Star-Benza 25 Compared to a Micarta 25

Vaporstang · Feb 28, 2015

I'm considering a Sebenza 25. I am thinking that I would like one of these two styles: Star-Benza 25 or a Micarta Seb 25. The closest things that I have for comparison are a Large Micarta Seb 21 and a regular Umnumzaan.

I'm liking how the Zaan feels in my hand and am wondering if the micarta might be too much. Anyone had the pleasure of owning either one or both?

jmclfrsh · Mar 1, 2015

Vaporstang said:
I'm considering a Sebenza 25. I am thinking that I would like one of these two styles: Star-Benza 25 or a Micarta Seb 25. The closest things that I have for comparison are a Large Micarta Seb 21 and a regular Umnumzaan.

I'm liking how the Zaan feels in my hand and am wondering if the micarta might be too much. Anyone had the pleasure of owning either one or both?

I have a micarta 25 and a plain 25, and of the two I prefer the micarta. It fills your hand up just a bit more and if micarta gets wet it gets even more grippy.

The Wilson Combat 25 is a real looker though, and that is a tough decision between the two. But do not eliminate the micarta because of the micarta. They look better in person than pictures suggest, BTW.

It also prevents snail trails a bit, since the micarta sticks out oh-so slightly and if you lay it down it will rest on the micarta and not the Ti slab itself.

I'm actually going to get the WC version also, it is just a matter of time.

Best of luck, and you cannot go wrong with either one, which sure helps!

lunde · Mar 1, 2015

I prefer the Star-Benza 25 over the Micarta Sebenza 25 because it provides ample grippiness without additional handle thickness. Of course, I have both, along with a plain Sebenza 25 and a Carbon Fiber version.

Vaporstang · Mar 1, 2015

Thanks for the replies! At this point I am leaning towards the Starbenza 25 but would grab the micarta if the price was right. I am not going to try the plain 25 because I know if I liked it, I would just turn around and purchase one of the others. Now if I only had the cash - LOL

GhostAlpha0 · Mar 1, 2015

I have a plain 25 and a micarta 25 and I just ordered a Starbenza 25 tonight (I didn't realize these were available until yesterday). As for the two I already have, I don't really know that I can say that I prefer one over the other. For me I think it's just the variation of the look of the knife -- plain vs. inlays -- and that's why I was also interested in the Starbenza 25.

I'll follow up when the new one arrives (hopefully this week) but honestly you're going to be happy with whatever you choose. I've only ever let go of one CRK that I've acquired (Ladder Damascus 21) and it was only because it was too beautiful that I knew I would never feel comfortable carrying it. My rule is that if I don't carry it I don't keep it.

Vaporstang · Mar 2, 2015

Please keep me posted Akrapacs!

slavia631 · Mar 3, 2015

I've owned a Lg. Micarta 21, Starbenza, and Startac. I prefer the Starbenza to the Micarta because it adds grip without adding handle thickness. The micarta models are a bit clunky IMO. I also think the pattern of the inlays on the 25 does not look nearly as good as the 21 anyway.

If what you are looking for is a unique 25, then you might also consider the CF25, which is about the same price as the Starbenza.

jmclfrsh · Mar 3, 2015

Oh, decisions, decisions. Now I'm thinking I will sell my plain 25 and get a Starbenza 25...

Amurr · Mar 6, 2015

whoops...delete

Jhansenak47 · Mar 9, 2015

Starbenza.
The pattern is on both sides, though it does not extend under the clip.
The Micarta is noticeably thicker. My preference is for the flatter profile for carry and use. The starbenza pattern gives a nice grip too.
If you want a thicker knife the inserts will give you that. Hands come in different sizes and people have different preferences. I have a plain 25, micarta 25 and recently got the starbenza 25. The starbenza is my favorite hands down.

lemmuhj · Mar 9, 2015

Jhansenak47 said:
Starbenza.
The pattern is on both sides, though it does not extend under the clip.
The Micarta is noticeably thicker. My preference is for the flatter profile for carry and use. The starbenza pattern gives a nice grip too.
If you want a thicker knife the inserts will give you that. Hands come in different sizes and people have different preferences. I have a plain 25, micarta 25 and recently got the starbenza 25. The starbenza is my favorite hands down.

Good explanation:thumbup: Im on the fence about all 4(cf from knifeart) I have the regular ti, but am real curious about the others.

Vaporstang · Mar 9, 2015

Jhansenak47 said:
Starbenza.
The pattern is on both sides, though it does not extend under the clip.
The Micarta is noticeably thicker. My preference is for the flatter profile for carry and use. The starbenza pattern gives a nice grip too.
If you want a thicker knife the inserts will give you that. Hands come in different sizes and people have different preferences. I have a plain 25, micarta 25 and recently got the starbenza 25. The starbenza is my favorite hands down.

Thanks! I actually received a Micarta 25 today!

First impression handling it and comparing it to my regular Zaan is that I agree with your statement "The Micarta is noticeably thicker. My preference is for the flatter profile for carry and use. ". I think I want the Star-Benza 25 - which is on sale now. IF I ONLY HAD MORE MONEY!

GhostAlpha0 · Mar 10, 2015

My Starbenza 25 arrived last week. It does feel really good. I don't really notice too much of a difference in feel between the micarta and starbenza 25. Of all 4 of the 25 variations that I have the only one that really feels different is the CF because of the weight difference. The plain, micarta, and starbenza 25 feel about the same with my usage and carry habits. I have the different variations for the different looks and because I really like the design of the 25.

justchadsmith · Apr 8, 2015

Can't go wrong either way. This just came in today and I love it.