiren said:
I ever handled a Sebenza at a local knife store, honestly I didn't feel anything special or should I say "Premium", I was not impressed. I guess I'll never spend $400 on a plain Sebenza, maybe I'll try one with graphic, they seem to be really nice (but more expensive of course!)

Southard, tried at the Spyderco store in Golden CO, really nice feel, I would definitely buy it if it was made in the states, for a Taiwan product, the markup is just too much for the Southard...
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If it was made in the US, it would probably be around $400. Also, the quality is there. Just because it's made in Taiwan, doesn't mean it's a bad product.
 
The-Stig said:
If it was made in the US, it would probably be around $400. Also, the quality is there. Just because it's made in Taiwan, doesn't mean it's a bad product.
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I did NOT say it's bad product, I totally agree with you on the quality, it's good, actually one of the best. I just think the markup is too high, especially when Boker can make a titanium frame lock oversea for $120, and ZT can make a titanium frame lock with comparable blade material within the states for $220.
 
dongbeiren said:
I did NOT say it's bad product, I totally agree with you on the quality, it's good, actually one of the best. I just think the markup is too high, especially when Boker can make a titanium frame lock oversea for $120, and ZT can make a titanium frame lock with comparable blade material within the states for $220.
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I don't have enough experience to say, but I'd almost be willing to bet that the Southard is a better knife than the ZT and a much better knife than the Boker.
 
I have both and to me the Southard is the better value (at street price, not MSRP) from a utilitarian perepctive. I don't feel I gain $200 worth of cutting enhancement by going with a Sebenza. That said, a Sebenza is more than just a tool. To some degree it is all of the following to me: a work of art, a feat of engineering, and a reward to myself. It allows me to post on this thread with a small degree of experience and credibility.

I think the Southard matches the Sebenza in all physical, tangible things: fit & finish, ability, warranty, capability. But it is not a Sebenza. If you want a GREAT knife go with the Southard. If you want a Sebenza, go with the Sebenza.

Good luck with the hunt. Let us know what you decide.
James.
 
Very good point. I think that if what you want is a Sebenza, nothing else will fill the void other than a Sebenza.
 
Sebenza every day of the week. I think the Southard is a very cool knife, great steel design and overall the product seems quite nice. However I must agree that the price does not validate it. The Taiwan debate can be had, however it boils down to opinion. Some of us would rather support a company that we know and love rather than one in another economy. Again the Southard seems great and worth it to many however the Sebenza just wins this comparison in my opinion.
 
The-Stig said:
. . . I'd almost be willing to bet that the Southard is a better knife than the ZT and a much better knife than the Boker.
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I'm not sure that I'd agree that the Southard is a "better" knife than either the Boker or the ZT. That's because "better" means different things to different people. What I can say is that neither Boker nor ZT (nor Chris Reeve, for that matter) makes a knife comparable to the Southard. If they did, I'd own it.
 
Southard. I wasn't a fan of the Sebenza. If you like the style and looks of the Sebenza look at the Bradley Alias 1. I love mine.
 
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