What's a cheaper Sebenza alternative?

R

RedSox

Joined
Oct 31, 2006
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I'm new to this whole, "being a knife knut" thing, which I am enjoying very much by the way, and I've got a question for you all. I've been reading about knives extensively, and of course, the CRK Sebenza has caught my attention. What I like most is the simplicity; the simple "classic" shape, and also how it has very few parts, yet is very sturdy (from what I hear).

I'm sure that some of you would disagree, but I just don't see how this knife could be worth over $300, and I am not willing to pay that much.

So, what are my second best options? Preferably less than $150. And I like the size of the small sebenza, maybe even smaller.


Thanks!
 
Oh, you're stepping into a hornets nest with some of those questions, but you're a new guy and deserve a break.

Anyways, a sebenza imitator was made by Benchmade and it's called the Bradley Alias. It costs around $150 and looks similar but most agree it does not have the quality fit and finish as does a sebenza.
 
worth is a relative term. its 'worth it' if a market is willing to pay. i have a sebenza and probably would have paid more.

the bradley cutlery alias series is less pricey, but nearly as nice, imo. maybe a little more than you want to spend though, i think around 200.

quality framelocks are expensive because they use titanium scales, normally, and titanium is a very difficult material to work with.
 
I would reccomend the Buck 172, designed by custom maker Tom Mayo. Great design, very good construction, fine materials.

Kershaw offered a limited rum of the Ken Onion designed Leek with a ti framelock and ZDP-189 blade steel. Nicely done if you like the design.
 
And VTech makes a look-alike liner lock, which has served better than other "big" names in quality and reliability - the lock didn't fail. Model 13100, IIRC, New Graham Knives still has it for about $50. Great knife.
 
Benchmade 635 , not half bad . Some of the Buck Mayos are nice .

Chris
 
haha ! noob !!!!!:p :D im just kidding.


but yea, im still not even quite at the point of dropping 4 bills on a sebenza.

im working up there though.
IMO the sebbie just dosent sit right with me. its beautiful but its just too thick and hefty looking to look a gents kinfe to me.


but anyways. the bradley alias II or ZDP leek or buck mayo.


its probabbly really it. unless im forgetting something. or unless somebody can name another production TI framelock
 
Spyderco Volpe! Around the same size as the small Sebbie, but heavier due to the SS handle, but it's got WOOD! :D
Camillus Dominator Bigger and beefier
Buck Mayo (The original) thin
 
I like the Kershaw Bump a lot, if you can handle AO. I think it's much more attractive and ergonomic than the sebenza. Stil a little expensive, about 170ish. I also like the mini skirmish.
 
I'm with Chris and the BM 635 Mini Skirmish. Make sure you can deal with the Spyder hole before you buy this knife. Many prefer a stud or wheel for opening.
 
If you wait till next spring Kershaw should have their ZDP-189 Ti Mini Cyclone sprint run out, and if you’re willing to consider the higher price range I consider William Henry knives http://www.williamhenryknives.com/product/index.html to be a much better value for money (this is coming from a steel junkie), especially considering people usually baby their three hundred dollar knives, and ZDP-189 will give much better performance than CPM S30V when well cared for.
 
ZDP 189 is a much better steel all the way around, I agree. I'm thinking about a WH knife also, but their almost as much as a Sebenza.

I don't know if you are thinking large or small, but one knife that has pretty much kicked my small Sebenza out of the pocket is the new Spyderco Caly 3 in VG 10. Fantastic knife, I like the steel and grind better, and functionally, for me, it's every bit as good. All for (just under) $100 if you shop around on line.
 
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However, do not fail to get a British Racing Green Spyderco Endura 4 with ZDP-189 blade steel coming to a store near you soon.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums! :)

Take your time deciding. Since Chris Reeve came out with the Sebenza, many other knifemakers and manufacturers have followed with titanium framelocks, a few even more expensive than the Sebenza, actually.

My own observation has been that makers like Tom Mayo and Darrell Ralph will cost even more, but provide real value, and the Buck Mayo and small Benchmade Skirmish are probably the class of the less expensive field.

Keep an eye on our Exchange forums here, where overextended knife knuts often part with excellent products at bargain prices.
 
RedSox said:
the CRK Sebenza has caught my attention. What I like most is the simplicity; the simple "classic" shape, and also how it has very few parts, yet is very sturdy

So, what are my second best options? Preferably less than $150. And I like the size of the small sebenza, maybe even smaller.
Click to expand...

What are your proposed uses for the knife? What are you going to cut?
Where would you normally carry it? office, shop, camping, all of the above?
Are there any attributes aside from those you listed that you think you would like?
Do you want a pocket clip on it?
You said you might like something smaller. Do you have a target blade length in mind?

What you cut and in what environment you are going to use the knife could impact what you decide to buy.

Besides, it's fun to think about.:jerkit: :D
 
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