What kind of folder do you carry?

adluginb said:
Recent post I saw has me wondering. Do any CPK’ers have a Spartan Harsey folder and CRK lrg 31, Zaan, or Inkosi?

Quality of each compared to each other, toughness?
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That’s a fine question and I’ve often wondered how they size up, as well. 👍🏼 I currently own two 31s but have only had Spartan fixed blades…
 
adluginb said:
Recent post I saw has me wondering. Do any CPK’ers have a Spartan Harsey folder and CRK lrg 31, Zaan, or Inkosi?

Quality of each compared to each other, toughness?

ETA: let me explain. My large 31 fells like a solidly made knife and it’s the right size. Not too thick, just the right “thickness”.
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I have a few Large 21s and few Spartan SHF and a couple Zaans and Large Inkosis. The CRK are more refined fit & finish than the SHFs are and they are better cutters. The SHFs edges aren't as smoothly done as the CRKs and the SHFs are slightly bulkier and heavier also.

That being said I don't have any real issues with the SHF knives I have they just don't get near as much pocket time as my CRKs do. I have used a PJ CRK large 21 pretty extensively for close to 10 years and I am sure the CRK will handle anything the SHF will.

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adluginb said:
Recent post I saw has me wondering. Do any CPK’ers have a Spartan Harsey folder and CRK lrg 31, Zaan, or Inkosi?

Quality of each compared to each other, toughness ?

ETA: let me explain. My large 31 fells like a solidly made knife and it’s the right size. Not too thick, just the right “thickness”.
Click to expand...

I have a couple 31’s and a couple large SHF’s. The large Harsey’s are chunks! I threw a Shiro Stellar in the middle just cuz

The Harsey’s are big Ol slabs of Ti and big thick blade. Much larger and heavier than the large 31’s. I like the Harseys, fit my hand well and such beautiful engraving detail. Thick blade that is not ground to slice well, just beefy. Plenty of jimping on them all over too.

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I have both, can try and get some comparison shots.

Be fore warned - you are unknowingly treading into controversial territory here… haha.. there are some very strong opinions on this subject. Maybe they aren’t as strong now as they used to be to be..

Those who have been around a long time will remember an era where “everyone else” was trying to make a knife as good as the Sebenza, especially at a lower price point. Benchmade took several stabs at it as well as a number of lesser known names, small shops and custom makers. I tried most if not all and no one quite got the magic.

Then the ground rules changed a bit and advances in the craft largely moved past the carbidized titanium lock face and 50%+ lock engagement. Most started chasing that model in search of the perfect frame lock… hardened lock bar and early engagement.

Chris Reeve will always be the inventor of the titanium frame lock but most of what is being done today is more of a tribute to his lock, even what CRK is making today with the ceramic ball interface. Spyderco’s RIL uses a lock bar insert with the geometry of the original lock.

The Spartan Harsey is the closest knife I can think of being made today, or any time, that stands up with the classic Sebenza. It’s a carbidized titanium lock bar that engages at 50-60%. At least in the ones I’ve seen they do not over engage with hard cutting, which the OCD in me appreciates.

I hand picked mine at Blade Show from about 12 he pulled out for me, but I would have been happy with any of them. I think if you like the design, appreciate Harsey or just want another alternative you can’t go wrong! From what I understand Chris Reeve also contributed and gave his blessing for the knife, which usually has not been the case with most Sebenza-esque knives.
 
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cpirtle said:
I have both, can try and get some comparison shots.

Be fore warned - you are unknowingly treading into controversial territory here… haha.. there are some very strong opinions on this subject. Maybe they aren’t as strong now as they used to be to be..

Those who have been around a long time will remember an era where “everyone else” was trying to make a knife as good as the Sebenza, especially at a lower price point. Benchmade took several stabs at it as well as a number of lesser known names, small shops and custom makers. I tried most if not all and no one quite got the magic.

Then the ground rules changed a bit and advances in the craft largely moved past the carbidized titanium lock face and 50%+ lock engagement. Most started chasing that model in search of the perfect frame lock… hardened lock bar and early engagement.

Chris Reeves will always be the inventor of the titanium frame lock but most of what is being done today is more of a tribute to his lock, even what CRK is making today with the ceramic ball interface. Spyderco’s RIL uses a lock bar insert with the geometry of the original lock.

The Spartan Harsey is the closest knife I can think of being made today, or any time, that stands up with the classic Sebenza. It’s a carbidized titanium lock bar that engages at 50-60%. At least in the ones I’ve seen they do not over engage with hard cutting, which the OCD in me appreciates.

I hand picked mine at Blade Show from about 12 he pulled out for me, but I would have been happy with any of them. I think if you like the design, appreciate Harsey or just want another alternative you can’t go wrong! From what I understand Chris Reeves also contributed and gave his blessing for the knife, which usually has not been the case with most Sebenza-esque knives.
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Helluva history post right there!!! 🤩


Love it!!!
 
Thanks guys! All 3 of those reviews were exactly the info I was looking for.

I’ve got a wild hair of trying to narrow down the “1” folding knife I would be happy with. A forever folder.

I’ve got over 50 folding blades and I think of the time I waste just trying to decide what knife to carry daily… ;)

Don’t get me started on my fixed blade collection.
 
adluginb said:
Thanks guys! All 3 of those reviews were exactly the info I was looking for.

I’ve got a wild hair of trying to narrow down the “1” folding knife I would be happy with. A forever folder.

I’ve got over 50 folding blades and I think of the time I waste just trying to decide what knife to carry daily… ;)

Don’t get me started on my fixed blade collection.
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In the general forum there is a Spartan Harsey thread where there are very strong opinions about them (Pro and Con). The CRK’s get compared a lot. Plenty of bashing and BSing lol you can check out for more specific info to your question. We all know that the CPK forum is the best though 😜
 
If I could only carry one folder it may very well be the CRK Umnumzaan. Mine is well broken in and feels as smooth as glass when opening with absolutely zero blade play. That being said I have been reaching for my large 31 ALOT lately. There’s just something about the simplicity and refinement that I really appreciate. The Zaan definitely feels more stout than the 31 with a little thicker blade stock and the dual thumb studs that also act as stops.

From what I’ve seen the Zaan seems to be somewhat polarizing. A lot of people complain about the lock bar tab that sticks out being a hot spot but it doesn’t bother me at all. You can tell it’s meant to be an overbuilt tool but it still cuts very well and carry’s nicely in the pocket. I highly recommend you try one out if you can get your hands on one!
 
Personally, while I've always liked the look of the graphics and general features of the SH, I could never get used to what appears to be less than stellar blade / edge grinds at the plunge line. (Could probably use a small sharpening choil.) It's a small thing, but it was a nit that bugged me every time I'd look at one that I really liked otherwise. It just seems a bit amateurish to me and has kept me from jumping on one.
 
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