What comes close?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
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This is definitely not meant to be a trolling post, and I posted this over here to avoid the kind of posts seen over in the general forum, i.e., "I haven't handled a Sebenza, but I think it sux" :rolleyes:

At any rate, here's the question - What comes close to the Sebenza? I'm interested in hearing the opinion of what knives compete with the large and small Sebenza, and where they fall short.

Me personally, I haven't owned the Sebenza long enough, nor have I used enough of the other knives. So I'll decline to add misinformation on this thread and instead solicit the opinions of the more informed members here :)

Matthew
 
Starfish
Good question.
My answer: CRK have some of the tightest tollerances in the busn.
And they stay that way after daily abuse and use.
Bg 42 is a great steel and CRK does a top notch job on them.
They hold an incredible edge and have outstanding lock duribility.
And not to mention they can be pretty damn good looking if you buy the right one.(computer gen graphics)It all comes down to what you want out of it.If you carry one -EDC it will be hard to get another brand or wanabee brand in yoor pocket after that.
 
I have handled many knives by Spyderco, Emerson, Benchmade, CRKT, Buck, Kershaw, Gerber, Schrade, Frost, Swiss Army, Leatherman, Smith and Wesson, and Camillus and they don't even come close.
 
IMHO to get something as good or better than the Sebenza, you'll need to get in contact with one of the better custom makers.
 
That's a tough question. There are folders that come close peformance wise, and some that even exceed it. There are some that have locks that are arguably as good. There are some that have better ergonomics. There are some with tougher blades steels more suited to hard use, and others with more wear resistant steels that hold an edge longer. There are a few I've seen that have remarkable fit/finish that almost compares (I'm only talking MT in this instance).

What there does not seem to be is a knife that can compete with the Sebenza on all of these levels. There just isn't one that I know of. That's why the Sebenza is "the best", IMO. Not because it is the best for every individual person, or every individual task, but because it is the best overall.
 
I am no one to pass judgement , however you should not bad mouth Crk knives until you have had one in your hand and had a chance to examine one.The only other brand i have anty experience with is spyderco, and i can tell you there is no comparison between the two.
 
IMO you have to go to a custom to get an equal.

For QC, no production company has them beat or even close.

If you are looking for a more durable production knife (in the same size catagory), good luck.

In my experience the only thing that comes close is my TNT and it is both better and not as good for different reasons.

Some people drive a Lexus and some drive a Hyundai, sure you can buy 5 Hyundai's for the price of a Lexus but that argument is only being made by the people driving the Hyundai. The people driving the Lexus just drive and smile ;)
 
Originally posted by CUTIGER 3
IMHO to get something as good or better than the Sebenza, you'll need to get in contact with one of the better custom makers.
Click to expand...

I have to agree.
 
Hermie........... Same question Toolin asked, who you talking about ??

OwenM.....You sure did sum it up well for an ole country boy.!! :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I have quiet a few knives and a lot of Benchmades. While I still like most of them and especially the Benchmades, ever since I got my first Sebenze it is the only folder I have carried for the most part.

There is just something about these knives, Owen probably did sum it up the best.....:) I am seriously thinking about doing a modified version of what Owen did...... having a big sale....:p

Do not get me wrong now. I have had none of the problems w/ BM that a bunch of people post about,even my 750 was perfect; but the Sebbie just has a feel to it that is unique......:eek: :) ;)

I blame my Sebbie addiction on two people..... John Puckett, who was the first forumite I met; told me about them. OwenM, the second forumite I met when I bought a BM from him; showed me his Sebenza and let me handle it. This was when I was "infected". It took about six weeks and I came down w/ a full blown case of 'sebenzaitis'. It has been all but uncontrollable since then.........;)

Benchmade......... Excellent
Sebenza.......... Ultimate

IMHO,
 
Is VERY close IMO. Both are great knives. Can't go wrong either way. The large SOCOM is almost too big, but when I want a large SHARP blade, that's the knife I reach for. The Sebenza looks less intimidating for sure. Also solid as a rock.

I don't care for small knives unless it's a "gents" knife. I would pic a William Henry then.
 
Spyderco (large) Calypso. Not same level of attention to detail but sharp, well thought design (ergonomics, good carryability, pointy tip, edge geometry), reliable back lock and it looks good. Not comparaple to sebenza in heavy duty but excels in light to medium duty cutting tasks esp. in tasks where hollow grind is undesired feature. My fav knife after sebenza.
 
