If he doesn't care for the knife then that's fine. It's just one opinion and he has right to it. Everyone likes different things. The problem here is that he is comparing apples with oranges. I own several examples of many knives this guy seems to like such as the the Keonig Arius, Oz Roosevelt, CKF Evo or Holts to name a few. (I even have one of the Avants which isn't cheap considering that it's micarta with a preorder for the Ti version in). I also own a few versions of Shiros, Hinderers, Spydercos, Striders etc. After a few years I've come to learn that most the more expensive knives are more for pocket jewelry and fidgeting with and many wouldn't dare do more than cut a box or slice an apple with them out of fear of slightly marring the scales or blade and harming resale values. I can appreciate this philosophy as I own a plethora of those types of knives. Then there are what I consider mid tier knives like the Sebenza, SNG or XM-18 that serve a real world purpose and are designed to be used more heavily but with a better build quality than more inexpensive brands. Their main attributes aren't necessarily the fall-shut action, ceramic bearings, latest super steel or multiple deployment methods and for good reason. These are the ones that I found myself wanting to carry. For the light EDC uses he seems to seek, the minimal differences in steels such as s35vn or M390 is not worth discussion. There are so many great steels out there and most people will never use their knives in such a way to notice any difference in them. Also, M390 or 20CV can be found on knives in the same price range and s35vn quite readily these days. The Sebenza is a quality tool and I believe the asking price is fair. This isn't a standard Spyderco with G10 scales requiring finicky adjustments to center or dial the action with inconsistent properties out of the box (believe me, I've had my share and still do buy them). The lack of an over travel stop means nothing. The Sebenza 31 does use a ceramic ball detent/lockface. It runs on washers which is precisely what a hard use knife should be doing. Don't get me wrong... I love my Koenigs, Shiros, Holts, Oz's.. etc but would I want to use those for more demanding tasks day in/day out?... absolutely not. If one is looking for a safe queen and fearful of a snail trail then they're looking at the wrong knife when it comes to the Sebenza 21/31. If one wants a hard use knife with quality parts, a good steel that has nice balance of edge retention and toughness which is easy to care for and a company that backs it 100% then it's probably hard to beat this knife.
I have my 5th Sebenza on the way. Only knives I really use anymore. They cut better than most knives, they’re made well, they’re easy to maintain and aren’t a hassle to take apart and reassemble, and they can be sent in for service for a fair price to get them back like new again. I’ve also had 3 Hinderers, 2 Striders, and countless knives from Spyderco, Benchmade, Emerson, etc… None of them were better than a Sebenza in actual use. You can claim “science” says other materials are better, but what works in theory often fails in practice. I really notice the differences between S35VN and M390 a lot more in the sharpening than I do in the using.
S35VN is the best high end steel imo because the toughness. Try getting a chip out of an m390 blade. It's a nightmare. S35VN rolls and is so easy to sharpen. S35VN imo also stays sharp longer with regular stropping. If you strop once a day or once a week it'll stay sharp for a long time. Unlike m390 which needs to be heat treated hard so a strop won't do as much. But I value the toughness in s35vn over any high end steel. And If there are steels that are tougher they ain't corrosion resistance
When someone starts talking about how one steel is better than the other in a price context, when talking about all high end steels, I basically start to discount their opinion. Steel being better is a preference. You're 100% right, I'd rather sharpen s35 three times than m390 once.
With that logic of using the argument of ease sharpening being better than edge retention then shouldn't you like the stronger, easier sharpening of 420 steel in Buck?
@@BibleLovingLutheran Nice straw man argument. I don't want a steel that sharpens up easily but doesn't hold an edge any more than I want a steel that holds an edge well but is horrible to sharpen. I want a nice balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
You should try it again, magnacut, glass blast finish and the ceramic ball lock bar interface would solve a lot of your problems. The solid click of the lock bar engaging is also pretty damn satisfying.
Just got my first Sebenza in-a very long hunt to find a 31 Large Magnacut Insingo in stock anywhere. Also a glass-blasted finish. And I agree with you. I am absolutely enamored with this knife. There's just something about it I can't even put into words.
It actually cuts stuff, and CRK has standardized customer service unlike its competition. If you’re using a Hinderer or a Medford as a “tool” you are what you use. They don’t cut, and they don’t stand by their warranty and if they do they aren’t one phone call away like CRK is. 500 emails to get a response. Now that being said I’m talking about American made knives. I don’t buy non American knives. You can get some great Asian stuff for 1/3 the price. That’s cool. But no other American companies will replace a blade or scales or spa very easily. Other than Benchmade which is like fast food compared to a white tablecloth restaurant. With a CRK it’s $450 up front but you will never ever need another knife really ever. If you had to have one this is honestly it.
My first nice knife was a Sebenza 21 in 2011. Gave it to my buddy 10 years later. I’ve since had Hinderers, a Koenig Arius, Quiet Carry’s, and every Spyderco under the sun. It’s not about features, it’s not about blade steel (even though magnacut is in these now), it’s about how good the knife works every day, how it sharpens, and how well it goes together. I’ve now given away most everything else, and am back with a sebenza and inkosi. Nothing else compares.
You make good points... from your standpoint. There are collectors out there who buy for history, tradition, safe queen addition, etc. I'm one of them, yes, I use knives daily, but there are knives that I buy to not use and keep mint. Think of it this way... I want to buy a 64 1/2 Ford Mustang... red on white convertible... I'm going to pay a lot for that in great condition. And, there's no argument that there are more modern cars that offer more sophistication/technology. I'm buying history, nostalgia, memories, a feeling...
I appreciate your gripes about the Sebenza, I do agree with a lot of your points. That being said, my Sebenza is still the best "feeling" knife I own if that makes sense. I own a lot of really nice knives and it still feels better than all of them without a doubt, and I'm not even sure why. It's probably the only knife that I still cant flick open consistently. I think a lot of the value of the knife also comes from CRK taking their knives in for their "spa treatment". Although i haven't sent mine in yet, I like knowing that I can send it in for a very small charge (if any) and get basically a brand knew knife back. These knives are also extremely easy to take apart and put back together. That being said, they really should lower their prices for the materials you're getting. I spent like $550 on mine (Bog Oak Inlay) and it hurt, not gonna lie.
There is no perfect knife, which is why I have many. I forgive the sebenza for being overpriced. Why? Four reasons: 1) Deep hollow grind; 2) sharpening choil; 3) pivot bushing; 4) ease of maintenance at the user level. I don't know of another USA made knife that combines those qualities. You're not fighting threadlocker, struggling to center the blade, or making sharpening modifications. You just cut, resharpen, while your edge remains straight and doesn't thicken up with use. When it gets dirty, you just take it down and clean it up. No stripped screws. Also, there are no nested steel liners to rust out, like on the venerable PM2 (which I love).
Excellent reply! You summed my feelings up perfectly. I would like to add you are supporting good paying US jobs when buying CRK. Absolutely every last piece is American made! I like foreign made knives also, but look what country and what working conditions you are supporting.
I have owned two Sebenzas for 10 years. They are the only knives I haven’t flipped. They are precision tools, not “fun” toys. My fun knife is a balisong. TOO MANY people are obsessed with blade steel when they only use their knives to cut boxes, paper or apples (standard TH-cam knife usage).
A knife is a cutting tool. What cuts? Geometry of the blade. CRKs are usually 0.018” BTE with a hollow grind with tall but not too tall blade. You mention Koenig Arius a lot as being the best EDC folder or in your top five. On secondary it’s 100-300 dollars more expensive than CRK. What do you get for that price? Similar TBE, hollow and VERY tall blade. You also get built in edge stop pins which hit the titanium frame every time you flick it, doesn’t sound like it could take that for a lifetime. Lateral support of the blade is also inferior to CRK, because the ring holding the ball bearings is just too small. Yeah you can flick the Arius, but CRKs have superior cutting ability, longetivity, support of the blade and ease of maintanence…i mean steel doesn’t really matter, in terms of versatility S35VN is one of the best. Edge retention is much more dependent on the overall geometry of the blade, TBE and primarily edge angle.
Not really sure why people like M390 over S35vn. I think S35vn is better in every way but retention, but it being easier to sharpen than M390 kinda zeros that out. Everyone has just kinda jumped onboard this “M390/20cv is the best” train when in practice, I just don’t see it IMO. All this talk of perceived value lead me to this tip for anyone: don’t get into guitars
M390 is nice because of its corrosion resistance, I’m an avid fisher and live in a humid area so that steel paired with something like titanium is really nice. I carry a benchmade 765.
Do you still feel the same with the upgrade of s45vn and in the next couple years they should be upgrading to MagnaCut ? And just for comparison sake the Avant retails for $350 for m390 and micarta and has a 3.3 inch blade that’s made in China. I do realize the It’s made they are made by Reate, but still not made here which just cost more to manufacture in 🇺🇸. The small Sabenza 31 plain version starts at $375 with s45vn and titanium scales. Both great knives btw, but I’m just curious how you feel about pricing now that you have a little experience in what it cost to have a knife made.
As much as I appreciate your points and reviews in general you didn't consider the most important issue ; the very tight tolerances they put in a Sebenza. I am a mechanical engineer and I tell you, those tolerances deserve a premium price !
Many knife companies currently hold tolerances as tight as CRK. I think that argument is nonsense if you’re claiming their tolerances are special. Maybe they used to be special for that, but they aren’t anymore.
@@beardedgear Nonsense ... wow ! No disrespect but I wonder how much do you really understand what very tight tolerances mean. I own a few 1000+ custom folders and others from high end producers and they are not even close to CRK tolerances. Maybe you should read what Sal Glesser had to say about CRK tolerances ... disclaimer ... I am not a CRK fan boy but to each his own.
It’s just not true that CRK is unique in having tight tolerances these days. I’m not talking about hand built customs, I’m talking about other CNC built production knives. Koenig for example. CRK does have tight tolerances, but they’re not alone in that quality.
Love your channel bro ! However you're comparing 2 totally different types of knifes and there uses. The olamic Wayfair has great craftsmanship , nice fit and finish , and you paid new what you would get a used Crk for. However CRK are used to beat the crap out of. That's why they run on phosphorus bronze washers. If you tried to do the same work the a CRK can do with the Wayfair it might do it yeah but eventually the bearings will sease up. that's why I don't like bearing knifes or won't buy anything that runs on them
Can’t really compare Spyderco 110V heat treat with CRK’s heat treat. M390 is pretty chippy and I don’t see the value of it compared to S35VN/S45. But I see what you’re saying, I’m the other hand yes I can get a ZT in M390 for half the price of a Sebenza in S45VN. Is the ZT going to be as well made or have a better heat treat? Absolutely not even close, is it going to cut just as well though? Yes probably. Heat treat is everything, Strider’s heat treated S30V or D2 is vastly superior than say Medford D2 or Benchmade S30V.
Yeah imo the worst thing about high end blade steels is that they are chippy af. Nothing more annoying than getting a chip in the blade. S35VN comes through with it's toughness and almost never chips on me. Worst it does is rolls and I can fix it within seconds on a stone. I once got a chip in my 20cv blade and it was a nightmare to smooth out. Actually had to bust out the daimond stone and grind so much metal away. I'm over any long holding edges, I'd rather just strop my Sebenza every other day and it stays sharper longer that way
@@Phaminator525 I have to agree. My Para3 Maxamet chipped, brand new. I don't even know how. Sent it in to Spyderco (disassembled) and they re- serrated for free. Probably because they know and see now that Maxamet steel is shat.
