Thinking about a sebenza

L

lazy otter

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So I've looked at sebenzas for awhile and I'm debating on pulling the trigger on a large tanto version, the tanto I'm assuming has the strongest tip of the 3 blade styles and the 25 did and does appeal to me but ive heard maitnence is more difficult and loctite is involved Ect. Also I doubt this would be my last sebenza. I've got a month or so to think it over and my other choices are microtech socom, al mar 2000, or hinderer if I can get 1 at the right price, or a strider smf.So I guess I need some convincing I'm making the right choice. Also the knives I've listed will be bought at some point as I want to have IMO the pioneers of tactical knives to the modern makers and yes I got Emerson's covered all ready.
 
I EDC'ed my zaan for years, have carried my 25 for over an year. Only had the zaan apart 2 times, and once was to install a custom backspacer. The 25 has yet to be taken apart. There is no need to be taking them apart, people just like to tinker. Heck, my 21's and regulars only get taken apart once a year if that and those are only the ones I carry daily. SO fear not in thinking you have to constantly take them apart. Take it from someone who has owned plenty of em.....!!!
 
What about the Insingo blade style? The tip is stronger than the drop point and easier to sharpen than the tanto.
 
The tanto is a nice tough blade, but I always found the tanto tip limited. I have had the regular, 21, zaan all with a tanto. They do make an excellent slicer, but I think the insingo would be better, though I have never had one. The 25 does have a thicker blade than the 21 and I really like it. You can not go wrong with any of them. I just did not want you to think you have to take them down and clean them often because thats what we all seem to see here and its simply not the case. In any event, the 21's and regulars are easy to take down and clean, while the others are a little more time consuming. As for large vs small, I like the Large 110% more. You get so much more knife vs. the small for not alot more $$.
 
I prefer the 21 small with wood inlay. Never tried the insingo blade (next on list), and find the tanto blade hideous.

I've held a 25, I'll stick to my 21's, they just feel better to me.

As for me, I have large and small and the small could do just about anything a large can, I like how it pockets better.
 
If you want a great "starting" Sebenza, the Large 21 is the best to showcase a current model Sebenza to me. The small is wonderful in the pocket and for most cutting tasks.It can be difficult to manipulate opening. Those who have large mits or hands with less dexterity will favor a large. I have recently taken a strong liking to the Insingo blade shape. Tanto is great if you love that blade style, otherwise its a distant 3rd for most Sebenza lovers.
For ergonomics the 25 seems to be the best.
Micarta inlays add thickness in the hand and are the best utilitarian inlay CRK offers.
I took a Strider SMF in trade awhile back. It looks "cool" and is a nice knife (minus the occasional lock rock), a bit larger overall. Strider customer service is hit and miss from others experiences.
(Personally. I will not be buying any future Striders based on my new knowledge and Mickey Burgers lovely past)
Hinderer's are amazing knives, flippers mostly though and in the overbuilt style.
Pricing on the secondary market are highly inflated as well.
The Sebenza is in a different league with its bushing pivot. No blade play ,no lock rock, blade always centered. If not, you get to deal outstanding customer service.
Ding ding ding....DO we have a winner?
Just my opinions and 3 cents :-)
 
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A lot of great comments here. Being an avid CRK user for 20+ years, for me the large Tanto 21 is the knife. Just ordered my 4th, a large micarta inlayed version. I don't feel the tip underplays the ability to slice. In fact to me, it enhances it. For fine work the beveled tip really shines.
Order one.
 
I think lockster30 and blackend kinda sealed the deal for me unless a must have busse pops up with in the next month I'm going with a large 21 tanto. It sounds like CRK are addictive so I'm sure I'll end up with a few.
 
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One of the most impressive things to me about the 21 is never having to adjust the pivot. I'm perhaps a little OCD and suspect most of us that buy these knives are, and I've spent way to many hours adjusting pivots and trying to apply just the right amount of locktite. When I got the Sebbie 21 and realized I could just tighten the whole works down and the darn thing lined up perfectly and just worked, I was astounded. Like many others here, I'm a big fan of the Insingo for it's strong tip, ease of sharpening, and the utilitarian function. I'd watch the sales forums and grab the best deal you can find on any user 21 and let then decide on your favorite configuration. If you buy a user, I doubt you'll lose any money on re-sell if you decide you would prefer a different model. I did that a few time before purchasing a new Sm. Insingo.
 
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