Thinking of my first Sebenza

[Kunsthaus]

Thinking of taking the plunge and getting my first Sebenza, but I have not even actually held one before...Can someone tell me how they compare to something like a really nice Spyderco folder? The price difference is so large and I'm definitelyfascinated by the reputation Chris Reeves knives have, but if someone can kind of describe in straight terms why they think that this folder is so revered it'd be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking of the Large Sebenza.

 

[Jos]

The search function is your friend. This has been asked a couple of times before...

 

[flipe8]

Welcome to the Forums. My experience hasn't been as positive as most here. Of the four Sebenzas I've owned(only own one now), three have had issues from relatively minor, to having to send one back for an exchange. They're impressive for their simplicity, but have come up short in terms of raw cutting performance when compared to any of the 40-or-so Spydercos I've owned over the past 15 years. I like how solid they can be when the pivot bushing is done correctly, but two of the four I've owned had bushings that were too thick resulting in slight blade play, regardless of how tight they were. With Spydercos, you'll find little flaws in terms of fit and finish. The Sebs are better finished, but again, at the prices, that should be a given. And like I said, not perfect based on my experience. I've carried one for nearly two years now and am happy I owned one, but won't likely buy another. I've said before that I think I liked the idea of owning a Seb more than the reality of owning one.

 

[marthinus]

I think the seb is a great knife. Dont own one but have come in contact with a couple in the national parks here. Expensive but all the guys have no complaints....except the price

 

[Capt. Carl]

I really like the Sebenza and it is great to carry. I prefer it over my Spydercos. The design is so well done and the whole package is just bulletproof. If I had to have only one knife it would probably be a Seb because I know I could rely on it 100 percent at all times.

 

[carrot]

I love my Spydies and I love my Sebenza. It seems that being higher precision, the Sebenza requires a little more upkeep (cleaning and lubing) to keep the action smooth than the Spydercos, or at least that has been my experience. Sebenza sort-of represents the opposite of Spyderco's design but keeps the important bits, reliability and performance, although it seems Spyderco's full flat grind and thinner edge grinds give Spyderco an advantage. I find the Sebenza as comfortable to use as my Spydercos although I do enjoy the larger handles as on the Para and Military, which I would say are Spyderco's closest analogue to the Sebenza. I prefer the Spyderco clips as they allow for a faster draw and create much less wear on the pocket seams, but the Sebenza's clip offers better retention and is still quite comfortable in the hands, possibly more so than most of Spyderco's clips (besides the wire clip and hourglass clip). When it comes down to it I carry my Sebenza a lot more than my Spydercos these days because I enjoy the overall package of aesthetics, performance, toughness and reliability that Sebenza offers. Despite this I still feel Spydercos have a place in my collection. I could certainly live without a Sebenza -- Spyderco meets my needs just fine. But to own a small piece of perfection for a reasonably affordable price... well, why not?

 

[mtrunner]

My EDC for the last 20 years has been a spyderco...the last was a delica 4...it's a great knife. I just got a small regular sebenza...it's rock solid and seems bombproof. I like the simplicity of it and the ease of cleaning. It's now my EDC...go for it.

 

[ToyKnife]

You may not notice the different at first. Yes, you will see and feel the quality of construction, design, simplicity, etc but you may not get the overall reason why a Sebenza is much more then a Spyderco. Get one and you may understand, if not just sell it for just about what you paid. Think of it as leasing with a buy option; somewhat. The only other comment I can add is you may not like the ergonomics compared to a Spyderco or Benchmade. Sebenza is well squarer.

 

[SubaruSTi]

The sebenza is twice the knife that a spyderco is. I like both but the spyderco uses plastic washers (if you can call them washers) and their really hard to put back correctly. Also really pain to take the handles off for cleaning any grime from the scales.

The spydercos always seem like a disposable knife to me but where the sebenza is made to maintain for a lifetime. They also sell really nice belt sheaths with sebenzas so you wont loose it, also helps to keep the pocket lint out of the pivot. I ususally carry both for edc, the spyder being the beater knife.

 

[Odds]

I just got a small classic sebenza and I really like it. The machining and tolerances are superb and being able to take it apart is awesome. It is definitely above any of my other knives. I say get one to try it and if you don't like it you can always sell it for close to what you got it for. It certainly is worth it to get your hands on one and see what it is all about.

 

[tsiloics]

Where are you located? The CRK products are pretty widely distributed.

I live in a town of 75K, with anything larger about 2.5 hrs away, and even we have a B&M site that carries CRK.

They are also very popular at shows.

Shouldn't be too hard to get one in hand.

 

[jdowell]

If you're a collector, you have to buy one.
If you want one knife that will make you forget all others, you have to buy one.
If you already own one, you have to buy one...more.

 

[holst035]

Jump in. You wind up with one eventually!!

 

[dalefuller]

I started with Spydercos, eventually moved into Sebbies & Striders, and I still have a place for all of them. To me, they're not competing knives. They each have their own strengths. If you're thinking about a Sebenza and can afford one, you should get one. Nothing else fills the niche that a Sebbie fills.

