Why Buy a CRK?

sfknifeguy said:
This is great for me to see! I actually saw a Large Inkosi for sale (or maybe it was a small), would you recommend I try one of those out as well as a Sebenza 21 or 25?
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I have had the 25 and Inkosi right now I only have a 21, I like the Inkosi the best I think, I am still getting to know the 21 and I'm not sure if I'll keep it or sell it to buy another Inkosi, perhaps with an insingo blade and black micarta inlay.
 
jceckrosh said:
Insightful take on it. Looking at the CRK IG account, they haven't even posted since Jan 22, likely because they don't need to. They don't have social media auctions, or lotteries, or WIP porn shots for days and days. They look like they only post when something is going on. So I agree, a CRK probably does not have the flavor of the month like generating potential of some other knives - no exclusivity look at me value. CRK is not here to make someone feel like a beautiful and unique snowflake.

What's funny is a CRK shot garnered the most likes of anything I have put on my IG. So while CRK is not putting out a lot of content, it looks like CRK fans are looking for CRK content.
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If people want CRK porn they should buy the calendar..I keep mine on the wall next to my desk so I can always look at the things I can't afford :D
 
I like everything about them conceptually (with price being the exception), but functionally the Sebenza and I did not get along. That's okay though plenty of people love them, and for good reason. As I read these threads I always notice lots of love for the brand and lots of dislike for the people who love them, but I have never really seen hate for the knife itself. Pretty much everyone agrees its a nice, well built knife, it just may not be your cup o tea. Bottom line is if the knife appeals to you then get it, and if I doesn't then don't. Besides if you and it don't get along like the position I found myself in, then just sell the thing and move along. No need for all the drama.
 
That's not true. There are criticisms of the knife. I for one could not understand the inclusion of an angular point near the butt of the Sebenza handle. That creates a hot spot when I open and close the blade. The s35vn steel used by CRK was also on the soft side, too soft for some folks.
 
sharp_edge said:
That's not true. There are criticisms of the knife. I for one could not understand the inclusion of an angular point near the butt of the Sebenza handle. That creates a hot spot when I open and close the blade. The s35vn steel used by CRK was also on the soft side, too soft for some folks.
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The point I was making is that no one (that I know of), HATES the knife, or thinks it's a piece of junk. There are many complaints of just about any knife known to man, but criticism is healthy, outright hate is not. Perfection it is not, but neither is any other tool made by man (Glock notwithstanding). Basically, if you like the looks of the knife, and its comfortable for you to use, then you will likely have no regrets about buying it, because it is a well put together knife that will likely last you a lifetime. I personally didn't find it comfortable to use, so I sent it down the road, but I will never say that it was a poorly built knife.
 
I wish I had a dollar for every word ever written in these threads concerning CRK .Ive never seen more controversy,good or bad , about a single maker than CRK.
 
I want a 21. That's about all I have to offer. My favorite knives are Buck 110's and 112's so I'm obviously not into the latest and greatest steels and makers. There's something about the simplicity of the 21 that draws me. I love the blade shape and how the scales look when they get some wear. I wouldn't carry some of the newer knives coming out if someone literally gave them to me. Anodizing and crazy blade shapes aren't my thing, however some people love those types of things. Rock on to those guys and gals. A lot of people wouldn't be caught dead with a wood and brass handled knife that takes two (gasp) hands to open.

All that said, the basics of the Sebenza appeal to me and I would love to get one someday. Now, if I could get my hands on one of those vintage series Hinderer's with the wood scale....I might change my mind...
 
sfknifeguy said:
Why own a Chris Reeve knife?
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I own them because I love the simplicity, the ease of maintenance, the second to none customer service, and because I like what the company embodies. They’re not looking to make the latest greatest bearing flipper of unobtanium steels. They do what they know, and make sure it’s done right.
I also enjoy the fact that each comes with a birth card so you can find special dates that make that knife that much more sentimental.
 
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It's a funny thing. Despite my best efforts, every year I get older. I dunno what to do about this condition, but so far it seems to be chronic.