If you didn't try an insingo, you're doing it wrong. It might look ugly but, from a utilitarian perspective, it's arguably one of the best blade shapes on any production knife, and even in S35VN it will hold a thin angle extremely well. It will be even better once they transfer to Magnacut. If you hunt or fish and you carry a knife to actually use it to cut and not as a fidget toy, you're not going to find a better blade shape in a folding knife. If you are struggling to justify the price of a Sebenza, try one with an insingo blade.
I've been collecting for years and have over 300+ knives and I finally got my first large sebenza in bog wood inlay with a polished magnacut blade and this thing is amazing!!!!!!!!
Now Chris Reeve is using S45VN with a harder heat treat from 60-62 RC instead of the old 58-59RC or 59-60RC like they used with the S30V and S35VN. I just got a Large Inkosi and it is superior top the Sebenza in my opinion. It is jsut beefier and has better washers and better fell to my hands. It also came sharper than my last Sebenza with better shaving sharp edge.
I prefer my 21 over the new 31s specifically because it doesn't have lockbar inserts or over travel stop. I have had a Small 21 in my pocket almost exclusively for 11 years. I probably abuse it sometimes and I have never bent a lock bar and it still locks up the same as it did 11 years ago. In my eyes to add those things to the sabenza is just adding stuff that could fail for no tangible gain.
I will be waiting for your follow up video on this, because im planning to get a sebenza 31. But you should also consider their warranty and after sales if it justifies the price. I heard you dont void the warranty on a crk if you disasseble it and stuffs like that.
@@poolee77 Fllipping the knife, as in reselling it? I can't see how that would void it by the act of flipping, but the warranty may be for the original registerered owner only. i dont see that on the warranty chrisreeve dot com/pages/warranty
I have a pm2 benchmades and more, just this spring of 2021 I bought the large inkosi micarta drop point its super sweet im happy with it, also the large sebenza 31 micarta. I can feel the quality in hand and also as another gentleman stated you get what you pay for high grind sharp blade easy maintenance without screw stripping. The blade steel possibly could be on the super steel chart but I also believe C.R chose s35 s45 vn for a reason that guy knows knives. Even though he's retired and his son is running the shop I'm most sure sonny boy gets the phone 📱 ringing and pops on the line saying you running it the way I told you. Chris reeve knives are made for those wanting custom feel at a production rate. Like Apostle P said and that dude ain't know dummy to knives, I like just sitting on the couch and hearing it click crisp closing in the end. The knives came in great shape good quality control sure the price might be a tad bit over but your getting a blade from a legends shop.. I have many brands but my crk knives will most likely be on top for a long time, I had abuncha benchmades kept the favs like 710 mchenry and 581 bk barrage mini freek carbon 940 carbon g10 grey griptilian great blade by the way. I don't want benchmade getting anymore cash because I truly believe they are liberal run.
it costs more to buy the piece of s35vn for the knife than it does to manufacture those clones in china. so i'd be impressed and surprised if it had s35vn.. although there are some pretty nice clones these days.. so maybe you paid for an upmarket one. most clones i've seen are D2
Then you have the guys who still think the Buck 110 and it's 420 HC can't be improved on. Stuck in their ways won't move with the times. Damn even the Real Steel E775 Griffin kills the older knives in it's action, and it's a borderline budget knife. Nice video.
The Buck 110 is a knife that our fathers or grandfathers owned. It introduced locks to pocket knives. Of course there are better knives now. Imagine when you are an old man. Maybe you might tell your grandson boy the Spyderco military was a hell of a knife one day!!
@@ericmack001 I know what you mean, it is an iconic knife, but it didn't introduce locks to pocket knives, locking pocket knives have existed since the 1600's.
I had a small sebenza 21 as my only knife. I got a promotion and my childhood coldsteel broke (I was prying with it and it was my only knife) so was happy to purchase it. I had it for years and eventually sacrificed it to the TSA gods to make my flight. I’m a one knife kind of guy and it is a fantastic plus legal in all states with knife laws. I highly recommend it. So dependable and timeless. I ended up getting a spyderco to beat on and a different mid tech titanium integral lock for my “nice” EDC. I hope to add another sebenza one day but saw a video with a new pocket clip and S45VN. Have to wait for that upgrade to consider another CRK. There’s just a different kind of quality with the brand that goes beyond the materials. It’s not the fanciest but you know it will last forever and can go on a fishing trip, be used for food prep, and isn’t going to intimidate someone in the office.
No. It’s not true in real-world use. If you look at the world of knives in kitchens and other hard use areas, this hardness is a great sweet spot between hardness and durability/sharpening.
BECAUSE KNIFE REVIEWERS ON TH-cam HAVE SAID THEY ARE NICE, SO NOW THEY ARE NICE. Seriously. What kind of gorilla shit are you doing if you're being your lockbar back so far that it actually loses tension?
I use all diamond Matrix stones, mostly by Venev. Sharpens any and all high hardness, and high Vanadium steels with ease while giving a toothie edge even at high grit numbers. Strop with diamond emulsions as well. KnifeMaker
Well. What an eye-opener for someone like me living in the UK. I've been saving up for months for a Large Sebenza 31 and I've got the money now, but this review has led me to pause. Maybe I need to have a little re-think....
I just received my first large sebenza after two years of collecting knives. The closest I've ever come in price was a custom Benchmade that ran me about $300. I can tell you that I am wholeheartedly satisfied with my sebenza. If you need to be convinced, try to find one any way you can (local dealer, friend, etc...) and just handle it. I have handled at leasta hundred knives at this point and the Sebenza is just so clearly the leader of that pack. But you have to appreciate it for what it was intended to be - a TOOL. So many knives these days have become pocket jewelry and manufacturers are so focused on zoom-zoom actions and other things that have just become hyped for no reason at all over time. I DO still love some of my other knivesfor fidgeting and other tasks. But if you assess the CRK knives as TOOLS and not as pocket jewelry, you begin to realize where the value is. The best way to describe the feeling... CRK's are so tight that they feel just as solid as fixed blades when they are open. Again. Get one in your hand before making a decision.
Just get an inkosi better washers, bigger pivot and stop pin, double thumb studs, ceramic ball on the lockbar and a better action you can actually flick open and fidget with.
If you like it buy it ! If you are going to go hungry for a week don't buy it , if you are second guessing???? Don't buy it . Being practical is it's own reward . Research and read reviews that's how I find what I want in many knives .
Well thought out and well spoken from a true knife guy. I'm hoping to trade into a Sebenza to try for myself one day, but in the meantime, I'm looking forward to hearing your conclusions. Subbed to the channel, thank you!
Bearings are over rated for anything but pocket jewelry. Dont get me wrong. I recently got my first arius. I LOVE it. I also have a spyderco amalgam. My favorite knife is still the shaman. But even putting price aside, i dont want a bearing knife for anything other than to fidget with. If im picking a knife for work or to get dirty, im picking either my shaman, manix or my sebenza. Bearings are like high end race cars. Washers are what you “make your money with” so to speak.
I have gone through the same battle within. Owning a Sabenza is an honor no doubt because he is a legend in the business. However I totally agree with your reasoning for not pulling the trigger. It is the same reason I don't own one. I may still one day.
Yeah if I swoop in on one for dirt cheap on the secondary or receive one as a gift I’ll love and cherish it. We’ll see if this week changes my mind though 😅
Pardon my lack of insight, but what’s the concern of no lock face with the frame lock / blade? Just bad for titanium and S35VN to be rubbing against each other?
Titanium is softer than hardened steel, so most manufacturers opt to use a hardened steel insert so that the lockup consists of two hardened surfaces, making it more reliable and more resistant to wear over time.
Chris Reeves knives…..Classic Perfection…..Get yourself one ! Don’t go cheap with a lesser knife…..you’ll always want one. Just get it…pay once, cry once….but you’ll love for the rest of your life. You’ll have a drawer full of cheap ass knives….but you will only have a Very Few that are the “Grail” knives. Get it while your young and use it & abuse it for years.
I think all mid tech knives are overpriced, way overpriced. I have or had most of the popular mid techs. The six trillion TH-cam reviews on the same knives make knife collectors want to buy them. I have the 21 and had the Umnamzaan tanto and the 21 with the Insingo blade, but now I look back and say that they are not worth the $400+ price tag. I just got caught up with the hype on TH-cam for years. I recommend people looking to buy a knife to look at some of the budget knives because you'd be surprised what you can buy for about $30 to $50. If you want some super premium materials without taking out a second mortgage look into the knives currently coming out of China...that's if you're not into the political bullsh-t.
Man, I think you just spoke from my own mind WTH! 🤣🍻..... I have yet to pull the trigger on one myself. Everytime I have the $ & im on a purchase/Debating benter CRK always crosses my mind but I always end up going with something else. I really wanna experience the Sebenza 21/31, Inkosi, Umnumzaan but I just cant seem to make that leap yet for some reason. I'm sure I will one day but for now cant wait to hear your thoughts after a week. 🍻
I appreciate your point of view. I like my old Sebenza regular and carry it most. It’s more of cool factor carrying a 22 year old knife. 1. You could send it in for spa treatment to make it like new. They also have a new finish that is supposed to lessen snail trail. 2. Not sure if the lock bar inset is needed if it was carburized. Just seems like it’s another failure point with more complexity, but I see your point about value added. 3. Yep. It’s not for anyone wanting a fidget knife. 4. S35V is fine, but it’s probably not the best either. 5. Saw another channel drill a Spyder hole in their Sebenza. Super cool mod in my opinion. CRK thumb stud is not comfortable to me.
I would love a Sebenza, in the same way that I would love a Rolex and a Mercedes. That blade shape speaks to me. And I'm a firm believer that if you buy cheap, you buy twice, so it makes much more sense to buy quality the first time. But there are amazing knives, watches, and cars to be had at a fraction of the cost, so I don't own any of the above. Prestige is nice, but so is food.
I've handled, used and borrowed a few CRK over the years. The only one I like is the Umnumzaan, the 21 and Inkosi just don't appeal to me for many reasons. I enjoy doing a carry like this too to see if you end up liking a knife you didn't before. I'm going to say you don't change your mind in a week.
I want to like the zaan too but when I had one in hand the ergos bothered me with the extended tab on the lockbar. Maybe I’ll give one of those another try after this, a couple hours in and I still don’t love the sebbie 😂
I realy won't to buy it and that is yust to me steal and in EU Sabenza cost 500€ or 600$. And for that I buy what I want and I can cushe almost custom knife
With CRK "your dollars go somewhere": unparalleled precision and tolerances, impeccable highly functional blade grinds, world class heat treat (CRK s35vn is tougher than m390 class, has equal/better edge retention than most of the m390/30cv/204p on the market and is very easy to sharpen given the excellent grain refinement). Also, the design is incredibly durable and user serviceable-not something you can say about most of the other Chinese sourced wonder m390 ti frame locks. The quality is subtle and baked in but if you actually use a Sebenza hard and for awhile you will realize the quality; it kind of grows on you ;)
I agree that Sebenza is the best and that s35vn is my favorite steel. But you are wrong on the edge retention part. S35VN won't hold an edge as long. But I prefer toughness and ease of sharpen over edge retention any day. M390 will chip on anything. Cut through a box and hit a staple or a piece of glass - chips. It's also too hard to sharpen. Too much time and a strop doesn't do as good as it does s35vn. If you strop CRK s35vn every other day it will stay sharp 10× as long as m390 with strop.
