What is the "Sebenza" of the traditional knife world??

Off the top of my head I can’t think of any “mid tech” traditional knives, but I guess the closest would be the Case Bose knives.

 

Lionsteel's slip joints are pretty darn nice for the price . Round head, shuffler and dom. Collector knives exclusive. IMO a way better value than the case Bose knives.

 

I'd have to say the Case/Bose knives as well.
While the Lionsteel knives check a lot of boxes, they just aren't "traditional-looking" enough (for me) to fit the criteria.

 

The 'problem' with Traditionals is that they generate multiple grails... Pinning one down to a Sebenza style definition (excellent knives they are, no denying) is really near impossible in my book-and I suspect others'

Some CASE/Bose are really excellent, some Lionsteels too, GEC offer remarkable quality although materials and availability may be more questionable. I really can't offer more insight.

Regards, Will

 

traditionals don't pigeonhole well

 

Definitely the Case/Bose collaberations.

 

I think, first, you just define what the sebenza is to you. For many, it's the grail, the most expensive knife they'll ever own. Some hate that it's not a flipper, not tactical, not the latest trendy steel, etc.

For me, it's represents the function over form, necessities only in a steel that will work and be easy to maintain. The handle is carefree, tough and the lock works. Fit and finish is amazing and tolerances are spot on. And it's good looking (if a but spartan) to boot.

By my definition of sebenza, traditionals dont and won't really fit. They fit an entirely different set it criteria and desires. However, if I distill that down to a great steel than works, great fit and finish and will last ages, I have to agrre that the case/bose collabs probably fit the bill the best without getting into hard to obtain territory, while also looking a whole lot better (granted with a less capable of withstanding abuse) handle material There are some, like some of the J E Made, that would probably fit my definition closer, but are not as easy to find generally.

 

Buck 110 from the Custom Shop or an SK Blades or a Copper & Clad SFO?

 

Case medium stockman

 

Why not ALOX SAK's?

 

I know this is going to sound like a joke answer, but hear me out...

Opinel



Reliable/consistent F&F
Great materials (ok, so it's just beechwood and carbon steel, but I can't think of many knives that take a better edge than Opinel's carbon steel)
Under $500? Check!
Readily available/easily obtainable
Ok, I'm not sure what you mean by "versatile" design/look, but like the Sebenza, Opinels have their own distinct, unmistakable and (in my opinion) stylish look.

And, like the Sebenza, it seems like everyone's got one.

 

I'm not a modern knife guy (or a modern guy ), so I don't even know what a Sebenza is, although I've certainly heard the term many times. But after reading what @SVTFreak wrote below, I can certainly support @Signalprick's Alox SAK nomination and/or Barrett's proposal of an Opinel!

- GT

 

While those are white capable, and I have one of those listed, the fit and finish just isn't up to that of my sebenza. That said, I'll also admit that I very very rarely carry the sebenza. Traditionals, many farther from perfection that it is, win out.

I also readily admit that this is only my opinion and how I see it. Which I know very few will probably agree. And that's perfectly OK.

 

What's a sebenza?

 

Probably something made 90 years ago. Way too many great knives made for way to long from way to many countries/traditions to definitively answer. Something from the USA? Finland? Another country?

 

I’ll take a shot at this.

- single blade
- work horse iconic design easily identified
- came out of the mind of a legend of the industry
- expensive but affordable for an everyman if you want and save for it
- high quality with custom touches

My brain sees a Case/Bose or custom maker Lanny’s Clip. I don’t own one but it’s on my to buy list and would be a nice alternative to my Sebenza.

- Greg

 

Make that 25 Opinels.