XM-18, Large Sebenza, Small Sebenza or SNG

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smitty1505

Joined
Oct 24, 2009
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hey i was just wondering what you guys would suggest. i want to really use this knife. i need help with warrantee and actual use reviews. i do a lot of fishing and hunting, also landscaping and some office work. i do everything from cutting bagels to cutting boxes and opening mail to cleaning game and fish and to cutting roots in the dirt. i understand a fixed blade would be better suited for the roots in dirt part but i dont like carrying fixed blades i want this knife to be my one and only edc. i no thats not possible but id like to get as close as possible. if i accidentally chip the blade who has the best warrantee to get that fixed? is it even covered under any of the warrantees? has anyone had experience with hard use with any of these knives? all seem to be super tough and sturdy but is one better than the other? basically what im trying to say is what is the best all around knife for my needs or is there one better suited to me. price is not an problem and i really like knives and dont want to carry a cheap knife dumb i know but hopefully someone gets what im saying:rolleyes: thanks guys!
 
I hear the barrel of monkey's opening.....

Seriously, these are all great knives and the differentiator will probably come down to personal preference. Personally, unless my plans included VERY hard use I'd go with a plain or micarta inlay Sebenza. The quality is impeccable and there are many, many long term users lurking around to confirm this recommendation. Next to that, I'd probably pick the XM-18 because the quality is equally high and they are a little tougher built. IMO the Sebenza is a better slicer due to the thinner grind, but the XM absolutely BEGS to get used hard.

Kudos for trying a premium knife right out of the chute. Saves time later.

Good luck in your quest!
 
Can't lose with either one. I'de say Sebeza because they are easier to come by, and I don't know what Rick Hinderer's warranty is like(it's probably excellent, like Chris Reeve's).
 
I've tried them all.
I've only bought and sold 1 hinderer of each size, and one sng, and pt.
I've bought and sold many more sebenzas and umnumzaans. probably 6 sebenzas and 2 or 3 umnumzaans.

All I have after owning all of those is a small Insingo, but I keep thinking I need a large.

The hinderer has great fit and finish, but is just too thick.
The Strider has great materials, but the fit and finish is not near the same league as the Sebenza.
The Sebenza is the ideal sets of compromise, handle to blade ratio. weight and size to strength and ergos. thick enough blade to be pretty tough, yet still qualifying as a knife blade.
 
I will not stop until I get another XM...

Hopefully soon...

I had a chance to get any of the knives you listed. I sold an SNG to get another premium blade. Went with the XM because I knew I could keep it and use it for a year and still sell it for a profit. I paid the 395 or whatever rick charges directly. I loved that knife, i mean, it was WAY too much knife for me... but man, it's like... if you could only carry ONE knife daily... the XM would be it. I never regretted choosing the XM over the others. I would not pay the $600 aftermarket price for one.. too many full customs at that point... but for 400... XM is #1 to me.
 
smitty1505 said:
hey i was just wondering what you guys would suggest. i want to really use this knife. i need help with warrantee and actual use reviews. i do a lot of fishing and hunting, also landscaping and some office work. i do everything from cutting bagels to cutting boxes and opening mail to cleaning game and fish and to cutting roots in the dirt. i understand a fixed blade would be better suited for the roots in dirt part but i dont like carrying fixed blades i want this knife to be my one and only edc. i no thats not possible but id like to get as close as possible. if i accidentally chip the blade who has the best warrantee to get that fixed? is it even covered under any of the warrantees? has anyone had experience with hard use with any of these knives? all seem to be super tough and sturdy but is one better than the other? basically what im trying to say is what is the best all around knife for my needs or is there one better suited to me. price is not an problem and i really like knives and dont want to carry a cheap knife dumb i know but hopefully someone gets what im saying:rolleyes: thanks guys!
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If you want a top of the line knife with one of the best warranties in the business go for a CRK. If you every plan on abusing said knife go for a Strider. I haven't heard exceptional things about Strider, especially the turn around time, but I've also never heard of one breaking either.

jakeyjake4528 said:
how about an umnumzaan?
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I love my Umnumzaan. Large Regular Sebenza + Umnumzaan = perfect duo.
 
Got em' all, and you would be happy with any. :)


I would urge you to look at a Umnumzaan and a large 21, plain or micarta. I have both the plain and micarta and find myself really liking both :eek: :D The plain is a tad thinner in the pocket and has a no bullshit look about it, the micarta says I'm here to work... But I'm going to look GREAT doing it too :D
 
My vote is for a large plain Sebenza 21. I really like that new Insingo and will get one when funds allow. The blade shape is very nice but I will NEVER get rid of my Sebenza 21.
 
I have all the knives mentioned except the SNG, and yes I have owned one. I absolutely love the XM, but with that said I think for a first realy nice knife try out the large Sebenza. No need for the small if you were looking at the XM and SNG.

You should look at some other makers as well, if you already have'nt.
 
atony said:
I have all the knives mentioned except the SNG, and yes I have owned one. I absolutely love the XM, but with that said I think for a first realy nice knife try out the large Sebenza. No need for the small if you were looking at the XM and SNG.

You should look at some other makers as well, if you already have'nt.
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Like who?
 
I have the small version of all 3 (3" xm-18, small sebenza, and a PT). I have owned an SNG, and I also have an Umnumzaan (which you should really consider in the mix as well)

I say, you can't go wrong with any of them. All are great knives and have great warranties. Just pick whichever one does it for you the most.
 
smitty1505 said:
Like who?
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Dozier would fit the bill. Terzuola? That said, I've owned all three but now only have two XM-18s -- a flipper and a non-flipper. The Strider didn't appeal at all but sometimes I look at Sebbies in the hope of finding a steal.
 
I hear a lot of negative talk about F&F of Striders. Clearly they vary in quality because the one I recently bought is flawless, simply perfect. I own a large Sebenza too, and it's in no way better than the SMF I have, no worse either, they're equal.
Strider has a warranty as good as any.
I don't own an XM-18 though I am desperately looking for one, I have held a few and again, they are perfect.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three brands. It will come down to personal taste. Fondle all three, and choose accordingly.
 
If you are going to use the heck out of it I would go with the Strider, you won't regret it. :D

If the XM-18 was more widely available I would say either the Strider or XM-18, either one is bullet proof, you can torture either one of them. :)
 
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i do everything from cutting bagels to cutting boxes and opening mail to cleaning game and fish and to cutting roots in the dirt.
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One folder for all of that? Let's be realistic. Save some $$ and buy a Cold Steel G-10 Recon-1 w/ultralock for the filthy stuff, rince it off and wipe it down and put your Sebenza in your pocket when you're not digging roots out, cleaning game or gutting fish.

They're giving away Recon-1's right now two for $60 on close-out or one fro $45. :)
 
cziv said:
One folder for all of that? Let's be realistic. Save some $$ and buy a Cold Steel G-10 Recon-1 w/ultralock for the filthy stuff, rince it off and wipe it down and put your Sebenza in your pocket when you're not digging roots out, cleaning game or gutting fish.

They're giving away Recon-1's right now two for $60 on close-out or one fro $45. :)
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They are good knives, but he gave 3 choices and the Recon 1's blade is just a little thin for really heavy work in the dirt, the Black Rhino would be the one if they were still available. The American Lawman would be a better choice in the CS line IMO, it really is that good.

I have done all that he stated with my Strider SmF RW-1 including digging the dirt, cutting roots etc.
 
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