Why Sebenzas?

HC Leo · Feb 16, 2000

Hi all

I'm kinda new to knife collections. I have collected these so far from earliest to most current : endura , harpy , pro-venator , BM CQC7 , AFCK 812 , MILITARY C36 , CS Gunsite tanto , EMERSON COMMANDER , LA GRIFFE , Bud Nealy Boker. Unfortunately in this part of the world it's slim pickings ,whatever the dealer can flog on to you.I have never seen a
Sebenza first hand, but from the photos they seem very beautiful especially the decorated models. What in your humble views makes the
Sebenza such a popular folder?and/or superior folder compared to others? I read that some people have taken issue that it is such a high price to pay for a production knife as opposed to a custom knife? views? I want one but have to justify the high price in my own mind (price of knife is about the average salary for the majority of the population back here). Excellent to see ex-South African
making good.
Thanks guys and any gals.....
ps where can i get a Sebbie for a reasonable price

TANGUS · Feb 16, 2000

HC!--Welcome aboard! I think you'll like this forum once you've had a chance to look around. The sebenza does gender a great deal of comment. It is a very well made knife (I own only one). We are no different here in the States, as we have to justify the cost to buy one. I'm not sure how the internet dealers operate in international sales so I'll let some of them comment. You may want to see the Chris Reeves forum to better appreciate this knife. Again, Welcome aboard

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Lead,follow, or get the hell out of the way!

Brian_Turner · Feb 16, 2000

Welcome HC!

I'll start with a disclaimer - I think that the Sebenza is a top shelf production knife, well worth it's price. If you buy one just for the sake of trying it out, you can be assured that it will re-sell easily if you don't like it.

That said - I don't own a Sebenza, and I doubt I ever will. Here's why NOT Sebenza...

Aesthetically, they just don't appeal to me. I think that they're very plain (even decorated), and the handle design really doesn't do anything for me. I think it's the flat slabs that kills my enthusiasm.

The big thing, though, is that EVERYONE seems to own one! Same thing with Microtech. I like the way that, for example, a SpeedTech Synergy sets you apart from the crowd, without sacrificing quality. A top-of-line William Henry will also give you a "Cadillac" experience, while the variety of materials and styles available give you the freedom to make the knife your own.

The reaction I want from the knife literati is: "What the hell is THAT?", rather than pulling out their own copy, identical except for a machined squiggle or two on the handle. Among the "knife crowd", Sebenzas are so common that even the guys who don't own one will just sniff "Nice Sebbie", and keep on walking. Not the reactions I'm looking for at that price. And be honest here, guys - that reaction does matter.

My biggest grins are when the sharpest-eyed of us all spot something like the clip on my Lamprey, or the damascus clip on my Sawby poking out of my pocket, and have NO IDEA what I'm carrying. It's great to be able to show off your knives, it's another entirely when a fellow knife nut begs you to see just what that strange knife you're carrying is. And then to have them even MORE impressed when they see the whole package!

The Sebenza is like that really cool bar or restaraunt that used to be so super-hip and exclusive, but now EVERYONE knows about it. It's so crowded and full of the "common folk" that it's time to find someplace new.

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AKTI Member #A000832

"That which does not kill me just postpones the inevitable."

tom mayo · Feb 16, 2000

we just like em.

sirgrumps · Feb 16, 2000

I have to agree with Brian.

stjames · Feb 16, 2000

There are lots of different reasons for people to own knives. I don't do anything to be cool or different. I just am

I certainly don't own anything to impress anyone, except myself

I like the Sebenza because it is one of the finest tools I own. Simplicity of design, excellence in execution, strength, and reliability. I hope one day that everyone will have one.

For me it is a tool, not a toy or an affectation.

You just have to ask yourself what you want the knife for.
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I'm adding this because I am not above a good affectation, sorry if I gave that impression

I love a good toy, own knives to match my Tuxedo, enjoy a well made and elegant watch, and am starting to see a beauty and tradition in pens akin to the blade.

But the Sebenza, that is what you reach for when you just need to cut something.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA

[This message has been edited by stjames (edited 02-16-2000).]

Gary W. Graley · Feb 16, 2000

Brian brings a valid point, the showing off is great with a tricked out knife, I have lots of fun showing my Wood/Irie folders to folks that have never seen one before, as they open scissors type action on the handles, all they see is the large pivot pin and `guess' that it's an automatic, so hey, I let them guess what they want and when they try pressing down on the solid steel pivot pin, I say `Come on! Be a Man, push harder!' and they're really surprised when I take the knife and say `Oh that's right it opens like this' then they oohh and aahh over the novelty and uniqueness of the knife. BUT and there is always a BUT, when I reach for a knife to USE, the Sebenza still has my heart for a solid - no nonsense type of knife, and yes there are lots of folks that have them, and for a very good reason, they work, period. So yep I have the trick knives, to show off and start conversations, but I also have the Sebenza's that you can get in the decorated models but I prefer the plain jane as they are meant to be used.

G2

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"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...

