Why buy a Sebenza with handle inlays?

GhostAlpha0

GhostAlpha0

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I have 5 Sebenzas -- a plain 25, a small plain 21, a large plain 21, a large plain insingo 21, a large carbon fiber 21, a large plain damascus 21. I just love the simple look of the plain handle. I love it.

But... I've been looking at some the 21s with inlays. Are the inlays just for looks? Are some of them more rare than others that make them more collectable? I'm really starting to like the look of the micarta inlays...
 
It can add to the rarity, grip, and aesthetic of the knife. I, too, love the simple look of the plain Sebenzas, but there are some really great looking inlayed models.
 
Inlays give the knife a bit more width (which can help with grip for some). They also provide a different texture... The ivory inlays are much warmer than the cool titanium, and the micarta gives great grip, especially when wet.
 
They are beautiful to look at and admire, but they also add grip that almost make the plain slab Ti feel rounded if that makes sense. I too always had the plain slab ones, plain janes and CGG. When I finally got an inlay, I was like.....WOW.
 
I too wondered this, got a Classic large with Micarta. I really like it, not better than a plain, but I find it can be gripped in the teeth ,when I need free hands. It does add a little girth, but in a good way… overall a nice alternative.
 
I like the inlays simply for the way they look, there are some amazing woods and materials available that really take your knife to the next level!
 
Some of my thoughts on the inlays:

1 - The split inlays are an iconic Chris Reeve design. What Mr. Reeve was thinking with the whole split inlay concept is not known to me but it is a very original look that is unmistakably CRK. I think maybe the original idea of the split inlay design was to mimic the split in the slab for the lock on the back of the knife, thus adding some design symmetry between sides. In my opinion, the split inlay design on the 21 has a more unique appearance than the single inlays on the CRK annuals, regardless of rarity or what you think actually looks better.

2 - The 21 is one of the few knives where you get an inlay on the back (super bonus....thanks Chris!). I.E. there is no "presentation slab" and some boring back side as you find on other decorated frame-locks. With what little real-estate there is on the lock-side, CRK adds the sleek back inlay. This back inlay is a fantastic design element and add to the feeling of "roundness" of the inlayed knives.

3 - The inlays provide yet another perfectly executed manufacturing detail to marvel at. The precision of their fit in their machined pockets is really fantastic. When you are done checking out the other details, you can spend a bit of time fondling the inlays. :D


In my uses, I don't notice a lot of grip from the inlays. Maybe a bit from the Micarta if kept brand new and grey, but once shiny as smooth, I'm not so sure. In general I find the bead-blasted titanium to be very grippy, so I would only purchase the inlays based on what you think they look like, and maybe to add some bulk to the knife. For the record the wood inlays are very durable. I have two inlayed with wood that I carry regularly and they stand up to abuse, though the Micarta is absolutely bullet-proof.
 
I completely agree. I was cgg fan for years before I got for my first inlay. Man I was missing out!
nyefmaker said:
They are beautiful to look at and admire, but they also add grip that almost make the plain slab Ti feel rounded if that makes sense. I too always had the plain slab ones, plain janes and CGG. When I finally got an inlay, I was like.....WOW.
Click to expand...
 
I'm definitely convinced that I want one now. I think I'll start with the micarta inlays, that seems to stand out to me right now. Thanks for all of the thoughtful responses everyone.
 
Now that I have a 21 micarta, I think a plain would feel too thin in my hand. The added thickness is very nice, and now that I've been used to it, I think all of my future sebenzas will have an inlay of some kind, if not micarta.
I just completely trust the strength of the micarta. I dropped mine and the micarta took a nasty hit on the curb. Barely a mark in it. And since its a grainy pattern, imperfections are not noticed.
 
Try to handle one.
I love my large with micarta inlay.
Especially during winter time the inlays add to a compfy grip.
The wood adds a touch of class, as do the CGG.
red mag
 
I have fairly large hands, the inlays add to the girth of the knife and provide extra purchase. The edges of the inlay also provide more traction points without the aggression of jimping.
 
The only inlay model I like a lot is the Micarta.
I bought them both when they first came out(2005). I love the look, and when I saw the first picture(in Blade magazine) telling about the 2005 Blade Show debut I knew I had to have one. I was wanting one so bad I was the first to the CRK booth that year,lol.

I still think its the best looking Sebenza(IMO), but I've now gone back to carrying a plain model. I like the way they feel in hand, but I slightly prefer the feel of a plain Regular in hand.
I do seem to change my mind a good bit, so I could be back to carrying a Micarta any day now,lol.
 
Just something different. I prefer the plain myself, but I can understand why some want inlays.
 
I really like my Small Micarta Insingo.
1. It gives a little thickness in the grip.
2. A little more friction(canvas micarta)
3. It's all blasted, you don't worry about scratching it up. As you might with a polished version.
 
Always liked the plain better until I got a micarta inlay. Now I'm in love with the micarta. The look has grown on me, and the handle is more comfortable. I also like setting the knife down against the micarta instead of the exposed titanium too.
 
love the looks of the fancy inlays, love the function of the micarta inlays.
micarta definitely helps grip and comfort of holding for me (larger hands). more texture, 'rounder' feel to the handle.

I liked my plain sebenza a lot. then I got the micarta insingo and fell in love. immediately sold my plain sebenza and bought a micarta handle version. it was that much better for me. I've talked to guys who were the opposite, but it made a significant difference in overall feel of the knife for me.

plus, as mentioned earlier by others, I am less worried about scratches with the micarta inlays - stupid I know, because I don't have safe queens, but I don't 'worry' about scratching them as much as I did the plain....
 
I recently got a few Micarta inlay Sebenza's and I like them a lot. I definitely prefer them to the plain jane models I own. For me and my mutant hands, Micarta is the way to go.
 
I'm an inlay guy. One other thing they add that hasn't been mentioned here is warmth. They add a warmth that is noticeable when you first pick them up, plains feel cool to the touch until they warm up from carry. Inlays are "warm" to start with. I admit this is a bit esoteric but CRK made me this way!
 
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