I have a Jackloreknives and a Randell Made knife, payed that same cost! Way more materials, hand made,carbon steels, and the history behind them!y my opinion, not worth the $$
Are there better blade steels? Yes. Does a knife having a newer “super” steel mean that it will out perform a knife with a older steel? No. Steels are super finicky. You can take two knives with the same steel at the same hardness and have completely different results. A knife can have the newest greatest steel in the world but if the maker doesnt spend the time to dial it in then you will end up with a steel that is harder to sharpen than s30v with about the same edge retention. The knife community is full of people who do not fully understand this and are naturally blind to it because they also dont USE or even SHARPEN their own knives! Im not saying the sebenza is the best knife in the world, but it certainly should be looked at as being top tier.
You’re confusing a lot of things. Comparing a lot of things that are not factors in dollar amounts. Nobody has ever said the Sebenza is the greatest knife ever made. They may have said the Sebenza was/is the the best production folder and the standard for all frame lock production folders which I can agree with. One major thing you also forgot to consider is the lifetime warranty. Where as when you take a screw out of your scorpion the genius’s at Spyderco damn you and your knife for all eternity. CRK doesn’t give two shits what you do with or to your knife as long as you don’t alter the original configuration. Lifetime refinishing, sharpening, re tumbling the blade, swapping for new/ diff blades etc all for the cost of shipping or small service fees for upkeep and so on. Over the span of 30 years a 200 Spyderco with m390 or maxamet with shit the bed 10 times you can technically pull your 30 year old Sebenza out and with minimal cost have a virtually Brand new knife as often as you’d like. Speaking on blade steels.. it never gets old hearing some people talk about steels. Not saying you I’m just saying for the majority and even the majority of collectors don’t know the difference between vg10 and cts-xhp but will shit on the “worse” blade steel because they equate cost of raw goods to quality of the finished product. You can certainly factor in cost of blade steel but again 90% of knife guys don’t know how to properly sharpen, strop, use efficiently and def don’t understand the parameters that make said superior steels superior. Not all of Course but very few regular knife guys are experienced and knowledge I enough to argue practical blade steel values. Materials elsewhere the handle, clip, washers, pivot etc. it’s a simple knife. Easy to take down and put back, simple design features, customizable, replaceable, refurbish able etc. washer shouldn’t be compd to bearings. Sebenzas are hard use built they will drop shut with proper setup and adjustment if that is a factor in your checklist of value. When the blade is not contacting the detent ball it is free swinging. If it’s not then you need to adjust it or properly fit your washers , stop pin/sleeve and backspacer. The Build quality fit and finish. You crank down your screws when the internals are correct you’ll have the same perfect working smooth action everytime. With a pm2 you may enjoy turning the pivot screw a nut hairs width 90 times then oh loosen every screw and push the blade to the lean side then tighten band down to correct centering. It then once centered shit it the blade won’t drop shut so you loosen the pivot screw again and it now is free but dang it there’s side to side play. And I’m not picking on Spyderco I’m talking all other popular folders as well. The Sebenza in my eyes is a tool just as a wrench or bit driver is. You can flick it flip it do whatever but that’s not what it’s made for. It’s just an overbuilt working mans knife/tool. The price is much more than blade steel of finishing on the Ti scales. It’s hand assembled, pivots bushings washers etc all hand speced to the individual knife they are going on. The blade finishing, sharpening, quality control and ofcourse one of the best warranties in the industry. Materials is just a fraction of the cost. Whereas another 200-300 knife is parts bin built, lackluster or no warranty at all to speak of. For what it is and what you get with it with a decent working steel thats made for the common sharpener to maintain, the vast custom options, the web store that actually sells you screws backspacers Lanyards whatever and he’s there’s other makers with similar set ups but it’s hard to find one that matches or bests CRK. If you consider everything the whole package you will likely be able to see the value a little more than you do now and when you have 20 Sebenzas and 20 para 3s 20 striders, 20 benchmades and so on you’re going to find that consistenty the Sebenza is just the same Sebenza. Lock stick centering grit grime hardness, edge bevels , blade finish are rarely ever fluxuating at the rate of most others. You could have this debate for days but the point is you have to look at what you’re buying the knife for how much blade steel matters to you aside from public opinion or how long you intend to keep the knife how much fidget is a factor or modern cool looks and flipper tabs and so on and so forth. The very reason people tote the Sebenza as being the standard for all production folders to live up to and build upon is that it’s simple, minimal, clean, sturdy, a classic design and a really good customer friendly warranty and support structure. Not the ever changing blade steels that you can get 20 diff options a year or pink and blue stripes etc. my opinions may not sway yours at all in anyway but in just wanted to add to the good fight and clsrify s few things that i thought may get your to think and look at it in a more Marco level. Stay frosty my friend.
I’ll have to come back and read this comment when I have a free 30 minutes 😂 but I also did a long form podcast deep diving on the subject of CRK knives, after just skimming your comment I see a ton of points that I’ve heard made many times before, not even saying it’s wrong, just that CRK is demonstrably behind the times now in many ways and that people definitely do argue that it is a pinnacle knife, it’s outdated and expensive and there are other companies that offer every advantage that CRK does while providing better materials and designs that are much more captivating to me.
Have you sent a CRK in for warranty? or Read the warranty? They offer the same exact warranty that many other knife makers offer. That warranty is also void if you use your knife as a tool, or they deem it to be misused. They even state that if you cause damage by servicing your knife that can void warranty. So many other makers in the industry create knives with the same tolerances, similar warranties and put superior blade steels into place. S35VN is great for amazon box warriors, as a tradesman I don't have time for a blade steel that requires me to carry a strop to service the blade every time I cut something. I think its a good steel for the certain people, you may be one of them and be willing to pay a premium price for a sub premium steel. I do agree with you on one note, you can compare 100 different sebenzas from the last 20 years and they'll all be the same clunky paperweight that they were when they first hit the market. I hope the company the best, hope they make something new, because it doesn't take very long to see if you're looking at the posts, forum submissions, TH-cam videos and much more highlight the company and their knives as sub-par and over priced. They will have their loyal fan base, but with so many other makers, custom guys, new metals, new build technology. They may have to adapt and change a bit to stay more relevant.
I got the sebenza 31 for a few month now, this video point exactly as what my feeling about my sebenza. i still dont get that worthy feeling after spending more than $400 just for the "name" and design, not the steel and performance.. the fit, finish and action no difference than my $30 "ruike" and civivi.. CRK's just can't keep up with the era, 30 years ago maybe its a great knife and design that worth to sell at higher price than others, but now many more other maker or brand that gave the same feature, tolerance and higher steel performance but with lower price.. and the warranty also is not a great service, i know someone that send their knife due to blade cracking/snapping but only get it fixed and sent back by them after 4 months of waiting.. thats a too long time for waiting.
@@harisyoung4110 I don't know what you're going on about. Seems like you don't really own a sebenza because my Sebenza definitely without a doubt feels WAYYY better than my Civivis. I also have the new we beacon. The premium brand of civivi. It feels pretty amazing in its own way. Fit and finish is just as good but Sebenza has a different feel in the action. Just feels so smooth and satisfying.
Yeah but its Chris Reeve Knives. It's different than Medford shit for brains using D2. They moved to s45vn recently. Sebenza is like the iphone of the knife world. It comes with Crucible steel.
I've used a Spyderco PM2 for 9 years, I literally do not need anything more than a PM2. compression lock is far superior to ancient garbage frame locks. Why the heck would anyone still use a frame lock in the current year, let alone one 3x the cost of a PM2
I really enjoyed your video and just subscribe to the channel. You really know your stuff. Just FYI I am a total novice anM a one and done knife guy. I bought a Sabenza 31 A month ago after reading hundreds and hundreds of forums and watching dozens and dozens of videos. Money was no object and I wanted the best knife that I could buy or that everyone recommended. Last thought is that Chris Reeves is the Rolex of knives. They hold their value better than any other manufacturer. I’m sure you know this because you mentioned you buy sell and trade all the time. Anyway really in joyed your video and looking forward to more content
The other companies "offer more for the money" because their workers are not getting much money themselves. When you buy a Reeve, the materials and the labor are all US jobs. Decent manufacturing jobs are great to have and hard to get. I don't mind paying a little more to know the good it does. Cheap always has hidden costs. Also, getting a sebenza worked on and fixed up is an easy and extremely reliable process. Good lucking sending back an "Eastern made" knife. I was just listening to a big time reviewer share a horrible shirogorov warranty repair story. Other brands "offer more features" for the same or even less money. However, I would pay more to have less. I have about a dozen sebenza's. A few are sentimental safe queens. I am very fortunate and one or two a year is affordable, this isn't always the case for some. A persons financial situation can change how a sebenza looks. A lefty knife art 21 has many years of daily use. It has some wear marks in the Ti side, any knife that has been through that much would show something. The carbon fiber side looks nearly new as does the blade. I know just how much a 21 can take and how long it can easily endure it. I love the rugged simplicity. Some think good design is not how much you can add, but how much you can remove. S35vn was picked partly for easy of sharpening. The steels you listed were blacklisted for difficulty for average users. Many companies run those "super steels" soft enough as to make it pointless. In repeated testing, Reeve S35vn does good compared to many steels and is usually the best of the S35vn tested. You can't see a good heat treat. It's something I know I get when buying a sebenza. /rant
More power to you, I’m glad you like it, I still don’t, and stand by my opinions on the knife. It’s not great in my opinion. It’s just ok. But that’s my bias and I admit that. Also Chris Reeve Knives is not the only US company that is doing things well. Plus Chris Reeve isn’t there anymore, it’s his ex wife and his son lol. They stopped innovating a long time ago.
@@beardedgear Saying the knife is just ok is a legit statement, the design isn't for everyone. I like other aspects of the overall purchase. I like the simplicity (that very few offer because it's cool to pack features) the warranty (been around longer than many companies) and the support of US workers (many companies are foreign owned). Probably shouldn't even respond, you claim you have a bias (prejudice in favor of or against one thing compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair). I likely have a bit of favor one way as well. Agreed to disagee.
Always happy to encounter other opinions haha, I like plenty of things that others don’t, and the other way around, it keeps more variety in the market and I think that’s a good thing 👍🏻
@@beardedgear but Tim and Chris’s ex meshed the Sebenza 21 with the Inkosi and named it a Sebenza 31. Innovation. Oh yeah, they added a hole in the Mnandi blade. that may top the 31 on the innovation scale.
You obviously have a right to your opinion. But you are wrong!! So if Chris Reeve used a “better” steel would the knife be better. You acknowledge the contributions Chris Reeve has made Then you try to put down there products. Chris Reeve has contributed so much to the knife community. It’s to bad that you borrowed a used Chris Reeve knife. When you buy a new Chris Reeve knife directly from the company it is an amazing experience. When you buy directly from the company you get to choose a left or right hand knife. The knife comes with extra things like lubricant, a micro fiber clothe and stickers. Lots of companies have copied that practice from Chris Reeve. Chris Reeve knives finish is second to none. You are missing out 400.00 is not a lot of money for a knife. Especially a great knife. I wish you would commission a custom knife for yourself. Broaden your horizons. Maybe try out some Rockstead knives. Really see what else is out there. Chris Reeve knives are amazing products are worthy of your appreciation and respect.
