The large or small 21 debate!

M

Michael Riley

Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
48
Hello all,

I'm a long time lurker, seldom poster with a dilemma..

My birthday is coming up in November and I've decided to finally pull the trigger on my first CRK. I've wanted a Sebenza 21 for several years now, but I can't for the life of me decide which size or blade type...

I'm guilty of carrying my primary knife clipped in the same pocket that I pocket carry my backup CCW (a Kahr CW380) which limits the size of the knife I can carry. My primary edc blade is a Benchmade 940-1 and I can easily draw my pistol while carrying it. I also carry a Sage 2 quite often with no issues. I like medium-large style knives, but I cannot carry a PM2 while carrying a CCW. I was able to carry a Kershaw Thermite which is a pretty large blade with no issues given it's slimmer design (the length from the top of the spider hole to the outside of the handle was the issue with the PM2, however it was not a problem with the Sage 2).

Basically, I'm trying to figure out if I will be able to carry a large 21 comfortably with the pistol or not. The small 21 seems just a tad too small for my liking, but I feel it has plenty of size to accomplish any tasks I use my knives for. I also like the sturdier tip on the small.

My 2nd problem is deciding between the clip point or insingo blade... I like the looks of the clip point better, but the insingo looks like it may be more useful for edc tasks...

Any advice from personal experience is appreciated!
 
If you can't carry a PM2 then the large 21 is probably not going to work either. It's the same length closed and maybe slightly thinner, but not much. The small really is a great blade and an excellent EDC. Get that one first and a large later.
 
Try carrying your pm2 in the same side but back pocket that's what I do on days I carry a pocket gun just a thought
 
What do you use your EDC blade for?

I am not in the field doing serious chores with it or military/LEO. I use mine for daily life stuff.... opening boxes, mail, cutting cord, my lunch fruit...etc. I don't necessary consider it as something for protection (but I guess could be) or use it to clean game (which it could do). For all those reasons, the small 21 more than fills my daily driver needs.

Also the small seems to be less frightening to the sheeple. I was at a printer warehouse once and wanted to open up a box to check the product and pulled out a large regular Sebbie and the guy stepped back and made a comment like I pulled out a machete.

Get both and try them out and then sell the other one to the folks here. ;)
 
Ps. For ref is a small 21 under a PM2. The top is a 25, don't have a large 21 handy.

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I wholeheartedly recommend a Small 21 Insingo w/ Micarta. It's the best EDC knife on the planet in my eyes. Small enough to comfortably carry, and the Micarta helps fill the hand really well. Even with huge hands, it feels extremely comfortable in use.



If you go with a large, I'd recommend a plane Jane Large 21 Insingo. Fits better in the pocket than large inlaid models.

Either way, Insingo is definitely the better EDC choice.
 
^^^ Nice I'm in the small micarta insingo 21 club. Well if you look close I kind of cheated to get in the door.
 
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I prefer the Large. Like someone above suggested, try back pocket carry. Check out the size of the Grayman Satu. I can carry that clipped on the outside seam inside my back right trouser pocket with no difficulty. And will not be forced out when sitting, like in the front pocket. Good luck with your choice.
 
OP, look for a left-handed CRK. I'm right-handed but carry/collect lefty CRK due to carrying a gun in the right front pocket 100% of the time.
 
I never recommend carrying ANYTHING in the same pocket as your CCW gun. Sure, you can probably draw it at home in front of the TV without issue. It can be done. However, I really don't think it's a solid plan to try the same under extreme stress.

When I pocket carry a gun I move the knife to the other side. I have tried back pocket carry but I am pretty paranoid it will push its way out. I also don't like the possibility of taring up my leather auto seats or my fabric sofa at home.

My favorite Sebenza is my large plain Jane Insingo. My second favorite is my small CF Insingo.
 
I am going to vote large 21 Insingo just because it's, in my opinion, the most versatile EDC knife that money can buy.
 
VolGrad said:
I never recommend carrying ANYTHING in the same pocket as your CCW gun. Sure, you can probably draw it at home in front of the TV without issue. It can be done. However, I really don't think it's a solid plan to try the same under extreme stress.

When I pocket carry a gun I move the knife to the other side. I have tried back pocket carry but I am pretty paranoid it will push its way out. I also don't like the possibility of taring up my leather auto seats or my fabric sofa at home.

My favorite Sebenza is my large plain Jane Insingo. My second favorite is my small CF Insingo.
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I agree, but as stated, I carry my backup in my pocket (mostly), so it's not as big of an issue IMO. During the summer and fall while wearing cargo shorts, I carry my phone in my left, flashlight in my lower left, multi tool in my lower right, wallet in my back right, primary CCW IWB at 5:00, backup gun, and primary blade in my right hand pocket. During the winter I wear jeans with only my primary at 5:00 and no backup as my jean pockets are too small/tight to even draw out of regardless of whether or not I have a knife in the same pocket. I do occasionally only have my backup on me when wearing shorts, which is my biggest concern for having a knife that will stay out of the way as much as possible.

