New Member - CRK Sebenza 31...worth it?

J

JG416

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May 16, 2020
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Hello,

I am a new member to the forum and Im curious about those Sebenza owners out there.

I know the obvious answer to this might be "yes you should get one" but hear me out. I have a 940, GM Ace Biblio, Para3 Lightweight, RAT2 and some other budget knives and I am looking to get that knife that is kind of a game changer and hopefully scratches the itch (for a few months anyway).

I am have a hard time justifying $450 and I am most interested in how this thing is in hand....size, weight, do those of you who have it actually use it?

Which is better Large or Small?

Love any feedback!
 
Go have a look in the CRK subforum. Some I interesting discussion there. It might help. It might only add confusion.

Yes, you should get a CRK someday (they are next level). Maybe not the 31 at the moment.

FWIW I have a 21, not a 31
 
TRfromMT said:
Go have a look in the CRK subforum. Some I interesting discussion there. It might help. It might only add confusion.

Yes, you should get a CRK someday (they are next level). Maybe not the 31 at the moment.

FWIW I have a 21, not a 31
Click to expand...
Yeah I was looking at that section but honestly not used to navigating this site as quickly just yet haha. Anybody have any experience with Quiet carry Waypoints?

With the "issues" people are having with their 31's, whether they be founded or not, I am tempted to wait on the 31 for a few years and pull the trigger on the Waypoint. 150 bucks less than the Seb for a Vanax blade is tempting
 
Most people who buy a small end up getting a large later....
Few people that get a large end up getting a small later.
That matches my feeling for which size to get... definitely the large.

As for whether the knife is “worth it”... that’s entirely subjective... but I’ll list some pros and cons:

Pros:
+The knife is designed to be disassembled and reassembled by the end-user. This is a big plus, as it would mean the parts are durable enough to withstand that repeatedly.
+The blade is well made in grind, and it’s probably the best s35vn you can get.
+The company stands behind the product and will make issues right, and even service your knife for things like spa treatments for a minimal fee
+Resale value is probably the best of all production knives, so you won’t have a problem selling it if you decide to ditch it

Cons:
-Cost... $450 is a lot of money for a knife. A LOT.
-Blade steel... s35vn is increasingly becoming antiquated in terms of edge retention. With companies like Spyderco pushing out steels like S110V and M390 on a regular basis, CRK steel isn’t the Ferrari of steels it used to be. You can get S35VN knives from Spyderco for just over $100 on the secondary.
-Sebenzas are a bit on the bulky and heavy side for their blade size. Two thick slaps of titanium and you definitely know it’s there when you carry it.

As an owner of a large 31, my conclusion is this: If you’re going to USE it frequently, and it’s going to be a leading piece in your collection, go for it. You’ll be able to clean it and tune it on your own and it’ll only build in sentimental value over time.

However, if you have several other knives that you’ll be rotating through and the CRK won’t see the pocket a whole lot, save the money. You’re price point is for a plain Jane 31 and it’s not for collecting... it’s for using.
 
If you're concerned about growing pains of the 31, the 21 is still available. I have a large 21, a small 21 Insingo with grey Micarta handle inserts and a Star-Tac. I'm looking at getting a large 21 Insingo, deciding between red or grey Micarta inserts. Not sure how long I have to decide before they're all gone. I think they are worth it.
 
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If you don’t have the disposable cash to get a CRK, then don’t. The Waypoint looks like a good knife. Don’t have a clue if it’s comparable to a CRK.
I’ve had a couple that were Sebenza killers, they didn’t come close. This hobby isn’t about the best knife out there, because there is not one. It’s about the best knife for you and your reasons to have a knife.
For a work knife or just a casual every day carry knife, a CRK is the best for me. It’s hard to explain the feel, tight tolerance and smoothness without having one in hand. A CRK brings a smile to my face each time I use one. That’s what makes them worth it to me.
 
