Strider PT vs Small Sebenza?

C

Charlie Morris

Joined
May 29, 2011
Messages
33
I just found out that my place of work has a 3in blade length limit, thus I can't carry my Para 2 anymore. I was saving for either an SNG or large Sebenza, so now I'm looking towards their small counterparts. I'm probably going to get one and the larger of the other. But I'm really conflicted. Anyone own both (or all four) and have any thoughts?

Right now I'm leaning towards the small Sebbie and the SNG. Mostly because I'm not sure that I need that hard use of a tiny knife. But then it feels like a waste of money because the large Sebenza isn't that much more money.

And deep carrying either of the large ones is not an option because it's a secure military facility and while they'd never check, it's not worth an article to risk it.
 
You mentioned the PT in your title and SNG in the body of your post. The SNG has a 3.5" blade, so it wouldn't meet your requirements.

The PT is smaller than the small Sebbie and while their blades are pretty close in overall length, you lose cutting edge on the PT due to the choil. If you do more office type work, I would pick the Sebbie. If you are working with your hands, the PT is a better choice. Even though it has one G10 scale, I feel more comfortable prying/twisting with the PT (I own both.)
 
If you're looking for a light duty 3 inch folder and want money left over for a really nice larger folder, what about the Spyderco Sage 2?
 
The PT is a great knife but IMO it is just under the size I need for easy ergos. On paper it's only a little smaller than a small Seb, but in the hand it is a lot smaller and, for me, less easy to open, use and close. Mine's not for sale, however. ;)
 
I've had both. For me, the PT was just unusable. The specs don't give you the whole picture like holding and using a knife will. I had too much trouble trying to get it open and closed in a cramped space and the blade design with that large choil cost me too much cutting edge. The design works well on their SNGs and SMFs because of the larger knife size overall, but I'd take the small Sebenza if it was me choosing one of the smaller models. It'll stand up to more than most users are ever likely to throw at it.
 
I wouldn't go quite that far, but you are focused precisely and more articulately on the points I had in mind. :) The PT is a good knife to try before you buy, unless you're looking for a money clip with an edge. ;)

dalefuller said:
I've had both. For me, the PT was just unusable. The specs don't give you the whole picture like holding and using a knife will. I had too much trouble trying to get it open and closed in a cramped space and the blade design with that large choil cost me too much cutting edge. The design works well on their SNGs and SMFs because of the larger knife size overall, but I'd take the small Sebenza if it was me choosing one of the smaller models. It'll stand up to more than most users are ever likely to throw at it.
Click to expand...
 
Like Tsujigiri mentioned, I'd get a Sage and keep saving up for one of the premium full size knives.
 
I will play devil's advocate. I had a small sebenza, own a smf, played with pt's. While I agree the sebenza has more usable blade length, I found it much more ackward to open due to the sharp diamond shaped thumb stud and small cutout on the classic/21's. Pt's while small still feel strong, and I had no problems opening or closing it, though they are smaller than I originally thought they would be. I vote pt.
 
JNewell said:
I wouldn't go quite that far, but you are focused precisely and more articulately on the points I had in mind. :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I really tried to like the PT... even gave it two chances, a standard PT and a CC PT. Thing is, I work in gloves when I'm at work in the warehouse or around the home place. They're pretty tough gloves because they're designed for dockworkers that have to sling boxes all day so the palm and fingers are fairly stiff and thick. The PT was marginal for my size bare hands and just impossible with those gloves on. Even the small Sebbie is pushing the limit of what I can manage at work in gloves. That's why I like to carry my Para to work on the days that I don't have my Izula on me.

It's interesting how well Strider's design works on the larger SnGs and SmFs, though. You wouldn't think they'd be as comfortable as they are just by looking at the knives, but that design works very well. If they were less expensive, that's probably what I'd carry to work. I just can't justify the cost to myself when it's comin' outta my pocket.
 
I've owned all 4 in the past (and don't own any of them anymore). If I understand your question, you want to know if you should get the small sebbie and the larger strider (or some combo of small & large b/w the 4 knives). I agree w/ those above that say the PT is just too small. It's a super tough knife, but who needs a knife that small to be that tough? It's just too small. The small sebenza is small too, but not as small as the PT - at least when you're holding them. I like the idea of getting a small sebenza and an SNG. FWIW, I think the concealed carry on the striders are very cool. They really make them look a lot cooler and they feel better in the hand.
 
I've got my first Strider (SNG) on the way to me now so I can't comment on the PT. I did own a small seb for a couple of weeks and couldnt get used to the ergos. It was entirely too small for me and opening and closing the knife just wasn't comfortable. I don't have huge hands so I know that wasn't the issue. Just a personal preference thing I guess; if I were you I'd definitely try and get them in hand before purchasing.
 
As an aside, also check out the small "Insingo" variant of the Sebenza. I'm quite happy with it.
 
I've had SNGs before and sold them to buy more Reeves :). Seriously though, the quality of Chris Reeve knive is way better that Strider. I don't think the production striders are all that better than many Spydercos and Benchmades, but Chris Reeve is a whole different ball game, best production knife for the money that I have seen.
 
Small sebenza and mnandi is enough for me in regards to size and use. I also carry a Spyderco Cricket as my money clip. I'm not sure why anyone would need a larger blade than a 3 inch in a folder. If I need anything larger I would rather carry a fixed blade.
 
i own the small sebenza and when in doubt of wich knife i should carry in my edc i always go with the small sebbie.
however i love the pt, specially the cc version.
i never owned one nor have i ever handled one but it is the knife i'm more looking forward to buy, if i can spot one!
probably you'll get a little more of cutting ability with the sebbie though!
why don't you try a doug ritter mini grip?;)
It cuts just as well as my small 21!
 
Thanks for the help guys! I've decided to get the PT for now and save up for the large Sebenza. I've got pretty small hands and don't need gloves for work so I don't think size will be an issue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top