Which one: Small Sebenza 21 Insingo or Gen 6 Hinderer XM-18 Slicer

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DC Kestrel

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Jun 3, 2017
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So breaking my "stop acquiring" vow, and am trying to choose between these two. If I went with the Sebenza, it would be with micarta inlays. I've recently come to appreciate more the simplicity and precision of the CRKs, so leaning somewhat towards the Sebenza (which would be somewhat of a grail knife for me), but do like the Hinderer and the Gen 6 changes.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.
 
If you are talking about the 3.5" XM-18, you have a lot of difference between knives. The 3" makes a closer comparison. Also flipper or non flipper. If comparing 3" non flipper to sm. Sebenza it is pretty much a toss up for me-I like both a lot .
Otherwise-do you want a flipper or not, Or a large knife or small.
 
In my opinion, the small 21 and small Inkosi are close to unbeatable in the sub 3” category—especially with micarta.

As above, if you’re comparing a small CRK to a 3.5” XM, let your purpose of use be the guide.

Last bit of advice: If you get the Hinderer, will you still pine for the Sebenza? If so, maybe that’s telling you someting.
 
The 3" XM18 feels better in hand, the small Sebenza cuts better.
If you're a fidget flicker, you'll prefer the XM18.
If you want to customize your knife - you can swap scales, standoffs, and hardware on the XM18
(fewer options with the CRK)

They're both great knives, which is better is a matter of preference.
 
Both are great knives! I think the Hinderer will help if you're a knife fidgeter and if you want the more robust of the two. CRK is gonna be a little more classy, and probably slice a little better. Hinderers are like legos, you can customize them pretty much however you want. Not so much with the CRK.
 
OP here: Yes, it would be the 3" XM-18. Slicer grind because at that length, it's a EDC, not hard-use. After playing with a number of flippers, I do lean more towards a non-flipper for longevity, but I'd like to play with the Tri-Way pivot. I do have a PJ Sebenza 21, and this is one where the lock-up, centering, action, etc. are all spot on. I realize, given how the pivot is designed, how precise the tolerances between the components (washer, pivot sleeve, handles) must be, which is something I can appreciate. With many other knives, it's use a bit of loctite, tighten until you get the action/blade-play combination you like, and let the loctite set. That works fine almost always, but not the same. Still, with bearings, lockbar insert, flipper, etc., one could argue that the XM-18 is much more modern design, with fit & finish approaching (if not the same as) the CRKs, and both are US made, for what that's worth.
 
I can't add much to what's already been said ... both are really nice knives ... but very different knives.

The CRK to me is a bit classier and with their spa service you can bring it back to look like new.

The Hinderer is more beefed up thicker blades ... I prefer the non flipper in a Hinderer personally ... and the Sebenza will be a better slicer unless you thin out the Hinderer and you can come close but it will still be a thicker blade.

For me if it's the small Sebenza you're looking at and the XM-18 3 ... it would be the Sebenza hands down ... if you move to the large and the 3.5 then your uses would be the de iding factor for me.
 
I have owned and carry both Hinderer and CRK. I don't care for how small either knife is but I would lean towards a small 21 over the XM. The Hinderer is a more modern design but that doesn't mean it's better.
 
OK - Sounds like the Small Sebenza 21 Insingo it is! Now just need to wait for my favorite knife pusher to get it in stock, so I can use some points.
 
Both are excellent . If forced, while I really like Hinderer, I think a small Sebenza has better ergomonics.
 
Good choice , I have both but can not offer any advice one way or the other .
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Might I suggest buying either one off the exchange lightly used? Or both even. Keep whichever you like the most. If you don't love the first one sell it and get the other. You probably won't lose more than shipping costs.
 
DC Kestrel said:
OK - Sounds like the Small Sebenza 21 Insingo it is! Now just need to wait for my favorite knife pusher to get it in stock, so I can use some points.
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Both are fantastic knives-you couldn't loose either way you went. Buying in the exchange isn't a bad idea at all. You can sometimes find new to almost new at substantial discount-but that is up to you. Enjoy your new knife.
 
If you’re into flippers, bearings, and finger choils, than a Hinderer might be the right choice (though you can get one without these features.)

Otherwise, the Sebenza will cut better, be a lot easier to disassemble, and is supported by one of the best warranties in the knife industry. The hallow grind will also provide a long life for the blade for many years to come (plus CRK offers the option of blade replacements.)

Good choice on the Insingo blade!
 
DC Kestrel said:
So breaking my "stop acquiring" vow, and am trying to choose between these two. If I went with the Sebenza, it would be with micarta inlays. I've recently come to appreciate more the simplicity and precision of the CRKs, so leaning somewhat towards the Sebenza (which would be somewhat of a grail knife for me), but do like the Hinderer and the Gen 6 changes.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.
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Cannot say I care for the inlays, but, that is a personal call.

I know Rick was against complicating his knife, but so many folk want every doodad they can think of, forgetting what it does to simplicity, strength, and long term parts supply and durability...

So, would be having a tough decision were you talking a simpler 18 of only less than a year ago, but, no competition at all with the Gen 6 latest trick pony stuff and easily say Sebenza.

My opinion is the Insigo blade is weaker than the standard blade at tip, due to top beveling near point, at least, my Inkosi Insigo blade is weaker tipped than my large Sebenza, which rather ruined the point of the sheepsfoot entirely, but, what do I know?....
 
archieblue said:
I really like both but would choose the CRK. I prefer the larger version of either but IMO several different knives can take the place of the 3” XM but theres nothing like a Sm Seb. Anyone who says Hinderers are as well machined/constructed as a CRK doesn’t know what they're looking at.
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I have found both knives quite perfect, but thanks, anyhow. talking perfectly square, near zero run out and perfectly mated parts and layers the Sebenza studiously dodges.

They are different, but that is all they are.
 
All - Thanks for comments. Actually, quite a bit to think about, and I lurk on both exchanges (folding, CRK) to see if the exact knife I want shows up. I picked up my PJ Small Sebenza on eBay for a great price. Given the pristine condition of the finish on the scales and clip, and what certainly looked like the factory edge (slightly convex), I can only guess that the original owner didn't realize that the body screws are on the show side. As a result, the original owner mangled a bit the head of the body pin for the pivot, and apparently decided to sell. I fixed it for $3 (plus shipping). The sellers on the exchanges tend to be a bit more sophisticated, though!
 
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