Thoughts on the Chris Reeve Cult....

When I was on active duty (1976 - 1999, retired), I chose my professional tools very carefully. I bought and used about five Spyderco's, five or six Benchmade's, and a host of other one hand folders. As I used them, I generally sold them because they just didn't give me the confidence I needed. I was living near Boise anyway so I dropped into the CRK shop and looked around. I handled a few and decided that if the knife functioned as others had stated, and the materials, fit, and finish were this good, I'd spring for one. I got a BG42 standard Sebenza in 1997 and used it a bunch. It is the one knife I own that is as good as "everyone else" says it is.

I don't collect them, I've seen "prettier" knives (I own the plain one), but it functions "better" than I expected. Was it worth $325 in 1997? How much is your life worth? You guys that argue over the relative merits of the knives you polish and keep on display have no standing. The Sebenza works, I know it, and all your rhetoric will not make it different.

My son has decided to get an Army commission through ROTC in about two years. He wants to go to Airborne School and Ranger School. He has a Randall #14 already – I gave all my sons and sons-in-law the Randall of their choice out of my "then" collection – but I will certainly give him my Sebenza. ...and he'll take it if he's half as smart as I am! I won't trifle with his life – he either gets the Sebenza from me, or picks his own knife and the subsequent consequences.

By the way, my knife is made of BG42. I wouldn't have it any other way. This is great steel with a great heat treat!
 
I own 9 Chris Reeve sebenza's, yes 9. Am I in a cult, I don't think so, I like his knives and can afford them. Is it weird to own 9 knives that are almost the same, I guess so, but around here it doesn't seem like it. Do I care if some people around here think I'm stupid or weird because I have a couple of Sebenzas, no. I am sure their are many more like me.

Rick you dont have to defend yourself to anyone. I own one of your knives and it is great, I have another on order. Your knives are tremendous tools. If evryone could do what you do they probably would. Making a knife that people want is an art, you are great at what you do and need not explain yourself to people who are just looking for an confrontation. I look forward to meeting you in NYC.
 
I have one sebenza. just one. But I will own another in the not too far distant future! Can I be in the Cult? :D
 
a223cat said:
I have one sebenza. just one. But I will own another in the not too far distant future! Can I be in the Cult? :D
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As soon as you get your second sebenza a representative of "the Cult" will show at your door to give you the secret handshake, then you are in.
 
As far as I've read, I could order a knive from Mr. Hinderer, tell him what colors and finishes I want, flipper, no flipper, blade shape and various other details, and I would get just exactly what I asked for, made my him and only him. That is a custom knife. I really see no debate about it.

Just because machines are getting more advanced and less hands on work is required doesn't make the knives any less custom. However, I could easily see how one would argue that it's less handmade than a knife made by a man with less advanced machinery.
 
I own 3 Sebenza's; 1 large regular, 1 small Classic, 1 small regular with Night Sky graphics. I also own 1 Mnandi, 1 Umfaan, and 1 Shadow III.

 
J85909266 said:
As far as I've read, I could order a knive from Mr. Hinderer, tell him what colors and finishes I want, flipper, no flipper, blade shape and various other details, and I would get just exactly what I asked for, made my him and only him. That is a custom knife. I really see no debate about it.

Just because machines are getting more advanced and less hands on work is required doesn't make the knives any less custom. However, I could easily see how one would argue that it's less handmade than a knife made by a man with less advanced machinery.
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I agree with this completely. If I ask Rick to make it a certain way, and thats what he does, it is a custom knife, customized, to my specs. P.S. I would be privledged to get on order one of Mr.Hinderer's knives when he is no longer on back order. Because he makes some badass custom folders! :thumbup:
 
You can order sebenzas directly from Chris Reeve in may different configurations, but nobody is arguing that they are custom. How is what Rick offers different? You are still just ordering different bells and whistles on the basic designs that he produces, correct? Isn't this what most custom makers offer?

I'm not saying his knives aren't custom, but the fact that you can order the handle material you want doesn't make them custom. Personally I don't care how a knife is classed, if I like it I will buy it.
 
I'll just say...ya gota respect people who make fine knives and be pleased for those who enjoy owning them even if the're not your cup-o-tea.

-regards
 
if a maker doesnt make his own blade steel and ti for locks by digging rock out of the ground its not a custom-lol



if a maker doesnt grow the tree thats used for the handle its not a custom-lol

if a maker doesnt pump and process oil to make the plastic used its not a custom-lol


thats the end of the its not a custom argument as far as im concerned-any less is a semi custom
 
another hardcore branch reevinian here. In a world gone mad with cutting corners to make a profit reeve holds fast to putting out a flawles product. I could go on all day about this, but i live by " by the best once " . Im just so very impressed with flawless fit and finish.
 
Backwoods_VT said:
another hardcore branch reevinian here. In a world gone mad with cutting corners to make a profit reeve holds fast to putting out a flawles product. I could go on all day about this, but i live by " by the best once " . Im just so very impressed with flawless fit and finish.
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Yeh...it's good to part of all this "knife stuff" in some way...and for most of us it begins with ownership .....and thankfully there are a lot of extras that come along with that......and that says quite a lot ! We all enjoy a well made knife.....and certainly can appreciate the special characteristics of craftsmanship present in a "high-end" one...the attention to detail, design, and material. While there are some knives we don't own and wish we could, and others that we can afford but hold no "magic" for us, ultimately we are all on the "same page"; all part of the same team, if you will; we share our excitement and impressions of our newest knife, exchange information, and help to educate the rookie, while at the same time we get a sense the Samaritan in us; at times we even passionately disagree with each others choices and opinions. But...we're all wrapped up in the same preoccupation. Ain't it grand there are so many great knives out there to buy, and trade, and sometimes buy back again ( and so many FINE knifemakes ) .....ain't it swell there are plenty of crappy ones out there to bash too ?

If you're on a budget, for about $20, you can get a "steel fix" ( Spyderco's Byrd line comes to mind ) and end up with a decent knife.....or if you got the bucks you can go "downtown" and go custom. Even the guy or gal with "just" a SAK has a place at our table.

We've got knifemakers who actually visit our posts...and listen to our feedback...and gripes ! Usually with the utmost patience and reseve. And sometimes we can forget our manners with them. Most of these guys would help any of us if we were interested in getting stated in knifemaking.....I expect it's because they had plenty of help along the way themselves from others.

Yeh...it's good to be a part of all this "knife stuff"....and for most of us that begins with ownership.......and thankfully there's quite a bit more that goes along with that !


-Best
 
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