Why new wood inlay more $ than classic?

DaveH

DaveH

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
Messages
12,249
Is the wood inlay new style more because it uses larger pieces that are more difficult to handle?
 
Hello, From what I gather the regular wood inlay is costing more for a few reasons. First the pocket that has to be machined out for the wood is a much more detailed and time consuming pattern. It just is more difficult to machine out!! Secondly since the larger pocket has more edges that are curved in both directions it is tougher to fit a piece of wood with the exact tolerences that CRK likes. Third.... The wood that is picked out for the larger regular wood inlays is much more full figured and burled.....the larger size gives a greater wood selection of outstanding pieces. But being as such I would assume that the pieces like that are much more costly. The forth reason they may be more expensive is that they are on a limited production basis. 60 of each size,..for each year (the regular WIS) The classics are not on a limited production schedule.

Later, JC
 
Fair points. Is it just me or is the classic wood not as nice as the regular wood?

Oh and I prefer the classic handle, but just not the wood style. I own two wood Reeve knives, a Small Regular dark walnut spiral Damascus and a BladeArt Redwood burl Mnandi (24-25)

My Classic Sebi is the MM Large Sebi (6-50)

Its a pity that a wood design more like the regular is not possible on the classic frame.:(
 
I'm going do disagree concerning the aesthetic value of wood on the classic as being inferior.

The sebenza is a strong, elegant but straight forward knife. The burls, IMO, opinion are too fancy, which leads to a contradictory design statement.

The bold and solid colors of the wood used on the classics, IMO, complement the above mentioned strengths. The statement now is bold and cohesive.

:p
 
Interesting point. Not one I had considered. I guess I just prefer a single slab of wood and not two seperate ones. However I can see your point. Thanks for that.:)
 
I talked to Chris about this.

The reasons for the wood Standard to be more is primarily the more expensive woods, the amount of work to make the wood they use stable and not break or flake, and the fact that they will still be limited production, where the Wood Inlay Classic will be produced in greater quantities.

On the Classic they are using wood that is much stronger as well as straight grained. It is also almost twice as thick giving it much more strength. If anyone looks at the cut out for their lock on a wood classic you will notice that the pocket actually breaks through in one spot. This was done to provide the best mix of a beefy piece of wood, maintain 100% of the strength of the standard Sebenza and make a much more useable knife.

This is not from Chris but IMO they designed the WI Classic to be a much more durable knife while keeping the WI Standard a little more desireable by using the less durable woods and lower quantities.

FWIW, Chris was very informative and thourough in his description to me about the WI Classic, after my call I picked up a small to match my large, awesome knives! If you buy one you won't regret it.
 
....and I bit the bullet and ordered the large madagascar rosewood large Classic from Knifeart!:D Should be here tomorrow if UPS cooperates. I had looked at the knife one too many times and decided
to go ahead and take the plunge. Besides I was missing my leather inlaid Classic;) and this was a good excuse!
 
artsig1, I've been looking at the small madagascar rosewood twice a day everyday since Saturday. Hopefully, I'll have it tomorrow.
I think I'm really gonna like it.

Trouble is, if I REALLY like it I might have wanted the large too. BTW, sure you order went through? Doesn't say sold yet! :p ;)
 
What can I say... I'm a sucker for Madagascar Rosewood ;)
 
Rodney comfirmed it after several emails by me to make sure! Said it went out UPS Overnight so should be to me before lunch tomorrow:D Cpirtle, if my looks nearly as good as those of yours I will be one SATISFIED customer:D :cool: :)
 
My small classic Madagascar rosewood inlay arrived today. I'm always amazed at how just holding one gives me a feeling of quiet satisfaction and quality. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about.

Anyway I very pleased with it, and I'm happy I got the classic, I really think that fits my hand better than the new style. The wood is dark and rich and really has an impact, IMO.

Just for fun I pulled out an old small sebenza, in polished ATS-34, (numbered P83, in case you're curious) and found that the cutouts on the new classic are higher and less bevelled. Not that is a problem, it's just different.

Thanks, CRK!
 
..........is here!:D Actually came on Thursday, but this is the first time I've had to post. The rosewood is great looking and dark to boot. The feel in my hand is the best thing. The way the wood sticks out just seems to allow a better purchase on the handle. Of course the first thing I did was to take the knife apart and check out the innards. Had to clean everything up and polish the pin and bearing a little, as if they really need it. Had to apply some "White Lightning" to lube things up. I really like the WL as a lube and it seems to like the sebbies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top