Why Not Update the Sebenza?

J85909266

J85909266

Joined
Jun 6, 2005
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I've done a lot of reading on the Umnumzaan, and whether or not I want one. I've put a lot of thought into it, and come to the conclusion that the only thing the Umnum has that the Sebenza doesn't (that is actually significant) is the holes in the washers to retain oil and reduce surface contact friction.

So, my question is: Why did they not add the holes in the washers to the 21? It seems like a no-brainer to me. Is there any chance we will see this update in the Sebenza in the future?
 
It doesn't seem necessary to me. I've had some of my Sebs for a couple of years now and when I d/a them, I find a thin layer of grease still there between the washer and the blade/scale. I take my users apart at least twice a year to wipe out lint and other stuff that collects and I haven't found one that's "dry" yet.

I don't know what the holes in the washers would add. I have no issues with the action on any of mine and they range from a 1999 BG42 model to a small reg that's only a few months old.
 
I don't see why CRK wouldn't have added this improvement to the Sebenza as well. Maybe it's the same logic that my cable company has by offering different channels in certain bundles so I have to end up buying MORE bundles. If you want the "improvements", you'll have to penny up and buy the Um:rolleyes:....
 
T.K.C. said:
As far as I CAN see, the Sebenza 21 is perfect just as it is.
Click to expand...

Especially whe you consider the improvements over the Classic/Regular probably cost all of $6.50 to bring into production, but ended up bringing in a pile of sales from those whom needed the new version...
 
I think the focus was on developing a new, different knife. Seems like the goal was to differentiate the new knife from the pack, and adding its features to the other knives would tend to lessen that differentiation.

The cynic might look at this as primarily a marketing gesture. I look at it more as Chris just wanting to do something new. It's easy to lose your perspective and foul up a good design by trying to improve it into over-ripeness. That is one reason to err on the side of prudence when you have a good thing going.

My approach to the new knife would have been to do a new Sebenza permutation - a variant. Just looking at the lay of the land now, I'm pretty sure time will prove Chris' approach better.
 
I'd like to see an option for a full flat grind and a round Spyder hole opener. That would rock. :cool:
 
Even before the Sebenza 21, the Sebbies were FINE just as they were. And still are as far as I am concerned.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
I've done a lot of reading on the Umnumzaan, and whether or not I want one. I've put a lot of thought into it, and come to the conclusion that the only thing the Umnum has that the Sebenza doesn't (that is actually significant) is the holes in the washers to retain oil and reduce surface contact friction.

Umnum has a thicker blade, a larger pivot and dual stop pins instead of a single as on the Sebenza.
 
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Beile said:
I've done a lot of reading on the Umnumzaan, and whether or not I want one. I've put a lot of thought into it, and come to the conclusion that the only thing the Umnum has that the Sebenza doesn't (that is actually significant) is the holes in the washers to retain oil and reduce surface contact friction.

Umnum has a thicker blade, a larger pivot and dual stop pins instead of a single as on the Sebenza.
Click to expand...

While you are correct in what you posted, I still urge you to try and handle an Umnum. I absolutley love my sebenzas, and really didn't like the look of the Umnum when it came out. I also didn't see any benefits over the sebenza. I changed my tune after handling and subsequently buying one.

In no way will it replace a sebenza, and I don't believe there was ever any intention to. As has been stated, I think it was just something different that Chris wanted to offer. I don't think it really has any benefits over a sebenza, but it sure feels pretty good when I carry it or use it. :D

-Dan
 
Nope, it won't replace the Sebenza, I love my Umnum but there's something so simple about the Sebenza I love.
 
Ah, congrats on the Umnum. I didn't realize you picked one up. :D

You're right, the Umnum will never replace the sebenza. The sebenza is pretty much fool proof, you can't even over tighten the pivot. It's simplicity at it's finest.

The Umnum is just a classy brute of a knife. I've really taken quite a liking to mine.

-Dan
 
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Yeah, I've had mine for a couple of months now, I see the mix up, I was quoting the first post in the thread but for some reason it didn't do the quote:o. Anyway, I really like it but I'm keeping the Sebenza and do carry it more.
 
I love the Umnumzaan, but it isn't a Sebbie. The Umnumzaan is in a class by it's self. The sebenza is also in it's own class.]
 
T.K.C. said:
Even before the Sebenza 21, the Sebbies were FINE just as they were. And still are as far as I am concerned.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Click to expand...


TKC got it right. Ain't broke, don't fix it.

Ever wonder why there are lot's of Sebenza's out there and virtually zero Umnumzaan's to be found anywhere for sale?
Just thinking out loud.



:foot:
 
Because the Umnum is pretty hard to find and sold out everywhere? The Seb has been around for many years so it's much easier to get.
 
I also agree with Suz. The Seb is great the way it is and the Umnum isn't a upgraded Seb but a different animal. I just got my Umnum today, I think it's great and its purpose is to fill a marketing gap that the Seb doesn't.:eek:
 
so, putting aside the apples oranges argument. If I had a choice of only one folder, should I get the large Sebbie (regular) or the Umnum (assuming price isn't a factor)?

I liked the Sebbie for it's simplicity. 3 screws only to disassemble. 3 screws, and a pivot that can't be overtightened or under, due to the bushing system.
 
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