I disagree and the more knives I experience the more I solidify my position that their knives are no longer special even if they were in 2005. Time has kept moving, there isn’t one thing they do these days that others don’t do better. I’ve paid more for knives than a new Sebenza costs and I’ve paid less on many others. Based on what I like in knives the Sebenza does nothing for me. I don’t like them. But you’re allowed to. More power to you if you want to keep buying their products, I won’t be getting in your way.
I disagree and the more knives I experience the more I solidify my position that their knives are no longer special even if they were in 2005. Time has kept moving, there isn’t one thing they do these days that others don’t do better. I’ve paid more for knives than a new Sebenza costs and I’ve paid less on many others. Based on what I like in knives the Sebenza does nothing for me. I don’t like them. But you’re allowed to. More power to you if you want to keep buying their products, I won’t be getting in your way.
What cracks me up is that you say other knives are better. But you don’t say who exactly. You made a big deal about the Sebenza 21 not having an over travel stop. The Umnumzaan has an over travel stop. The knives you like are different but they are not better. At the moment my collection has three Chris Reeve knives and it is better for it. Chris Reeve invented the Frame Lock. He deserves your respect for that. Chris Reeve has an amazing legacy. I am great full for his products. You should check out Apostle P, Mindless Mark, and Jim Skelton on TH-cam. Your collection will be a lot better.
I’ve seen each of their channels. I have a long form podcast on where I stand on Chris Reeve knives. The more fanboys like you try to tell me that I “need to have respect” for Chris Reeve the more I dislike the brand. Also it’s his ex wife running the show now, Chris is out of the picture. What cracks me up is how defensive you are over me coming to a different conclusion than you. We disagree. Get over it. Stop crying in my comment section that it hurts your feelings. I dislike their material selection, action, ergos, weight in pocket for size, and most of all the way they market their products as cutting edge in 2021. They’re a vestige of the past and should be considered a traditional knife. I’m sure you disagree and that’s fine. Your anecdotal stories about all CRK’s being perfect and other knives all having flaws are meaningless. There are a multitude of cases of documented issues with CRK knives. Their fit and finish isn’t perfect. Their knives aren’t perfect. And I’m allowed to say whatever I please about them.
I’ve seen each of their channels. I have a long form podcast on where I stand on Chris Reeve knives. The more fanboys like you try to tell me that I “need to have respect” for Chris Reeve the more I dislike the brand. Also it’s his ex wife running the show now, Chris is out of the picture. What cracks me up is how defensive you are over me coming to a different conclusion than you. We disagree. Get over it. Stop crying in my comment section that it hurts your feelings. I dislike their material selection, action, ergos, weight in pocket for size, and most of all the way they market their products as cutting edge in 2021. They’re a vestige of the past and should be considered a traditional knife. I’m sure you disagree and that’s fine. Your anecdotal stories about all CRK’s being perfect and other knives all having flaws are meaningless. There are a multitude of cases of documented issues with CRK knives. Their fit and finish isn’t perfect. Their knives aren’t perfect. And I’m allowed to say whatever I please about them.
I think your just not rlly understanding the Company. Yes S35VN is a bit ugly at that price point (no one rlly claims it’s the best steel ever), but their quality is much much better than most of their competitors at their price. I haven’t had a single Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, etc which is even close to the tolerances they have, their fit and finish etc. look it may not be the very best Value of any knife out there, but you are guaranteed to have a knife which will last you a lifetime. U also aren’t considering their phenomenal warranty which plays a huuuge role in purchasing a products which u will keep forever. They sharpen your knife, they sandblast it, they do spa treatments for absolutely no cost what so ever. I really don’t know many other companies which have that. I once lost a washer on my bugout when I cleaned it, I took benchmade 4 weeks to reply to my email, and another 6 weeks to send me the washer. When I write and email to CRK they answer within 2 days latest, and they will do anything to satisfy you. The CRK isn’t supposed to be anything super fancy or flicky. When u buy one their knives u are guaranteed amazing quality(even if u get a faulty one which happens very very rarely they will do everything to get it right). So I rlly can’t see how u prefer a 250$ knife from benchmade with ALOT more fit any finish issues, a meh warranty, over a 450$ knife which u don’t ever rlly have to worry about, because u know even if something happens, it will be fixed.
I understand all of your points, but having a good company to back up a knife that I don’t like is frankly meaningless to me. All of that would be more valuable if they were standing behind a product I liked. Never said the company was bad. But I’ll say again that I don’t like the knife.
@@beardedgear first of all props to you for answering to a comment from a 7 month old video. I totally understand u not liking their product, and at the end of the day, it’s your money which u have to use to buy it. At 500$ you should really like the knife, not just buy it because others say it’s a must have. But I do get a bit irretated when people say u get can get much better quality at a much lower price and that the CRK are poor value. They really are not, they might not be ur cup of tee, but that does not make the product itself any worse. However I do agree that they should be getting a bit more creative and mixing it up. I think many knife manufacturers have been encountering this problem, such as Grimsmo. I love their knives and it probably my favorite knife of all time. But it’s getting harder and harder to justify their prices, with the product remaining more or less the same.
I mean is it really? S35VN at the cheapest goes for around $80-$90 while m390 is around $90-120. Kershaw Link is 20cv and the heat treat is pretty spot on. S35vn in use is LEAGUES above m390. Better toughness and ease of sharpening . Get a chip in your m390, then you gotta take it to a daimond stone and grind off a bunch of metal. M390 sucks at stropping too, while s35vn will get razor sharp off a few passes. This is my opinion though, I know m390 holds and edge longer but the cons do not outweigh the pros. Don't want a fragile blade just so I can have longer edge retention.
@@beardedgear You can’t believe how glad I am to hear someone finally call it as it is. There’s a lot of hype and fanfare surrounding the brand that won’t relent from putting CRK onto some sort of pedestal. Chris is a great guy, props for what he has done for the hobby. The knives they put out, at their price points, in 2021? Please. If any other company made what CRK makes, people would balk at paying half their prices.
@@beardedgear notice I said "among the best". I don't believe that they are the best, but for fit and finish it is hard to find a knife made with more precision and stability.
@@Rothbardy you mean like Andrew demko ? 😂😂😂. Quality is quality. If you don't feel that it's equivalent to it's value that's your opinion and the majority of the knife community disagrees. You can say the same thing about demkos ad20. It's d2, but it offers a high quality custom finish and a brand new locking mechanism. Some people may pick it up and say it's not worth the money simply because of the materials. But the reality is materials in ANY knife don't cost as much as you think and the majority of the money you are paying goes into craftsmanship. CRK has some of the best tolerances on the market. It is almost unmatched and the quality of every knife that comes out is top notch. Never seen a sebenza with an off-center blade out of box. While 3 of my Benchmades came off center and one of them had the blade hitting the back spacer.
@@Phaminator525 BM is a budget brand, why do you compare them to CRK if CRK is so great? My $650+ Sebenza 31 with black micarta inlays was way off center from the factory. It had a very stiff and shitty action. The thumbstud is designed to be torturous, and it does nothing new or innovative. I sent it in to fix the centering and it wasn’t fixed. Even the damascus they use has low edge retention, and they refuse to use damasteel. I was glad to be rid of it. CRK loyalists is why the brand is still around and if it makes you happy, go at it. The people and the market in general are moving on while CRK clings to the concept of continuing to make a 90s knife in 2022.
Get a fidget toy haha. If you think other $250 knives have the same fit and finish then you're just wrong. CRK is a step above every other production knife company. Perhaps if you actually owned one for a little while you'd see.
Ok now do koenig….most overhyped knife on the market other than a hinderer. And they have went completely bonkers in their pricing in the last yr. A plain jane now being over $700? Nah fam. And before the koenig white knights show up and call me a poor, i scored a triple black textured from pvk last yr which was $1,100. I tell anyone i know thats in to knives that if instagram could be summed up in a knife, it would be the arius. Looks sweet but its all fluff
They are nothing but pocket jewelry. I don't like frame locks. They are cheap to make and full of problems. They are probably the weakest made lock. Heat treatment is on the soft side. They are just fanboy gear. Never saw a CRK in any shop I've worked in. Or when I was a ironworker. Real men use real knives.
Just got a Sebenza 31 large from an authorized dealer and it’s an utter disappointment! Screws backing out, horrible thumb stud, overcame lock stick after opening it 5K times but it’s still painful to open with one hand, lanyard getting cut by the knife when closed...ABSOLUTE GARBAGE considering I paid $580 for the micarta inlay one. Now I have to get rid of this piece of shit. FUCK CRK.
I've been collecting for years and have over 300+ knives and I finally got my first large sebenza in bog wood inlay with a polished magnacut blade and this thing is amazing!!!!!!!!
If he doesn't care for the knife then that's fine. It's just one opinion and he has right to it. Everyone likes different things. The problem here is that he is comparing apples with oranges. I own several examples of many knives this guy seems to like such as the the Keonig Arius, Oz Roosevelt, CKF Evo or Holts to name a few. (I even have one of the Avants which isn't cheap considering that it's micarta with a preorder for the Ti version in). I also own a few versions of Shiros, Hinderers, Spydercos, Striders etc. After a few years I've come to learn that most the more expensive knives are more for pocket jewelry and fidgeting with and many wouldn't dare do more than cut a box or slice an apple with them out of fear of slightly marring the scales or blade and harming resale values. I can appreciate this philosophy as I own a plethora of those types of knives. Then there are what I consider mid tier knives like the Sebenza, SNG or XM-18 that serve a real world purpose and are designed to be used more heavily but with a better build quality than more inexpensive brands. Their main attributes aren't necessarily the fall-shut action, ceramic bearings, latest super steel or multiple deployment methods and for good reason. These are the ones that I found myself wanting to carry.
For the light EDC uses he seems to seek, the minimal differences in steels such as s35vn or M390 is not worth discussion. There are so many great steels out there and most people will never use their knives in such a way to notice any difference in them. Also, M390 or 20CV can be found on knives in the same price range and s35vn quite readily these days.
The Sebenza is a quality tool and I believe the asking price is fair. This isn't a standard Spyderco with G10 scales requiring finicky adjustments to center or dial the action with inconsistent properties out of the box (believe me, I've had my share and still do buy them). The lack of an over travel stop means nothing. The Sebenza 31 does use a ceramic ball detent/lockface. It runs on washers which is precisely what a hard use knife should be doing. Don't get me wrong... I love my Koenigs, Shiros, Holts, Oz's.. etc but would I want to use those for more demanding tasks day in/day out?... absolutely not. If one is looking for a safe queen and fearful of a snail trail then they're looking at the wrong knife when it comes to the Sebenza 21/31. If one wants a hard use knife with quality parts, a good steel that has nice balance of edge retention and toughness which is easy to care for and a company that backs it 100% then it's probably hard to beat this knife.
I have my 5th Sebenza on the way. Only knives I really use anymore. They cut better than most knives, they’re made well, they’re easy to maintain and aren’t a hassle to take apart and reassemble, and they can be sent in for service for a fair price to get them back like new again. I’ve also had 3 Hinderers, 2 Striders, and countless knives from Spyderco, Benchmade, Emerson, etc… None of them were better than a Sebenza in actual use. You can claim “science” says other materials are better, but what works in theory often fails in practice. I really notice the differences between S35VN and M390 a lot more in the sharpening than I do in the using.
