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What is so special about the sebenza?

Matthewd

Matthewd

Chief Gadget Officer
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
389
It is a beautiful knife, but why is it "the Holy Grail" to so many of you?
 
It's incredibly well-designed and superbly constructed using top-notch materials.

What's yours?
 
Matthewd said:
It is a beautiful knife, but why is it "the Holy Grail" to so many of you?
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In my case, other people's say-so. I bought one, carried it on-and-off for a year or so and - because expectations were so high - was disappointed by it. It's the only high-end folder I ever sold.
There's nothing wrong with it, but considering its price and reputation, it's nothing special either. The Sebenza is a case of the Emperor's new clothes: there's nothing there that can't be had at half the pricepoint, and some mass-produced factory higher-end folders outdo it performance-wise, spec-wise and F&F-wise.
I know this is gonna offend a lot of people but it's my honest, experience-based opinion.
 
philwar said:
.....and some mass-produced factory higher-end folders outdo it performance-wise, spec-wise and F&F-wise..
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Sebenza consistently wins the Blade Show Manufacturing Quality Award year after year. Please name some of these mass-produced factory high-end folders with a better F&F.
 
The only people that don't love Sebenzas are the people that can't afford them. Just my experience, I hope I didn't offend anyone.
 
Thomason said:
Sebenza consistently wins the Blade Show Manufacturing Quality Award year after year. Please name some of these mass-produced factory high-end folders with a better F&F.
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+1

even after heavy use, my sebenzas have kept their integrity better than any other high end folder i own
 
Thomason said:
Please name some of these mass-produced factory high-end folders with a better F&F.
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I'm not going to, it's only going to lead to a debate about how they don't measure up, and no one benefits from that, there will be no winners.
However, it doesn't take a lot of trouble to search for knives with similar specs to the Sebenza on the sites of Spyderco and Benchmade, to name just two. Another good example is a brand well-known for cloning the Sebenza with identical specs at a bit more than half the price. It was handling this folder that opened my eyes to the fact that I had drunk the Kool-Aid. The clone is every bit as good in every way, at a much more reasonable price.
I'm not gonna convince any CRK fan, never gonna happen. My initial response was to the OP, who will be the only one who possibly still has an open mind on this.
I'm outta here. :cool:
 
philwar said:
There's nothing wrong with it, but considering its price and reputation, it's nothing special either. The Sebenza is a case of the Emperor's new clothes: there's nothing there that can't be had at half the pricepoint, and some mass-produced factory higher-end folders outdo it performance-wise, spec-wise and F&F-wise.
I know this is gonna offend a lot of people but it's my honest, experience-based opinion.
Click to expand...

I'd have to agree with philwar.
A decent and well put together knife but over hyped. You gotta respect Reeve's invention of the original Integral Lock.
But for me, after six months or so, no more pocket time for sebenza 21. I'll try it again in couple of years. See if my oppinnion may vary.
 
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philwar said:
I'm not going to, it's only going to lead to a debate about how they don't measure up, and no one benefits from that, there will be no winners.
However, it doesn't take a lot of trouble to search for knives with similar specs to the Sebenza on the sites of Spyderco and Benchmade, to name just two. Another good example is a brand well-known for cloning the Sebenza with identical specs at a bit more than half the price. It was handling this folder that opened my eyes to the fact that I had drunk the Kool-Aid. The clone is every bit as good in every way, at a much more reasonable price.
I'm not gonna convince any CRK fan, never gonna happen. My initial response was to the OP, who will be the only one who possibly still has an open mind on this.
I'm outta here. :cool:
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I disagree. you should say what these knives are. it will give some new knife enthusiasts a good starting point for high end folders (ie. people who want a good folder but dont want a sebenza yet). i promise i will not flame you. i am interested to know about these knives as well.
 
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Yes, please tell us what these knives are. I just cleaned my seb out and put it back together, Lubri plate, and it is zero side play and silky smooth as always. It reminded me of what a great knife it really is. Thats madagascan rosewood
View attachment 229010
 
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TUF said:
The only people that don't love Sebenzas are the people that can't afford them. Just my experience, I hope I didn't offend anyone.
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Well obviously that isn't true because philwar had one and was dissapointed. Not saying that Im in the same boat as him because I do really like mine, I won't disagree with anyone that says they are overhyped though.
 
Philwar is referring to the Bradley Alias I believe. I'm sure its a great clone but it will never knock the Sebenza or the Umnumzaan from my belt.
 
I have never understood why people feel compelled to post a thread on a board that is obviously frequented by fans of a particular maker and ask why their knives are "special".

It's a subjective argument to a large extent. If you don't get it buy a Sage 2 or whatever tickles your pickle.
 
As a person who, just yesterday received their first Sebenza, a large 21 Insingo, which is also my first, non Benchmade, high end folder, I'm very impressed. I never really liked the profile of the Sebenza, but the Insingo, with the swedge, & the stouter point really appealled to me. Personally, I've never held a Spyderco I like for more than a day, only a few Benchmades ever twisted my titties, I've got a Microtech LUDT, but you can't carry autos in my state. I loved my 1st run Rukus, but even it doesn't compare to the fit & finish of my Insingo. If you've got the scratch to try a Sebenza, do it. If you don't like it sell it. You'll get your money back.
 
I realize not everyone likes the Sebenza. Some that have have owned and carried one may not like it. Some may think it is too costly. Some may have carried another knife they are perfectly happy with. All this is cool. No problem. However, before Philwar checked out of this thread, he stated there are mass-produced folders which would out do the Sebenza fit and finish wise. I am curious about these knives.
 
Thomason said:
I realize not everyone likes the Sebenza. Some that have have owned and carried one may not like it. Some may think it is too costly. Some may have carried another knife they are perfectly happy with. All this is cool. No problem. However, before Philwar checked out of this thread, he stated there are mass-produced folders which would out do the Sebenza fit and finish wise. I am curious about these knives.
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+1

what a tease
 
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