Thinking of taking the plunge. Recommendations?

jprime84

jprime84

Joined
Jul 7, 2014
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So I have been buying, keeping, and selling knives for a little bit now, and I have lately reduced my "modern" folders down to a select few, with the feature knife being my ZT0392 which I was fortunate enough to grab at retail. Most of my recent additions have been traditional folders, as I have really enjoyed the character and natural materials typically found there.

However, lately I have considered another premium modern folder, and I have heard it said many times that everyone should own a sebenza at some point. I am looking for recommendations for a newcomer to the brand and to the design. Inlays or not? Large or small? Insigno or not? etc.

Thank you in advance!
 
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Start with a plain, drop point Sebenza. Large or small depends on your hand size and preference. Snag one off the Exchange, so you don't lose $$$ if you decide it's not for you. Plus, that leaves money toward your next CRK. :D
 
This ^ is the best way to go for sure. I'm sure you're going to get a lot of recommendations since there is a lot to choose from, I personally favor the plain Jane large ones, 21 and 25; also the carbon fiber scales are awesome and very light in the pocket. A 21 is the classic start up, since it is the most famous one. I don't like the smalls because I have large hands; I would think the best way to come to a decision would be to go to a store and handle them and take it from there, that said, I like them all and have almost all the folding models except the inkosi which looks like a tiny 25. LoneWolf's advice is solid. [emoji106]
 
Lone_Wolfe said:
Start with a plain, drop point Sebenza. Large or small depends on your hand size and preference. Snag one off the Exchange, so you don't lose $$$ if you decide it's not for you. Plus, that leaves money toward your next CRK. :D
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I agree. You have to start somewhere and this is a good a place to start as any.
 
I'm leaning towards small. I'm 5'9" and I often find larger knives to be too bulky to carry day to day
 
jprime84 said:
I'm leaning towards small. I'm 5'9" and I often find larger knives to be too bulky to carry day to day
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small 21 drop point plain jane, or small 21 drop point with micarta inlays. Double thumb lugs are a nice added bonus if you can find them.
 
Lone_Wolfe said:
Start with a plain, drop point Sebenza. Large or small depends on your hand size and preference. Snag one off the Exchange, so you don't lose $$$ if you decide it's not for you. Plus, that leaves money toward your next CRK. :D
Click to expand...

^^^^This.......Then a Large Plain Insingo for your 2nd Seb Purchase.
 
FWIW, I prefer the insingo blade...but it doesn't appeal to everybody.
Some people love the "plain Jane" sebenzas; some like inlays. I'm one of the latter - I didn't care for the plain 21, and found the inlays to be an improvement. I have since found that I prefer the handle shape of the 25; though I haven't purchased one (yet).
The best option is to find a place to get a couple in hand...it saves the time and expense of trying several options (not a problem if you like the first one, of course)
 
+1 on the plain drop point! There will be plenty of time later to pick up the inlay and decorated versions, but you want to start simple so you can see the craftsmanship and not be afraid to ding it up.
Make sure you post pictures when you get it:)
 
makariotes said:
This ^ is the best way to go for sure. I'm sure you're going to get a lot of recommendations since there is a lot to choose from, I personally favor the plain Jane large ones, 21 and 25; also the carbon fiber scales are awesome and very light in the pocket. A 21 is the classic start up, since it is the most famous one. I don't like the smalls because I have large hands; I would think the best way to come to a decision would be to go to a store and handle them and take it from there, that said, I like them all and have almost all the folding models except the inkosi which looks like a tiny 25. LoneWolf's advice is solid. [emoji106]
Click to expand...

This is what I did. I was very fortunate to discover that there was a dealer that was located fairly close to where I live.
 
Another +1 for Lone Wolfe's recommendation.

The plain 21, large or small, is the cornerstone of CRK, imo. It's kind of a gateway knife for CRK. You buy the plain 21, like it A LOT, then decide you want more of what CRK has to offer, then you buy more CRK's.

This year, my first year ever learning of CRK's, I bought my first 21, the Large Unique Graphic in my user pic, then an Umnumzaan, then a Large 21 Micarta Insingo, then a Large 21 plain jane Ladder Damascus.

CRK: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here"
 
I was fortunate enough to acquire a Plain Jane Small 21 from a member here, which I absolutely love. My second was a Small 21 Insingo, which I find myself EDC'ing most often. I suggest the Plain Jane Small 21 as a first, then decide what your taste is from there. Maybe you like inlays, maybe not. Maybe you prefer a CF over a Plain or inlayed, maybe you prefer a large over a small, maybe you like the insingo blade better, or perhaps you prefer the drop point. I just suggest establishing a foundation with the Plain Small 21 to help you better suit your own preference. But, as others have said, you can't go wrong no matter what you pick!
 
Lone_Wolfe said:
Start with a plain, drop point Sebenza. Large or small depends on your hand size and preference. Snag one off the Exchange, so you don't lose $$$ if you decide it's not for you. Plus, that leaves money toward your next CRK. :D
Click to expand...

LW nailed it! Just be careful following the last part of her advice, you'll be happy, but you'll be broke :p (you know what I am talking about if you have seen her amazing collection).
 
socom1970 said:
Another +1 for Lone Wolfe's recommendation.

The plain 21, large or small, is the cornerstone of CRK, imo. It's kind of a gateway knife for CRK. You buy the plain 21, like it A LOT, then decide you want more of what CRK has to offer, then you buy more CRK's.

This year, my first year ever learning of CRK's, I bought my first 21, the Large Unique Graphic in my user pic, then an Umnumzaan, then a Large 21 Micarta Insingo, then a Large 21 plain jane Ladder Damascus.

CRK: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here"
Click to expand...

Welcome to the sickness, my friend! :D :D :D
 
bloody_pawprint said:
I was fortunate enough to acquire a Plain Jane Small 21 from a member here, which I absolutely love. My second was a Small 21 Insingo, which I find myself EDC'ing most often. I suggest the Plain Jane Small 21 as a first, then decide what your taste is from there. Maybe you like inlays, maybe not. Maybe you prefer a CF over a Plain or inlayed, maybe you prefer a large over a small, maybe you like the insingo blade better, or perhaps you prefer the drop point. I just suggest establishing a foundation with the Plain Small 21 to help you better suit your own preference. But, as others have said, you can't go wrong no matter what you pick!
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This is where I am leaning, but in some images the titanium on the micarta inlays looks darker than the plain Jane titanium. Is this the case or just a lighting/exposure trick? I like the darker look.
 
I started with a Large plain drop point then after holding a micarta inlayed one well…. :D
I prefer a 3" blade size so I gravitate towards the smalls now. I would give a used one off the exchange a go here. Large or small plain jane and see if it tickles your fancy.
Be warned though. If it does tickle your fancy prepare your mind and wallet.

 
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Follow your heart and pick the one you like the most. But have you been able to check any out in person yet, this would probably give you a better idea as to which one would work best for you.
 
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