Which CRK to get?

mrdabble

mrdabble

Joined
Jan 23, 2014
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I plan on grabbing another Seb on Friday, but I'm having a tough time deciding.

The two closest contenders are:

1: Micarta Sebenza 25
2: Small Micarta Sebenza 21 tanto

And the runner up would be a small CF scaled version, probably regular blade shape since I have a large insingo one already.

Anyway from what I've read the pivot on the 25 is slightly more complicated and requires the use of loctite per manufacturers instructions....I've more recently become savvy with breaking down a Seb for cleaning and the pivot system on the 21 is a dream....

Anyway any horror stories about the 25 pivot or is slightly more work all I'm getting into?

Adjusting pivots it's not my favorite thing to do, I like that the 21 has the sweet spot laid out for you already, but I have six 21's already.... So it's down to a new model or new blade shape (I own no tanto's as of now)

Side note, I work in construction so the tanto would definitely work out well but I also hear that the 25 is slightly harder and will hold an edge a bit longer?

I'll be buying it either tomorrow or Friday, well today or tomorrow I guess now, any and all input is appreciated folks!
 
I've got a small micarta 21 regular and a large micarta 21 Insingo already... It's pretty much down to those two
 
I don't own a tanto, but if the style suits your needs, go for the tanto. They are pretty tough looking. I do have the 25 micarta, I EDC the plain 25 and have been using it for work ( construction also). It does hold a edge a little better than my 21 depending on how hard it is used for the day. I've learned that regardless of what others say or think, in real world work, there is no steel that will withstand a hard days work and keep a edge. Ever cut fiberglass, it kills an edge. Instead, I focus on ease of putting the edge back with minimal effort. That's why I love the CRK's
You have to pay attention when taking a 25 apart and re assemble. One of the washers has a tab that fits into a slot on the slab. The stop pin on one of my 25's will rotate out of place if I'm not paying attention. That will cause the blade not to open if you don't catch it before assembly. I've heard some say it has rolled when tightening the stop pin down. I have not experienced that yet. You can over tighten the pivot screws to the point of the blade not opening, done that. I carry my 25 in a pocket sheath, so I have not experienced the pivot screw loosening as others have. I try to stay away from the Loctite, just because.
I really enjoy the 25.
 
Go for the small Tanto.
From what i read you biased towards the tanto and I find the small Sebenza very user friendly and easy to carry.
So it's getting hot out there so you might prefer a light tool, as I assume this is an add-on to your daily tools.
hope this helps.
red mag

PS: In fall you can still get that 25. ;)
 
@red mag you've really given me a good push toward the tanto! Which I don't mind.

@ajack60 do you enjoy it much more than the 21? Disassembly aside, I hear the ergonomics on the 25 is the largest improvement over the 21, as well as subtle improvements in cutting ability due to the new high hollow grind.
 
mrdabble said:
I hear the ergonomics on the 25 is the largest improvement over the 21, as well as subtle improvements in cutting ability due to the new high hollow grind.
Click to expand...

I have never heard or read anyone complain about the ergos of a 21. Its a long standing and very refined design that is popular for a reason. It is not annoying to use or hold. The 21 had a 'nice neutral handle' as one forum member put it. The 'ergos' of the 25 certainly add visual interest (it looks more ergononmic, and stylish) but I would argue they are not 'improved' per se. The finger choils on the 25 might add purchase on the handle where it greasy, but in general they limit your hand to one position, and are in the way in any other. I like (love) my 25 a lot for many reasons, but would never state it has improved ergonomics. I would say the 25 looks super cool, which is worth something as well. Also the choils on the 25 give you something to think about if you are playing with your knife, so you might argue the 25 is more interesting to hold. But it doesn't 'melt into your hand' like say a spyderco, at least in my experience.
 
kidcongo said:
But it doesn't 'melt into your hand' like say a spyderco, at least in my experience.
Click to expand...

I agree. My hand felt kind of limited on the 25 and felt like I could choke up better on the 21. The 25 jimping almost felt too much with prolonged, heavy cutting.
 
So there isn't any significant improvements over the 21 then? Other than the different grind where contrast in cutting I imagine will be subtle at best?
 
Just buy both, see which one you prefer then sell the one you like less. But most likely you'll keep them both :D
 
What everyone is saying I agree with, do I prefer the 25 over the 21, they both have qualities that make them unique and equal. I cannot honestly answer that, love them both, difference being, the 25 is the newest style sebenza and I enjoy everything about it, even the occasional hot spot from the clip. I really like the finger grooves, it works for me. The blade has a little more thump to it when it opens and that makes me tingly all over.
I don't feel there is any functional difference between the two, they're still sebenza's
 
@mrdabble: don't let the man hear this. There are significany differences between the 21 and the 25.
Think of that ceramic ball that act's as the interface between the lockbar and the blade or the new pivot.
Just got to the CRK homepage and find out about the differences.

Yesterday I compared the handle of the 5.5 GB with the 25 and found some similarities.
The 25 is definitely a large folder and that's probably one of the reasons for the new handle design.
red mag
 
Thanks fellas. I have a $500 dollar limit on daily spending from my bank thanks to my spectacular credit! So I placed the order for the 25 yesterday with a partial payment and I'll be paying off the rest this afternoon. With a little luck, the FedEx fairies will have it to me by Tuesday! I greatly appreciate all the input. I will eventually get both, but between the extra effort in payment and not knowing precisely what to expect, who knows when I eventually would have gotten myself the 25. So once again, I thank you all! Enjoy the weekend!
 
Congrats. You will love it.
have a great weekend!
red mag

PS: I'm glad I don't have to wait. ;)
 
I personally disliked the 25... sold it as soon as I got my hands on it (just about)...

The 21 (sm or LG)... are just so much "better" for myself, (as this is all subjective).. I didn't like how the 25 felt, it honestly felt nothing like a 21.. IMO..

Im sticking with 21's.. and might just need to try out an mnandi soon, also I stay away from tanto blades because I couldn't see any utility to be gained from it, or at least for my needs...
 
sgt244 said:
I personally disliked the 25... sold it as soon as I got my hands on it (just about)...

The 21 (sm or LG)... are just so much "better" for myself, (as this is all subjective).. I didn't like how the 25 felt, it honestly felt nothing like a 21.. IMO..

Im sticking with 21's.. and might just need to try out an mnandi soon, also I stay away from tanto blades because I couldn't see any utility to be gained from it, or at least for my needs...
Click to expand...

What made you sell it right away?
 
Just want to drop a quick thanks to all on the input. I just received my 25 today and I freakin love it. Everything about it. Thanks again
 
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