The 21 split inlays are a legendary design.

kidcongo

kidcongo

Joined
Jan 12, 2013
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Just a little tribute to the ol’ split inlays on the Sebenza 21 and Classic. As time goes on, this aesthetic feature, from the brain of Mr. Reeve himself, remains a high point in knife design to my eyes.

There are understandably a lot of fans of the larger solid inlays on the regular and 31, but take a moment to consider how unique the split design truly was. Never really duplicated or improved upon to any success, and not like anything else. The split inlays were perfect from the start.


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Still mad about them changing it on the 31. I absolutely hated the new inlays for the first few years, refused to buy a 31 just on that account.

Now, somehow, Ive actually kinda come to like the new look. I know, I'm shamed of myself. Dont look at me! Old split design is still better tho, eat it Reeve.
 
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Completely agree on the split design on both the small and the large Sebenza 21s. I’ve tried the 31 inlays, they just don’t do it for me. Just not the same elegant traction. If I carry an inlay Sebenza, it’s going to be a 21 version.
 
Olumin said:
Still mad about them changing it on the 31. I absolutely hated the new inlays for the first few years, refused to buy a 31 just on that account.

Now, somehow, Ive actually kinda come to like the new look. I know, I'm shamed of myself. Dont look at me! Old split design is still batter tho, eat it Reeve.
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I think one secret of the split inlays is there is harmony in the way the knife looks side-to-side. The “split” in the inlays matches the split in the back slab for the lockbar. It’s subtle, but makes for a good looking knife.

On the 31 the front and back might as well be different knives.
 
I prefer PJ knives but owned several Micarta small 21s and I agree with you.

I’ve also noticed I see more pre owned Micarta 31 on the exchange than PJ. I think the 31 inlay not nearly as cool as the 21/inkosi
 
I agree! I like the split design the best but still enjoy my 31 in black micarta. I also like the look of the tooling hole on the 21s but I'm probably in a minority on that one.
 
I always thought the regular annuals looked awesome, so I was pleased when they brought it back for the 31. That said, I carry a 21 micarta. I like it too.
 
Hated the new inlay at first but it has grown on me. However,

kidcongo said:
I think one secret of the split inlays is there is harmony in the way the knife looks side-to-side. The “split” in the inlays matches the split in the back slab for the lockbar. It’s subtle, but makes for a good looking knife.

On the 31 the front and back might as well be different knives.
Click to expand...
was going to say just this. With the split inlay, it's like you have a symmetrical ti bolster. The difference in scale coverage on the new inlay bothers me in an OCD sort of way sometimes.
 
sailfish said:
Hated the new inlay at first but it has grown on me. However,


was going to say just this. With the split inlay, it's like you have a symmetrical ti bolster. The difference in scale coverage on the new inlay bothers me in an OCD sort of way sometimes.
Click to expand...
I’m pretty sure this is why it bothers me as well.
 
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