Went to buy a Sebenza, almost walked out with a ZT0562?

P

Pendexter

Joined
Aug 20, 2018
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115
I am apparently not as sophisticated re: knives as I thought. This is the second time I've walked into a store to buy a Sebenza and couldn't pull the trigger. It happened yesterday, and also about a year and a half ago when I first started getting into the hobby.

The price was right, it just didn't talk to me. I think I'm going to have to eventually order it online, so that I'm forced to stick with it for a while.

On a whim, I asked to see a ZT0562. I pressed the flipper tab and it was like magic. The blade was out. Didn't even have to think about it.

The only other flipper I've had was a Kizer Gemini, and didn't like it at all. Tab was smaller, detent was a bit heavy, and there were times where I couldn't get it to flip. I was probably pressing on the lock bar. But there were no issues with the ZT0562. Press and go.

The only reason I didn't buy the ZT0562 was that it was the stock S35VN version. For a couple bucks more, I'd rather have a different steel.

And yes, I realize that the Sebenza is S35VN as well. I wish it was M390/20CV or LC200N. Those are my preferred steels. I'm not a fan of s90v or s110v. Haven't tried ZDP189.

My experience with the Gemini turned me off to flippers, and the 0562 turned me back on. So now I don't know what to get.

Why can't I just be like the cool kids and recognize the greatness of the Sebenza?? Make it my one and only and then I could move on with my life...

I guess I'll give it another year and try again.

*************

I'm thinking of getting a flipper, either a nicer one (up to $250) or a cheaper one (under $50).

The ZT0562CF is my top choice right now, but I'm not a fan of the finger grooves. That's one of the reasons I like the 21 more than the Insingo (pivot bushing and thinner stock being the others). Also not a fan of the free spinning pivot.

I don't necessarily want to have more than a couple of knives, I try to sell/trade/give them away when I have more than about 4 or 5.

Right now, its a PM2, 551 Grip, GEC 15, ESSE 3, and Alox Cadet. My dream knife is a Benchmade CF Bugout with LC200N steel. (I don't consider the fixed blade or SAK part of my quota, so I have a little bit of room)

But I really want to try a flipper now that I've had a taste of one that sings me love songs.

I have been reading through the forum at recommendations, and will probably take a drive out to Recon1 this weekend if I have some time.

It's weird, I'm not really into the Hinderer aesthetics, but I really liked that knife...
 
My god, never buy that Sebenza. They’re not magic. Buy what you like, not what others like.

You’re likely never going to find a “one and only”, as no one here really does. But you’re definitely not going to find your one and only by forcing yourself to use a knife you’re not crazy about.
 
Buy what speaks to you. The sebenza does not scream at you or try to impress with ultra fast flipping action or fancy tricks, it's not aimed at couch fidget junkys, it's aimed at people who want to use and appreciate a well made tool and enjoy servicing it in a reliable and repeatable way. If that aspect of a Sebenza doesn't speak to you then there you go, it's not for you (yet). You only really appreciate a CRK after actually using it, getting it dirty, breaking it down, realising the screws don't strip even after 100 breakdowns, seeing it go back to center perfect every time and having one tool do the entire job in less that 5 mins. There's beauty in simplicity, that's what it's going for. But just buy what you enjoy, don't force yourself, your interest might change down the track.
 
flippers wore off for me pretty quick. That said if you want one, you almost picked a great one. i don't think you'll get a better (just flipper performance) one without getting into smaller batch knives, and really jacking that (retail) price tag. ZT is well known specifically for their flippers, and are probably the best mass produced ones out there. i'm sure some would argue that
 
I have looked at Sebenza's more than a few times in person and I just can't bring myself to buy one. They appeal to the knife me, but honestly I think all the positive comments here on BF affect my perception more than actually handling one in person. I think you should buy knives that appeal to you or you want to try out for whatever reason. Life does not begin with a Sebenza.
 
I've owned a few Chris Reeves, I no longer own any.

I did like the Umnum/Umnum Tano a lot and if they weren't so...sterile? I'd likely own a few of them. Jim Skelton on Youtube owns a customized one that I absolutely adore.

With that being said, my wife carries a 0562CF slicer with CTS-204P steel and it's unequivocally her favorite knife. I have gifted her many very expensive knives from various makers throughout the years but that's the one that is in her pocket most often. The action is superb, the fit/finish is tops, and the materials are top of the line, save for the STEEL LINER (which I despise.)

It doesn't surprise me that you were taken by the ZT, they make a product that's hard to beat at the price point.
 
