Your bare minimum CRK collection - if you had to sell most

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bvo85

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I'm in the process of buying a house so am thinning the herd over the next few months. I'm looking long and hard at my overall knife collection and CRK makes up a big chunk of it. What would you say is your absolute bare minimum CRK collection if you had to consolidate down. Most threads like this specify a number like pick 3, but I won't put that restriction. You can have as many as you want, as long as it's your bare minimum.

Here's mine with my rationale:

1) Regular BG42 small sebenza. It was my first CRK and my first nice knife. I don't find it useful as an EDC for my current lifestyle, but I have enormous nostalgia with it.

2) Large 21 pre-Idaho stamp. Picked this one up recently and it's a beast! The pre-Idaho stamp is a strong preference for me in the overall aesthetic. I plan to send it in for double thumb stud.

3) Aviator. My love for CRK started with the one piece fixed blade knives (OPK) even though I didn't own one for years after my sebenza. I own several now but will likely pare down to just the aviator because to me, it's the iconic OPK and also most practical. While I love my Project 2, it seems like I'm better off with a regular full tang fixed blade knife and a pocket survival kit. Whereas the aviator is so small, I could see it being a one-item-does-all knife and survival kit for a day hike.

4) Tom Mayo Modified Original ATS34 Large Sebenza. Many here post that they don't like the Mayonized sebenzas, but I adore mine. It's probably the rarest knife I own, and given that Mr Mayo is in his 70s and stopped offering these modifications years ago, it's practically irreplaceable.

I have many other CRKs that I love, but these are my core 4 that I consider my bare minimum if I had to pare down for financial reasons. Tell us about your choices!
 
I have an annual that matches my daughter's birthday, and a unique graphic that matches my wedding day and has a matching box signed by the man himself! I have many that like in my collection, but those are the absolute keepers.:thumbsup:
 
All lefty's
Micarta 25
Unmunzaan
Plain Jane 21 classic
Small Regular
Those four would be more than sufficient to handle my every day needs for a long time. All the other CRK's I've got are mostly eye candy that I really enjoy and make up my collection.
 
My original old pivot Umnumzaan and my Umkhombe would the the last I think..
 
1.Small Sebenza 21 Diamond plate
2.Tilock Blue steam
3.Large Regular
4.Old pivot Umnumzaan
 
The only one I have at the moment, Small Classic with Coco-bola inlays. Perfect in the pocket user with some age.
 
My L21 carbon fiber insingo, and large inkosi micarta. If I had to pick one, it would be the insingo inkosi that is coming out. I like the insingo blade and inkosi frame that much.
 
My minimum list has been refined into the entirety of my CRK collection :
I am a lefty, so that influences what I can get ....
  • Small 21, Wilson Combat Starbenza edition
    • milling that aids grip and looks more upscale than 'plain jane', all-silver accents, dual studs, lanyard with silver bead
  • Large 21, KnifeArt Carbon Fiber edition
    • all the large 21 advantages and ergonomics, but LIGHT weight for easy carry of such a large blade (3.67 oz ....)
  • Ti-Lock, 2017 Annual 'In Motion' edition
    • the 'Medium Sebenza' that never was = awesome 3.25" blade vs. carry size/weight, gorgeous & fancy, now discontinued (good/bad/??)
  • 6.5" Sikayo
    • just got this, but quickly becoming my favorite CRK for 'real' use, imminently-versatile and capable, all I will ever need in a mid-size kitchen knife

And for good measure:
  • Large 21, BladeHQ Carbon Fiber Inlay edition
    • stunning looks with the satin-finished, hollow-ground blade, the perfect inlays and polished handles - BEST ergonomics yet !!
 
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EvilBoffin said:
  • 6.5" Sikayo
    • just got this, but quickly becoming my favorite CRK for 'real' use, imminently-versatile and capable, all I will ever need in a mid-size kitchen knife
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I love my 6.5" Sikayo! I almost forgot that when making my list! I forget it's a CRK but I use it daily!
 
Currently own a small pj21 damascus and large Inkosi. I plan on getting a small 21 Insingo next and that will be it for me, until they drop an Insingo damascus.
 
bvo85 said:
I love my 6.5" Sikayo! I almost forgot that when making my list! I forget it's a CRK but I use it daily!
Click to expand...
Yes sir, that is a real winner, there.
When I found one in stock at a dealer in LEFTY, I jumped on it...

And that was not just to Fanboy another CRK purchase - honestly glad I got it - - Sikayo is a jewel of usability & ergonomics, though the blade stock thickness may be a bit much for some kitchen tasks...
( I ain't no chef, but I do get hungry :cool:!!)
 
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I only have four, but if I HAD to trim to an absolute minimum, I'd want to keep one 21 and one Mnandi.

The 21 as a general EDC, and the Mnandi because to me, it's the perfect gentleman's knife.

-Sean-
 
I actually have sold almost all of my CRKs due to personal circumstances. I only have one in my possession right now and I have one more on order. For the foreseeable future, my only two CRKs will be:

Large plain Jane 21 w/ double silver lugs.
Small 21 Micarta Insingo w/ double silver lugs

I've owned every folder CRK currently produces, and I've found these two configurations fit every need I could ever have in a pocket knife.
 
My answer is purely practical. If I "needed" to liquidate, I would keep the ones that didn't sell.
 
If I had to, I could bring myself to two:

1. Small Classic - Have had it since 2004. It has been on every scout trip I went on with my kids and every camping, hiking, an backpacking trip since. This would be my last to go.
2. Small PJ Insingo - Perfect edc knife. I'd actually take a second job before letting it go.

I'd hate to lose the Mnandi, but could live without it. I'd also really like a Large 21 Micarta Drop Point.
 
1) Small Sebenza 21 w/ Mammoth Ivory, it's unique because it's almost impossible to get anymore plus it's gorgous
2) Small Sebenza 21 w/ Micarta inlays, best in hand IMO, would be a great user knife if I want something high end to carry on the regular
3) Small Sebenza 21 w/ deep red Cocobolo inlays, stunning color/pattern on a popular wood for knives, my favorite sebenza as far as appearances go.
 
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