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What should I get 1st a CRK Sebenza or a Strider SNG?
- Thread starter Kutlery King
- Start date
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- Nov 24, 2005
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Is there an echo in here?
Yeah, the XM-18 was only mentioned 3 or 4 times previous to his posts??
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- Mar 15, 2008
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^^Pretty much this.^^
But also as a note, don't misconstrue everyone's remarks about the Strider being tougher as the Sebenza being fragile. Yes the Strider is the tougher of the 2, but the Sebenza isn't by any means going to fall apart on you.
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- Jan 2, 2011
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i've held the sebenza, but there is no store near me with the sng
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- Nov 18, 2005
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Where is "near me"? Maybe someone can help you out. One thing about the SnG. It looks goofy, maybe. I have to say that once I started fiddling around with it, I realized that the ergos are truly excellent. :thumbup:
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- Sep 20, 2008
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Nice line-up So-Lo! :thumbup: I was lookng at them on your vids today, except that stubby little blue runt on the bottom. What is that knife, I've never seen one before? It's like a tactical folder for little people....
That's a Burke Pro Rockstar and they are cool. Good value for the money. Titanium Frame Lock, CPM-154 blade. Clip doubles as a lockbar stabilizer. However, the clip is kinda big and some don't like that.
EDIT: Looks like his has a titanium back spacer as well, but some have a G10.
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Well, I can tell you I've never owned a Strider (and probably never will), but I can say that for me the Sebenza is absolutely perfect in every way conceivable. Perfect f&f, sharp, sexy, tough, frame lock, definitely worth the price. Plus the customer service is second to none :thumbup:
This is my opinion owning only one SNG Double Gunners Grip (sold), a Small Sebenza 21 and an Umnumzaan, and my general impression from video reviews and forum comments.
If you plan to pry with your knife, and you would like new one for free if it breaks, get a SNG. For everything else, get a Sebenza, Umnumzaan, Hinderer.
The SNG is a cooler looking knife and a tough hard use knife, but lacks in utility compared to the others.
Problems with Striders:
1. Blade may or may not be centered. In fact, on the Strider FAQ page, Mick Strider has this long winded explanation about why it is too hard for him to center the blades on all of his knives.
2. 3.5 inch blade, but only 3 inch cutting surface. I do not like it when a mid to large sized knife has the cutting surface of a small knife.
3. Blade play seems to be common. My had blade play. I sent it in. To fix, they put a metal cap on the stud. Blade play was gone, but I thought it was a chintzy solution to the problem.
4. Machine marks, scratches, imperfections on new knives is common.
5. Sebenza's (and especially Hinderers) appear to have better resale value on the forums.
6. My knife had an uneven sharpened edge.
7. Mine had uneven grind lines and it appears to me this is common. The point where the grind begins on the top of the blade was different on each side.
8. I feel like all Striders are about $100 to $150 overpriced. When I paid $400 for my Sebenza and $430 for my Startac Umnumzaan, I felt like I was getting a $400 knife and a $430 knife.
9. G10 is a great material, but IMO, should not be used on a $500 knife. I would also criticize Hinderer for this, although the Hinderer does have a TI liner under the G10.
I will say that most of the items above have little or no effect on the functionality of the knife, but at $400 to $500, a knife should have both great functionality and fit and finish.
People who love their SNG's tend to overlook the fit and finish issues and do not care about things like centered blades, uneven grinds, etc. on a $500 knife.
Here are some of the positives of the SNG DGG:
1. If you break it, they will replace it, even if you "abuse" the knife.
2. My SNG DGG weighed only 3.9 ounces. Very impressive weight to strength ratio. The standard SNG is a bit heavier but still very light for its strength.
3. Very good and hard heat treat on the S30v.
4. Very good ergonomics
5. Opening oval works very well.
6. I love USA made products (Sebenza's are only Idaho Made).
I would recommend a Sebenza or Umnumzaan.
If you do get an SNG, as long as you understand what you are getting, you will should be very happy with it.
Hopefully, you will be able to get both and decide for yourself.
If you plan to pry with your knife, and you would like new one for free if it breaks, get a SNG. For everything else, get a Sebenza, Umnumzaan, Hinderer.
