Two questions for you "pros" ...

lureman · Jan 20, 2000

I'm just a rookie collecter, but I here references made here-and-there and have two questions I need your opinions on:

What is so great about a Sebenza, and is there nothing from Spyderco that compares?

When you carry two belt-clipped knives what are their purposes?

Thanks...just a couple of questions I've had for a while!

Dan

DaveH · Jan 20, 2000

I have two sebenzas and quite a few Spyderco's. The closest I feel is the Wegner series, in solidity and smoothness. Stainless Police is probably close to the same feel too.

I won't go into sebenza justifications, way many threads already out there.

DaveH

Soloman · Jan 20, 2000

I don't have a Sebenza but considering how much people talk about it I figure I'm qualified to give a review, but I'll make it short. Integral locking system is extremely robust, edge comes scary scary sharp and cuts easily, ergonomics are simple but very comfortable. A very reliable folder. And all this from a non-Sebenza owner- that should tell ya something about this knife's popularity.

Sol

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"If you come to a fork in the road, take it"

Roger Blake · Jan 20, 2000

Yea the "rookies" are nice knives but Spyderco has many models worth collecting.

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Roger Blake

the4th · Jan 21, 2000

Beam,
I don't think that's what he meant.

Lureman,
I don't find anything in the Spyderco lineup that "compares" with the Sebenza. There are some knives in the same size range, but the Sebenza is thicker and of a totally different lock design. I love my Sebenza and my Spydercos.

Hugo · Jan 21, 2000

And it's not just the different lock, higher quality or thicker (is Sebenza even thicker?) and so on... but many of Spyderco blades have totally different shape. So it's also a lot about what kind of blade design you happen to like (or need). Sebenza has only one shape... but a good one. Spyderco has many shapes that the Sebenza could not be compared to. It's not so black and white.

Hugo.

red mag · Jan 21, 2000

Hi Dan!

I don't considermyself a pro, but answering your questions was to tempting.

Have you handled a sebenza? Try it (or better don't try it). The knife opens smooth and locks up solid. The knife say's "You can trust me, I'm reliable!"
I think part of the hype comes from the fact that the design was build as a custom-knife by Chris Reeve himself a few years ago. When the production was switched to "benchmade" the knife took most of it's reputation with it. In fact it started some sort of a new category between customs and factory knives.
It is a high end factory knife and that's where Spyderco stands.
Has Spyderco something that compares? Not at this time. The Sebenza has a monolock which you cannot find at a spydie. The Sebenza cannot be found with the "spyderhole" which is realy a pitty.

Two cliped knives: for me one plain and one serrated.

Greetings
red

Tommi · Jan 21, 2000

Sebenza question has been answered.

About carrying multiple knives:
Three clipped knives for me. One medium/large, one small (= dragonfly) and one hawkbill. I dont't care for serrated edges so I could get around with only one medium/large knife and a hawkbill in my drawer (to get in case of need but that wouldn't be as much fun). Some see that plain - serrated pair is the ticket, for me its plain and hawkbill(preferably plain). Carry what you need and then add one for pleasure.

[This message has been edited by Tommi (edited 01-21-2000).]

FullerH · Jan 21, 2000

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I've held and played with Sebenzas and I own a Military and a StarMate, among other Spydercos. The Sebenza is about 5% to 10% better than the StarMate in feel and solidity, IMNSHO, for 3 times the price. Yes, the lock is theoretically better, but I have never had a problem with the new liner locks on the Military or the StarMate. The G-10 scales on the StarMate are every bit as strong, and, from what I have been able to read, the 440V steel in the StarMate's blade is the better steel. Where the Sebenza appears better is in its fanatical detail, which is superb!

But I have a problem with price fixing, which is what CRK is doing. No dealer may discount his products and continue to sell them. If not a violation of law, I see this as unethical.

Sal, upon consideration, I apologize for putting this in your forum. If you wish me to remove it, I will. I can understand that it might make you uncomfortable, even though it is NOT your opinion here.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller

[This message has been edited by FullerH (edited 01-21-2000).]

Longden · Jan 21, 2000

lureman

What is so great about a Sebenza, and is there nothing from Spyderco that compares?

You already have the blah-blah about the CRK quality and customer service. Spyderco is no slouch there also tho ... and offer variety to boot.

So maybe it's just as valid to ask whether nothing from CRK compares to Spyderco

When you carry two belt-clipped knives what are their purposes?

One Sebenza for show and a Spyderco to use?

[This message has been edited by Longden (edited 01-21-2000).]

Fozzy · Jan 21, 2000

The Sebenza? Just handle one.

Two knives? Serrated Police on my strong side and a serrated Rescue 98 on my weak side when working. (Experimental in body armor pocket.)

Currently BF Native and Ladybug on keyring while chilling!

Ben

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"If you're upside down and burning, you probably went too fast."

thePrince · Jan 21, 2000

2 knives? Hah try 4! Sebenza and Military to cut stuff, a Civilian for mushroom haresting

and a wakizashi for defense against bowies!

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-thePrince

Kkimo · Jan 21, 2000

yep, 4 knives...
A Spydie for work and just about everything else, a Mel Pardue BM on my keychain, a CRKT KISS as a moneyclip (Don't think I'm gonna keep it much longer. Thinking the mouseskinner might be what I'm looking for) and a PECK on the end of my watch fob. (I really like the PECK)

Oh on subject, The Sebenza feels great, but I haven't been able to justify the cost to myself yet. Considering how I use(abuse) my spydies, I don't see alot of crossover use between the two.

I didn't know CRK was artificially keeping the prices up, yes, it is illegal for a manufacturer to dictate price to a distributor, the Big 3 auto makers found that out a few years ago when they tried to force their dealerships to the "one price no haggling" idea.

Dave

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You are where you should be.
You are doing what you should be doing.
Otherwise, you would be somewhere else,
Doing something else.

seen on a T-shirt

[This message has been edited by Kkimo (edited 01-21-2000).]

JoHnYKwSt · Jan 21, 2000

If Spyderco made a knife comparable to a sebenza at 100 dollars, people would stop buying sebenzas!! Spyderco makes AWSOME knives that are a great value, and so does CRK.

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Johnny
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Sal Glesser · Jan 22, 2000

Sounds like a good time to remind Chris & Anne that a Spyderco/Chris Reeve Collaboration could be fun.

sal

Ferret · Jan 22, 2000

Fun?? It'll be dynamite!!

Brian_Turner · Jan 22, 2000

Anybody know the Zulu word for Spyder?

Heyns van der Merwe · Jan 24, 2000

ZULU for Spyder? Probably something like iSpyderi... You can get away with it, anyway!

I guess we'll have to wait for Chris to give us the PROPER Zulu word. I'll be in the Natal region later this week, where I'll find out from the locals what the proper Zulu word is. Maybe we can spur this collaboration on?