What would take more of a beating, Benchmade Anthem, or Sebenza with a wood inlay?

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lumberjack_jack

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May 6, 2015
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Looking to buy something expensive for everyday use, I love the Axis lock, and look of the anthem, I also really like the look of the bog oak Sebenza, but probably not so much the frame lock. I haven't handled either and don't think i could prior to ownership, but do have a dealer who sells both and could inspect the Benchmade for basic QC before shipping it. The Sebenza in question would be a 31, and I'm not as fond of the Inkosi even though I know thats supposed to be the tougher choice.
What would you all go with if you wanted to spend some money on something nice, but tough? I won't be totally stupid with it, but not looking to baby it.
 
I have no knowledge on the sebenza but I do have an anthem. I carry it everyday and love it. I know people give benchmade a hard time these days about QC but if you can inspect it before purchasing then an anthem is great. I do feel it is a little overpriced at full retail price. I have always heard good things about sebenza’s but have never tried one. If you like the axis lock then I think the anthem might be for you.
 
I’d go Sebenza because I carry a Large Micarta 21 (along with others) every day and man this thing can take a pounding and just keeps begging for more. They’re expensive and beautiful, all that stuff. But these things are built for work.

Nothing against the Anthem. It’s a fine knife and I’ve had my eye on one for a little while now. I’m just not much of an axis lock kinda guy (I do like the two I have, I just prefer a back lock or frame lock).
 
Not to confuse you or add more stuff but I’ve had a hinderer XM-18 3.5 in the past and it is definitely a hard use knife. I haven’t seen the newer ones but the older one I had was solid and robust. To add more on the anthem I wouldn’t use mine as a hard use knife. I think it’s capable but to me it’s more of a medium duty show knife.
 
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Ranger522vx said:
Not to confuse you or add more stuff but I’ve had a hinderer XM-18 3.5 in the past and it is definitely a hard use knife. I haven’t seen the newer ones but the older one I had was solid and robust. To add more on the anthem I wouldn’t use mine as a hard use knife. I think it’s capable but to me it’s more of a medium duty show knife.
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Just had a look online - that hinderer is looks pretty awesome
 
I have only owned the Sebenza and it is a great EDC. Not sure where you were going with the beating part of the title, but though relatively sturdy the wood is not going to be the most resistant to damage. I suggest the micarta inlay as a better choice.
Hinderer not a bad choice if it appeals to your eye.
 
I've got at least a dozen Benchmade's, and do like them. I've only got 3 CRK's and I would definitely choose the Sebenza if you want a knife that will never let you down! Or, to muddy the waters... Umnumzaan!
 
Ranger522vx said:
Anthem doesn’t have the omega springs. It has a different spring and plunger type design that makes the axis lock in my opinion very reliable. I’ve never had an omega spring break on my others but I have heard of it happening.
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Interesting. I wonder if any other BM’s have (or will have) this new type of AXIS lock.
 
Wolverine666 said:
The AXIS lock , although I like it , always seemed somewhat delicate to me with it’s thin omega springs. In this comparison , I’d choose the Sebenza.
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Ranger522vx said:
Anthem doesn’t have the omega springs. It has a different spring and plunger type design that makes the axis lock in my opinion very reliable. I’ve never had an omega spring break on my others but I have heard of it happening.
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I have an Adamas and like it but I have had a failure of an Omega spring and BM's excellent CS took care of it for me - for which I am appreciative.
The Axis lock may be an engineering marvel but I just don't think it's as reliable as a framelock. Between only your two choices, I would go with a CRK framelock. For a beater/user tough duty knife where lock strength is a criteria, the Cold Steel Triad lock gets my vote. For what it's worth, I do like my Adamas and BM's CS but ...
 
I have an Anthem and an Inkosi (I know those don't interest you but it's my comparison that I have)... no Sebenza, but similar. The Inkosi is for sure tougher... not to say the Anthem isn't tough... I think it is plenty stout for an EDC. The actions are on almost opposite ends of the spectrum... the anthem is probably one of the fastest and "freest" feeling actions that I have ever had/tried. The Inkosi is very smooth... but the "hydrolic" smooth where there is always some resistance. Anthem is on bearings and Inkosi is on washers.

Both lock up extremely solid - 0 blade play, borderline feeling like a fixed blade.

The axis lock on the anthem is the pinnacle of axis locks... you won't get a better version of the axis lock. It uses a coil spring and has a fantastic feel.

Blade shapes are very similar IMO.

I really, really like both knives... I don't think you can go wrong with either really - If you can QC and make sure you get a good anthem, they are phenomenal, and it is one of, if not my favorite folder I have. The Inkosi is masterfully put together and is very satisfying from a different standpoint.

CRK won't be fidgety or fulfill that itch if you ever get it... it's a different "experience" that you enjoy with a CRK. The Anthem is fast, "cool", and a great EDC IMO

If I could only pick one... I would choose my Anthem I think for what it's worth.
 
Anthem wins on fidget factor. I think the Sebenza is a more refined knife for cutting chores (better grind).

Any given day I might be carrying either but if I could only have one it would be the Sebenza. Sebenza is also a better cutter than any Hinderer I’ve owned although if you want to pry stuff the Hinderer would be a better choice. If you want a nice Sebenza without worrying about inlays you could check out the various options with milled decoration. I’d also look at Shiros and see if any speak to you.
 
Thanks for all the input. As for some of the other suggestions, I'm in Canada and we dont do very many assisted or flippers here so that may remove some of the other suggestions for me at least. Im also partial to USA made blades. I really wish i could feel a CRK just to see (before it actually goes on my card).
I have been going back and forth on these 2 for a while....
 
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