Will a Sebenza ruin me for other knives?

[amngwlvs]

I don’t think so. It’s all a matter of taste and preference.

I had to go through several before I even found one that fit me. Small 21 plain, and inlays. Large 21 plain, and wood inlays. 25 plain. Then I stumbled upon and purchased a Large 21 Micarta, and the stars lit up and aligned for me. Then I went a little further and picked up a Small Inkosi plain to go with it, and all was just set in stone. Both fit me so well, I knew right away I’d never give them up. They are my “perfect” CRK knives. Large 21 as a daily, and the Inkosi for when the Lg is just too much (think formal occasions and such, dress pants and all that crap ).

All that said, I still grab a Buck knife every single day. They are the knives I depend on, trust, and put to the hardest work. Don’t get me wrong, my Large 21 has been through it, and I trust it as well without a doubt. Not bad mouthing or knocking it in any way, because I’d use it for just about anything (and I have!). Battle scars are sexy But I just don’t feel “complete” without a Buck knife on my belt, or in my pocket (depending on model, lots of times it’s a 110). I think you’ll be just fine, friend

ETA: Figured I’d add a pic just because.

View attachment 1278529

Thanks for the reply! Having handled a few it was the small plain jane 21 Insingo that spoke to me. Between working in a casual office (think jeans and polo) and living in Canada, in a city of about 150,000 where any knife other than a slip joint can still a bit off putting in public the large what just a but more than I'd need. A huge part of the appeal for me is the battle scars - knowing you've got a knife that will last forever and show the marks of it's life gives it character. Maybe that's why I like the plain scales so much; though the micarta on yours certainly does look fantastic!

 

[johnnytoxin]

tl;dr - Will buying a small Sebenza stop me from ever carrying my Benchmades?

Yes and no. You will probably carry the sebenza most days but you can still find uses for your Benchmades. When I go out fly fishing on my stand up paddle board I take my Spyderco Manix 2 as I would be real pissed if dropped and lost a CRK. If I desire a stronger lock for whatever reason I also grab the Manix 2. Otherwise I pretty much carry my CRK folders exclusively. There are knives that cost less that match or exceed them in performance, but none exceed or even match them in build quality.

 

[Evany]

I've gone back and forth on this issue, but these days it's CRK all the time for me. I've sold all my folders off except 3 CRKs and a Benchmade bugout with custom CF scales that I couldn't bear to part with. The small 21 Insingo is just incredibly useful and compact. I have the Knife Art carbon fiber version, it's even lighter and easier to carry. When I'm working I carry a large Inkosi or 21 and sometimes a SAK in the other pocket. The rest of the time I usually carry the Small 21, but in truth the small 21 can do it all, especially the Insingo version. Just for comparison, the small 21 has more usable edge a Paramilitary 3!

 

[amngwlvs]

Yes and no. You will probably carry the sebenza most days but you can still find uses for your Benchmades. When I go out fly fishing on my stand up paddle board I take my Spyderco Manix 2 as I would be real pissed if dropped and lost a CRK. If I desire a stronger lock for whatever reason I also grab the Manix 2. Otherwise I pretty much carry my CRK folders exclusively. There are knives that cost less that match or exceed them in performance, but none exceed or even match them in build quality.

Thanks for the reply! I can certainly see scenarios where I wouldn't want to risk losing the CRK and grab a Benchmade instead. If I dropped mine off the paddle board I'd be snorkeling for days until I found it!

I've gone back and forth on this issue, but these days it's CRK all the time for me. I've sold all my folders off except 3 CRKs and a Benchmade bugout with custom CF scales that I couldn't bear to part with. The small 21 Insingo is just incredibly useful and compact. I have the Knife Art carbon fiber version, it's even lighter and easier to carry. When I'm working I carry a large Inkosi or 21 and sometimes a SAK in the other pocket. The rest of the time I usually carry the Small 21, but in truth the small 21 can do it all, especially the Insingo version. Just for comparison, the small 21 has more usable edge a Paramilitary 3!

Thanks for the reply! Sounds like the small Insingo is a super versatile piece. Never been a fan of the spydie hole and thus have never owned a Spyderco but how does it compare to the Bugout? Coming from Mini Grips I do find the Bugout a tad large at times.

 

[Evany]

Compared to the Bugout, the small 21 Insingo has about the same amount of edge, blade is ever so slightly shorter, maybe 1/8". The 21 is smaller in closed length, maybe 1/4", but if feels like more because it's more slender, they are about the same thickness though. The Bugout is noticeably lighter than the PJ 21. Overall the 21 feels a lot more compact and a little heavier. It's amazing how much blade they fit into that small package.

 

[amngwlvs]

Compared to the Bugout, the small 21 Insingo has about the same amount of edge, blade is ever so slightly shorter, maybe 1/8". The 21 is smaller in closed length, maybe 1/4", but if feels like more because it's more slender, they are about the same thickness though. The Bugout is noticeably lighter than the PJ 21. Overall the 21 feels a lot more compact and a little heavier. It's amazing how much blade they fit into that small package.