I don't like their s35. But u do like their s45
S35VN is the best high end steel imo because the toughness. Try getting a chip out of an m390 blade. It's a nightmare. S35VN rolls and is so easy to sharpen. S35VN imo also stays sharp longer with regular stropping. If you strop once a day or once a week it'll stay sharp for a long time. Unlike m390 which needs to be heat treated hard so a strop won't do as much. But I value the toughness in s35vn over any high end steel. And If there are steels that are tougher they ain't corrosion resistance
When someone starts talking about how one steel is better than the other in a price context, when talking about all high end steels, I basically start to discount their opinion. Steel being better is a preference. You're 100% right, I'd rather sharpen s35 three times than m390 once.
With that logic of using the argument of ease sharpening being better than edge retention then shouldn't you like the stronger, easier sharpening of 420 steel in Buck?
@@BibleLovingLutheran Nice straw man argument. I don't want a steel that sharpens up easily but doesn't hold an edge any more than I want a steel that holds an edge well but is horrible to sharpen. I want a nice balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
Lockbar inserts are an answer to a problem that never even existed.
Bull!
KnifeMaker
It’s a problem that exists more for makers that may not have the same lock tolerances and fit CRK has.
You should try it again, magnacut, glass blast finish and the ceramic ball lock bar interface would solve a lot of your problems. The solid click of the lock bar engaging is also pretty damn satisfying.
Just got my first Sebenza in-a very long hunt to find a 31 Large Magnacut Insingo in stock anywhere. Also a glass-blasted finish. And I agree with you.
I am absolutely enamored with this knife. There's just something about it I can't even put into words.
It actually cuts stuff, and CRK has standardized customer service unlike its competition. If you’re using a Hinderer or a Medford as a “tool” you are what you use. They don’t cut, and they don’t stand by their warranty and if they do they aren’t one phone call away like CRK is. 500 emails to get a response.
Now that being said I’m talking about American made knives. I don’t buy non American knives. You can get some great Asian stuff for 1/3 the price. That’s cool. But no other American companies will replace a blade or scales or spa very easily. Other than Benchmade which is like fast food compared to a white tablecloth restaurant.
With a CRK it’s $450 up front but you will never ever need another knife really ever. If you had to have one this is honestly it.
If you think Chris reeves is expensive you’ll really love Grimsmo
Reeve
My first nice knife was a Sebenza 21 in 2011. Gave it to my buddy 10 years later. I’ve since had Hinderers, a Koenig Arius, Quiet Carry’s, and every Spyderco under the sun. It’s not about features, it’s not about blade steel (even though magnacut is in these now), it’s about how good the knife works every day, how it sharpens, and how well it goes together. I’ve now given away most everything else, and am back with a sebenza and inkosi. Nothing else compares.
Between the Sebenza and the Inkosi, which do you prefer?
You make good points... from your standpoint. There are collectors out there who buy for history, tradition, safe queen addition, etc. I'm one of them, yes, I use knives daily, but there are knives that I buy to not use and keep mint. Think of it this way... I want to buy a 64 1/2 Ford Mustang... red on white convertible... I'm going to pay a lot for that in great condition. And, there's no argument that there are more modern cars that offer more sophistication/technology. I'm buying history, nostalgia, memories, a feeling...
Bubba Peppers that’s a valid point for sure! Although if they were still manufacturing that exact mustang it wouldn’t be worth such a premium 😜
@@beardedgear You're right, but read my last sentence again... priceless...
Yeah that’s respectable. I’m just too young to buy nostalgia 😉
@@beardedgear 🤣🤣🤣
I appreciate your gripes about the Sebenza, I do agree with a lot of your points. That being said, my Sebenza is still the best "feeling" knife I own if that makes sense. I own a lot of really nice knives and it still feels better than all of them without a doubt, and I'm not even sure why. It's probably the only knife that I still cant flick open consistently. I think a lot of the value of the knife also comes from CRK taking their knives in for their "spa treatment". Although i haven't sent mine in yet, I like knowing that I can send it in for a very small charge (if any) and get basically a brand knew knife back. These knives are also extremely easy to take apart and put back together. That being said, they really should lower their prices for the materials you're getting. I spent like $550 on mine (Bog Oak Inlay) and it hurt, not gonna lie.
The dude has enough money, he could afford to sell them for the price of Benchmade.
There is no perfect knife, which is why I have many. I forgive the sebenza for being overpriced. Why? Four reasons: 1) Deep hollow grind; 2) sharpening choil; 3) pivot bushing; 4) ease of maintenance at the user level. I don't know of another USA made knife that combines those qualities. You're not fighting threadlocker, struggling to center the blade, or making sharpening modifications. You just cut, resharpen, while your edge remains straight and doesn't thicken up with use. When it gets dirty, you just take it down and clean it up. No stripped screws. Also, there are no nested steel liners to rust out, like on the venerable PM2 (which I love).
Excellent reply! You summed my feelings up perfectly. I would like to add you are supporting good paying US jobs when buying CRK. Absolutely every last piece is American made! I like foreign made knives also, but look what country and what working conditions you are supporting.
I have owned two Sebenzas for 10 years. They are the only knives I haven’t flipped. They are precision tools, not “fun” toys. My fun knife is a balisong. TOO MANY people are obsessed with blade steel when they only use their knives to cut boxes, paper or apples (standard TH-cam knife usage).
Okay so what "precision" tasks do you use your $600 knife for that a $14 mora wouldn't do?
Sorry for us just wanting some better material when we've spend 600 dollars. 😂
A knife is a cutting tool. What cuts? Geometry of the blade. CRKs are usually 0.018” BTE with a hollow grind with tall but not too tall blade. You mention Koenig Arius a lot as being the best EDC folder or in your top five. On secondary it’s 100-300 dollars more expensive than CRK. What do you get for that price? Similar TBE, hollow and VERY tall blade. You also get built in edge stop pins which hit the titanium frame every time you flick it, doesn’t sound like it could take that for a lifetime. Lateral support of the blade is also inferior to CRK, because the ring holding the ball bearings is just too small. Yeah you can flick the Arius, but CRKs have superior cutting ability, longetivity, support of the blade and ease of maintanence…i mean steel doesn’t really matter, in terms of versatility S35VN is one of the best. Edge retention is much more dependent on the overall geometry of the blade, TBE and primarily edge angle.
You also get Chris Reeve's great warranty services (from what I hear d: )
Well what do you do if you’re a left handed person and Chris Reeves is the only company that makes a left handed frame lock!
You buy a large and a small like I just did! Love them both
I had the same mindset you did, after a whole lot of research and knowing what I want and it's come down to this exact knife.
Not really sure why people like M390 over S35vn. I think S35vn is better in every way but retention, but it being easier to sharpen than M390 kinda zeros that out. Everyone has just kinda jumped onboard this “M390/20cv is the best” train when in practice, I just don’t see it IMO. All this talk of perceived value lead me to this tip for anyone: don’t get into guitars
M390 is nice because of its corrosion resistance, I’m an avid fisher and live in a humid area so that steel paired with something like titanium is really nice. I carry a benchmade 765.
@@thegeneral1955 I carried a sabenza for three deployments in the middle of the ocean. Absolutely zero signs of corrosion.
Do you still feel the same with the upgrade of s45vn and in the next couple years they should be upgrading to MagnaCut ?
And just for comparison sake the Avant retails for $350 for m390 and micarta and has a 3.3 inch blade that’s made in China. I do realize the It’s made they are made by Reate, but still not made here which just cost more to manufacture in 🇺🇸. The small Sabenza 31 plain version starts at $375 with s45vn and titanium scales. Both great knives btw, but I’m just curious how you feel about pricing now that you have a little experience in what it cost to have a knife made.
As much as I appreciate your points and reviews in general you didn't consider the most important issue ; the very tight tolerances they put in a Sebenza. I am a mechanical engineer and I tell you, those tolerances deserve a premium price !
Many knife companies currently hold tolerances as tight as CRK. I think that argument is nonsense if you’re claiming their tolerances are special. Maybe they used to be special for that, but they aren’t anymore.
@@beardedgear Nonsense ... wow ! No disrespect but I wonder how much do you really understand what very tight tolerances mean. I own a few 1000+ custom folders and others from high end producers and they are not even close to CRK tolerances. Maybe you should read what Sal Glesser had to say about CRK tolerances ... disclaimer ... I am not a CRK fan boy but to each his own.
It’s just not true that CRK is unique in having tight tolerances these days. I’m not talking about hand built customs, I’m talking about other CNC built production knives. Koenig for example. CRK does have tight tolerances, but they’re not alone in that quality.
Medford has high tolerances too
@@BibleLovingLutheran Nah, Medford is more what I’d call… intolerant. 🤔
I just bought my first sebenza, I actually love it. The simplicity and execution of the knife really appeal to me.
I just got my first Sebenza as well. The perfect mix of "nothing more, nothing less." It is exactly what it sets out to be.
Why not have both-the fidget, low cost, Chinese made-then there is Chris Reeve. It is not an either, or discussion as you have presented it.
Love your channel bro ! However you're comparing 2 totally different types of knifes and there uses. The olamic Wayfair has great craftsmanship , nice fit and finish , and you paid new what you would get a used Crk for. However CRK are used to beat the crap out of. That's why they run on phosphorus bronze washers. If you tried to do the same work the a CRK can do with the Wayfair it might do it yeah but eventually the bearings will sease up. that's why I don't like bearing knifes or won't buy anything that runs on them
Can’t really compare Spyderco 110V heat treat with CRK’s heat treat. M390 is pretty chippy and I don’t see the value of it compared to S35VN/S45. But I see what you’re saying, I’m the other hand yes I can get a ZT in M390 for half the price of a Sebenza in S45VN. Is the ZT going to be as well made or have a better heat treat? Absolutely not even close, is it going to cut just as well though? Yes probably. Heat treat is everything, Strider’s heat treated S30V or D2 is vastly superior than say Medford D2 or Benchmade S30V.
Yeah imo the worst thing about high end blade steels is that they are chippy af. Nothing more annoying than getting a chip in the blade. S35VN comes through with it's toughness and almost never chips on me. Worst it does is rolls and I can fix it within seconds on a stone. I once got a chip in my 20cv blade and it was a nightmare to smooth out. Actually had to bust out the daimond stone and grind so much metal away. I'm over any long holding edges, I'd rather just strop my Sebenza every other day and it stays sharper longer that way
@@Phaminator525 I have to agree. My Para3 Maxamet chipped, brand new. I don't even know how. Sent it in to Spyderco (disassembled) and they re- serrated for free. Probably because they know and see now that Maxamet steel is shat.
"If they were dialed in right and the workmanship was there" if my aunt had balls she would be my uncle
If you didn't try an insingo, you're doing it wrong. It might look ugly but, from a utilitarian perspective, it's arguably one of the best blade shapes on any production knife, and even in S35VN it will hold a thin angle extremely well. It will be even better once they transfer to Magnacut. If you hunt or fish and you carry a knife to actually use it to cut and not as a fidget toy, you're not going to find a better blade shape in a folding knife. If you are struggling to justify the price of a Sebenza, try one with an insingo blade.
Looking forward to hearing your final thoughts after carrying it for a while.
Me too, we’ll see if it can seduce me 😂
I've been collecting for years and have over 300+ knives and I finally got my first large sebenza in bog wood inlay with a polished magnacut blade and this thing is amazing!!!!!!!!
And finally they followed the heat treat protocol suggested b the Designer and manufacturer. Finally!!!
KnifeMaker
Now Chris Reeve is using S45VN with a harder heat treat from 60-62 RC instead of the old 58-59RC or 59-60RC like they used with the S30V and S35VN. I just got a Large Inkosi and it is superior top the Sebenza in my opinion. It is jsut beefier and has better washers and better fell to my hands. It also came sharper than my last Sebenza with better shaving sharp edge.
