Tell me why I need a Sebenza

[Mic1]

Compare Winkler knives F1 to Emerson knives Sheepdog. Both are from great companies both men have Excellent personal and professional reputation. Mechanically both knives are almost identical I know I have owned each. The Emerson is much better in fit and finish ergonomics clip in every way including price. These two knives are a prime example of my point they illustrate it perfectly. Both are good knives made by good people who own good companies but in my opinion one is far better quality, design and value.This comparison has nothing to do with the men themselves or the size and experience of their company it is just about the product quality and design versus value of that product.

Sheepdog $200-230
F1 $450-485 (Sebenza money )

[Zenith]

Almost all my fixed blades are made by MS J. Neilson and when we are designing them I lean towards function over aesthetics. Everything J does is handmade. I understand handmade I'm a contractor most of my work is high end remodeling and I do all the carpentry myself. In my opinion to charge premium prices your product better be the best it can be no excuses I'm not paying for your bad day or your lapse in concentration or difficiency in your tooling. To say it's handmade so it has a little blade play or lock stick or something else doesn't fly with me personally.

I dont mind paying for a handmade knife and findng flaws because those that I have dealt with are more than reasonable with correcting that issue. However big or small that might be.

Yes I agree we pay for attention to detail and I am of the opinion that there are makers making a very high quality product in the same range as the Sebenza. The best place to normally find those makers are at shows like Blade, tactical invitational, east coast custom and other shows were Guilf Members and other makers can show their work, compare and learn where to improve.

I am still not taking away anything from CRK for producing a very high quality product very consistently and it has been a benchmark to measure ones work against for decades for a good reason.

[hudsonhawk]

This has always been on my list but everytime I start saving for one, I end up buying one or two Spydies instead. It's hard to justify dropping that much on one knife for me. I'd love to get one in my hands to see the quality for myself.

[Minibear453]

This has always been on my list but everytime I start saving for one, I end up buying one or two Spydies instead. It's hard to justify dropping that much on one knife for me. I'd love to get one in my hands to see the quality for myself.

At the price point ($150), Spyderco knives probably have some of the best value I know. However, once you venture into the $300 range, I daresay Sebenzas outstrip Spyderco at a fast pace. Is a Sebenza expensive? Yes. Is it worth the money? Depends on you. The sebenza is ridiculously well made. The spine is rounded, the inlays (if you get them) are pressure fitted, the washers are perforated, the knife is polished and very very well made. The sebenza feels incredibly "tight" and "compact." There's no looseness. The blade shows no sign of wiggle. When both locked open and closed, the blade is so well fitted that the entire knife seems to be one solid piece of metal. The knife is solid. Solid. Solid. When you hold it, you can tell a lot of money went into making the knife rigid and precise. That makes it worth the money. However, whether you care about having such a exacting knife is really up to you. Most Spydies lock up tight enough that there is no perceivable wiggle or play. The sebenza locks up tight enough that it feels just like a fixed blade. Do you care about that difference?

[Evil D]

I dunno man, I'd bet the cost of the most expensive CRK that my Wildsteer locks up and feels just as much like a fixed blade as any CRK, and it cost me $165 although it isn't nearly as refined or perfected as a CRK. My Southard is also extremely solid in the pivot and was half the price if a CRK and IMO has far better steel.

[Mic1]

I dunno man, I'd bet the cost of the most expensive CRK that my Wildsteer locks up and feels just as much like a fixed blade as any CRK, and it cost me $165 although it isn't nearly as refined or perfected as a CRK. My Southard is also extremely solid in the pivot and was half the price if a CRK and IMO has far better steel.

I think you should own one at least once. Or at minimum handle one for an extended period of time. CRK wins awards for quality all the time I believe they did again this year at blade. There is a reason for that. You can feel it with any of there knives you really need to have it a bit to appreciate it. Like I said you should at least try one once it may not be for you design wise but as a knife user collector you will be impressed it to me anyway is the benchmark for quality. I love my Manix2 so far my favorite all time design and it's well built but quality wise CRK is still better. I would recommend the umnumzaan.

[Mic1]

Been contemplating one of two very different purchases lately...either a SMF or a Sebenza Insingo. In the past I've sworn off CRK because their style doesn't really suit me, but lately I've been lusting after the precision aspect of their build quality and such. I was dead set on getting a SMF, but I read a bunch of warranty horror stories and they soured my taste, plus in all reality I don't think it would get carried enough to justify the price, I dunno.