I've tried to love a CRK but I just cant.The deal breaker for me is the blade steel.Ive taken a sebenza and umnumzaan to work so many times and have had the edge dull on me way before the work days over.But, I will say I have tried several times to love them bc the design and construction is in my opinion the best in the industry.
 
As regularly said all over the place here @ BF, buy what you like and not what you suspect others think you should buy.

On another note...... I can’t even imagine a “knife store” where I could physically see and handle the knives you mention. I live in an area (4 small cities and a surrounding suburban sprawl) of ~1 million people. In the entire area, the two most "impressive” (HA!) knife inventories are at one local gun dealer and one local Dicks/Field+Stream. Each has 1 or 2 dozen or so knives which are mostly common, lower-end BMs. The odds of seeing even a BM 940 are nil. The knives don’t move much. They mostly sit there while the colors on the boxes fade as time passes. It’s actually pretty depressing.
 
Pendexter said:
I am apparently not as sophisticated re: knives as I thought. This is the second time I've walked into a store to buy a Sebenza and couldn't pull the trigger. It happened yesterday, and also about a year and a half ago when I first started getting into the hobby.

The price was right, it just didn't talk to me. I think I'm going to have to eventually order it online, so that I'm forced to stick with it for a while.

On a whim, I asked to see a ZT0562. I pressed the flipper tab and it was like magic. The blade was out. Didn't even have to think about it.

The only other flipper I've had was a Kizer Gemini, and didn't like it at all. Tab was smaller, detent was a bit heavy, and there were times where I couldn't get it to flip. I was probably pressing on the lock bar. But there were no issues with the ZT0562. Press and go.

The only reason I didn't buy the ZT0562 was that it was the stock S35VN version. For a couple bucks more, I'd rather have a different steel.

And yes, I realize that the Sebenza is S35VN as well. I wish it was M390/20CV or LC200N. Those are my preferred steels. I'm not a fan of s90v or s110v. Haven't tried ZDP189.

My experience with the Gemini turned me off to flippers, and the 0562 turned me back on. So now I don't know what to get.

Why can't I just be like the cool kids and recognize the greatness of the Sebenza?? Make it my one and only and then I could move on with my life...

I guess I'll give it another year and try again.

*************

I'm thinking of getting a flipper, either a nicer one (up to $250) or a cheaper one (under $50).

The ZT0562CF is my top choice right now, but I'm not a fan of the finger grooves. That's one of the reasons I like the 21 more than the Insingo (pivot bushing and thinner stock being the others). Also not a fan of the free spinning pivot.

I don't necessarily want to have more than a couple of knives, I try to sell/trade/give them away when I have more than about 4 or 5.

Right now, its a PM2, 551 Grip, GEC 15, ESSE 3, and Alox Cadet. My dream knife is a Benchmade CF Bugout with LC200N steel. (I don't consider the fixed blade or SAK part of my quota, so I have a little bit of room)

But I really want to try a flipper now that I've had a taste of one that sings me love songs.

I have been reading through the forum at recommendations, and will probably take a drive out to Recon1 this weekend if I have some time.

It's weird, I'm not really into the Hinderer aesthetics, but I really liked that knife...
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You’re not alone. Many people find they don’t like the slow hydraulic opening the Sebenza is designed to feature. It is a model of knife that has been on the market for many years.

The sebenza was first designed in an era where a rapid flicking action was not seen as a needed feature of a knife.
 
I've got both and while I like the sebenza better I really like the 0562cf. It's one of zt's best models.

You may want to try a light spine whack on a roll of duct tape .. If it disengages then have the vendor exchange it for you with one that doesn't. But otherwise it's great.

I wish it had a detent ramp at the very least and I want to get a regrind on mine for a more slicey blade as it's too thick behind the edge.

The sebenza isn't for everyone. But then again you have to put it to use and I think then you realize how great a user the sebenza really is.
 
Mick_1KRR said:
Buy what speaks to you. The sebenza does not scream at you or try to impress with ultra fast flipping action or fancy tricks, it's not aimed at couch fidget junkys, it's aimed at people who want to use and appreciate a well made tool and enjoy servicing it in a reliable and repeatable way. If that aspect of a Sebenza doesn't speak to you then there you go, it's not for you (yet). You only really appreciate a CRK after actually using it, getting it dirty, breaking it down, realising the screws don't strip even after 100 breakdowns, seeing it go back to center perfect every time and having one tool do the entire job in less that 5 mins. There's beauty in simplicity, that's what it's going for. But just buy what you enjoy, don't force yourself, your interest might change down the track.
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I completely agree with this post:thumbsup: And I have to admit that the main reason I purchased my first CRK was because of all the hype, videos and forum discussions. And when I got it I was like “yeah it’s pretty nice.” But I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be. But...after I started carrying it and using it I really learned to appreciate it’s strengths and realized what all the buzz is about. I currently own 5 now with more to come:) So I agree that I’ll never really find my one and only. But I think that’s what makes this hobby so great! As mentioned just buy what you want/like. That may change over time but in the end it is for YOU. So if a flipper is what is speaking to you right now GO FOR IT!!
 
