2014 New Purchase Recommendation!

[eric m.]

Been Thinking!!! Which knife would you rather purchase, a Strider SNG or a Sebenza 21, and why? :)

[kbuzbee]

Sebbie.

No technical reason, I just prefer the design.

Ken

[DRKBC]

The Sebenza is a more conservative looking knife IMO than the strider, as such it is easier to carry most places. The quality is very, very high (strider has had their issues). I don't know that a Seb would stand up to as much hard use as a Strider, I don't use my knives that way and if I did I wouldn't pick a $500 knife to do it with:-) so that may or may not be a concern for you. As of late I only own Sebenzas, I would like to own a Strider one day but currently Sebenza has the edge for me.

[JNewell]

I own several Striders, including a pair of SnGs, and quite a few Sebenzas. Both are great knives and both have a lot of appeal to knife enthusiasts. If I had to choose, I'd start with a Sebenza. I like the design and workmanship better, but this is a personal choice. :) If I were buying my first Sebenza, I'd consider a large 21 with micarta inlays.

[RanCoWeAla]

I looked at both at the Blade Show in Atlanta this year and I didn't like either oñe.

[The Deacon]

Have handled both and found nothing to like about either. However, if I had to choose, it would be the Sebenza because of Chris Reeve's character.

[demoncase]

Handle both, see which one 'grabs' you.

[Syncharmony]

Sebenza for sure. I'm a little iffy on Strider's in general due to the reputation of Mick Strider.

[this_is_nascar]

I had a Sebenza, but eventually sold it. I could never actually convince myself to actually use such an expensive knife, so it sat there. It didn't make sense to me, so I sold it. I've since changed my opinion and thinking of knives I purchase and what I'm willing to pay. I can't speak to the other knife you mentioned.

[JNewell]

Have handled both and found nothing to like about either. However, if I had to choose, it would be the Sebenza because of Chris Reeve's character.

The other thing I find appealing about the Sebenza is the extremely fine manufacturing tolerances. Part of what fascinates me about folders is the ingenuity of the different lock designs (which is why I love the Sage series so much, and would love to see more of them). The true pivot bushing in the Sebenza is unique at those tolerances, which allow you to fully tighten the pivot without either play or locking up the pivot.

At the end of the day, though, personal preferences vary a lot and choice is good.

[xceptnl]

I own several CRK and Striders and here is what I have found. I purchased an Umnumzaan first because of the technical advancements made in it's design and construction. I have hard used it in the woods and yard as well as in the kitchen. Later I purchased an SNG in Z-wear and an SMF in CPM154. Both have been great knives and with excellent heat treatments. This was my main reason for purchasing a Strider and it did not disappoint. The steel choice has discouraged me somewhat from buying a current Sebenza and I actually felt the SMF and SMG created fewer hot-spots in my hand when undergoing heavy cutting without gloves. I would recommend either for someone looking for a high quality folding knife, but I still am not sure any of the three I mentioned have been worth the prices. On another note I friend found me a great deal on a used small Classic Sebbie in BG-42. This has been a terrific knife and I would certainly recommend to anyone to search for the older models from CRK.

[eric m.]

The Sebenza is a more conservative looking knife IMO than the strider, as such it is easier to carry most places. The quality is very, very high (strider has had their issues). I don't know that a Seb would stand up to as much hard use as a Strider, I don't use my knives that way and if I did I wouldn't pick a $500 knife to do it with:-) so that may or may not be a concern for you. As of late I only own Sebenzas, I would like to own a Strider one day but currently Sebenza has the edge for me.

I pretty much agree that I would definitely not use a $400-$500 when a lesser model will do! But, just for curiosity, I will get one or both to see for myself what the "Holy Grail" of folding knives is all about! Thanks for all the honest opinions! They were very helpful, as usual! :)

[DRKBC]

For what it worth here is a photo of my vast collection of CRK's, love them both. I may add a UG at some point, if I am fortunate a Mammoth Inlay or one of the old Annuals but I would need a bit of a lottery winning for that prophesy to be fulfilled.

[eric m.]

For what it worth here is a photo of my vast collection of CRK's, love them both. I may add a UG at some point, if I am fortunate a Mammoth Inlay or one of the old Annuals but I would need a bit of a lottery winning for that prophesy to be fulfilled.

yeah, I was thinking about the inlays, instead of just the plain handled knives! Great looking knives! Thanks for the pictures! Is that the ironwood inlay on the small seb? Iam partial to that or maybe the snakewood! :)

[DRKBC]

The inlay on the small 21 is Macassar Ebony, I think it is found in Indonesia, it has been really durable. I think your choice of either the Ironwood (the name really does say it all) or the Snakewood would be a great, I really like the character of the Snakewood. I think the Inlay models are worth the extra $$ each knife is a little different and the Inlays themselves thicken up the handle and give your fingers a place to get traction. On the wood and ivory inlays I also really like the combination of the polished and the stone washed on both the scale and the blade. The Micarta on the other hand has a kind of stealthy look with its stone washed blade and handles and the texture is very interesting, I like it more than I thought I would.

[Manchu]

Have handled both and found nothing to like about either. However, if I had to choose, it would be the Sebenza because of Chris Reeve's character.

I'd have to agree with this sentiment.

[shunsui]

I'd look for a BG-42 Regular instead.

[The Mastiff]

I like the newer Striders with Z wear and PD-1. The CRK's are probably built better and nicer looking but to be honest they bore me since they switched from BG42 at a decent hardness. Too much money for plain vanilla steels not pushed hard enough for me.

[eric m.]

Thanks to all for your advice! Just updating this thread. I purchased a large Sebenza 21 w/CF inlays from BHQ the other day. Should be here tomorrow! :)