With the Sebenza, I could see myself using it on one condition...and that's me getting past the thumb stud. I've been round and round in circles with the guys on EDCF over this, and they swear the stud is not an issue. Maybe they're right...I dunno.

My other thing is steel options...I'd really just like something besides S35VN. For the price, it would be nice to at least have a couple options.

I know some of you guys have them, what are you feelings? Worth the price for more than just a safe queen? I don't buy anything and let it sit in the box, it WILL get used, it WILL get scratched and probably dropped and banged up. I'm not at all worried about resale value.

I had a conversation with Bob Dozier Thursday night about a custom folder I ordered. We got to talking about the blade show, production knives trends etc. I brought up Chris Reeve he said Chris is one of his heroes someone he looks up to. He went on to say CRK are one of the very few knives he collects and uses. That's high praise from a man who makes some Darn nice folders himself and can make anything he personally wants. Like I have said you should have one once.

[Ankerson]

Been contemplating one of two very different purchases lately...either a SMF or a Sebenza Insingo. In the past I've sworn off CRK because their style doesn't really suit me, but lately I've been lusting after the precision aspect of their build quality and such. I was dead set on getting a SMF, but I read a bunch of warranty horror stories and they soured my taste, plus in all reality I don't think it would get carried enough to justify the price, I dunno.

With the Sebenza, I could see myself using it on one condition...and that's me getting past the thumb stud. I've been round and round in circles with the guys on EDCF over this, and they swear the stud is not an issue. Maybe they're right...I dunno.

My other thing is steel options...I'd really just like something besides S35VN. For the price, it would be nice to at least have a couple options.

I know some of you guys have them, what are you feelings? Worth the price for more than just a safe queen? I don't buy anything and let it sit in the box, it WILL get used, it WILL get scratched and probably dropped and banged up. I'm not at all worried about resale value.

I had a conversation with Bob Dozier Thursday night about a custom folder I ordered. We got to talking about the blade show, production knives trends etc. I brought up Chris Reeve he said Chris is one of his heroes someone he looks up to. He went on to say CRK are one of the very few knives he collects and uses. That's high praise from a man who makes some Darn nice folders himself and can make anything he personally wants. Like I have said you should have one once.

I hung out with Bob for a little while at Blade. :)

He bought a new Sebenza for his collection, really nice one too. :cool:

[Mic1]

Been contemplating one of two very different purchases lately...either a SMF or a Sebenza Insingo. In the past I've sworn off CRK because their style doesn't really suit me, but lately I've been lusting after the precision aspect of their build quality and such. I was dead set on getting a SMF, but I read a bunch of warranty horror stories and they soured my taste, plus in all reality I don't think it would get carried enough to justify the price, I dunno.

With the Sebenza, I could see myself using it on one condition...and that's me getting past the thumb stud. I've been round and round in circles with the guys on EDCF over this, and they swear the stud is not an issue. Maybe they're right...I dunno.

My other thing is steel options...I'd really just like something besides S35VN. For the price, it would be nice to at least have a couple options.

I know some of you guys have them, what are you feelings? Worth the price for more than just a safe queen? I don't buy anything and let it sit in the box, it WILL get used, it WILL get scratched and probably dropped and banged up. I'm not at all worried about resale value.

I had a conversation with Bob Dozier Thursday night about a custom folder I ordered. We got to talking about the blade show, production knives trends etc. I brought up Chris Reeve he said Chris is one of his heroes someone he looks up to. He went on to say CRK are one of the very few knives he collects and uses. That's high praise from a man who makes some Darn nice folders himself and can make anything he personally wants. Like I have said you should have one once.

I hung out with Bob for a little while at Blade. :)

He bought a new Sebenza for his collection, really nice one too. :cool:

It says a lot about CRK. I can't wait to get my custom from Mr. Dozier it's a pro skinner folder with sheep horn scales tip up carry.

[Ankerson]

Been contemplating one of two very different purchases lately...either a SMF or a Sebenza Insingo. In the past I've sworn off CRK because their style doesn't really suit me, but lately I've been lusting after the precision aspect of their build quality and such. I was dead set on getting a SMF, but I read a bunch of warranty horror stories and they soured my taste, plus in all reality I don't think it would get carried enough to justify the price, I dunno.