Sam sent me his BGM Knives Spade to test, great guy in the knife community.
He’s the best! One of my absolute favorites in the community for sure.
I prefer my 21 over the new 31s specifically because it doesn't have lockbar inserts or over travel stop. I have had a Small 21 in my pocket almost exclusively for 11 years. I probably abuse it sometimes and I have never bent a lock bar and it still locks up the same as it did 11 years ago. In my eyes to add those things to the sabenza is just adding stuff that could fail for no tangible gain.
I will be waiting for your follow up video on this, because im planning to get a sebenza 31. But you should also consider their warranty and after sales if it justifies the price. I heard you dont void the warranty on a crk if you disasseble it and stuffs like that.
That is true, and you’re right, the warranty does add value.
You should also look at what voids the warranty if you spend the money on one so you don't void it unintentionally
@@knivesandstuff dosent flipping it void it?
@@poolee77 Fllipping the knife, as in reselling it? I can't see how that would void it by the act of flipping, but the warranty may be for the original registerered owner only. i dont see that on the warranty chrisreeve dot com/pages/warranty
@@knivesandstuff no, flicking the blade out voids it
He helped make s30 and s35 and I would not doubt he helped on s45
Does Sebenza worth the price more than Rosie?
Steels that outperform S35VN like pretty much everything when you run it at 59-60 hrc.
Greatest knife ever created on the face of this amazing planet
I have a pm2 benchmades and more, just this spring of 2021 I bought the large inkosi micarta drop point its super sweet im happy with it, also the large sebenza 31 micarta. I can feel the quality in hand and also as another gentleman stated you get what you pay for high grind sharp blade easy maintenance without screw stripping. The blade steel possibly could be on the super steel chart but I also believe C.R chose s35 s45 vn for a reason that guy knows knives. Even though he's retired and his son is running the shop I'm most sure sonny boy gets the phone 📱 ringing and pops on the line saying you running it the way I told you. Chris reeve knives are made for those wanting custom feel at a production rate. Like Apostle P said and that dude ain't know dummy to knives, I like just sitting on the couch and hearing it click crisp closing in the end. The knives came in great shape good quality control sure the price might be a tad bit over but your getting a blade from a legends shop.. I have many brands but my crk knives will most likely be on top for a long time, I had abuncha benchmades kept the favs like 710 mchenry and 581 bk barrage mini freek carbon 940 carbon g10 grey griptilian great blade by the way. I don't want benchmade getting anymore cash because I truly believe they are liberal run.
Bos is one of the best in the biz when it comes to knives but don't see you all raving about Buck 110
Couldn't agree more.
Do you still have the spyderco in 10v ? Would you sell?
Nope Had One Now in my pocket for 2 years .. best knife i have ever carried .. your a roll over artist
People in the comments keep saying more for less money. But where!? And who!?🤔
I bought a clone Sebenza 31 and despite the fact that I can not compare with the original, I think that 'their' S35VN could be the same alloy.
it costs more to buy the piece of s35vn for the knife than it does to manufacture those clones in china. so i'd be impressed and surprised if it had s35vn.. although there are some pretty nice clones these days.. so maybe you paid for an upmarket one. most clones i've seen are D2
Then you have the guys who still think the Buck 110 and it's 420 HC can't be improved on.
Stuck in their ways won't move with the times. Damn even the Real Steel E775 Griffin kills the older knives in it's action, and it's a borderline budget knife.
Nice video.
Thanks for watching!
The Buck 110 is a knife that our fathers or grandfathers owned. It introduced locks to pocket knives. Of course there are better knives now. Imagine when you are an old man. Maybe you might tell your grandson boy the Spyderco military was a hell of a knife one day!!
@@ericmack001 I know what you mean, it is an iconic knife, but it didn't introduce locks to pocket knives, locking pocket knives have existed since the 1600's.
The Buck 110 introduced the lock back lock to folding knives in 1963.
@@ericmack001 Sorry but that's a myth, the back lock existed in Europe hundreds of years ago, in England, France, Spain and Italy.
It's a sexy knife and the blade is perfect IMO....I want one but am balking at the price
I had a small sebenza 21 as my only knife. I got a promotion and my childhood coldsteel broke (I was prying with it and it was my only knife) so was happy to purchase it. I had it for years and eventually sacrificed it to the TSA gods to make my flight. I’m a one knife kind of guy and it is a fantastic plus legal in all states with knife laws. I highly recommend it. So dependable and timeless. I ended up getting a spyderco to beat on and a different mid tech titanium integral lock for my “nice” EDC. I hope to add another sebenza one day but saw a video with a new pocket clip and S45VN. Have to wait for that upgrade to consider another CRK. There’s just a different kind of quality with the brand that goes beyond the materials. It’s not the fanciest but you know it will last forever and can go on a fishing trip, be used for food prep, and isn’t going to intimidate someone in the office.
I have also heard the S35vn they use is soft is this true?
No. It’s not true in real-world use. If you look at the world of knives in kitchens and other hard use areas, this hardness is a great sweet spot between hardness and durability/sharpening.
I own 7 CRK’s and many other knives and man nothing like a Chris reeve knife. So solid and perfect design. It such a workhorse.
With the MC blade its back on top 🏆👑
Why does one need an over travel stop?
BECAUSE KNIFE REVIEWERS ON TH-cam HAVE SAID THEY ARE NICE, SO NOW THEY ARE NICE.
Seriously. What kind of gorilla shit are you doing if you're being your lockbar back so far that it actually loses tension?
The sebenza has an over travel stop. The pocket clip
@@stwida91 fr 😂 you gotta be like a thumb wrestling world champion while taking cocaine to bend your lock that far back 😂
What type of sharpening system do you use?
I use all diamond Matrix stones, mostly by Venev. Sharpens any and all high hardness, and high Vanadium steels with ease while giving a toothie edge even at high grit numbers. Strop with diamond emulsions as well.
KnifeMaker
I like the shape but Jesus that is overpriced for what you're getting. Also they say you can't flick it on their website lol. What a joke.
Well. What an eye-opener for someone like me living in the UK. I've been saving up for months for a Large Sebenza 31 and I've got the money now, but this review has led me to pause. Maybe I need to have a little re-think....
I just received my first large sebenza after two years of collecting knives. The closest I've ever come in price was a custom Benchmade that ran me about $300.
I can tell you that I am wholeheartedly satisfied with my sebenza. If you need to be convinced, try to find one any way you can (local dealer, friend, etc...) and just handle it.
I have handled at leasta hundred knives at this point and the Sebenza is just so clearly the leader of that pack. But you have to appreciate it for what it was intended to be - a TOOL. So many knives these days have become pocket jewelry and manufacturers are so focused on zoom-zoom actions and other things that have just become hyped for no reason at all over time.
I DO still love some of my other knivesfor fidgeting and other tasks. But if you assess the CRK knives as TOOLS and not as pocket jewelry, you begin to realize where the value is.
The best way to describe the feeling... CRK's are so tight that they feel just as solid as fixed blades when they are open.
Again. Get one in your hand before making a decision.
Just get an inkosi better washers, bigger pivot and stop pin, double thumb studs, ceramic ball on the lockbar and a better action you can actually flick open and fidget with.
If you like it buy it ! If you are going to go hungry for a week don't buy it , if you are second guessing???? Don't buy it . Being practical is it's own reward . Research and read reviews that's how I find what I want in many knives .
Well thought out and well spoken from a true knife guy. I'm hoping to trade into a Sebenza to try for myself one day, but in the meantime, I'm looking forward to hearing your conclusions. Subbed to the channel, thank you!
Much appreciated Mike! Just trying to be real haha
Bearings are over rated for anything but pocket jewelry. Dont get me wrong. I recently got my first arius. I LOVE it. I also have a spyderco amalgam. My favorite knife is still the shaman. But even putting price aside, i dont want a bearing knife for anything other than to fidget with. If im picking a knife for work or to get dirty, im picking either my shaman, manix or my sebenza. Bearings are like high end race cars. Washers are what you “make your money with” so to speak.
I have gone through the same battle within. Owning a Sabenza is an honor no doubt because he is a legend in the business. However I totally agree with your reasoning for not pulling the trigger. It is the same reason I don't own one. I may still one day.
Yeah if I swoop in on one for dirt cheap on the secondary or receive one as a gift I’ll love and cherish it. We’ll see if this week changes my mind though 😅
@@beardedgear Can't wait to hear the conclusion.
Like the anti BM crowd love to say, this is the Chris Reeve tax. Much higher than the butterfly tax..lol.
Pardon my lack of insight, but what’s the concern of no lock face with the frame lock / blade? Just bad for titanium and S35VN to be rubbing against each other?
Titanium is softer than hardened steel, so most manufacturers opt to use a hardened steel insert so that the lockup consists of two hardened surfaces, making it more reliable and more resistant to wear over time.
Its really just BS makers told users so they could make their knives cheaper/easier with no real value added to the consumer.
Totally agree with you
Chris Reeves knives…..Classic Perfection…..Get yourself one ! Don’t go cheap with a lesser knife…..you’ll always want one. Just get it…pay once, cry once….but you’ll love for the rest of your life. You’ll have a drawer full of cheap ass knives….but you will only have a Very Few that are the “Grail” knives. Get it while your young and use it & abuse it for years.
I think all mid tech knives are overpriced, way overpriced. I have or had most of the popular mid techs. The six trillion TH-cam reviews on the same knives make knife collectors want to buy them. I have the 21 and had the Umnamzaan tanto and the 21 with the Insingo blade, but now I look back and say that they are not worth the $400+ price tag. I just got caught up with the hype on TH-cam for years. I recommend people looking to buy a knife to look at some of the budget knives because you'd be surprised what you can buy for about $30 to $50. If you want some super premium materials without taking out a second mortgage look into the knives currently coming out of China...that's if you're not into the political bullsh-t.
I've had (and have) a few CRK's. They are indeed a little overrated. I wouldn't buy another personally.
I hate the m390 family.
Give me a steel that's tough and quick to sharpen I'm happy.
Man, I think you just spoke from my own mind WTH! 🤣🍻..... I have yet to pull the trigger on one myself. Everytime I have the $ & im on a purchase/Debating benter CRK always crosses my mind but I always end up going with something else. I really wanna experience the Sebenza 21/31, Inkosi, Umnumzaan but I just cant seem to make that leap yet for some reason. I'm sure I will one day but for now cant wait to hear your thoughts after a week. 🍻
Glad to find some people relate 👍🏻
I appreciate your point of view. I like my old Sebenza regular and carry it most. It’s more of cool factor carrying a 22 year old knife.
1. You could send it in for spa treatment to make it like new. They also have a new finish that is supposed to lessen snail trail.
2. Not sure if the lock bar inset is needed if it was carburized. Just seems like it’s another failure point with more complexity, but I see your point about value added.
3. Yep. It’s not for anyone wanting a fidget knife.
4. S35V is fine, but it’s probably not the best either.
5. Saw another channel drill a Spyder hole in their Sebenza. Super cool mod in my opinion. CRK thumb stud is not comfortable to me.
I would love a Sebenza, in the same way that I would love a Rolex and a Mercedes. That blade shape speaks to me. And I'm a firm believer that if you buy cheap, you buy twice, so it makes much more sense to buy quality the first time. But there are amazing knives, watches, and cars to be had at a fraction of the cost, so I don't own any of the above. Prestige is nice, but so is food.