I currently have 4 Sebbies in both sizes and versions. I have EDC'd a small regular Sebbie since I got it 22 Dec. I like it for EDC because it's a nice size package that doesn't scare anybody when I use it and it's gonna give me all the blade that you can pack into a handle that size. I like 3" blades on my EDCs and it's real close to that.

It's also an extremely tough knife. Very strong... very simple... and easy to clean. My Sebbies weren't the sharpest O-O-B that I've ever had, but I'm not a sharpness fanatic. As long as I can shave with my knives and the edge is consistent along the entire blade on both sides, I'm OK with it.

As far as Sebbie quality and QC, I don't think anyone does a better job than CRK. I've never had a problem or a concern with any of the 5 that I've owned (I traded one away).

I also don't think any prodco does a better job than Spyderco at maintaining high standards and providing top-notch CS. I've owned two CF Caly 3s and I still have a CF/BG42 Millie that are absolutely flawless in F&F and functionality. They open/lock/close perfectly... the blades are perfectly centered... and they were lethal sharp right from the box. And my Para-Millie isn't as pretty as the Sebbies or the Caly 3s, but she'll get down in the mud and roll around with ya and then come right back with a quick shower and be ready for a night out.

"All good... just different" - Sal Glesser

 

[jimbo@stn23]

Hello Kunsthaus,
My collection has a variety of knives, some Spyderco, other brands and 4 CRK's although only one is a Sebenza. For a long time I didn't hold a Seb in very high regard, an opinion that was based on ignorance for the most part. Eventually I had to give one a try and bought one (along with a Green Beret) with a fabulous offer, if I didn't like it, I could send it back as my credit info wouldn't be processed for a week. It never went back to TNK.

They are not for everyone so be prepared to possibly be underwhelmed, but for me, a wannabe machinest who positively enjoys fine tools and machinery, it is the holy grail of knives. I have a fine custom knife in my small collection that cost more than a decorated large Seb (have a plain small Classic). My next knife will likely be a large decorated Sebenza. Very, very nicely made tools, easily my favorites. Mine was very usable sharp out of the box, but me being me, I fooled with it to get it a little sharper.

Spyderco makes a fine knife, no doubt about it, but after "x" Spyders, my opinion is that it is good to save a few Spyders cost and take the plunge for a Sebenza. One of the most popular thread themes here is, "now I get it, now I know why a Sebenza has the reputation it has".

Let us know how it works out for you.

 

[flipe8]

The spydercos always seem like a disposable knife to me but where the sebenza is made to maintain for a lifetime. They also sell really nice belt sheaths with sebenzas so you wont loose it, also helps to keep the pocket lint out of the pivot. I ususally carry both for edc, the spyder being the beater knife.

I find this interesting as I wonder how the Seb would hold up without the benefit of having a Spydie doing all the hard work...

After reading previous posts, I really wish I could say I had the same experience as most here, but "underwhelmed" seems to be the right way to describe my experience.

 

[mtrunner]

I find this interesting as I wonder how the Seb would hold up without the benefit of having a Spydie doing all the hard work...

After reading previous posts, I really wish I could say I had the same experience as most here, but "underwhelmed" seems to be the right way to describe my experience.

Consider yourself lucky...think of all the money you'll save. Wish I didn't like sebenzas so much.

 

[flipe8]

Consider yourself lucky...think of all the money you'll save. Wish I didn't like sebenzas so much.

You know the money WILL be spent elsewhere I figure I'm one of the real fans as I've stuck with the Seb for nearly two years straight, eventhough I've had problems with them. I'm just pointing out(hopefully not coming off as trollish) that even the most well received products are not without fault at times. And that you're not likely to get many critics of the product in a forum frequented by mainly fans of it. If a new member asks a question which I can offer opinions, eventhough they might not be the same as most, I think it's important to do that.

I often ask myself and another forum member in person if I'm overly critical or if my concerns/complaints are valid. My bud agrees that I seem to have had a high proportion of problems, especially considering the small number of knives that I've owned.

But that's it for me, unless directly asked a question in this thread.
Good luck to the original poster:thumbup:

 

[tricker]

there is a thread out there where sal said if he made a spyderco to the tolerances and with the materials of the sebenza, the price tag would be quite similar...........
I LOVE ALL of my spydies, the sebenza won't do anything they can't....but the sebenza just feels so solid, if you buy it now you will quit buying all the spyderco "flavors of the month", for a while atleast

 

[carrot]

The sebenza is twice the knife that a spyderco is. I like both but the spyderco uses plastic washers (if you can call them washers) and their really hard to put back correctly. Also really pain to take the handles off for cleaning any grime from the scales.

The spydercos always seem like a disposable knife to me but where the sebenza is made to maintain for a lifetime. They also sell really nice belt sheaths with sebenzas so you wont loose it, also helps to keep the pocket lint out of the pivot. I ususally carry both for edc, the spyder being the beater knife.

That's funny. Every Spyderco I own uses phosphor-bronze washers. Also, the liner/compression knives are a piece of cake to disassemble and put back together. Not quite so much with the lockbacks but I've never felt the need or even desire to disassemble those, even when I've gotten grit and sand inside. They wash out easily enough. Also I'm not sure I understand the point of using a "disposable" knife to save the "tough" or "sturdy" one from work? Many times my Sebenza or Dozier are the only knives getting carried and they get to do all the work.