G2 LeatherWorks

ptpalpha · Feb 16, 2000

I've got to agree with G2. I love the tricked out knives, and nothing makes my smile wider than having something no one else on the planet has-a custom or customized knife. I try to put a personal touch on everything I own, firearms, knives, automobiles, everything. But-I received my first Sebby in the mail today, and I couldn't be happier. You can do a search for the word "Sebenza" and read all week long, but IMHO you really have to get one in your hand and decide if it's for you. It is definately for me.

Brian_Turner · Feb 16, 2000

I see a lot of "I cut myself", "I cut some cardboard", and "I cut some wood" stories here - not "I used my knife to disarm a terrorist" or "I climbed to my saftey by standing on my knife, which I plunged into raw stone" stories. _Most_ of us carry and own the finest cutlery for some other reason than being mountain men, spec ops guys or helicopter rescue paramedics who rely on their knives every day to save and protect human life.

I know - they're just tools. If that's all they were, though, we wouldn't be knife guys, we'd be guys with a knife.

Tricked out knives are one thing. I don't carry tricked out knives. I don't own an auto knife. I carry high quality knives. More often than not, Spyders. Manual action, ATS34, G-10 handled Spyders. Really high quality Spyders.

Sometimes I carry my Synergy, sometimes a custom, like the Lamprey, a Ti handled integral lock folder that will NEVER be confused with a Seb.

I have a Synergy because I won it here. Prior to owning it, my belief was that if I was going to pay that much money for a folder, I'd buy custom. And mostly I do. I will, however, be buying another Synergy, for the reasons I stated. High quality, allows for personal expression and individuality, plus relatively low cost.

The quality of the Sebenza is a standard to which other knives can certainly be held. But there are other knives that approach and meet this standard. Some of these even allow the owner to stand out a little from the crowd.

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AKTI Member #A000832

"That which does not kill me just postpones the inevitable."

V44 · Feb 16, 2000

It was at least seven, eight years ago, maybe longer and I was in New York City at Paragon Sports Store. The knives were upstairs in a glass case. It looked like a knive show, there were so many. The guy behind the counter came over and asked what I was interested in. I had never had a carrying folder that could be opened with one hand (I am not counting the pushbuttoni I had I had in by back drawer), so I asked to see what he recommended. The knife he took out was a smooth functioning, dull grey one. The lock was part of the handle he told me. It had some kind of blue stone that you flicked the blade open with. But it was more money even then than I could spend. I bought something else, a small Spyderco that I carried for quite a while. But I've never gotten over the knife with the blue gem opener. I didn't know it had such a loyal following until I got on these boards. I've always wanted one since that day in the New York City. Maybe some day I be able to get one.

PhilL · Feb 16, 2000

I tend to agree with Brian. The Sebenza may be the best knife ever made, I've met Chris Reeve, and he's a great guy. The simple fact is I don't want one, if they were half the price, I'd still pass. Maybe it's more knife than I need, and maybe it's just too darn plain. Don't get me wrong I've tried to like them, tried to find something I'm missing, turns out they're just not me.

ThomM · Feb 16, 2000

It is as StJames says, it is a tool, so why not have the best tools if possible.
Compare it to Snapon mechanics tools. Sure, this could raise a lot of arguments, Craftsman, Matco, etc. or just as good or better and so on. But, most aspiring career automobile specialist desire a set of Snapon tools. Go into any shop and compare the specialist there that has a rollaway loaded with Snapon with another with lesser tools, and without seeing his work, which one impresses you the most.
That person has pride in his tools and equipment, and it shows. And they also represent a large investment so that he can work with the best.

The Sebenza owner does have pride in his investment, and rightly so. He is satisfied that he has the best for his investment.

DonL · Feb 18, 2000

HC, welcome aboard. I'll simply chime in here that Sebenzas are excellent working knives. I've used mine practically every day for any number of tasks, and have yet to feel let down, so I certainly feel that I've gotten my money's worth so far. They're well made, robust, and are easily maintained.

You might also want to do a search through the forums here for a friend of mine, Aubrey, as he's also from South Africa, has a wonderful collection of knives, and I'm sure the two of you may be able to cornerstone the South African contingent of the Bladeforums fraternity.

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Don LeHue

Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings...they did it by killing all those who opposed them.

blademan 13 · Feb 17, 2000

Nicely said James, my sentiments exactly. I bought my large, PLAIN Sebenza not because I was looking to impress anyone, but as a tool for everyday carry and use. If I was looking for the show-off factor I probably would have chosen a decorated model. For me there was no snob appeal with the Sebenza. When I purchased my Sebenza the following applied;
1) no one I knew owned one
2) have never talked to anyone about one
3) had never seen one in person or handled one
4) did not know BladeForums existed (I guess that rules out being brainwashed by the Sebenzanistas

)
So why did I lay out the green for something I had only read about and seen pictures of? The reputation of CRK and the fact that I was getting a time proven design that still gets rave reviews after a decade. I am afraid that they will still be selling the Sebbie long after most current manufacturer's new models have come and gone (along with a few of the manufacturers too) and that service will NEVER be a problem if and when needed. Throw in the fact that just about anything you do to the knife can be fixed. CRK will regrind the blade to keep the edge geometry thin for superb cutting and ease of sharpening and you have a knife to survive a lifetime of use. Last but not least is the finish of the knife. What some see as dull, gray and unattractive is what I perceive as one of the Sebenzas greatest attributes; it's finish. The tumbled blade and blasted handle are just great. Unlike many $300 knives which the owners are either afraid to use do to the chance they may get marred or the fact that they will look like total crap if they do, the Sebenza just screams "USE ME"! And hey, if it does get too banged up just go ahead and send it in for a face lift. As they say, "true quality never goes out of style". These are not the reasons why you should get a Sebenza, they are the reasons you NEED a Sebenza!

