Choosing a first CRK sebenza 31

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Qball45jr

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Mar 31, 2021
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I've been into knives the last couple years. My typical carry is a Benchmade bugout or a 940. Been eyeing getting a sebenza for awhile now and can't make up my mind on large or small. There are no dealers close to me so not like I can go check them out. I've watched tons of videos and read through threads on forums. Is the small going to be too small? Or the large to large? I had a PM2 for a bit, but didn't like the way it sat in the pocket. Thanks for any insight.
 
I think if you prefer Bugout and 940, the large will be too big. Small is a great EDC and disappears in the pocket but still very solid! Nice thing about CRK is they hold their value and have great customer support. I would recommend starting with the small and seeing how it goes!
 
I don't like three-finger-knives and I can still get all four on the two small Sebenzas I have, so I'd call them useful to me, but overall I much prefer my large Sebenzas. I'd say the large are the better deal overall. Consider the small a bit larger than a mid-size SAK
 
I'm gonna say for your first CRK just go with the icon and get a Large Sebenza drop point. There is alot to love about the Insingo blade but the drop point is not inferior by any means, and you want what's appealing to your own eye (I actually admire the ugly duckling Insingo myself ;)). As for the size, getting the Large will be easier to unload if you decide it's not for you, whereas if you go with the small first you may always be wondering if you'd prefer the large instead...Best of luck 👍
 
I have both sizes of the Sebenza 21, which should be the same size and ergos as the 31. The large feels significantly larger than the small because the handles are significantly thicker. It carries well for its size because of the slim rectangular design but it feels noticeably more substantial than the small. The small, on the other hand, feels about as small as you can make a knife without making it less usable. It's pretty unnoticeable in the pocket, kind of like a traditional knife. I don't have a bugout, but the 940 feels right between the large and small Sebenza in the pocket.
 
Both carry very well. The large carries with a much better pocket profile than a PM2, but with longer cutting edge. If you prefer your Bugout, get a small. If you prefer your 940, get a large. Both are great, but I have a lot more larges than smalls.
 
While I prefer the small, many find it a little too small for their liking. I find the large too large for my liking. There is a signifant difference in their sizes.
It is something you will have to figure out for yourself.
I sugest taking your best shot on the exchange, and if it doesn't go as you had hoped, sell it and try the other.
Both sizes are very nice knives
 
My first CRK was a small 21 with inlays and eventually sold it, just felt weird for me. Then a few years later I decided to try again and got a plain large 21 which because I loved it, turned into a few other larges including the new 31’s, plus a large Inkosi.

Get the large, plain Jane 31 drop point as your first as suggested above. I own a few small Sebenzas again too but the large is definitely preferred! Either way, giving them time to break in is key before you really see how smooth and easy they operate.
 
I'd go with the large, drop point. As a comparison, the large Sebenza is roughly the same length as a PM2, but takes up a lot less space in the pocket. I have my phone sitting landscape style on the counter top to take this pic, so it's a pretty good size comparison.
Image.jpg
Another comparison pic of a PM2 & Lg Sebenza 31. Without getting my callipers out, the PM2 is very slightly thicker, but not much. And according to my wife's kitchen scales, the Sebenza is six tenths of an ounce heavier than the PM2. (Sorry about the poor lighting.)
Image 1.jpg
 
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I say large plain Jane drop point for the first. Gives you a good idea of where it all started but without question, Hold on tight because they don’t live well alone. The family can grow quickly… I’d recommend staying away from the CRK exchange! 🤣
 
The CRK website has a section to help determine how each knife is likely to fit into your hand. I think a small will give most people a full four finger grip. It does for me.

IMHO, as long as you can get a full four finger grip, small is the way to go for most, unless you really need a longer blade. I’ve never felt the need for more than the 3” blade of the small. It’s also less likely than a longer blade to be determined by a cop to be a weapon in my venue, and it’s also lighter than the large (which makes a difference if you run in loose fitting pants or shorts while the knife is clipped).

I find the drop point the most versatile.

I’d also probably go plain titanium for my first, though micarta inlay would also be a solid choice.

I hope this helps.
 
Been considering a small 31 tanto magna. I have the inkosi tanto and would never change it for the other blades, I've had them all and the insingo and DP are limited in use. The tanto is just a more versatile blade by a long shot.
 
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