Would You Tell Me What is So Special About Chris Reeves Knives?

Niall88

Niall88

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Hey gang, I am new here on the BladeForums, but I am not a noob in regards to knives. I own, use, have bought and sold Hinderer, Spyderco, Medford and others. I am very discerning and picky with my knives. However, I want to ask this question, with genuine curiosity, and would like to hear from others. What the heck is so special about CRK? I bought a Sebenza 21, I think it was, many years back. Took it out of the box, handled it and returned it immediately. I could not stand the wimpy pocket clip, which laid right on top of the frame lockbar, which I don't like, and it just did not impress me for the money. Can any of you experts enlighten me? I would appreciate it!
 
Practical design choices (made to be used and feels like it), scales which show your personal patina of use, and outstanding tolerances and fit and finish.

When I disassembled my 31 using the CRK-recommended method -- by removing the blade and washers and leaving the body screws in place -- I was blown away. I've never encountered another knife like that, and it went back together perfectly.

I too prefer a clip that rests on the frame. The Sebenza 31 updates that element of the design.
 
CRK makes a good knife, there’s no doubt, but in recent years they’re not the pinnacle of quality that they use to be since many manufacturers can put out an equally great product.

Where CRK does excel is their knives have an excellent warranty, the spa service they offer is great, if you lose a screw or bend a clip it’s easy to get parts, you can even buy a new blade too or upgrade to Damascus.

CRK has sort of become the “Glock” of knives. They aren’t low-end, they aren’t high-end either (relatively speaking), but they make a consistent product that works well and can be serviced very easily.
 
The Sebenza 21 is a classic IMHO, in design, fit, finish and materials. I don't mind the clip at all. Lately with CNC machining, other knives (mainly produced in Taiwan) are extremely close in quality, but Chris Reeves was there first. It's solid, understated and 100% functional.
 
Dadpool said:
Practical design choices (made to be used and feels like it), scales which show your personal patina of use, and outstanding tolerances and fit and finish.

When I disassembled my 31 using the CRK-recommended method -- by removing the blade and washers and leaving the body screws in place -- I was blown away. I've never encountered another knife like that, and it went back together perfectly.

I too prefer a clip that rests on the frame. The Sebenza 31 updates that element of the design.
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Thank you
 
TC said:
Seems you missed the forest for the sapling you didn't like.

But that's OK, preferences need not be justified.
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You may be right. But researching, I just noticed the newer large Sebenza 31 has had an upgrade of the clip being moved over! I guess they heard me!
 
The Aflac Duck said:
CRK makes a good knife, there’s no doubt, but in recent years they’re not the pinnacle of quality that they use to be since many manufacturers can put out an equally great product.

Where CRK does excel is their knives have an excellent warranty, the spa service they offer is great, if you lose a screw or bend a clip it’s easy to get parts, you can even buy a new blade too or upgrade to Damascus.

CRK has sort of become the “Glock” of knives. They aren’t low-end, they aren’t high-end either (relatively speaking), but they make a consistent product that works well and can be serviced very easily.
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Excellent information. Thank you
 
Some light reading may help in this regard;

Did you like your Sebenza at first?

Hi, I've been reading about sebenza knives for a year or so and finally took the plunge. I got a large micarta insingo in the mail yesterday. I'm not trying to start a flame war here, but i really don't love it. I had bought a spyderco sage 2 a few years back and had always thought that...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com

G2
 
Niall88 said:
You may be right. But researching, I just noticed the newer large Sebenza 31 has had an upgrade of the clip being moved over! I guess they heard me!
Click to expand...
Another change on the 31 (vs. the 21) is the switch to a ceramic lock bar interface; the detent ball does double duty, like on some other models. Definitely a divisive change, but personally I prefer just about anything to a Ti-on-Ti interface.
 
Niall88 said:
Yes, I did that because I have knives for sale on the forum. Should I not do that?
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I would remove it. No telling how many spammers will get your number and sell it to other spammers.

And I agree with most of the posts above regarding CRK - variety is the spice of life. They are special only to the people that think they are special. No different than any other brand/maker who have their followers. :)
 
Weird. I don't have a Seb but I did get an Inkosi this year after a lot of the top tier Spydercos and other diversions.

The first thing I though was wow, the hype is real; there was no regret.
 
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