Talk me out of buying a small Sebenza

Josh K said:
Not at all. The XM-18 is not a step up, it's a step sideways. A completely different knife and shouldn't be compared with a Sebenza. While the Sebenza prizes simplicity the XM-18 is a lesson in overbuilding.
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Considering the Sebenza was originally advertised as a hard use knife. I would say the XM-18 is a perfect candidate for it to be compared to. Which I personally found the XM-18 to be the superior of the two, just my opinion though.

OP, get whatever you want, can't go wrong with anything mentioned in this thread so far.
 
While I own 10 Sebenzas, I don't EDC them. There are a couple of reasons. The first reason is that I don't like the clip. It's bends too easily, and for some reason seems to snag on chairs and doorways when my other EDC knives do not. The second reason is that I like flippers and knives that are generally simple to open. For these reasons, my EDC knife is usually a Hinderer XM-18, DDR Gun Hammer or a Spyderco Military. They're all large, easy to open, and the deep pocket clips are great!
 
MustardMan said:
Give me a break :rolleyes: Anyone whose opinion is different from yours is now a fanboy? And the people saying that you absolutely MUST own a $300 folder to truly have lived are NOT fanboys?


In my eyes, if I'm spending $300 on a knife, a Sebenza would be one of the last places I'd spend it. Honestly, I doubt I'd spend that much on a folder period.

For that kind of money you can get a fantastic fixed blade, whether a Busse or a custom from any one of a number of phenomenal makers on these boards. You can probably get a custom folder too, if that's your bag, but you'd have to ask someone who is into custom folders because they aren't my thing.
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When people come on here and start crap like a CRK is underhardened I crack up. What are they basing it on? If you don't think it is worth it to you, fine. Get what you want. I am surprized someone hasn't said to get a Tenacious over a Sebenza.:rolleyes:
 
Parasitic Psycho said:
Considering the Sebenza was originally advertised as a hard use knife. I would say the XM-18 is a perfect candidate for it to be compared to. Which I personally found the XM-18 to be the superior of the two, just my opinion though.

OP, get whatever you want, can't go wrong with anything mentioned in this thread so far.
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Please point out where it is advertised as hard use. (http://chrisreeve.com/).
 
It's a natural progression. Are Spyderco's great knives? Absolutely! But CR doesn't get Manufacturer of the Year, year after year, for nothing. His knives are simply exceptional, as is his service both before and after the sale. Anyone in the manufacturing industry knows that greater precision brings higher cost, and the costs increase exponentially with very tight tolerances. A Sage 2 is NOT a Sebenza, but it is great knife and fine for just about any user. For myself, I've bought buckets of less expensive knives, and now I carry a Sebenza almost exclusively. Why? They are simply some of the finest knives available.

...and thank sweet heaven we have so many choices of excellent knives out there. It's a great time to be a knife fan.

Did I talk you out of it yet?
 
mmarkh said:
Have you owned a Sebenza? Where did the under hardened crap come from? The guy already has a Grip and you are telling him a sage is 98% of a Sebenza. I recommended a Sebenza based on my experience with one. Do I own different knives? Absolutely! As a knifenut I own Spyderco, Benchmade,Al Mar,Busse, CRK, Emerson ,Case, Dozier and more plus a few customs. What do I carry the most? The Sebenza. I think it is worth the money and then some.
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So because I haven't owned a Sebenza that makes me a fanboy of every other knife company that I ever recommend? No I have not owned one because I do not want to own one. I have handled them and it was no big deal. Just a titanium frame lock like a lot of other knives out there. And I got the under hardened "crap" from all the certificates that come with Sebenza knives that say 57 rockwell hardness. That is not hard for a folder but might be right for a fixed blade using S30V that was going to be used as a chopper. 59 is about average for stainless folders with a trend towards going harder (60+) which for a cutting tool is where they should be hardened. So if it is hardened to less than average, yes it is under hardened.

Nothing you said makes me a 'fanboy' and just shows that you don't like when someone disagrees with you. So what if he has a grip and so what if I said a Sage is 95 or 99% of a Sebenza?

Edit: I just looked for a Sebenza certificate saying 57 rockwell and the couple I found said 58-59. I know I have seen them multiple times before that said 57 so I guess it was rare or they are hardening them more now. But 58-59 is not soft and is what they should be although I personally would like them a little harder.
 
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freq18hz said:
I recently posted on this topic.

I think they are too expensive for a tool that can be lost. They are a luxury item, and I am not rich.

Yet, I find them sexy. And I desire one. In the same manner that when you were a child, you desired an item you saw in a store. Common sense out the window, I want one.

$350 bucks for a knife? Someone talk me out of this.

Currently my EDC blade is a mini D2 griptilian.


-Freq
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I understand and sympathize with you on the $$ issue, and the cost of the knife. But, there comes a time when you have to make the decision to buy or not to buy. Everyone has wants, and everyone has needs. I have many needs for a knife. I do not need a Sebby, but man do I want one. The pride of ownership. The craftsmanship. The years of use.