I've handled, used and borrowed a few CRK over the years. The only one I like is the Umnumzaan, the 21 and Inkosi just don't appeal to me for many reasons. I enjoy doing a carry like this too to see if you end up liking a knife you didn't before. I'm going to say you don't change your mind in a week.
I want to like the zaan too but when I had one in hand the ergos bothered me with the extended tab on the lockbar. Maybe I’ll give one of those another try after this, a couple hours in and I still don’t love the sebbie 😂
@@beardedgear that was the only thing I didn't like at first about the Umnumzaan either. It didn't end up bothering me after a few days use.
Interesting. Makes me more interested in giving it another shot.
I realy won't to buy it and that is yust to me steal and in EU Sabenza cost 500€ or 600$. And for that I buy what I want and I can cushe almost custom knife
With CRK "your dollars go somewhere": unparalleled precision and tolerances, impeccable highly functional blade grinds, world class heat treat (CRK s35vn is tougher than m390 class, has equal/better edge retention than most of the m390/30cv/204p on the market and is very easy to sharpen given the excellent grain refinement). Also, the design is incredibly durable and user serviceable-not something you can say about most of the other Chinese sourced wonder m390 ti frame locks. The quality is subtle and baked in but if you actually use a Sebenza hard and for awhile you will realize the quality; it kind of grows on you ;)
I agree that Sebenza is the best and that s35vn is my favorite steel. But you are wrong on the edge retention part. S35VN won't hold an edge as long. But I prefer toughness and ease of sharpen over edge retention any day. M390 will chip on anything. Cut through a box and hit a staple or a piece of glass - chips. It's also too hard to sharpen. Too much time and a strop doesn't do as good as it does s35vn. If you strop CRK s35vn every other day it will stay sharp 10× as long as m390 with strop.
I’ve had two now and even though I think they’re very nice, they’re not fun enough for me to keep
I have a Jackloreknives and a Randell Made knife, payed that same cost! Way more materials, hand made,carbon steels, and the history behind them!y my opinion, not worth the $$
You don’t like the finish because you cant deceive people into thinking they are buying a new knife. Hmmm
Really diggin the Chanel bro.
Thanks man! Much appreciated!
Says he's going to rage care of it.. Then flicks it open😂👋
Are there better blade steels? Yes. Does a knife having a newer “super” steel mean that it will out perform a knife with a older steel? No. Steels are super finicky. You can take two knives with the same steel at the same hardness and have completely different results. A knife can have the newest greatest steel in the world but if the maker doesnt spend the time to dial it in then you will end up with a steel that is harder to sharpen than s30v with about the same edge retention. The knife community is full of people who do not fully understand this and are naturally blind to it because they also dont USE or even SHARPEN their own knives! Im not saying the sebenza is the best knife in the world, but it certainly should be looked at as being top tier.
You’re confusing a lot of things. Comparing a lot of things that are not factors in dollar amounts. Nobody has ever said the Sebenza is the greatest knife ever made. They may have said the Sebenza was/is the the best production folder and the standard for all frame lock production folders which I can agree with. One major thing you also forgot to consider is the lifetime warranty. Where as when you take a screw out of your scorpion the genius’s at Spyderco damn you and your knife for all eternity. CRK doesn’t give two shits what you do with or to your knife as long as you don’t alter the original configuration. Lifetime refinishing, sharpening, re tumbling the blade, swapping for new/ diff blades etc all for the cost of shipping or small service fees for upkeep and so on. Over the span of 30 years a 200 Spyderco with m390 or maxamet with shit the bed 10 times you can technically pull your 30 year old Sebenza out and with minimal cost have a virtually Brand new knife as often as you’d like. Speaking on blade steels.. it never gets old hearing some people talk about steels. Not saying you I’m just saying for the majority and even the majority of collectors don’t know the difference between vg10 and cts-xhp but will shit on the “worse” blade steel because they equate cost of raw goods to quality of the finished product. You can certainly factor in cost of blade steel but again 90% of knife guys don’t know how to properly sharpen, strop, use efficiently and def don’t understand the parameters that make said superior steels superior. Not all of Course but very few regular knife guys are experienced and knowledge I enough to argue practical blade steel values. Materials elsewhere the handle, clip, washers, pivot etc. it’s a simple knife. Easy to take down and put back, simple design features, customizable, replaceable, refurbish able etc. washer shouldn’t be compd to bearings. Sebenzas are hard use built they will drop shut with proper setup and adjustment if that is a factor in your checklist of value. When the blade is not contacting the detent ball it is free swinging. If it’s not then you need to adjust it or properly fit your washers , stop pin/sleeve and backspacer. The Build quality fit and finish. You crank down your screws when the internals are correct you’ll have the same perfect working smooth action everytime. With a pm2 you may enjoy turning the pivot screw a nut hairs width 90 times then oh loosen every screw and push the blade to the lean side then tighten band down to correct centering. It then once centered shit it the blade won’t drop shut so you loosen the pivot screw again and it now is free but dang it there’s side to side play. And I’m not picking on Spyderco I’m talking all other popular folders as well. The Sebenza in my eyes is a tool just as a wrench or bit driver is. You can flick it flip it do whatever but that’s not what it’s made for. It’s just an overbuilt working mans knife/tool. The price is much more than blade steel of finishing on the Ti scales. It’s hand assembled, pivots bushings washers etc all hand speced to the individual knife they are going on. The blade finishing, sharpening, quality control and ofcourse one of the best warranties in the industry. Materials is just a fraction of the cost. Whereas another 200-300 knife is parts bin built, lackluster or no warranty at all to speak of. For what it is and what you get with it with a decent working steel thats made for the common sharpener to maintain, the vast custom options, the web store that actually sells you screws backspacers Lanyards whatever and he’s there’s other makers with similar set ups but it’s hard to find one that matches or bests CRK. If you consider everything the whole package you will likely be able to see the value a little more than you do now and when you have 20 Sebenzas and 20 para 3s 20 striders, 20 benchmades and so on you’re going to find that consistenty the Sebenza is just the same Sebenza. Lock stick centering grit grime hardness, edge bevels , blade finish are rarely ever fluxuating at the rate of most others. You could have this debate for days but the point is you have to look at what you’re buying the knife for how much blade steel matters to you aside from public opinion or how long you intend to keep the knife how much fidget is a factor or modern cool looks and flipper tabs and so on and so forth. The very reason people tote the Sebenza as being the standard for all production folders to live up to and build upon is that it’s simple, minimal, clean, sturdy, a classic design and a really good customer friendly warranty and support structure. Not the ever changing blade steels that you can get 20 diff options a year or pink and blue stripes etc. my opinions may not sway yours at all in anyway but in just wanted to add to the good fight and clsrify s few things that i thought may get your to think and look at it in a more Marco level. Stay frosty my friend.
I’ll have to come back and read this comment when I have a free 30 minutes 😂 but I also did a long form podcast deep diving on the subject of CRK knives, after just skimming your comment I see a ton of points that I’ve heard made many times before, not even saying it’s wrong, just that CRK is demonstrably behind the times now in many ways and that people definitely do argue that it is a pinnacle knife, it’s outdated and expensive and there are other companies that offer every advantage that CRK does while providing better materials and designs that are much more captivating to me.
Have you sent a CRK in for warranty? or Read the warranty? They offer the same exact warranty that many other knife makers offer. That warranty is also void if you use your knife as a tool, or they deem it to be misused. They even state that if you cause damage by servicing your knife that can void warranty. So many other makers in the industry create knives with the same tolerances, similar warranties and put superior blade steels into place. S35VN is great for amazon box warriors, as a tradesman I don't have time for a blade steel that requires me to carry a strop to service the blade every time I cut something. I think its a good steel for the certain people, you may be one of them and be willing to pay a premium price for a sub premium steel. I do agree with you on one note, you can compare 100 different sebenzas from the last 20 years and they'll all be the same clunky paperweight that they were when they first hit the market. I hope the company the best, hope they make something new, because it doesn't take very long to see if you're looking at the posts, forum submissions, TH-cam videos and much more highlight the company and their knives as sub-par and over priced. They will have their loyal fan base, but with so many other makers, custom guys, new metals, new build technology. They may have to adapt and change a bit to stay more relevant.
I got the sebenza 31 for a few month now, this video point exactly as what my feeling about my sebenza. i still dont get that worthy feeling after spending more than $400 just for the "name" and design, not the steel and performance.. the fit, finish and action no difference than my $30 "ruike" and civivi.. CRK's just can't keep up with the era, 30 years ago maybe its a great knife and design that worth to sell at higher price than others, but now many more other maker or brand that gave the same feature, tolerance and higher steel performance but with lower price.. and the warranty also is not a great service, i know someone that send their knife due to blade cracking/snapping but only get it fixed and sent back by them after 4 months of waiting.. thats a too long time for waiting.
@@harisyoung4110 I don't know what you're going on about. Seems like you don't really own a sebenza because my Sebenza definitely without a doubt feels WAYYY better than my Civivis. I also have the new we beacon. The premium brand of civivi. It feels pretty amazing in its own way. Fit and finish is just as good but Sebenza has a different feel in the action. Just feels so smooth and satisfying.
It just the brand my friend there are better knifes for less money
So far I totally agree. I will say the other prominent US small production companies are expensive too, but at least they use modern materials lol
Dips$it….. love and respect sir.
Lovin my Zaan! If only the pivot was like the Sebenza it would be a 10/10 in my book!
Finaly an honest review. Everybody in the comments owning sebenza and defending it, stop it. Its overpriced.
Yeah but its Chris Reeve Knives. It's different than Medford shit for brains using D2. They moved to s45vn recently. Sebenza is like the iphone of the knife world. It comes with Crucible steel.
Why give a shit about what other's do or think or use? What a giant waste of time
A knife is far more than its materials …..
I've used a Spyderco PM2 for 9 years, I literally do not need anything more than a PM2. compression lock is far superior to ancient garbage frame locks. Why the heck would anyone still use a frame lock in the current year, let alone one 3x the cost of a PM2
I really enjoyed your video and just subscribe to the channel. You really know your stuff. Just FYI I am a total novice anM a one and done knife guy. I bought a Sabenza 31 A month ago after reading hundreds and hundreds of forums and watching dozens and dozens of videos. Money was no object and I wanted the best knife that I could buy or that everyone recommended. Last thought is that Chris Reeves is the Rolex of knives. They hold their value better than any other manufacturer. I’m sure you know this because you mentioned you buy sell and trade all the time.
Anyway really in joyed your video and looking forward to more content
HAVE YOU RUN INTO BUGOUT PEOPLE?
Drugstore Cowboy ! 😂
The other companies "offer more for the money" because their workers are not getting much money themselves. When you buy a Reeve, the materials and the labor are all US jobs. Decent manufacturing jobs are great to have and hard to get. I don't mind paying a little more to know the good it does. Cheap always has hidden costs.
Also, getting a sebenza worked on and fixed up is an easy and extremely reliable process. Good lucking sending back an "Eastern made" knife. I was just listening to a big time reviewer share a horrible shirogorov warranty repair story.
Other brands "offer more features" for the same or even less money. However, I would pay more to have less. I have about a dozen sebenza's. A few are sentimental safe queens. I am very fortunate and one or two a year is affordable, this isn't always the case for some. A persons financial situation can change how a sebenza looks. A lefty knife art 21 has many years of daily use. It has some wear marks in the Ti side, any knife that has been through that much would show something. The carbon fiber side looks nearly new as does the blade. I know just how much a 21 can take and how long it can easily endure it. I love the rugged simplicity. Some think good design is not how much you can add, but how much you can remove.
