Suggestion for the Folks at CRK that many on other forums would agree with me on.

A

anonymous

Joined
Aug 23, 2003
Messages
181
i suggest this.. if it's not already in the works, develop a tactical version of the sebenza with a more pronounced guard contour & a more piercing blade shape; generally a more aggressive look while maintaining its functionality vibe - and perhaps a slightly longer blade (4" instead of 3.5")

with the existing stellar reputation of its current simplistic utilitarian design, a version like i described above would sell like hot cakes, because you'd tap into a market that has pretty much overlooked the sebenza thus far because of its relative lack of aesthetic "oomph".

words to the wise.. this is part of your market speaking, thanks for listening.
 
One thing you need to consider is the fact that CRK is not having any trouble selling the knives they make right now. I beleive they currently have a few months wait for knives ordered factory direct. While the idea of a new designed folder tapping into a whole new market sounds good, it does present it's problems. They certainly don't want to abandon the standard Sebenza line, so how do they add a new line which would necessitate an increase in production and still retain the quality control levels they are known for. I'm sure it can be done, but I don't think it's an easy task and it may not be one they want to take on right now. I'm guessing that CRK is doing good as a buisness right now. Trying to diversify too much and to cater to all segments of the knife population may just complicate matters. They have always taken care of there niche market with great product, maybe they arn't too interested in going after other market segments.


Then again, maybe I'm completely off target and they are wanting too. Who knows, I'm just rambling off my thoughts here.
 
CRK cant keep up with the volume of orders now. They are a small operation and I dont believe they want to grow bigger in size. As far as a more piercing blade, they have made the sebenza with a tanto blade(NICA model).
I dont believe CRK is really concerned with the tactical market. If you look at the direction they've headed, Mnandi and more decorated models,it appears they want to go in the other direction.
One thing we tend to forget on the forums is that the internet is really still only a small part of the knife buying public.
No offense, just MHO.
 
I'm actually rather happy to have a nice, stout "dress knife" in my Sebbies.

:)

The heavier Mall Ninja stuff and scaring my fellow pencil-necked white collar officemates, my Striders and Extrema Ratios can handle, LOL.

:)

Allen
aks DumboRAT
 
well, i just wanted to flap a butterfly's wings and hopefully it will affect the weather in "reeveville"

^^chaos theory reference
 
Sebenza = Work

There are so many tactical folders around... so I think that Chris follows a different path with Sebenza. And that's ok for me. But maybe, some day, we'll see a full-black benza with heavy texture on the handle... who knows? However, I'm quite sure that a lot of military personnel use sebenza on daily bases already. They usually need strong and dependable tool for all cutting tasks... and that's what sebenza is all about.
 
Chris has already said that he won't do a larger version of the Sebenza or a variant. He has plenty of work on his table with the GB7 and GB5.5, Mnandi, decorated Sebs, wood inlay Sebs, and leather inlay Sebs, as well as the one piece knives. If you wan't more info the subject use the search function.
 
My own experience amplifies PiterM and Scott Dog's opinions. A folding knife for a soldier should cut well and be strong enough to withstand a lot of abuse (usually imparted by your squadmate who asked to borrow your knife). Most "tactical" folders are adorned with features that enhance the makers profit line more than the mission. Most soldiers don't sit around and say to each other, "Gee, let me see your "tactical" knife!" When you're in the field, a knife is a knife. No one laments that the black coating is rubbing off or that the liner lock is "getting very close to the handle slab!" A folder is used to cut and the Sebenza does this better than most knives!

Bruce
 
Now a modified wharncliff bladed Sebenza...that I'd have a difficult time NOT buying one ;)

G2
 
When you have something that works as well as the Sebenza, it's best not messed with.

Paul
 
why not cut well & look sexy?

the knife needs a little more "something" in the aesthetics department.

why settle for a woman who does everything but looks just okay?

i stand by my opinion.

watch.. a more inspired design will succeed the current one. but like some of you said, it's probably gonna be a long wait.
 
.....seems to me (IMHO) the Sebbie isn't lacking in any significant area and its popularity as well as the factory backorder status would tend to bear that out....again IMHO!

Larry S.
 
Originally posted by anonymous


the knife needs a little more "something" in the aesthetics department.

Click to expand...


You mean the CGG, leather inlay, wood inlay, damascus blades, and all of the other options you can add aren't good enough for you?

Geez, some people are never satisfied. :rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by anonymous
why settle for a woman who does everything but looks just okay?
Click to expand...


:)

For me, the Sebbies are downright sexy.

Not sexy in "the hottese 20-year old supermodel or pop music star" way...not like the latest passing fad.

Rather, sexy like a 30-something or 40-something woman in an Armani suit; classy, sophisticated, exuding confidence at every step because she's seen the world a bit.

Allen
aka DumboRAT
 
KV - i'm not talking about material options, i'm referring to overall shape silouhette.

it's a little too plain! obviously, not many in this forum are gonna admit that.
 
It isn't that we wont admit that it's plain. It's that many of us like it and prefer it that way. Only the "plain" sebbie is plain. Grab a leather or wood inlay model and they become quite beautiful knives. Not everyone wants a knife that looks "aggresive". I prefer my knives to be simple, non-threatening looking and very funtional. Chris Reeve Knives subscribes to that philosophy as well and makes it's knives accordingly. From the responses in this thread, it sounds like that is what the majority of CRK customers like.
 
Originally posted by anonymous
KV - i'm not talking about material options, i'm referring to overall shape silouhette.
Click to expand...


The shape of the knife was redesigned in 1996 from what has been referred to as the Classic handle shape. I find the knife to be fine as it is. It is a vast improvement over the Classic. But then again, the Classic is a classic for a reason and why CRk put it back in the line up. Alot of people seemed to care for that style more than the new. As much as change is good too much change tends to ruin a good thing. Changing the style now is not on CRKs list. I doubt that CRK will change anything for a very long time. I think it will take a drop in sales to spark any improvement in the design and I don't see that happening anytime soon.

If you want better ergonomics and options you should seek out a custom knife maker that will make a knife to your specs.

I said it once, I'll say it again...I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda guy. I like a jeans and t-shirt kinda knife. The Sebenza, as is, is just that.
 
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