One of the side effects, I have found, is that when I set myself for an expensive achievement I get frustrated when the world moves the goal posts. Much like earning my college degree, the Sebenza has always stayed just out of reach. For some time, I could afford a Sebenza. I mean, I have bought more expensive khukuris. I have a safe full of pistols that certainly cost more than a large 21. I just never found the NEED of a $400 folder. After 30+ years of carrying a knife, I am just getting to the point in my career where I will use a $140 folder in a somewhat abusive manner and be OK with buggering it up a bit. A $400 folder isn't a needed item for such tasks.

However, I want one. I've always kinda wanted one. I grew up seeing the Reeve knives as the gold standard of production folders. Could my $200 ZT frame lock do exactly what the 21 will do? Of course. It will probably even sport a steel that is "better" than the 21 for half the cost....But the 21 is nicer. It's a cutlery class of tight tolerances. Show a Sebenza to anyone who considers themselves a knife knut and they will recognize it. For every bit of affectionately questionable potential puffery of how "perfect" a 21 is, there are 10 real CS stories about spa treatment and going the extra mile. A Sebenza is what I consider an "arrival" knife. It's the kind of knife you buy when you can afford it and understand that you are not only buying a knife but also purchasing a bit of a Gold Ticket into the world of exceptional customer service. I know that the Sebenza is arguably dated. Hell, I'M arguably dated. However, I am not purchasing one because I am going to break out diagram and compare costs and steel and rope cutting and photogenics. I'm buying myself one because I feel that I have earned something nice. I'm finally knocking out that college degree thing for no other reason than pride and I said I would do it...eventually. A treat. Some fluff. A reward for a goal set and achieved. I worked hard for something. It wasn't about saving up the money to buy it. I can afford to buy it. It was about following through on a promise to myself postponed for 15+ years.

Is the Sebenza THE nicest knife out there? Nah. However, it is going to scratch the itch of rewarding myself way more than my nicest of nice ZT. And I'll always be able to look at it riding in my pocket and remember why it's there.
 
James Y said:
It's ironic that you say others are emotionally charged, yet your need to badmouth CRK is emotionally charged in itself.

Of course there are other great manufacturers out there. Of my 3 favorite manufacturers, CRK isn't even my personal favorite. And I would hope by now that some other manufacturers of one-handed knives are catching up; it's taken long enough. Is it in every detail and component and longevity, as well as customer service? I would hope so, too.

Jim
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That is patently untrue, LOL. I act and react without allowing emotion to cloud me, I am only applying logic and honest observations, I don't allow emotion to sway my opinions or presentation of facts. I have out grown that childish behavior.
CRK is not the end all beat all knife and soon the up and comers will surpass CRK just like CRK did to the last incarnation of basic folders. It is inevitable and factual that there are plenty of equally made knives out there.
Some keep saying I'm badmouthing CRK, that is also patently untrue, LOL, just because someone can point out the failings of a product doesn't mean they are badmouthing it.
I said it before, CRK makes good folders however what I find to be lacking about them keeps me from having one, again.
 
Someone needs to educate themselves on what tolerances are- To know that anyone has tighter tolerances would have me believe that you have the blueprints in front of you and can measure the deviation from nominal.
The average person cannot do this..you may be able to FEEL it with how well something fits together and in some cases see it. Knowing it is something entirely different.

Anyone can have tight tolerances on almost anything but it only matters if those tolerances are applied in the right areas to control the assembly. I can have a tight tolerance on a lanyard bead but in the end, what the hell does that do for the assembly as a whole?
Will you feel ±.0001 on the diameter, inner diameter and thickness of a lanyard bead? Will it be more visually appealing or provide any other function? Will you know the difference from joe-blow's bead? Eh..not likely.

I have a few years being a machinist, like @Officer's Match and it's pretty obvious when someone talks without knowledge on this subject.
 
Bob6794 said:
Sebenza looks like it would be a good knife, but I don't value fit and finish and all that to the degree it takes it to and the premium it demands for it.

I'd rather take my Kabar Dozier with bad fit and finish for $20 and bring a small DMT credit card or my Lansky dog bone sharpener and beat the crap out of the knife. I won't feel bad about doing this to the Dozier but I would not dare do it to a sebenza with how much they cost. The small sharpeners negates any real advange high wear resistant steels have as a quick minute on the stone and your back in business.