And if you are concerned about losing it, you will keep a better mental note of that knife when carrying it. Everyone loses things, but they tend to keep a better hold on something they have a greater attachment to(money, pride and confidence of use).
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
So because I haven't owned a Sebenza that makes me a fanboy of every other knife company that I ever recommend? No I have not owned one because I do not want to own one. I have handled them and it was no big deal. Just a titanium frame lock like a lot of other knives out there. And I got the under hardened "crap" from all the certificates that come with Sebenza knives that say 57 rockwell hardness. That is not hard for a folder but might be right for a fixed blade using S30V that was going to be used as a chopper. 59 is about average for stainless folders with a trend towards going harder (60+) which for a cutting tool is where they should be hardened. So if it is hardened to less than average, yes it is under hardened.

Nothing you said makes me a 'fanboy' and just shows that you don't like when someone disagrees with you which in fact makes you the fanboy. So what if he has a grip and so what if I said a Sage is 95 or 99% of a Sebenza?
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You know, the guy that had a hand in the steel might have a very good idea about it's capabilities.

Just saying. ;)
 
I recall reading an article where assertions were made that it is a hard use tactical folder, however that was quiet some time ago and I doubt it was directly from CR himself.

From their website, "Sebenza has earned a worldwide reputation for rock solid performance and a “bank vault” feel." That sounds like an implied hard use knife, you just have to read between the lines. I guess it's all relative, if you want to believe that your sebenza is a delicate flower, so be it, mine will continue to be a small tank.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
So because I haven't owned a Sebenza that makes me a fanboy of every other knife company that I ever recommend? No I have not owned one because I do not want to own one. I have handled them and it was no big deal. Just a titanium frame lock like a lot of other knives out there. And I got the under hardened "crap" from all the certificates that come with Sebenza knives that say 57 rockwell hardness. That is not hard for a folder but might be right for a fixed blade using S30V that was going to be used as a chopper. 59 is about average for stainless folders with a trend towards going harder (60+) which for a cutting tool is where they should be hardened. So if it is hardened to less than average, yes it is under hardened.

Nothing you said makes me a 'fanboy' and just shows that you don't like when someone disagrees with you which in fact makes you the fanboy. So what if he has a grip and so what if I said a Sage is 95 or 99% of a Sebenza?
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I want to apologize for that reference. I was out of line.
 
freq18hz said:
$350 bucks for a knife? Someone talk me out of this.

-Freq
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Okay, don't buy a small plain Sebenza for $350.

Be patient, watch the exchange and buy a used plain Sebenza for $285 or less.

If you like it and want it perfect, spend $60 for the spa and bring it back to new condition.

If you decide you will feel better and be happier using a cheaper knife you could probably sell it off for what you paid in a day or two.
 
Parasitic Psycho said:
I recall reading an article where assertions were made that it is a hard use tactical folder, however that was quiet some time ago and I doubt it was directly from CR himself.

From their website, "Sebenza has earned a worldwide reputation for rock solid performance and a “bank vault” feel." That sounds like an implied hard use knife, you just have to read between the lines. I guess it's all relative, if you want to believe that your sebenza is a delicate flower, so be it, mine will continue to be a small tank.
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I'm not saying it's not suited for hard use, I'm saying it isn't advertised as such.
 
Parasitic Psycho said:
Well if it is suited to hard use, then it is still comparable to the XM-18 and you are just nit picking my comment for trivial purposes.
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I'm saying there's a difference between a Sebenza and an XM-18 that goes beyond intended use. Something you don't appear to recognize.
 
And what is that difference? One is more simplistic than the other, but they both have the same intended use? Do you even have a point or are you arguing for the sake of arguing?
 
Parasitic Psycho said:
And what is that difference? One is more simplistic than the other, but they both have the same intended use? Do you even have a point or are you arguing for the sake of arguing?
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Yes, please see below.

Josh K said:
Not at all. The XM-18 is not a step up, it's a step sideways. A completely different knife and shouldn't be compared with a Sebenza. While the Sebenza prizes simplicity the XM-18 is a lesson in overbuilding.
Click to expand...
 
Parasitic Psycho said:
And what is that difference? One is more simplistic than the other, but they both have the same intended use? Do you even have a point or are you arguing for the sake of arguing?
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From my perspective, they specialize in different qualities - I prefer the high, hollow ground Sebenza blade for slicing, and I'd prefer the XM-18 blade for stabbing sheet metal. I'd EDC a Hinderer over a Sebenza if I were a first responder or military, no question. I'm not so I'll stick with this....
 
Okay, we established that they can be compared, so that means they are not completely different, one is more simplistic than the other and doesn't really have anything to do with anything. The only thing left is that you claim it to be a step sideways, in which my previous opinion of the XM-18 being the superior one of the two comes back into effect. Am I missing something, or are you starting happy hour early?
 
DallasSTB said:
From my perspective, they specialize in different qualities - I prefer the high, hollow ground Sebenza blade for slicing, and I'd prefer the XM-18 blade for stabbing sheet metal. I'd EDC a Hinderer over a Sebenza if I were a first responder or military, no question. I'm not so I'll stick with this....
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That is one good looking Sebenza. Love the Mammoth scales.:thumbup:
 
DallasSTB said:
From my perspective, they specialize in different qualities - I prefer the high, hollow ground Sebenza blade for slicing, and I'd prefer the XM-18 blade for stabbing sheet metal. I'd EDC a Hinderer over a Sebenza if I were a first responder or military, no question. I'm not so I'll stick with this....
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I do prefer the slicing ability of the Sebenza over the XM-18 for sure. The XM-18 is definitely no slouch in the slicing department and can stab through sheet metal :D. Like I said earlier, everyone can use whichever they prefer, I don't really care.
 
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