To Inlay or not to inlay ( my new Sebenza ), that is the question ??

nyrico

nyrico

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Mar 26, 2012
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I got my first CR knife a TNK Tanto Umnuzaan 2 weeks ago as birthday present from my wife and I absolutely love it. I then start reading threads here on the CR subforum and realize that I need a small Sebenza for a smaller carry option. I have decided that I want a small Insingo, but I can't decide on whether or not to get one with or without micarta inlays. I like the looks , but, I honestly don't know if I want to spend the extra dough. What do you guys think , Micarta or no Micarta and why ? Thanks in advance for the help.
 
You've got one hell of a wife:thumbup:

I say(as always)go with micarta. It's worth the extra cash, imho.

It adds grip and style. Everyone has different taste, but doubt you'd be disappointed if you decided to go that route:D

Happy late Birthday!
 
I think that is what I will do, I am afraid that I will regret it if not, but, what will it do to the thickness of the knife? I have always read that this is one of the sleekest most pocket friendly EDCs, that it slides in and out of the pocket with ease does micarta affect this?
 
I actually much prefer the plain small, and Micarta large.
But whatever you do, make it Insingo!
 
You could put 100 CRK folders of all different sizes, configurations, inlays, no inlays, ages, blade steels, etc--reach in and grab ONE at random and it would be hard to be disappointed. However, with that being said I prefer the small Insingo without inlays. I have the micarta inlaid model as well as the plain and something just calls to me about the plain model. The inlays are a bit like "gilding the lily" (as I have stated in a previous thread).
 
I just sold the small Insingo with micarta inlay's. They are a lot harder than you'd think. Unless I am an idiot. They still remain smooth...yet slightly rough texture. It adds some grip and thickness. Honestly though...I think the plain is perfect. I might go back to the small plain 21 Sebenza soon. I miss it.
 
I think the inlays are great, but being a minimalist, I think I prefer the plain scales. I had a small micarta insingo, and it felt really good in my large hands which was a surprise to me. The micarta definitely adds a bit of thickness to the grip which fills out nicely along with the pocket clip when in my hand. The micarta inlays also remove some of the weight of the all titanium scales which, for most knife users, is probably a desirable thing. I prefer a little bit of heft to my pocket knives which is one reason why I like the plain jane scales more than the inlays.

The main reason why I am not attracted to the inlays is because CRK uses a super strong double sided M3 type tape to glue the inlays into the scale. I am 100% positive that they will never wear out or fall off from heavy use, and I have never heard of anyone having a problem with that. If the tape ever did fail, I'm sure CRK would repair or replace the knife under warranty. For me, it is just the idea of there being double sided industrial strength glue-tape within my Sebenza that putts me off to it. As a minimalist, I like the use of less materials, and on a finely made knife like the sebenza, this means a lot to me. For myself, less usually equates to more.
 
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nyrico said:
I think that is what I will do, I am afraid that I will regret it if not, but, what will it do to the thickness of the knife? I have always read that this is one of the sleekest most pocket friendly EDCs, that it slides in and out of the pocket with ease does micarta affect this?
Click to expand...

I honestly did not notice any difference in thickness when carrying the small micarta insingo in my pocket. In fact, I could not even feel it clipped into my pocket at all. Very slick in and out of my pocket, and a perfect knife for every day in-pocket carry.


pocket.
 
To be honest the thought of double sided tape throws me off as well, although I know CRK would make good on them. I was kinda thinking along the lines of what you said about the Micarta filling out the hands better, I have medium hands and thought that the slimness of the plain might make it feel uncomfortable. I thank all of you for the insight , but, this still isn't any easier. I definitely like the look of the micarta, actually over all of the inlays, I like the thought of the added grip and I think that I am cheaping out a bit, it seems that $75.00 extra is alot for the micarta and I already have enough for the plaiin, but , again I do not want to regret not getting the micarta... I've got issues, I know.
 
The inlayed small sebs are very cool. Unless u plan on diving with your seb, don't worry about the inlay. It will outlast you! Very comfortable in the hand and pocket. You will like it for style and feel!
I don't own this any more. Replaced it with a small of the same caliber. But again, luv the inlays...
photo-19.jpg
 
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I love the micarta. I really like the Insingo blade shape as well.
21466102-EB7A-4CC1-A761-689F3B9BDB7F-2280-000003262AEBA890.jpg
The inserts really work well in wet conditions. Enjoy!
 
I actually thought that if I were to get another small insingo that it would be with plain scales, but now I am thinking I would go with the micarta again. It really fills out nicely in the hand, and the micarta just looks cool against the sandblasted titanium scales. Its all good really. If money is tight, go with the plain jane.
 
I just traded my NIB plain small Sebbie for a NIB small with snakewood inlay. I had a lignum vitae which I let get away a few weeks ago, but the snakewood will do nicely. I'm still torn between large and small. I carry the Zaan and have four? large Sebs so perhaps I should stay with the large.
Sonnydaze
 
One vote for the plain version.
I like the micarta on the larger version.
hope this helps
red mag
PS: the plain version is perfect, you will not regret it.
 
Well I have a small Insingo with Micarta inlays on hold unitl tomorrow when the guy who can ship USPS is in. Can't wait, this was this retailers last one and the holiday is going to loose me a day. Thank all of you for the input, but, I was afraid that I would regret not getting the Micarta inlays I love the looks and would like the slim increase in size and grip.
 
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