It's one of those to each their own. I'm not the targeted customer but I understand sometimes you want to splurge on something higher quality. And I'm quite happy someone can fill this niche part of knives this well even if I won't ever buy one.
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^ This is like saying...”Im in construction...i just bought a brand new Hilti drill, but it cost so much ill just get get a Black and Decker drill and beat the crap outta that.” All us guys in construction know, if you buy the better tool, its more comfortable doing the better job.
Just made me chuckle, no offence meant.

I like all my knives, but if i had to choose one...it be one of my Sebenza’s. Just for the CS factor alone.
 
Another thought. I own Shiros (washers and bearings), and one issue is that the pivot screws back out over time if you dont put on some sort of loctite. This does not happen with a Sebenza.
Dont get me wrong, i love my Shiros, but its no CRK.
Plus, the bushing in the Sebbie is just something i personally like. :)

Keep ‘em sharp!!
 
007Airman said:
That is patently untrue, LOL. I act and react without allowing emotion to cloud me, I am only applying logic and honest observations, I don't allow emotion to sway my opinions or presentation of facts. I have out grown that childish behavior.
CRK is not the end all beat all knife and soon the up and comers will surpass CRK just like CRK did to the last incarnation of basic folders. It is inevitable and factual that there are plenty of equally made knives out there.
Some keep saying I'm badmouthing CRK, that is also patently untrue, LOL, just because someone can point out the failings of a product doesn't mean they are badmouthing it.
I said it before, CRK makes good folders however what I find to be lacking about them keeps me from having one, again.
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LOL...you should start digging up, that holes empty.
 
bhyde said:
Someone needs to educate themselves on what tolerances are- To know that anyone has tighter tolerances would have me believe that you have the blueprints in front of you and can measure the deviation from nominal.
The average person cannot do this..you may be able to FEEL it with how well something fits together and in some cases see it. Knowing it is something entirely different.

Anyone can have tight tolerances on almost anything but it only matters if those tolerances are applied in the right areas to control the assembly. I can have a tight tolerance on a lanyard bead but in the end, what the hell does that do for the assembly as a whole?
Will you feel ±.0001 on the diameter, inner diameter and thickness of a lanyard bead? Will it be more visually appealing or provide any other function? Will you know the difference from joe-blow's bead? Eh..not likely.

I have a few years being a machinist, like @Officer's Match and it's pretty obvious when someone talks without knowledge on this subject.
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I get what your saying here. While most cannot determine small differences in machining with similar parts in hand some of us can. With finish work is quite easy to see if there are or are not discerning differences.
For me it's very easy to see differences in finely finished items whether it be knives, guns, watches or pool cues and jewelry.
After running a cnc for 4 years making precision led parts for the sign industry 10 years ago and before that making precision pool cue parts on manual and cnc lathe, designing and casting parts for a jeweler to currently hobbying in watch repair and some knifemaking, plus learning gunsmithing when I was younger, it's all about attention to detail and precision.
Some look at an item and say that's quality without knowing how to determine why, they just take it for granted from being told but not knowing what makes it so.
 
007Airman said:
I get what your saying here. While most cannot determine small differences in machining with similar parts in hand some of us can. With finish work is quite easy to see if there are or are not discerning differences.
For me it's very easy to see differences in finely finished items whether it be knives, guns, watches or pool cues and jewelry.
After running a cnc for 4 years making precision led parts for the sign industry 10 years ago and before that making precision pool cue parts on manual and cnc lathe, designing and casting parts for a jeweler to currently hobbying in watch repair and some knifemaking, plus learning gunsmithing when I was younger, it's all about attention to detail and precision.
Some look at an item and say that's quality without knowing how to determine why, they just take it for granted from being told but not knowing what makes it so.
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You clearly missed the point of his post....
 
007Airman said:
I get what your saying here. While most cannot determine small differences in machining with similar parts in hand some of us can. With finish work is quite easy to see if there are or are not discerning differences.
For me it's very easy to see differences in finely finished items whether it be knives, guns, watches or pool cues and jewelry.
After running a cnc for 4 years making precision led parts for the sign industry 10 years ago and before that making precision pool cue parts on manual and cnc lathe, designing and casting parts for a jeweler to currently hobbying in watch repair and some knifemaking, plus learning gunsmithing when I was younger, it's all about attention to detail and precision.
Some look at an item and say that's quality without knowing how to determine why, they just take it for granted from being told but not knowing what makes it so.
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Missed April 1 by that much.
 
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