The kinda unspecified CRK talk thread.

Murphjd25 said:
Saw this crap at what I thought was a nice and reputable knife store. Marked as Sebenza 31s but obviously China fake with 21 scales on them and way to shiny, and BLACK boxes 😡😡😡😡
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That would make me question everything else they sell as well. Did you point it out or speak to anyone about it? They have to know they're selling fakes, and if they're okay selling counterfeits of one brand I don't see why it would end there.
 
I have been soooo close many times at pulling the trigger on a L Tanto Inkosi w. black micarta inlays + silver hardware. Now, I have the opportunity to get a L 21(in very good condition) with the exact same setup.
I know the Sebenza but I have never handled an Inkosi. If possible, can someone post photos of a Sebenza and an inkosi (preferably tantos) next to one another? I would like to see the difference between the blades.
 
Jacques Mi said:
I have been soooo close many times at pulling the trigger on a L Tanto Inkosi w. black micarta inlays + silver hardware. Now, I have the opportunity to get a L 21(in very good condition) with the exact same setup.
I know the Sebenza but I have never handled an Inkosi. If possible, can someone post photos of a Sebenza and an inkosi (preferably tantos) next to one another? I would like to see the difference between the blades.
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The tanto blades are very similar. Personally I'd take the 21 but that's just because I'm a sucker for 21s and would rather have another one of those than another Inkosi. I don't own either of these (or that Shiro) anymore so I can't do any better than this, but:

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Any tips for what would best complement a small PJ sebenza DP or an appropriate thought process behind how to decide? Big one with inlays? Umnumzaan? Inkosi insigo? Any thoughts?

Don't need knives for work as I work in an office. Mostly use for normal household stuff and I like to collect things.
 
so_what said:
Any tips for what would best complement a small PJ sebenza DP or an appropriate thought process behind how to decide? Big one with inlays? Umnumzaan? Inkosi insigo? Any thoughts?

Don't need knives for work as I work in an office. Mostly use for normal household stuff and I like to collect things.
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It will largely come down to preference. Personally I'd seek out a large 21, probably with nicely colored and figured wood inlays if it is just for bolstering the collection so that you have a large and a small. There is also some satisfaction that comes with a matched large/small set so if that tickles your fancy a large version of what you have could be nice. Beyond that it is hard to go wrong with an Insingo Inkosi...probably my favorite all-around large user CRK. You can't really go wrong, you just have to decide what you want next.
 
Ilikesharpstuff said:
It will largely come down to preference. Personally I'd seek out a large 21, probably with nicely colored and figured wood inlays if it is just for bolstering the collection so that you have a large and a small. There is also some satisfaction that comes with a matched large/small set so if that tickles your fancy a large version of what you have could be nice. Beyond that it is hard to go wrong with an Insingo Inkosi...probably my favorite all-around large user CRK. You can't really go wrong, you just have to decide what you want next.
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Many thanks for your answer. Any specific reason behind why I should pick a 21 over a 31?
 
so_what said:
Any tips for what would best complement a small PJ sebenza DP or an appropriate thought process behind how to decide? Big one with inlays? Umnumzaan? Inkosi insigo? Any thoughts?

Don't need knives for work as I work in an office. Mostly use for normal household stuff and I like to collect things.
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I would look at a Mnandi, perfect for office use. gorgeous knives. good for home stuff.

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Ajack60 said:
I would look at a Mnandi, perfect for office use. gorgeous knives. good for home stuff.

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Gorgeous - thank you for a very good suggestion. They seem hard to find, especially in Europe. I will look for one.

EDIT: I am left handed. On the CRK website I can put in an order for either left or right handed. When I look at the Mnandi at dealers they do only seem to offer one variant which has me confused - is this knife ambidextrous or is it just at all dealers only sell the right handed version?
 
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so_what said:
Many thanks for your answer. Any specific reason behind why I should pick a 21 over a 31?
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Keep in mind this is based solely on my preferences, but I think the 21 (and/or the Classic MM) are the best Sebenzas made to date. In my experience with 21s and 31s, the old style detent allowed for less lock bar tension which helps contribute to a smoother opening and closing feel and easier manipulation of the lock bar. I also prefer the old style split inlays. I think the large ceramic ball serving as both the detent and lock bar insert is better executed on the Inkosi.
 
so_what said:
Gorgeous - thank you for a very good suggestion. They seem hard to find, especially in Europe. I will look for one.

EDIT: I am left handed. On the CRK website I can put in an order for either left or right handed. When I look at the Mnandi at dealers they do only seem to offer one variant which has me confused - is this knife ambidextrous or is it just at all dealers only sell the right handed version?
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CRK makes knives in batches. They'll make a batch of say Large black micarta Sebenza 31s, and then you'll see a bunch of those on dealer's sites. Then a few weeks later you'll see a bunch of small Inkosi plain janes, etc. Then they'll do a big run of left handed models. Honestly though, left hand models seem to be one of the easiest configurations to find, at least in my searching, unless you're looking for one particular (say you want a Mnandi in Box Elder Burl and won't compromise on any other inlay materials) variation. The left hand models tend to stick around on the market (both new and used) a bit longer just for the simple fact that there are less lefties in the world.
 
stjones said:
Exactly what I did.
I don’t have a Zaan anymore (let my righty go and haven’t snagged a lefty yet) but if I’m going to carry a folder it will be a CRK.
I do still have a BM, a couple Spydies, an AD 20.5 and a Shiro.
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Yup. Other than CRK, the list is pretty short at this point.
 
Dumb question...

With all the Sebenza talk I've heard most of my adult life (imagine the Brady Bunch Marcia, Marcia, Marcia episode but as Sebenza, Sebenza, Sebenza...) it's always been a Sebenza is the grail to get.

Retirement gift? Sebenza.

New father? Sebenza.

Bonus check? Sebenza.

On and on.

So a while back I bought one. And it was great enough I bought a few more. Then I bought a small Inkosi.

Dude. My man. Whoa.

So now I've bought a large Inkosi.

Dude. My man. Whoa. Again.

Why the overwhelming amount of love for the Sebenza? I'm not knocking it and it could very well just be a personal inclination but everything about the Inkosi feels superior. The only possible dig would be the finger grooves which no doubt are a sale killer for many.

Thoughts?
 
I love 'em all.

I had to have both versions of the Zaan, and if they made an Insingo, I'd have that one too.

The Insingo version of the large Inkosi is also a favorite.

My other four are Sebenzas...a small 21, a large "Regular", and two large 31s.

I don't want to have to choose between the kids. LOL
 
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