Thanks for the reply and great comparison! Definitely gives some more perspective. This is getting hard and harder to resist by the day...

 

[Honed_Edge]

Mark me as ruined. I only got to about 12 "other" knives, mostly spyderco and benchmade, before I was locked into an integral addiction. Just got to the 10 Reeve point today as a matter of fact. I've been blessed with a small lefty knife art drop point and another small knife art insingo.

I open the drawer to pick the days Reeve and often look at my old friends. Sometimes we play, but never for long. I and the Reeve's have work to do. There is NOTHING wrong with all the brands mentioned. They are fine knives and have a place and a market. For me, I've been ruined and am currently only looking for more CR stuff.

 

[QwickC]

No least not for me. I have inkosi, umnumzaan, small 21. I have spyderco, benchmade and ZT. What I'm doing or where I'm going kind of decides what I'll carry. I can ever have 1 knife or 1 brand, just not me. I like little variety, styles.

 

[Stumpy72]

...... living in Canada, in a city of about 150,000 where any knife other than a slip joint can still a bit off putting in public the large what just a but more than I'd need ......

The small CRK vs. slipjoints is an interesting comparison. I recently stumbled into the traditional knife world and bought a few slipjoints. My small Star-Benza is only just a little bit bigger than a large or full size slipjoint and when I took the clip off, the size difference between the two is (at least IMO) negligible. Better yet, the CRK is quality stainless steel, bomb-proof design and construction, always perfectly blade-centered, easily disassembled/cleaned/reassembled, always eligible for CRK spa refurbishment, etc, etc.... It’s no slipjoint, but in a “slipjoint vs. modern folder” comparison the small CRK is a winner. Definitely not traditional, but IMO definitely the winner.

 

[bart1]

Then there is the Impinda... I am ruined for sure.. just like the brand. Not hating' on any others , just really prefer the CRK knives..Had an extremely early Randall Galbreath, which was VERY similar to a Sebenza. That's the only knife that came close.

 

[BD_01]

Ruin you for other knives? Maybe.

I might be headed down that path. I’m finding myself less interested in other knives these days. I still mix it up by carrying other things in my collection, but whenever I think about a new knife purchase, part of my brain says, “Nah, just save the cash for another CRK.”

In a way that’s good, as it keeps me from chasing all the flash-in-the-pan bearing flippers pouring in from overseas. CRK has a timeless lasting appeal for me. As I mature, that’s more & more important.

I think part of mystique to me is that it's the perfect combination of long term desire and self reward.

Very well stated. This is definately a part of it.

 

[bladeCraft124]

I guess I'm in the minority here.

CRKs are definitely my most carried blades, both Inkosi and Sebenza. Despite that I still get excited about new designs, innovations and steels.

In 2011/2012 I went deep down the CRK rabbit whole and acquired many CRKs. However this year I bought my first CRK in almost 8 years. During those 8 years I purchased, carried, and enjoyed spydercos, benchmades, cold steels, hinderers and many others.

My favorite thing about the knife hobby is that there is always something new and exciting coming out that is worth carrying and experimenting with.

 

[BellaBlades]

For me it did. So I bought a Large 21 DP PJ today!

Been a whole darn year since I owned a CRK. Nothing else could satisfy my EDC itch.

Most of the time I carried a Resilience my wife grabbed me on vacation last summer. What a great budget blade that is.

But no matter how many sprint run or limited Shaman , ZT or Hinderer I picked up. Nothing quite cut it!

 

[rpstrimple]

It's interesting reading everyone's experiences. I started out with kershaw in college, then graduated to spyderco and benchmade and thought I was set. Always wanted a CRK though. As a poor graduate student, that just wasn't possible at the time. Then I took a hiatus from modern knives and focused more on slipjoints. Today, I own 5 CRKs with #6 on the way, and I am very thankful for my small collection. I've since sold most of my other modern folders and now only focus on whittling down my CRK list and collect traditional folders.

The age of the "drop" culture has further turned me off from other production folders that are produced in limited batches. I've turned my focus to knives that are meant to be used, enjoyed, and exist as an exquisitely built tool that will last generations. CRK fits that perfectly for me.

 

[Mistman68]

For me no.

I suppose if your just looking for a 'one and done' a CRK could be the one.

I'm not as enamored with them as most of the folks in this thread though I do appreciate them. I guess I'm more in the collector category and like some variety in my knives. There are a lot of great knives out there, really. I would hate to think I'd be missing out on some of those because I'm stuck on CRK's. But that's the collector side talking, obviously if you like them they'll work for you just fine.