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Ya if you dont love it...dont buy it
There's always next month ;)

I own a ZT0562cf m390 and it's a great blade. One of my favorite ZTs, flips great, good ergos, great slicer.
I also own a CRK zaan and it's also a great blade.
Feels solid and pure quality in hand.

Both high in my rotation...some days you want a flipper and others a thumb stud.. so have options
 
Pendexter said:
I am apparently not as sophisticated re: knives as I thought. This is the second time I've walked into a store to buy a Sebenza and couldn't pull the trigger. It happened yesterday, and also about a year and a half ago when I first started getting into the hobby.

The price was right, it just didn't talk to me. I think I'm going to have to eventually order it online, so that I'm forced to stick with it for a while.

On a whim, I asked to see a ZT0562. I pressed the flipper tab and it was like magic. The blade was out. Didn't even have to think about it.

The only other flipper I've had was a Kizer Gemini, and didn't like it at all. Tab was smaller, detent was a bit heavy, and there were times where I couldn't get it to flip. I was probably pressing on the lock bar. But there were no issues with the ZT0562. Press and go.

The only reason I didn't buy the ZT0562 was that it was the stock S35VN version. For a couple bucks more, I'd rather have a different steel.

And yes, I realize that the Sebenza is S35VN as well. I wish it was M390/20CV or LC200N. Those are my preferred steels. I'm not a fan of s90v or s110v. Haven't tried ZDP189.

My experience with the Gemini turned me off to flippers, and the 0562 turned me back on. So now I don't know what to get.

Why can't I just be like the cool kids and recognize the greatness of the Sebenza?? Make it my one and only and then I could move on with my life...

I guess I'll give it another year and try again.

*************

I’m a little confused, since when does owning a CRK make you sophisticated????
No one ever mentioned that to me:eek:, I guess I have to go to sophistication school now:p...........You know, a CRK is not for everyone, you might be one of those everyone. That’s all, and if that’s the case, don’t be sad because you won’t be one of the cool kids that have a CRK. There’s a lot of other cool kids with different knives that you’d be right at home with ;)
If it doesn’t appeal to you,don’t buy it. With all the other choices available, there’s one that will speak to you. Please don’t miss out on some great knives just because you don’t think the steel is up to par. Truth be known, if you’re going to use your knife, it’s going to get dull regardless of the steel.
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While I certainly would have chosen the Sebenza(like them), you should pick what you like not what I like. There is a reason knife shops carry multiple brands and models as well as price ranges-different tastes, requirements and uses.
Hope you enjoy your knife. That's what it is all about.
 
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I have both the Sebenza and the Zt0562 with a custom titanium scale with battle torn flag engraving. Love both and carry both often can’t go wrong with that ZT model.
 
I think that I'm going to make it a tradition to go to a store and try a sebenza every year. But as mentioned, I probably won't appreciate it until I use it as my only knife for a while. That's why I'll probably buy on the exchange one day. I'll just put off selling it and then I'll actually have a chance to use it and figure out what all the fuss is about.

In the mean time, I really feel the urge to buy a knife :) I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that sentiment.

Maybe a long lunch to drive to the knife store tomorrow. I'll probably buy something by the end of the week. I'll give the spine a whack as I have seen the thread on zt lock closures. But I use a slip joint half the time so it's not really a big deal for me.

I am starting to admit to myself that as useful as knives are, I like it when they are fun to use. Every knife cuts... Ergos, cutting ability, steel are all secondary to fun factor for me in this phase of the knife hobby... I know that it's probably not cool to admit that, but there it is.

I'll live longer but be poorer due to eating more fruits and vegetables just from the joy of cutting stuff with a fun knife. My wife had been pleasantly surprised at the amount of vegetables I use when I cook. I always make it a point to remind her that if I didn't like knives, I would defiantly not be eating as many fruits and vegetables. Knives are cheaper than health problems, and the more knives I buy, the healthier our family will be. I buy knives out of love for my family :)
 
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