Thinking of pulling the trigger on a Sebenza

S

stargazin

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Mar 8, 2011
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I've been looking at buying a Micarta inlay Damascus Sebenza. Anyone have any experience with these knives? How well will the scales and blade hold up to the Oregon coastal weather. This would be my daily carry work knife. I'm a telecommunications system maintenance tech and I outside all day everyday. It'll be used only for general pocket knife duties, occasional branch cutting, I have a folding saw for bigger branches.

Thanks, Jeff.
 
A sebenza is always a fine choice. The titanium/micarta scales will have no problem with coastal weather, titanium is nearly rust proof. The damascus blade will be fine as long as you keep it clean, oiled, and wiped off after use.
 
Blues Bender said:
A sebenza is always a fine choice. The titanium/micarta scales will have no problem with coastal weather, titanium is nearly rust proof. The damascus blade will be fine as long as you keep it clean, oiled, and wiped off after use.
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Titanium is nearly rust proof ? :confused: It is 100% rust proof being a totally non ferrous metal. The rest I agree with. :p
 
Haze said:
Titanium is nearly rust proof ? :confused: It is 100% rust proof being a totally non ferrous metal. The rest I agree with. :p
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I didn't mean that it's gonna rust from outdoor/underwater use, but titanium will discolor/patina when it comes in contact with certain chemicals, and also annodizing forms a layer of oxidation, so yes, technically titanium can "rust".

I've been accused of being too technical before;)
 
Chris Reeve grew up near the ocean in S. Africa so being able to handle that environment is important to him when he designs his knives.

The only thing I do not know much about is a Damascus blade, but as it has layers of carbon steel in it it would be more easily prone to rust than a standard S35V blade I would imagine. I may be incorrect but I think I'm on point.

The 25 is a stout knife and just came out in micarta as well. I'm certain that knife could handle whatever you threw at it in your trade as some electricians on the forum have that knife and it seems to work just fine.

Sorry I don't have any experience with Damascus steel, just the standard Sebbies. The micarta is great, however.
 
We can get as technical as you want but Ti does and will not form iron oxide and that is "rust". It will indeed oxidise but you didn't say that. ;)

I was of course being facetious anyway so it's all good. :)

Blues Bender said:
I didn't mean that it's gonna rust from outdoor/underwater use, but titanium will discolor/patina when it comes in contact with certain chemicals, and also annodizing forms a layer of oxidation, so yes, technically titanium can "rust".

I've been accused of being too technical before;)
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I agree with jmclfrsh I don't know much about Damascus either but if it's corrosion resistance you are looking for, definitely pick one up in s35vn
 
Eezox will also provide really good additional corrosion resistance, I apply a coat as soon as I get any new Sebenza
 
Jeff, to be honest I wouldn't use a damascus blade for daily chores. For that I will get a standard blade model. A damascus blade model is best acquired in a second round when you already have a primary EDC that covers the daily chores.
 
Nellem said:
Jeff, to be honest I wouldn't use a damascus blade for daily chores. For that I will get a standard blade model. A damascus blade model is best acquired in a second round when you already have a primary EDC that covers the daily chores.
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+1

It's not that the Damascus won't be able to handle the job... but the beauty of the Damascus will suffer significantly from daily use you describe and it won't be as corrosion resistant as S35VN. S35VN is a great EDC steel and probably better suited towards the EDC tasks/environment you describe. BUT... it's your money, it's your knife... if your heart is set on Damascus, then get what you want. :)
 
I thought all the new CRK Thomas Damascus was stainless? I don't recall any mention of carbon steel layers or coatings or anyone having it rust on them. There were much older CRK models with carbon Damascus, but the new stuff is two types of stainless steel pattern-welded together from what I know. I'd go for the Damascus if you have the dough. You only live once. I understand the Damascus knives may not be as smooth at first due to the detent ball travelling across the pattern.
 
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You are correct. The new damascus is stainless, and mine was indeed a bit rough untill the detent wore in. The steel seems to perform about the same as the standard steels and mine takes a great edge. So, it is indeed a fine user.



kidcongo said:
I thought all the new CRK Thomas Damascus was stainless? I don't recall any mention of carbon steel layers or coatings or anyone having it rust on them. There were much older CRK models will carbon Damascus, but the new stuff is two types of stainless steel pattern-welded together from what I know. I'd go for the Damascus if you have the dough. You only live once. I understand the Damascus knives may not be as smooth at first due to the detent ball travelling across the pattern.
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pvicenzi said:
You are correct. The new damascus is stainless, and mine was indeed a bit rough untill the detent wore in. The steel seems to perform about the same as the standard steels and mine takes a great edge. So, it is indeed a fine user.

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That's gorgeous! Love it even more as its a user.
 
jon1all said:
+1

It's not that the Damascus won't be able to handle the job... but the beauty of the Damascus will suffer significantly from daily use you describe and it won't be as corrosion resistant as S35VN. S35VN is a great EDC steel and probably better suited towards the EDC tasks/environment you describe. BUT... it's your money, it's your knife... if your heart is set on Damascus, then get what you want. :)
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+2 on the S35VN
 
IIRC Devin Thomas use AEB-L and 304 for the ss damascus so that would make it really rather stain resistant. AEB-L is good stuff, too. I have a few kitchen knives made with it. :):thumbup:
 
As usual, Haze is corret. DT uses AEB - L and 304 in his standard stainless damascus.
 
OK, so it's a stainless Damascus and not the traditional carbon steel cable hammered. With normal care given to any pocket knife this will preform well? Currently my daily carry is a Spyderco 154CM Manix and Vic Alox Rancher I believe, it has the saw. Anyway, this will be my onetime big knife purchase/fathers day gift for myself. I just want to make sure I won't have to worry about the double sided tape failing from our coastal "sprinkle" torrential rain encountered out here. We have Moss on our backs out here, from the rains. Not quite tropical rain forests, yet we are in a rain forest region. This will be a tidy bit a money for me, but I'm expecting this to be a knife I'll be able to carry and depend on for quite some time. Thanks for all your input.

I was looking at the small version as well; but being 6'1" and weighing in a tad over an 1/8 th ton I've got big paws and figured the small may be a bit to small. My Manix fits my hands well. If that is any indication. I've ordered some tritium beads from across the pond to adorn my new purchase. So if the consensus is non Damascus, then maybe the pain handle too? Arrgh decisions. If you all were buying, which one would it be?

Or is there any other recommendations for a one time high end folder purchase?

Thanks, Jeff
 
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One time high must be a Sebenza Jeff. It is the one production folder you must have. My personal choice for EDC use is the WilsonCombat Starbenza variation of the Sebenza. The raindrop Damascus Sebenza is very classy but for $650 we are staring to tread on custom-made territory where an André Thorburn L42 or L50 can be had (highly recommended).

Definitely go for the large Sebenza/Starbenza.
 
If you go the Sebenza route, your one time high end folder purchase will become 2 and 3 and so on as you feed your addiction. Not everyone has to like the Sebenza, but one who has the means and has had hands-on time with more than a few different models from other brands should try at least one.
 
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