HC Leo · Feb 17, 2000

Thanks to all who replied

You all have valid views. I agree with Brian on many levels. When I first saw a Sebbie in Handgunner Sep/Oct 99 I did not give it a second look, it just did not appeal to me. On reading all the posts on the Sebenza I decided to give it a second look. It seems to be the most popular folder currently....but at the end of the day I have to like it whether functional or not whether decorative or not. When I first saw the Emerson Commander I had to have it.

I'm undecided on the Sebbie.......but I did see a Walt Brend fixed blade that I just had to have...!!!! Model 2 anyone!!!!???

Thanks to those that emailed me personally...
I will pursue those avenues when I have decided.

HC Leo
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Never leave home without it , good knife ,glock and plenty of ammo.

HC Leo · Feb 17, 2000

Thanks to all who replied

You all have valid views. I agree with Brian on many levels. When I first saw a Sebbie in Handgunner Sep/Oct 99 I did not give it a second look, it just did not appeal to me. On reading all the posts on the Sebenza I decided to give it a second look. It seems to be the most popular folder currently....but at the end of the day I have to like it whether functional or not whether decorative or not. When I first saw the Emerson Commander I had to have it.

I'm undecided on the Sebbie.......but I did see a Walt Brend fixed blade that I just had to have...!!!! Model 2 anyone!!!!???

Thanks to those that emailed me personally...
I will pursue those avenues when I have decided.

HC Leo
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Never leave home without it , good knife ,glock and plenty of ammo.

David Rock · Feb 17, 2000

Suppose you're Superman. You go to work every day, and to church on Sundays, and to little league football games on Saturdays, and to wedding receptions, and bar mitzvahs, and shopping malls, and garage sales, and gun shows, and home improvement stores, and bank lobbies, and race tracks, and ski resorts and 4th of July parades. Everywhere you go you're the strongest man around. You're the strongest man in the world! You have plenty of self confidence and no need to boast to anyone.

I don't know about you, but I'd feel kind of silly wearing a cape and brightly colored
tights to the grocery store. It would be like saying to everyone you meet, "Look at me! I'm Superman! No, really. That's right, Superman. No, SUPERMAN--with an S. I'm not kidding. Wanna see how far I can throw this car? Hey, come back, guys! Come on, I'll buy you a drink! Uh, Guys...?"

Owning a Sebenza is kind of like being Clark Kent.

David Rock

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AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.

[This message has been edited by David Rock (edited 02-17-2000).]

Ralf · Feb 17, 2000

Sebenza?

I'm shocked, how can anybody say something good about it?

Here some reasons NOT to buy one

1. You could cut yourself
2. You could loose it
3. You could damage it
4. You would have to sharpen it eventually
5. Your wife could get pissed when she finds out about the price
6. You might not like other knives anymore
7. Your friends think you went nuts
8. You will start collecting knives
9. If you have a quiet moment, you will take it apart just for fun
10. You will forget what the word "linerlock" means
11. You have one more item you have to go back home for when you forget it (which is rare)
12. It's not either small or large, it's BOTH (Umfaan is too small)
13. It's not either Classic or new, it's BOTH
14. You will have many excuses to pull it out and fumble it

In short: Sebenza, the closest thing to a light saber in our galaxy. Hey, and who needs that thing if you're not a Jedi?

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I pretend to work,
they pretend to pay.

ptpalpha · Feb 17, 2000

New Sebby owner chiming in here. I'll make this quick, as the points outlined above pretty much sum it up. For me, the real beauty of the Sebenza is it's simplicity. Chris has taken the finest materials, put them together with the finest QC, designed a lock that is incredibly strong, yet astoundingly simple, and created an overall design that has appealing yet functional lines. Do you like the Spydie large Wegner? Do you consider it an outstanding user knife? Great ergonomics, great design, very useful knife? Me too. Now tweak the lines a bit, give it a stronger, more reliable lock system, throw some BG42 and titanium in the mix, and what do you have? A flashy knife? Nope. One helluva user? You got it. Personally, I like the looks of the Wegner, and love the looks of the Sebby. But I like simple things, built well with the best stuff available. To top it all off, Chris WANTS you to take the knife apart to service it. That's how simple and user friendly this design is. It's a great knife.

JoHnYKwSt · Feb 17, 2000

LOL. Very funny posts Ralf and David.

HC, if a sebenza does not appeal to you then just skip it and get what you like. Just know sebenzas are great knives and when you are ready for one, don't hold back.

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Johnny
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Why Sebenzas?

Sebenzanista

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"