why sebenza?

[trane fan]

I'm partial to the Sebbie because, IMO, it offers the best combination of fit/finish, materials, QC, blade geometry and awesome ergonomics of any "production" knife out there. On top of that I think the small regular Sebbie is the perfect size for EDC. All of these fine attributes are backed up by the CRK warranty which appears to match or surpass any other in the industry. I know the Sebbie can be viewed as somewhat stark and utilitarian but that no nonsense "I can handle anything look" is part of it's draw for me.

 

[Architect]

wow, this thread is going to get interesting. I think that the common consensus is that a sebenza is as good if not better then most of the custom knives out there. The fit and finish are top notch and the simple design lends to both strength and elegance.

The design around the pivot is pretty much perfect. The interaction of the blade, washers, bushing are all design to resist gunk through unsurpassed machining tolerances. In that respect, they certain meet or surpass the abilities of most knifemakers working with less sophisticated tools.

From personal experience, I can tell you that Chris Reeve Knives has the best customer service of any mass-produced knife company.

Design, blade shape and handle materials all have to be tested by you and meet your personal preference. I am not too fond of their clip design. The handles are not the most comfortable. The blade shape choices are non-existant. I like knives with thumbholes/slots/etc. mkore than those with studs.

Also, as noted, there are more and more alternatives. With more and more S30V blades hitting the market, more open-spine designs, and more screw-construction knives being marketed - many of the features that were unique to CRK are being challenged by other mass-production companies. Whether the precision of the pivot construction is that important to you, depends on your taste.

As far as custom (low-production) makers - well, you can beat the issue to death without a definitive answer. If you are willing to pay $550 for a stellite-bladed Kit Carson Model 4 or 18 - well, hell, I would get that over a Sebenza any day. If you are willing to pay $650 or so for a Tom Mayo stellite blade knife, then, I would get that.

 

[toothed]

I speak in favor of the Sebenza. Sometimes it's the unseen attention to detail in a knife that reinforces my belief that I bought a quality knife. For example, see another thread here on "ball detents" and read about how some knife manufacturers use steel ball bearings whereas CRK uses a ceramic piece.

I'm not an expert on this subject but here is the info that I gathered. Depending on the material of the steel ball and the heat treatment employed, the steel ball will exhibit various degrees of resistance to wear (ranging from very good to so-so). On the other hand, the ceramic material (which is very hard) will probably resist wear much better than the steel. So what about it? Well, this is suposed to mean that the ball detent will keep your blade safely locked in the closed position for many years after your purchase--despite countless opening and closing cycles. While most steel balls used by the reputable manufacturers are undoubtedly of good quality and perform more than satisfactorily, it's good to know that CRK went that extra mile to give their Sebenza owners an extra safety cushion--even though many of those owners go unaware of this little unseen attention to detail.

Knife on duty today: Large plain Classic Sebenza.

 

[Megalobyte]

Originally posted by Architect


If you are willing to pay $650 or so for a Tom Mayo stellite blade knife, then, I would get that.

A Mayo TnT Stellite for $650, where do i sign up!!!

 

[rdangerer]

The BM 690 and Spyderco Wegner are both knives that make decent folding hunting knives. There are many other good ones, depending on what blade profile you prefer/demand.

The Sebbie has a cross between a drop and a clip point, sorta. It probably makes the single best all around folding hunting knife made in terms of build quality and blade quality at it's price (since it's less expensive and easier to obtain than say a Kit Carson Model 4 clip or drop), IF you aren't going to be in any super cold weather (metal handle) or don't mind working with gloves on in very cold weather.

Super well built, super sturdy lock... the original handle "framelock".

Especially if you are new to knives, you can't truly justify the price of the Sebbie strictly on pure performance. There are knives with a higher performance/price ratio out there, i.e. a higher bang/buck. Any $100 knife with a good lock and a blade profile you like for hunting, along with a good heat treat of ATS-34, 154CM, or BG-42 would qualify here. Examples: Benchmade 710 in either ATS-34 or M2, BM AFCK 800, Benchmade 720 Pardue, Microtech LCC, or a Spydie Wegner Large, maybe a BM Pinnacle if you can find one and don't mind the recurve in the field. Buck Mayo is a bit small but a winner if you get a good one. (but a Spyderco Salsa? )

You must justify a Sebbie on demand for a "fine piece of craftsmanship", on appreciation and pride of ownership.

I own 4 Sebenza's. Two small, two large.

 

[rdangerer]

Originally posted by pineywoods
Are they as good as a custom handmade of about the same price?

New or used, the Sebbie is better built than any knife at that price point. In fact, I can't think of a way to spend more and acquire a more solidly built folding knife suited for general purpose and hunting use ... only similarly solidly built knives. (there are extremely overbuilt knives out there, but they tend to be tactical designs, and wouldn't perform on game like the Sebbie).

I think the Sebbie can be improved somewhat ergonomically, but I fully understand and believe that what Reeve is bringing to the market at this price point is well designed.

Look at this knife... built by Scott Cook, Chris Reeve's former shop foreman:

http://www.scottcookknives.com/lochsa.htm

Slight improvement ergonomically, better looking aesthetically, debateably more solidly built (one piece of titanium, apparently with cavity milled out), but the Lochsa also starts at $460, whereas the large Sebbie is $345. Debating solidity of build on these two is a fairly academic exercise... both super solid.

 

[Steve Chism 1]

I think he meant a mayo for $650 in theory, just as an example...but...

I'd sell my computer if I saw a mayo for $650

 

[Architect]

posted by Megalobyte

A Mayo TnT Stellite for $650, where do i sign up!!!

Originally posted by Steve Chism
I think he meant a mayo for $650 in theory, just as an example...but...

I'd sell my computer if I saw a mayo for $650

Keep your eyes open and your forums searches frequent!!

Or, go to a show.

 

[Nathan S]

I would opt for another knife in S30V that has been tempered to around 60RC. This steel will hold an edge a lot better when it is tempered to this hardness rather than the 58RC that the Sebbie has.

Well, not necessarily. If I recall correctly, there was a thread on this subject some time back over at the CRK forum. I think 58RC represents pretty much the best of both worlds in blade steel: it holds an edge well but is also relatively easy to sharpen. At least that's been my experience with my S30V Sebenzas. Their edge holding is fine, really, and they are certainly easier to sharpen than my BG42 Sebenzas.

 

[rdangerer]

Originally posted by Nathan S
I think 58RC represents pretty much the best of both worlds in blade steel: it holds an edge well but is also relatively easy to sharpen.

Ahh, the paradox. That which is easier to sharpen is, pretty much by definition, also easier to dull, especially with abrasive materials. Think about it.

Personally, (IMNSHO) I reject "ease of sharpening" as a design objective for most knives.

My solution: I use diamond "stones" so ease of sharpening is not an issue.

Most popular excuse for needing ease of sharpening: resharpening in the field.

Response: Small diamond stones/hones are available for field carry, pocket, pack, or in secondary pocket in tactical sheath (see DMT & EZ Lap).

 

[Steve Chism 1]

Well...look at 1050, or any carbon steel, for that matter. Probably the easiest steels to sharpen to a wicked edge and they hold that edge for a long time. So why should the same not apply for the new 'super' steels?

 

[Larry S.]

Don't forget toughness! Most everything in life is a tradeoff.

Larry S.

 

[Nathan S]

Ahh, the paradox. That which is easier to sharpen is, pretty much by definition, also easier to dull, especially with abrasive materials. Think about it.

Yup, and the knife that holds its edge the longest will also be an authentic bitch to sharpen. That's why I try to find knives that incorporate the best of both worlds. Like the S30V Sebenzas.