With the Sebenza, I could see myself using it on one condition...and that's me getting past the thumb stud. I've been round and round in circles with the guys on EDCF over this, and they swear the stud is not an issue. Maybe they're right...I dunno.

My other thing is steel options...I'd really just like something besides S35VN. For the price, it would be nice to at least have a couple options.

I know some of you guys have them, what are you feelings? Worth the price for more than just a safe queen? I don't buy anything and let it sit in the box, it WILL get used, it WILL get scratched and probably dropped and banged up. I'm not at all worried about resale value.

I had a conversation with Bob Dozier Thursday night about a custom folder I ordered. We got to talking about the blade show, production knives trends etc. I brought up Chris Reeve he said Chris is one of his heroes someone he looks up to. He went on to say CRK are one of the very few knives he collects and uses. That's high praise from a man who makes some Darn nice folders himself and can make anything he personally wants. Like I have said you should have one once.

I hung out with Bob for a little while at Blade. :)

He bought a new Sebenza for his collection, really nice one too. :cool:

It says a lot about CRK. I can't wait to get my custom from Mr. Dozier it's a pro skinner folder with sheep horn scales tip up carry.

Bob collects Sebenzas. :D

That says one heck of a lot really when you step back and think about it.

Sounds like it will be a nice one. :)

[Evil D]

You guys are really not making this any easier on me :rolleyes:


Hey Jim, I'm assuming you have or do own one, and I know you use an Edge Pro....have you had any issues with the thumb studs contacting the stones or do you just sharpen at a high enough angle that it clears the studs?

[Ankerson]

You guys are really not making this any easier on me :rolleyes:


Hey Jim, I'm assuming you have or do own one, and I know you use an Edge Pro....have you had any issues with the thumb studs contacting the stones or do you just sharpen at a high enough angle that it clears the studs?

Not on Sebenzas, I sharpen at 15 DPS.

On knives that have removable ones I remove them as needed.

[SpyderNut]

You guys are really not making this any easier on me :rolleyes:


Hey Jim, I'm assuming you have or do own one, and I know you use an Edge Pro....have you had any issues with the thumb studs contacting the stones or do you just sharpen at a high enough angle that it clears the studs?

I'll bet you've already thought of this, but have you considered purchasing a lightly used Sebenza? This would give you an opportunity to try one out without having to deal with the high sticker-shock.

[Evil D]

You guys are really not making this any easier on me :rolleyes:


Hey Jim, I'm assuming you have or do own one, and I know you use an Edge Pro....have you had any issues with the thumb studs contacting the stones or do you just sharpen at a high enough angle that it clears the studs?

I'll bet you've already thought of this, but have you considered purchasing a lightly used Sebenza? This would give you an opportunity to try one out without having to deal with the high sticker-shock.

I have, and it's probably the way I'll go about it if I ever do break down and buy one especially since if I do shell out the cash for one even if it's new I plan on using the crap out of it so having some scratches and wear won't bother me any as long as it's mechanically sound.

[Mic1]

:D All this talk made me buy an insingo see what you did thanks guys thanks a lot.

[SpyderNut]

:D All this talk made me buy an insingo see what you did thanks guys thanks a lot.

Lol. I think they call that reverse peer-pressure. :p

[Evil D]

Yeah, lets talk about all the reasons to NOT buy something.

...goes out and buys it anyway LOL.

If I were to buy one it would be a large Insingo.

[Mic1]

Yeah, lets talk about all the reasons to NOT buy something.

...goes out and buys it anyway LOL.

If I were to buy one it would be a large Insingo.

I have never tried to talk you out of it quite the contrary actually. The large insingo is what I bought I have never tried the insingo before. All the others including the tanto but never the insingo.

[DRKBC]

I had an Insingo but I sold it a while back and got a 21 instead. I liked the blade shape but I prefer the drop point at least on the large. I am down to a large21 CG, a small 21 inlay, a 25 and an Startac. I think next on my list will be a knifeworks CF25 or possibly small CF Insingo. I think CF 25 would be interesting knife because of the weight ... or lack there of.

Anyway you can't go wrong and if you don't like it you can always sell it for very close to what you paid, if you buy it used you can probably sell it for exactly what you paid for it or even make a dollar.

[RanCoWeAla]

I would rather have a Micro Tech So com Delta than anything out there right now