Supersteel and The Sebenza

C

cm_bushman

Joined
Oct 22, 2012
Messages
314
(Disclaimer: I've never owned or handled a Sebenza)

The Sebenza is a highly regarded design here on the forum, but I've never really got on with it. I like the lines, but it just seems overpriced for what you get. I know the tolerances are high, and as an engineering student, I know that as you keep moving right of hundredths of an inch, the cost increase is nearly exponential with each order of magnitude. That being said, I also know that tolerances like this are not something I'd pay for in a knife.

Anyway, for $400 or so, I figure there has to be an option out there for a design similar to the (small) Sebenza, with improved materials, especially in the blade. I know the thought behind the use of S35vN, but I'm looking for higher-wear steels like m390, s90v, etc. For the price, I can really see a place for such a knife. Just look at how Scott Cook made out, for a much higher price.

I know DIY efforts are possible, and have been made very successful on this forum, but I'm looking for a production or custom option for at or around $400, just to know if it's out there.
 
I heard Ray only worked in D2, is this not true?

This is troubling news for my wallet. A Small Jasmine Flipper with bolsters and M4 or s90v is my grail.
 
At this point, Ray's folders are made primarily with D2. So far, however, I haven't heard anyone complain about their lack of wear resistance.
 
There are two that I recommend. Both makers have one-man shops. Both are highly ethical and helpful, as well as friendly. The blades are basically S30V with one fellow, Three Sisters Forge (Beast, although I custom-ordered two of them in M390. 3.00" blade. No jimping on blade spine. Available in G10/titanium, around $300. Next day service.

The other guy is Grayman...the DUA...which feels great in my hand. S30V in 3.15" tip to handle. Many choices and colors in scales: full ti, G10, C.F., around $300. Makes in batches; quick service when in stock.

I've had two of each; both are excellent. The DUA is a bit larger (higher) frame. Both are sized between the small and large Sebenza, which means the handle fits just about everyone. (I cannot use a small Sebbie). Both are heavy-duty, with ~0.160" blade-thickness.

Pic shows TSF Beast, small Sebenza, lge Sebbie, Grayman Orange-G10 DUA, CRK Umnumzaan. Something for everyone.
CRK costs more. They get annual Blade Show Manufacturers Award EVERY year for a reason.

 
Last edited:
I really like the Beast. It is one of the first "overbuilt/hard-use" folders I came across and believed to be up to the hype, and it is what I consider the benchmark in that class. I'm really looking for something more trim, however. Not William-Henry trim, but not Grayman sized either.
 
Thank you, Lycosa.

Okay, we're narrowing it down. I'm now into Spyderco.
Both are wonderful EDC examples, some of my favorite folders ever.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2, available from about $140 in S30v (here on Exchange) to over $400 for exotic super-steel blades. Compression lock is outstanding. 3.3" blade. I've had about twenty. I love 'em.
The other is Spyderco Gayle Bradley; 3 1/2" blade in CPM M4 blade steel. Nice-sized carry. Can patina or rust if you never wipe it off. Capable of heavy-duty stuff if/when necessary. I've had four NIB.
If you want smaller, shorter, lighter: Spyderco Sage or Native Series, or Chaparral, many available in CF or titanium.
So many to pick from...
 
Last edited:
There are plenty of other options, probably all with slightly lower tolerances than CRK.

The TSF Beast is a great choice--I love mine, it's an excellent knife, and often comes in different blade steel options. Jim has done S35vN, S30V, CPM-154, ELMAX, and M390. Mine is CPM-154 and it's great--he does a terrific heat treat on them. But it is beefier than the CRK and a bit heavier.

The Spyderco Gayle Bradley is another great knife--more comparable to the large CRK Sebenza, but with a much better steel. I find it every bit as smooth, and the fit and finish are simply superb for the price point. I don't need a large CRK because I have this knife. And there are other Spyderco options too...

And before going custom it would basically be free to order the AG Russell Acies--best customer service in the business, so if you don't like it you can send it back--and given AG's reputation I'd bet it's a superbly made knife. Plus you get ZDP-189, which might be tough to sharpen, but is an incredibly great steel even at very high hardness.

Okay, last recommendation for you. If you want something very similar to the CRK (slim, light, similar size), but in super steel, look at Gareth Bull's small Warlock or Shamwari. Gazza is a little behind on his custom production, but the knife is sure to be worth it. When I ordered he had M390 and RWL34 as steel options (I went for the latter), and the knife is just a fantastic little piece of kit.

Cheers,
Daniel
 
Agreed with ^^^

although the wait maybe very long,

Check out Gareth Bull's work.

I ordered from him to replace my small sebenza
 
Yep! ^
btw, I have really come to like a slim folder. It sits so nice in the pocket.
rolf
 
Alan Davis is a maker here on the forums, his stuff is gorgeous and priced right.
 
I really don't know what people do with their knives that S30v won't handle.:confused: I never had a problem with my Sebenza.
 
expwmbat said:
Okay, last recommendation for you. If you want something very similar to the CRK (slim, light, similar size), but in super steel, look at Gareth Bull's small Warlock or Shamwari. Gazza is a little behind on his custom production, but the knife is sure to be worth it. When I ordered he had M390 and RWL34 as steel options (I went for the latter), and the knife is just a fantastic little piece of kit.

Cheers,
Daniel
Click to expand...

Thanks Daniel, the Gareth Bull is exactly what I meant, though it's more expensive. That's the first recommendation, along with the Acies to really hit close to home.

As for the A.G. Russel, it is a beautiful knife, and it would certainly qualify as another solid recommendation, and the only one so far I have seen to both resemble the Small Sebenza in size, design, and materials as well as employ a slightly (it's no s90v, but hey) higher end steel while coming end at or under the Sebenza's price. It's a top contender for sure.

As for the PM2, I don't consider the design to be close to that of a Sebenza, it has a different lock, different handle materials, different opening mechanism, and vastly different size. More or less the same case with the Strider and other Spydercos. I would love to have a Sage, don't get me wrong, but all of Spyderco's knives are pretty far away from what I'm looking for.

For example, if a Bradley Alias 2 had an M390 blade, I would call that dead-on.

It's just hard to believe no one has capitalized on the concept of a smaller, straight-forward Titanium frame lock with top-flight materials at a sub-$300price. It seems to me it would be at the front of the product lines!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top