Originally posted by cpirtle


In my experience the only thing that comes close is my TNT and it is both better and not as good for different reasons.

Hey, cpirtle, care to compare/contrast the 2, please?

Only handled a few TNT's in my day.
I must say that I like the looks of the Sebenza better, its thumb stud is easier to open than the TNT's oval hole, and it's less expensive.
However, I'm open to all opinions.
Thanks,
Lenny
Click to expand...
 
Hermie spake thus:
I am no one to pass judgement , however you should not bad mouth Crk knives until you have had one in your hand and had a chance to examine one.The only other brand i have anty experience with is spyderco, and i can tell you there is no comparison between the two.
Click to expand...

Hermie, I'm not badmouthing CRK knives, as others here have pointed out. I do indeed own one (small Classic) as well as owned another in the past (large regular). My statement up there above ("I haven't handled a Sebenza, but I think it sux :rolleyes: ) was given as an example of the kind of posts that are displayed in the general forum whenever these inevitable "What's the best folder I can buy" threads come up. I agree, you probably shouldn't badmouth any knife until you've handled one...

These were good responses all! As I said, I have very limited experience with different knives (I own 2 spydies and a small Classic), and so I sometimes get to wondering if I could have bought something a bit less expensive and still had a knife that was as good as the Sebenza. I'll even admit to entertaining thoughts of selling mine and getting something a little less expensive, and buying some other gadgets with the leftovers. That doesn't last very long though, I'm glad to say :)

Thanks all!

Matthew
 
The picture of my Mayo is for reference purposes.

I'll try to compare as much as I can...

The mayo's handles are more ergonomic and have a more durable finish, the holes add to the grippy feel. The Sebenza's rougher bead blast offers a more grippy surface and it's strong angles lend to the gripping ability.

The steel in the TNT is rust-proof, takes a decent edge and holds it a long time. The BG-42 in my Sebenza's take a better edge, hold it almost as long but are not as rust proof.

Both have rock solid lock-up but the lock bar itself is thicker on the Sebenza and engages the tang tighter.

The oval opening hole on the TNT is great with gloves on and is easier to find in a tense situation, it is also snag proof. But for a smooth opening arc the thumb stud is better.

TNT is Tip Down, Sebenza is Tip Up. I like both styles for different reasons but I prefer Tip Up if forced to choose.

TNT is more menacing looking than a Sebenza (at least mine is :)) this is good and bad. Non-knife people just think my Sebenza is a knife, pull out the Mayo around the same people and they always ask for more info about it.

I won't get into blade geometry because TNT's can be had in so many configurations, and my TNT is not even close in blade style as you will notice...

Given that variety is the spice of life I like the fact that I can get a recurve TNT (my next purchase probably), a hawkbill, a clip point, and a Skinner to name a few. Aks Tom and he'll shoot the holes in any way you want.

So when I said they were both better for different reasons I wasn't lying. I think if you love the Sebenza like I do, you'll love the Mayo as well.

I can say without much reservation that Tom Mayo's knives ar the Sebenza's of the custom world in the sub $600 price range. His fit and finish are very hard to beat at any price from what I've seen.
 
Hey, thanks cpirtle.
I really like that blade shape too.
Lenny
 
Also with a TnT, you can choose to get a thumb stud if you want, and you can also choose to get one without holes in the handle.

Jeff
 
I have been fortunate enough to own a few CRK knives as well as some great knives from custom makers...Kit Carson, Joel Chamblin, Frank Centofante, etc. I have bought & sold many of these knives here in these forums...I still cannot find a better daily carry than a CRK umfaan or small sebbie.

We all have different needs. I wear a suit to work everyday, and almost everything I use my knife for is dry & somewhat clean (i.e. I am not military nor am I putting my knives to really rough use). I just have not been able to find a production or custom folder that performs as well as my umfaan or small sebbie for these "office" needs. What's more, no one has mentioned yet that the CRK knives come with incredible service. I had my '98 umfaan serviced...it took 2 weeks and came back lookin' brand new & hair poppin' sharp for a modest fee.

For a tactical type folder I do not think that you can do better than a CRK (at least for my modified -light duty needs). That said, when I am looking for something a bit dressier or more traditional with CRK quality I carry knives by Dave Broadwell & Gene Shadley. But for tactical type folder - its CRK.
 
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