Back to the discussion, I've settled on a small 21. Now I just have to figure out the handle/blade style... Either regular or CF handle (not an inlay fan) and insingo or clip point blade... I love the closed and open look of the clip point best, but the insingo has grown on me and looks so usable. Not to mention in every thread I've ready debating the two, the insingo seems to win amongst those who own both.

Does anyone have any top side closed and open pics? I can't seem to find any good ones online...

Thank you everyone for the input! Part of the puzzle is solved!
 
Glad you're making progress toward a decision! If you're going to go with a small, I would strongly encourage you to get plain titanium scales. I owned the small CF Insingo and found it too lightweight for my taste. It was sturdy, don't get me wrong, it just felt way too light in hand. CF is much nicer on the large, IMO.

As far as blade shape goes, you really can't go wrong. I own 4 Insingo Sebenzas, so clearly I'm a fan...but the drop point is nice too. I just find the Insingo better suited to every day tasks (I don't hunt / skin).

Regardless of what choice you make, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the knife. Always love reading first impressions of a new Sebeneza owner.
 
Michael Riley said:
I agree, but as stated, I carry my backup in my pocket (mostly), so it's not as big of an issue IMO. During the summer and fall while wearing cargo shorts, I carry my phone in my left, flashlight in my lower left, multi tool in my lower right, wallet in my back right, primary CCW IWB at 5:00, backup gun, and primary blade in my right hand pocket. During the winter I wear jeans with only my primary at 5:00 and no backup as my jean pockets are too small/tight to even draw out of regardless of whether or not I have a knife in the same pocket. I do occasionally only have my backup on me when wearing shorts, which is my biggest concern for having a knife that will stay out of the way as much as possible.

Back to the discussion, I've settled on a small 21. Now I just have to figure out the handle/blade style... Either regular or CF handle (not an inlay fan) and insingo or clip point blade... I love the closed and open look of the clip point best, but the insingo has grown on me and looks so usable. Not to mention in every thread I've ready debating the two, the insingo seems to win amongst those who own both.

Does anyone have any top side closed and open pics? I can't seem to find any good ones online...

Thank you everyone for the input! Part of the puzzle is solved!
Click to expand...

I can get some pictures for you when I get home tonight.

I prefer carrying a large, but some days I'll reach for the small. In hand the 25 is my favorite CRK but as far as cutting and blade shape goes - I prefer the large Insingo.

I'm still hopeful that one day CRK will make a large Insingo Inkosi.
 
Acadian said:
I can get some pictures for you when I get home tonight.

I prefer carrying a large, but some days I'll reach for the small. In hand the 25 is my favorite CRK but as far as cutting and blade shape goes - I prefer the large Insingo.

I'm still hopeful that one day CRK will make a large Insingo Inkosi.
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That would be much appreciated!
 
Anarchy84 said:
Glad you're making progress toward a decision! If you're going to go with a small, I would strongly encourage you to get plain titanium scales. I owned the small CF Insingo and found it too lightweight for my taste. It was sturdy, don't get me wrong, it just felt way too light in hand. CF is much nicer on the large, IMO.

As far as blade shape goes, you really can't go wrong. I own 4 Insingo Sebenzas, so clearly I'm a fan...but the drop point is nice too. I just find the Insingo better suited to every day tasks (I don't hunt / skin).

Regardless of what choice you make, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the knife. Always love reading first impressions of a new Sebeneza owner.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your input! I will most definitely post my first impressions upon receiving it. I'm still completely undecided on the blade. There is a possibility of this being used to skin some game, but only for the purpose of making memories with the knife as I intend to keep it forever and pass down (providing I don't lose it!).
 
Iron City said:
What do you use your EDC blade for?

I am not in the field doing serious chores with it or military/LEO. I use mine for daily life stuff.... opening boxes, mail, cutting cord, my lunch fruit...etc. I don't necessary consider it as something for protection (but I guess could be) or use it to clean game (which it could do). For all those reasons, the small 21 more than fills my daily driver needs.

Also the small seems to be less frightening to the sheeple. I was at a printer warehouse once and wanted to open up a box to check the product and pulled out a large regular Sebbie and the guy stepped back and made a comment like I pulled out a machete.

Get both and try them out and then sell the other one to the folks here. ;)
Click to expand...

I primarily use my knife for office warrior work (lots of envelopes, occasionally cutting down cardboard), and the regular edc stuff like opening packages and light food prep.

The hardest I ever use my knives, is when the wife and I go out hiking on trails and I decide to carve our names in some wood. I usually carry a thicker knife for this, but as I stated in the above post, I may want to make some memories with this knife :D
 
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