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Swiss Army Knife or Sebenza…

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dmattaponi

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So much of forum life seems to be show without the tell, or people looking for recommendations for the newest whiz bang being hyped at the moment. I don’t notice much in the way of the real life “why” and “what for”. Thought I’d try to stimulate some “fun” conversation about two knives you don’t generally see compared and why some of us might choose one or the other (not both), for real world day in and day out daily use, not part of a any rotation or for purposes of collecting. Just good old fashioned, buy a single pocket knife and use it until either you or the knife are gone.

The Contenders…the lowly SAK versus the mighty Sebenza

Both are hyped up on the Internet forums.

Both have a cult like following.

Both have proponents and both have opponents

My choice is the SAK…The why and what for…

#1 Utility- the blades and blade steel are fine for what I’ve used them for or I’m most likely going to use them for…cutting fishing line/string/rope/cordage, camp/fieldwork knife, cutting open an Amazon package or mail envelope, cutting an apple or dividing/sharing lunch a field, cutting a stick of pepperoni or block of cheese outdoors somewhere.

#2 Variety- I’m prob as likely or even sometimes more likely to need a screwdriver or scissors or magnifying glass in daily use than the blades. There always seems to be something that needs put together, tightened up, cut, trimmed, or magnified. I can get a lot of home, work, and play tasks done with only a pocketable SAK. Not to mention that even in a liberal work environment , the SAK seems to fly beneath people’s radar.

#3 Well made and long lasting, not to mention affordable. Never had a problem with fit and finish. Always consistent quality and haven’t had any breakage in nearly 20 years of use. The SAK isn’t fancy but it gets jobs done, and if lost is easily replaceable for the average daily user, non knife enthusiast.

Premium made, single blade/use knives have their place. It’s just not in my pocket. I do like the type for a hunting knife though. What about you? For those of you who choose one or the other, care to share what and why?
 
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SAK, as used, encompasses hundreds of models, made through the years, some costing nearly as much as a Sebenza and having premium steel.
The last SAK I got was 280USD/EUR, for example, and it is not the most expensive one you can get.

The most popular SAK is the classic; so is that the one you are referring to?

I do not think the brands you discuss have a cult following or are hyped up for no reason (these days - maybe 10 years ago).
 
Like going to a car forum and making people choose between an ATV and an Audi. :D

I appreciate the design and aesthetics of Chris Reeve knives. It’s just above my price bracket. My knives are only up to $200 and that’s already pushing it. My usual daily truckers and favorites are even cheaper than 200 bucks.

Small SAKs are nice to have, but they’re not my favorite for a few reasons. One is that 99% of the time, they don’t feel great in the hand. My Mora Eldris feels better than all the Victorinox I’ve handled. Two is blade deployment. I hate having to fish for the folding blade or pair of tiny scissors. Three is that SAKs just make me miss my folders and fixed blades even more, which fouls my mood just a tad.

Spydercos, Cold Steels, and all sorts of wonderful fixed blades for life.
 
calm,

Pick one. Any typical, readily available SAK starting with the classic up to the Swisschamp and tell us what you prefer and why.

Things tend to be hyped for a reason.

Dangerzone98,

“Like going to a car forum and making people choose between an ATV and an Audi.”

😂 hilarious but true.
 
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Monofletch,

The Leatherman is a fine substitute, although I hesitate to broaden the choice too much because I was hoping for a fairly narrow, focused conversation about two stand alone edc pocketknives, not a debate on pocket knives versus dedicated tools (although I do understand that it is a valid reason for choosing the Sebenza over the SAK).
 
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I am not sure I understand just why it has to be the SAK OR the CRK. They do different things.

I am retired and sedentary now, but . . .in the 1980s I worked overseas on drilling rigs as a "mud man". My EDC "kit" then was both a Buck 110 on my belt and an SAK (don't recall the model) in my pocket. They complimented each other. They were what was generally available back then and it worked for me.

However, if it were today, I would use a different belt pouch folder and one of the better multi tools. . . .a folder that washefty and tough but affordable enough that I could replace it without wallet trauma. . . .it was rough get-the-job-done work and I wore out, broke or lost a number of the Bucks. Today, my EDC is a Leatherman Wave, and it is far more versatile than any pocketable SAK in m opinion.

The Sebenza might be "too nice" a knife for the rough and expedient cutting I faced back then. However, in the context of a somewhat less demanding work environment, I'd defiantly want the CRK om my belt to go along with a high-end multitool clipped in my pocket.
 
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When I carry one of my "nice" knives like a sebenza or Godfather or an otf, I usually drop a victorinox in my other pocket in case I have to cut something nasty or pry (with the screwdriver blade, I'm not an animal)

So I say both. It's only money.
 
I carry both daily. When I can only carry one, it’s usually the Sebenza. I mostly cut and it opens one handed. I’d feel adequately girded for the world with either though. Either can dispatch unruly fruit, meat or Amazon boxes with ease.
 
lol, I knew there was little hope of having people follow the criteria and choose and justify one of just two, very different edc knives and associated philosophy .😂 Maybe such a mentality doesn’t much exist anymore. 🤔
 
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I would say if you made me choose given my lifestyle: the SAK. The swiss army knife or multi tool augments your creativity and allows you to do more things than just cut.

I love CRK products. I have a lot of folders in that price range and they really are worth the premium at that level.
 
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