The SNG is a cooler looking knife and a tough hard use knife, but lacks in utility compared to the others.
Problems with Striders:
1. Blade may or may not be centered. In fact, on the Strider FAQ page, Mick Strider has this long winded explanation about why it is too hard for him to center the blades on all of his knives.
2. 3.5 inch blade, but only 3 inch cutting surface. I do not like it when a mid to large sized knife has the cutting surface of a small knife.
3. Blade play seems to be common. My had blade play. I sent it in. To fix, they put a metal cap on the stud. Blade play was gone, but I thought it was a chintzy solution to the problem.
4. Machine marks, scratches, imperfections on new knives is common.
5. Sebenza's (and especially Hinderers) appear to have better resale value on the forums.
6. My knife had an uneven sharpened edge.
7. Mine had uneven grind lines and it appears to me this is common. The point where the grind begins on the top of the blade was different on each side.
8. I feel like all Striders are about $100 to $150 overpriced. When I paid $400 for my Sebenza and $430 for my Startac Umnumzaan, I felt like I was getting a $400 knife and a $430 knife.
9. G10 is a great material, but IMO, should not be used on a $500 knife. I would also criticize Hinderer for this, although the Hinderer does have a TI liner under the G10.
I will say that most of the items above have little or no effect on the functionality of the knife, but at $400 to $500, a knife should have both great functionality and fit and finish.
People who love their SNG's tend to overlook the fit and finish issues and do not care about things like centered blades, uneven grinds, etc. on a $500 knife.
Here are some of the positives of the SNG DGG:
1. If you break it, they will replace it, even if you "abuse" the knife.
2. My SNG DGG weighed only 3.9 ounces. Very impressive weight to strength ratio. The standard SNG is a bit heavier but still very light for its strength.
3. Very good and hard heat treat on the S30v.
4. Very good ergonomics
5. Opening oval works very well.
6. I love USA made products (Sebenza's are only Idaho Made).
I would recommend a Sebenza or Umnumzaan.
If you do get an SNG, as long as you understand what you are getting, you will should be very happy with it.
Hopefully, you will be able to get both and decide for yourself.
Why stop at the large Sebenza and the SnG?
Okay, stop it already. You are the reason why I am broke.
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- Sep 10, 2007
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Since the point of this thread is what knife to get first, with the assumptions of getting both eventually its going to come down to personal preference.
When I was asking myself these same questions a couple of years ago I went with the Sebenza, mostly because it appealed to me more and its really not that hard to find one in decent condition at a good price.
When I was asking myself these same questions a couple of years ago I went with the Sebenza, mostly because it appealed to me more and its really not that hard to find one in decent condition at a good price.
In my opinion, if you get the Sebenza first then you will be disappointed when you get the Strider. If you get the Strider first you will be ok with it and thrilled when you get the Sebenza.
So to minimize emotional trauma, get the Strider first if you are set on owning both. If you are not set on owning both just skip the Strider and get the Sebenza.
So to minimize emotional trauma, get the Strider first if you are set on owning both. If you are not set on owning both just skip the Strider and get the Sebenza.
I was actually going to post the same thing:
The Sebenza will spoil you with the high level of fit and finish.
The Strider cannot possibly stack up to the high expectations you will have after the Sebenza. I will say though, the PT-CC is a sweet, sweet knife that I certainly want to pick up one day... but not in exchange for my Sebenza!!!
I think the used SnG I picked up on the forum is fantastic, with NONE of the issues some other posters have noted. And I got a prett good deal on it, too, IMHO. I will take it ANY day over the Sebbie. I think the "fit and finish" stuff on knives in general is way overrated. Once you really start to use a knife, get ready for the finish part to go to pot. If you really are looking for the ultimate in fit and finish, buy some jewelry, or maybe a William Henry Studios blade.
I realize with my next comment that I'm asking for it, but my Sebbie-like SRM 710 purely and simply doesn't get me anywhere even remotely close to wanting a Sebbie. Other CRK knives I could definitely go for though.
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- Nov 24, 2005
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I have a couple of SRM 710's and you can trust me they're like comparing a go-cart to a Mercedes. Please don't ever get the idea that a SRM is remotely like a Sebenza. Granted the little 710's have a framelock & are okay for opening letters and such, that's what I use them for.