 

[amngwlvs]

The small CRK vs. slipjoints is an interesting comparison. I recently stumbled into the traditional knife world and bought a few slipjoints. My small Star-Benza is only just a little bit bigger than a large or full size slipjoint and when I took the clip off, the size difference between the two is (at least IMO) negligible. Better yet, the CRK is quality stainless steel, bomb-proof design and construction, always perfectly blade-centered, easily disassembled/cleaned/reassembled, always eligible for CRK spa refurbishment, etc, etc.... It’s no slipjoint, but in a “slipjoint vs. modern folder” comparison the small CRK is a winner. Definitely not traditional, but IMO definitely the winner.

Sorry, I hadn't really intended to make that comparison. I was more alluding to the fact that here it feels like a Swiss Army Knife or slip joint (Buck) is well recognized and it's not viewed as threatening but if you pull out a well adjusted Bugout with green scales and a coated blade and give it an authoritative flip open in public people kind of look at you like you've just pulled out a switch blade (which are illegal here). I think that being small and more "traditionally" coloured, the small Sebenza comes across less tactical, more unassuming and less stabby murder weapon haha. Personally I've not been a huge fan of slip joints because I do like a one handed opening but the Benchmade Proper has me thinking!

Ruin you for other knives? Maybe.

I might be headed down that path. I’m finding myself less interested in other knives these days. I still mix it up by carrying other things in my collection, but whenever I think about a new knife purchase, part of my brain says, “Nah, just save the cash for another CRK.”

In a way that’s good, as it keeps me from chasing all the flash-in-the-pan bearing flippers pouring in from overseas. CRK has a timeless lasting appeal for me. As I mature, that’s more & more important.

Very well stated. This is definately a part of it.

Yeah, I can understand that about collecting. I was eyeing up every single watch I could and after getting a few that I really like I've put the watch purchases on the back burner knowing that at this point I'd prefer to save the cash and wait for something that will really blow me away rather than buying a bunch of less expensive watches.

It's interesting reading everyone's experiences. I started out with kershaw in college, then graduated to spyderco and benchmade and thought I was set. Always wanted a CRK though. As a poor graduate student, that just wasn't possible at the time. Then I took a hiatus from modern knives and focused more on slipjoints. Today, I own 5 CRKs with #6 on the way, and I am very thankful for my small collection. I've since sold most of my other modern folders and now only focus on whittling down my CRK list and collect traditional folders.

The age of the "drop" culture has further turned me off from other production folders that are produced in limited batches. I've turned my focus to knives that are meant to be used, enjoyed, and exist as an exquisitely built tool that will last generations. CRK fits that perfectly for me.

Funny one of my first folders just out of college was a Kershaw that a buddy gave me before I moved onto Benchmade thinking I was set as well. Because I've been a long term carrier of my knives and don't have any real inclination as a flipper, limited production knives aren't a huge draw for me. Personally, I'd rather own something well made that I can carry (near) daily for years to come!

 

[Evany]

As I mentioned above I've been exclusively carrying CRKs for the last few months, can't see changing anytime soon--but I do kind of feel the need for a true beater. For example, Spring is not far away here in New England and I'll be out in the woods harvesting ramps in 6 weeks or so. When I pick ramps I like to leave the root bulb intact so the plant hopefully grows back next year. To do that you have to stick your knife blade a couple of inches into the soil and slice the leaves off just above the root. I usually use an old Opinel #10. The carbon steel blade sharpens up fast and scratches just add character. I can't see doing that with a CRK, if there was any other option. I'm thinking maybe a Spyderco Endura. More robust than a Opinel and not too expensive. On the other hand I could just use that money towards a Sebenza 31 and stick with my $12 Opinel.

 

[BellaBlades]

As I mentioned above I've been exclusively carrying CRKs for the last few months, can't see changing anytime soon--but I do kind of feel the need for a true beater. For example, Spring is not far away here in New England and I'll be out in the woods harvesting ramps in 6 weeks or so. When I pick ramps I like to leave the root bulb intact so the plant hopefully grows back next year. To do that you have to stick your knife blade a couple of inches into the soil and slice the leaves off just above the root. I usually use an old Opinel #10. The carbon steel blade sharpens up fast and scratches just add character. I can't see doing that with a CRK, if there was any other option. I'm thinking maybe a Spyderco Endura. More robust than a Opinel and not too expensive. On the other hand I could just use that money towards a Sebenza 31 and stick with my $12 Opinel.

Hori Hori from Japan. Love mine.

 

[archieblue]

They have been my personal yardstick since my first Seb in 2000. It shows what the difference between cutting corners in design and manufacturing and adding extra corners in design and manufacturing is.

 

[Mistman68]

you have to stick your knife blade a couple of inches into the soil and slice the leaves off just above the root. I'm thinking maybe a Spyderco Endura.

I've used my Endura in the garden basically doing just that. Works great and the VG-10 sharpens up nicely afterward. The steel holds up well in dirt, roots and rocks. After a cleaning and re-sharpening it still looks nearly new.

Sounds like the CRK guys have found their grail. Like I mentioned earlier, one and done, or maybe a bunch of flavors of the 'one'.

I almost feel like I don't really know much about knives since I have CRK's and am not in that camp. I still like knives though, someday maybe I'll figure it out