Used or new?

S

seanuhthin

Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
362
What should I do, buy a sebenza used?... Or new??? I know the better deal would be used, and I would get a lot more for the price, but, what do you think?
Is there anything else I should consider???
 
Your getting a deal either way. CRK are worth every penny as far as I am concerned. I usually buy new, but have gotten many that were second hand, but still new in the box and alot cheaper than new. It just depends on what your looking for. If you just want a plain one, you can get some deals if you just look and are patient, in time the perfect one for you falls right into your lap. As far as what to look for when used, I always check out the edge and the lock-up. I like lock-up about 50%. As for the edge, I just wanna make sure someone did not butcher it while sharpening it. A used one will almost always have scuffs on the clip, so thats normal. Good Luck looking and have fun while doing so. Let us know what you decide ????
 
If it's a user for you, get it used. Ask for detailed description, and good pictures. Like Nyefmaker says, edge and lockup are what I look at too.

The good thing about Chris Reeve, if you buy used, and it turns out as a disappointment (not like it was described by the seller...) you can just send it in for a Spa treatment. It will come back like a new one.:thumbup:

Tom
 
nyefmaker said:
Your getting a deal either way. CRK are worth every penny as far as I am concerned. I usually buy new, but have gotten many that were second hand, but still new in the box and alot cheaper than new. It just depends on what your looking for. If you just want a plain one, you can get some deals if you just look and are patient, in time the perfect one for you falls right into your lap. As far as what to look for when used, I always check out the edge and the lock-up. I like lock-up about 50%. As for the edge, I just wanna make sure someone did not butcher it while sharpening it. A used one will almost always have scuffs on the clip, so thats normal. Good Luck looking and have fun while doing so. Let us know what you decide ????
Click to expand...

Yea I will definitely post when I get one. Im kind of leaning towards new, only because I feel it's only right that I get my first Sebenza from the company itself, plus I don't have to worry about previous owners selling abused knives. The only question I'm asking myself now is if the step up to the large is worth $400. I'm sure the small will be good? Plus, this may sound dumb but $330 is more affordable to me. Opinions???
- Also, I really don't plan on getting any inlays. They are beautiful indeed but this will be my user knife, I understand when people say if you are going to pull the trigger and buy a CRK then you might as well get the best, but really, the inlays to not improve functionality to me, especially not at the price it costs to get them...but still, not putting down any inlay fans, I like them, just don't see myself getting them...;)
 
Even if you get one that has been used hard, CRK will get it back in tip top shape for you. I don't think you could go wrong either way.
 
I've purchased both new and used Sebs,
never had a problems with used ones.

Most used Sebs are well taken care of. "Like new."
Keep your eyes peeled on the forums sales areas,
Large used plain Sebs often pop up in the $325. range.

.. But they don't stay for sale long. ;)
 
I had a small and ended up trading it for a large it's oy about a half inch difference but in my opinion the large is a better all around knife ,Perfect sized folder, I liked my small but it just seemed too dainty lol .... Go for the large and as far as new or used, if ur gonna use it go used becAuse the finish on the slabs tends to mark up very fast
 
I carry a knife based on what it will do for me. I've never found anything reasonabe or even somewhat unreasonable that a small Seb wouldn't do. If I'm hiking, I always take a FB along for larger/heavier chores, so the small is a perfect fit for me for EDC carry and woods/hiking. I actually use my small knife more than the large FB I carry, but I wouldn't want to be w/o the FB.

I've had quite a few Sebs, about evenly divided between large and small. Over the years, I've sold or traded away the large ones because they aren't necessary for me... the small ones just work so well.
 
my thoughts about used purchases revolve around photography and watches/

in those areas, I can get %40 off retail and expect it never has been used

at least look like it has been used

if it is less of a savings I dont usually consider



now with a used knife, I would expect the same. if the savings isnt around 40 percent or more from retail...I would buy new.

but thats just me, and my experiences shopping. anyone ever get 8k off a new truck wthout even asking?...


or .9% financing on a 75k dollar BMW....


its a buyers market
 
Okay, so say I decide I want a large sebenza, but to reduce price, I look for something used. What do people mean by 50% lockup? I would prefer the Sebenza to have out of the box lockup and the only thing reducing it's price is minor wear from carry. Also, I would make sure if they did sharpen it they didn't use the wrong angle and destroy it. Maybe the simpler route would be to just buy new, then what happens to the knife is purely on what I put it through, and I don't have to worry about pre-ownership abuse...
 
Used, eben if the knife is not right, which is unlikely, you can send it back to CRK for $30 or $40 and it will be like new.
 
If you don't care about the virginity factor, and what you want is available in acceptable condition used, might as well buy used.

I think buying someone else's patina on a working knife is a little like buying "distressed" pants, but there's a fine line, I guess.

As others have said, CRK will always refurbish the knife for you, so that's not nearly as much of a concern as it likely would be with some other knives.
 
I think you will stress about stuff if you buy used. You seem pretty unexperienced with knives (no offense) and would probably think stuff may be wrong with a used. Save yourself the stress and get a new guy. You wont regret it:)

I think buying used is for people that really know their stuff. Same with camera glass, bikes, cars etc:)
 
I would buy a new one, just so you will have the peace of mind that no one messed with it and was trying to pawn it off. After reading your responces I think you get a new one. That way, every scratch you put on it will be yours and every scratch will be an experience You had with it.

As for large or small, I like the small and it will do most chores. If you plan to use it outdoors alot, definately go with the large. I edc a large regular and have never thought it was too big. But there is nothing wrong with the small either. Both will do what you want it for.
 
Thanks everyone. This has been really helpful. ...Oh and I knew about the whole refurbish spa treatment thing, but I found it hard to believe that no matter what the damage is, they fix it. I am sure they do it, it's just that you don't really see kind companies like that. (with the exception of bradely cutlery though, yeah I read that...) and yeah I am sure I am going to end up buying new, but it's not for a little while, until I can buy it I am going to watch the exchange, and look for peoples sebenzas and pricing and such, you know, practice looking for what I want and making sure everything about it is good.
 
Last edited:
When you see a good deal one pop up, dont wait on it. Odds are you can get a like new in box one for about $50 cheaper than new if you look for a week or two.
 
Hey sea, ive seen a couple of your posts. I know your a pretty young guy and I think its pretty cool that you have decided on the seb after a lot of thought.

I think you should really do some research o how to take care of your knife. Make sure to look into sharpening and oil youd like for maintainance etc. Good luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top