S35vn was picked partly for easy of sharpening. The steels you listed were blacklisted for difficulty for average users. Many companies run those "super steels" soft enough as to make it pointless. In repeated testing, Reeve S35vn does good compared to many steels and is usually the best of the S35vn tested. You can't see a good heat treat. It's something I know I get when buying a sebenza.
/rant
More power to you, I’m glad you like it, I still don’t, and stand by my opinions on the knife. It’s not great in my opinion. It’s just ok. But that’s my bias and I admit that. Also Chris Reeve Knives is not the only US company that is doing things well. Plus Chris Reeve isn’t there anymore, it’s his ex wife and his son lol. They stopped innovating a long time ago.
@@beardedgear Saying the knife is just ok is a legit statement, the design isn't for everyone. I like other aspects of the overall purchase.
I like the simplicity (that very few offer because it's cool to pack features) the warranty (been around longer than many companies) and the support of US workers (many companies are foreign owned).
Probably shouldn't even respond, you claim you have a bias (prejudice in favor of or against one thing compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair). I likely have a bit of favor one way as well. Agreed to disagee.
Always happy to encounter other opinions haha, I like plenty of things that others don’t, and the other way around, it keeps more variety in the market and I think that’s a good thing 👍🏻
@@beardedgear but Tim and Chris’s ex meshed the Sebenza 21 with the Inkosi and named it a Sebenza 31. Innovation. Oh yeah, they added a hole in the Mnandi blade. that may top the 31 on the innovation scale.
Jesus Christ you have beautiful eyes
Thanks
You obviously have a right to your opinion. But you are wrong!! So if Chris Reeve used a “better” steel would the knife be better. You acknowledge the contributions Chris Reeve has made
Then you try to put down there products. Chris Reeve has contributed so much to the knife community. It’s to bad that you borrowed a used Chris Reeve knife.
When you buy a new Chris Reeve knife directly from the company it is an amazing experience. When you buy directly from the company you get to choose a left or right hand knife. The knife comes with extra things like lubricant, a micro fiber clothe and stickers. Lots of companies have copied that practice from Chris Reeve. Chris Reeve knives finish is second to none. You are missing out 400.00 is not a lot of money for a knife. Especially a great knife. I wish you would commission a custom knife for yourself. Broaden your horizons. Maybe try out some Rockstead knives. Really see what else is out there. Chris Reeve knives are amazing products are worthy of your appreciation and respect.
I disagree and the more knives I experience the more I solidify my position that their knives are no longer special even if they were in 2005. Time has kept moving, there isn’t one thing they do these days that others don’t do better. I’ve paid more for knives than a new Sebenza costs and I’ve paid less on many others. Based on what I like in knives the Sebenza does nothing for me. I don’t like them. But you’re allowed to. More power to you if you want to keep buying their products, I won’t be getting in your way.
I disagree and the more knives I experience the more I solidify my position that their knives are no longer special even if they were in 2005. Time has kept moving, there isn’t one thing they do these days that others don’t do better. I’ve paid more for knives than a new Sebenza costs and I’ve paid less on many others. Based on what I like in knives the Sebenza does nothing for me. I don’t like them. But you’re allowed to. More power to you if you want to keep buying their products, I won’t be getting in your way.
What cracks me up is that you say other knives are better. But you don’t say who exactly. You made a big deal about the Sebenza 21 not having an over travel stop. The Umnumzaan has an over travel stop. The knives you like are different but they are not better. At the moment my collection has three Chris Reeve knives and it is better for it. Chris Reeve invented the Frame Lock. He deserves your respect for that. Chris Reeve has an amazing legacy. I am great full for his products.
You should check out Apostle P, Mindless Mark, and Jim Skelton on TH-cam. Your collection will be a lot better.
I’ve seen each of their channels. I have a long form podcast on where I stand on Chris Reeve knives. The more fanboys like you try to tell me that I “need to have respect” for Chris Reeve the more I dislike the brand. Also it’s his ex wife running the show now, Chris is out of the picture. What cracks me up is how defensive you are over me coming to a different conclusion than you. We disagree. Get over it. Stop crying in my comment section that it hurts your feelings. I dislike their material selection, action, ergos, weight in pocket for size, and most of all the way they market their products as cutting edge in 2021. They’re a vestige of the past and should be considered a traditional knife. I’m sure you disagree and that’s fine. Your anecdotal stories about all CRK’s being perfect and other knives all having flaws are meaningless. There are a multitude of cases of documented issues with CRK knives. Their fit and finish isn’t perfect. Their knives aren’t perfect. And I’m allowed to say whatever I please about them.
I’ve seen each of their channels. I have a long form podcast on where I stand on Chris Reeve knives. The more fanboys like you try to tell me that I “need to have respect” for Chris Reeve the more I dislike the brand. Also it’s his ex wife running the show now, Chris is out of the picture. What cracks me up is how defensive you are over me coming to a different conclusion than you. We disagree. Get over it. Stop crying in my comment section that it hurts your feelings. I dislike their material selection, action, ergos, weight in pocket for size, and most of all the way they market their products as cutting edge in 2021. They’re a vestige of the past and should be considered a traditional knife. I’m sure you disagree and that’s fine. Your anecdotal stories about all CRK’s being perfect and other knives all having flaws are meaningless. There are a multitude of cases of documented issues with CRK knives. Their fit and finish isn’t perfect. Their knives aren’t perfect. And I’m allowed to say whatever I please about them.
I think your just not rlly understanding the Company. Yes S35VN is a bit ugly at that price point (no one rlly claims it’s the best steel ever), but their quality is much much better than most of their competitors at their price. I haven’t had a single Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, etc which is even close to the tolerances they have, their fit and finish etc. look it may not be the very best Value of any knife out there, but you are guaranteed to have a knife which will last you a lifetime. U also aren’t considering their phenomenal warranty which plays a huuuge role in purchasing a products which u will keep forever. They sharpen your knife, they sandblast it, they do spa treatments for absolutely no cost what so ever. I really don’t know many other companies which have that. I once lost a washer on my bugout when I cleaned it, I took benchmade 4 weeks to reply to my email, and another 6 weeks to send me the washer. When I write and email to CRK they answer within 2 days latest, and they will do anything to satisfy you. The CRK isn’t supposed to be anything super fancy or flicky. When u buy one their knives u are guaranteed amazing quality(even if u get a faulty one which happens very very rarely they will do everything to get it right). So I rlly can’t see how u prefer a 250$ knife from benchmade with ALOT more fit any finish issues, a meh warranty, over a 450$ knife which u don’t ever rlly have to worry about, because u know even if something happens, it will be fixed.
I understand all of your points, but having a good company to back up a knife that I don’t like is frankly meaningless to me. All of that would be more valuable if they were standing behind a product I liked. Never said the company was bad. But I’ll say again that I don’t like the knife.
@@beardedgear first of all props to you for answering to a comment from a 7 month old video. I totally understand u not liking their product, and at the end of the day, it’s your money which u have to use to buy it. At 500$ you should really like the knife, not just buy it because others say it’s a must have. But I do get a bit irretated when people say u get can get much better quality at a much lower price and that the CRK are poor value. They really are not, they might not be ur cup of tee, but that does not make the product itself any worse.
However I do agree that they should be getting a bit more creative and mixing it up. I think many knife manufacturers have been encountering this problem, such as Grimsmo. I love their knives and it probably my favorite knife of all time. But it’s getting harder and harder to justify their prices, with the product remaining more or less the same.
I mean is it really? S35VN at the cheapest goes for around $80-$90 while m390 is around $90-120. Kershaw Link is 20cv and the heat treat is pretty spot on. S35vn in use is LEAGUES above m390. Better toughness and ease of sharpening . Get a chip in your m390, then you gotta take it to a daimond stone and grind off a bunch of metal. M390 sucks at stropping too, while s35vn will get razor sharp off a few passes. This is my opinion though, I know m390 holds and edge longer but the cons do not outweigh the pros. Don't want a fragile blade just so I can have longer edge retention.
I’d rather the Slysz Bowie
Sebenza literally means “work”, not “play”. If you are working with a knife, Sebenza is among the best available.
I disagree. It’s good. But it’s no longer among the best available. In 2005 it was.
@@beardedgear You can’t believe how glad I am to hear someone finally call it as it is. There’s a lot of hype and fanfare surrounding the brand that won’t relent from putting CRK onto some sort of pedestal. Chris is a great guy, props for what he has done for the hobby. The knives they put out, at their price points, in 2021? Please. If any other company made what CRK makes, people would balk at paying half their prices.
@@beardedgear notice I said "among the best". I don't believe that they are the best, but for fit and finish it is hard to find a knife made with more precision and stability.
@@Rothbardy you mean like Andrew demko ? 😂😂😂. Quality is quality. If you don't feel that it's equivalent to it's value that's your opinion and the majority of the knife community disagrees. You can say the same thing about demkos ad20. It's d2, but it offers a high quality custom finish and a brand new locking mechanism. Some people may pick it up and say it's not worth the money simply because of the materials. But the reality is materials in ANY knife don't cost as much as you think and the majority of the money you are paying goes into craftsmanship. CRK has some of the best tolerances on the market. It is almost unmatched and the quality of every knife that comes out is top notch. Never seen a sebenza with an off-center blade out of box. While 3 of my Benchmades came off center and one of them had the blade hitting the back spacer.
@@Phaminator525 BM is a budget brand, why do you compare them to CRK if CRK is so great?
My $650+ Sebenza 31 with black micarta inlays was way off center from the factory. It had a very stiff and shitty action. The thumbstud is designed to be torturous, and it does nothing new or innovative. I sent it in to fix the centering and it wasn’t fixed. Even the damascus they use has low edge retention, and they refuse to use damasteel. I was glad to be rid of it.
CRK loyalists is why the brand is still around and if it makes you happy, go at it. The people and the market in general are moving on while CRK clings to the concept of continuing to make a 90s knife in 2022.
Get a fidget toy haha. If you think other $250 knives have the same fit and finish then you're just wrong. CRK is a step above every other production knife company. Perhaps if you actually owned one for a little while you'd see.
Ok now do koenig….most overhyped knife on the market other than a hinderer. And they have went completely bonkers in their pricing in the last yr. A plain jane now being over $700? Nah fam. And before the koenig white knights show up and call me a poor, i scored a triple black textured from pvk last yr which was $1,100. I tell anyone i know thats in to knives that if instagram could be summed up in a knife, it would be the arius. Looks sweet but its all fluff
They are nothing but pocket jewelry. I don't like frame locks. They are cheap to make and full of problems. They are probably the weakest made lock.
Heat treatment is on the soft side. They are just fanboy gear. Never saw a CRK in any shop I've worked in. Or when I was a ironworker. Real men use real knives.
First of all your Sebenza looks like fake
Just got a Sebenza 31 large from an authorized dealer and it’s an utter disappointment! Screws backing out, horrible thumb stud, overcame lock stick after opening it 5K times but it’s still painful to open with one hand, lanyard getting cut by the knife when closed...ABSOLUTE GARBAGE considering I paid $580 for the micarta inlay one. Now I have to get rid of this piece of shit. FUCK CRK.
I've been collecting for years and have over 300+ knives and I finally got my first large sebenza in bog wood inlay with a polished magnacut blade and this thing is amazing!!!!!!!!
Very nice! :D