I have a 21 and a 31, both Large. I would recommend getting one if you plan on using it. Collecting them is an incredibly deep rabbit hole, so think on that before you decide. But overall, I have zero complaints about my Lg 31 Micarta. And of course my Lg 21 Micarta will always hold a special place. They are just great users in my opinion, and I’d use them for anything (and have). :thumbsup:
 
I've had multiple Sebenzas and ended up keeping a large 21 micarta insingo blade. Having had large, small, insingo blade, regular blade, no inlays, inlays and the CF version as well, the large micarta insingo was my favorite by a wide margin. The large isn't that large, but the small is that small, so unless you're really into small knives I'd go large. The inlays add some thickness and pleasing texture, so I like the micarta versions best. My primary argument for why you should get one if you're interested is simple: they're quite easy to sell, and despite not changing in any noticeable way for decades they still hold their value well. Buy one second hand and if you don't like it you can resell it for something close to what you paid and then you'll at most be out some shipping and fees.

All that said, IMO while they're fine knives and I really like the one I kept, especially after forcing myself to carry it every other day for a couple of months, they're nothing amazing and there are many ways I'd personally rather spend $500+ on knives. It should be noted that I'm in the minority on this opinion; according to nearly everyone else they're super duper amazing and conjure up the finer things in life that only people who wear monocles and drink their own private blend of tea with their pinkies extended can understand, whereas I find them perfectly fine, but a lot overrated and a bit overpriced.

I have no intention of selling the one I kept, and if I had to buy another I'd just buy one like this again:

Lh3OliR.jpg
 
Buy a used 21 from B/S/T. Be patient and look for a decent deal on a user. Don't be too concerned with "snail trails" on the titanium, as they are an inevitable consequence of carrying and using the knife. Watch out for ones that have been modified (anodizing and "ScotchBrite" are two common mods), as that will void the warranty. That's important if you ever want to send it back to the factory for a "spa visit".

As far as large or small, I notice that most of your knives that you mention are about the same size as the small 21.

If you find you don't like it, you should be able to resell it for what you paid, less shipping and PayPal fees.
 
I don't have a 31, but have had many 21's and before, so I will speak on that.
They are great all around users, that are easy to maintain, long lasting and they have great customer service.
They are not a bells and whistles knife. It is their simplicity that is the lure(IMO)
They are worth it to me, but you can get by with a less expensive knife, that will cut just as well. They are however well worth a try.
I have no plans to buy a 31 and recommend getting a 21 while they are still around. If you search the exchange for a little bit, you should be able to find an almost new condition(maybe some snail trails, but perfect blade) for a decent discount. If you latter decide it isn't for you, you should be able to get most if not all your money back-but if you buy give it a chance to grow on you.

I like the smalls, but that is going to be totally subjective, and the large will handle some needs better. I have a few of both in different configurations.
 
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Ajack60 said:
If you don’t have the disposable cash to get a CRK, then don’t. The Waypoint looks like a good knife.
Click to expand...

Good advice.

Pensacola Tiger said:
Buy a used 21 from B/S/T. Be patient and look for a decent deal on a user. Don't be too concerned with "snail trails" on the titanium, as they are an inevitable consequence of carrying and using the knife. Watch out for ones that have been modified (anodizing and "ScotchBrite" are two common mods), as that will void the warranty. That's important if you ever want to send it back to the factory for a "spa visit".

As far as large or small, I notice that most of your knives that you mention are about the same size as the small 21.

If you find you don't like it, you should be able to resell it for what you paid, less shipping and PayPal fees.
Click to expand...

^^^This is my advice also.

As to large vs. small, I go back and forth on which I prefer.
 
Wow thanks for the feedback everyone!

Yeah the Large seems to be the one that makes sense. I feel like a small would always make me end up wondering what the large felt like.

I put in an order for the Seb 31 plain (with silver hardware) on the main CRK website but they had a 9-12 month lead time. Kinf

The idea of picking up a used 21 for less money is interesting to me. I am not worried about snail trails just blade condition and tolerances (as mentioned above, no mods to the pivot washers etc.)
 
Have any of you ever tried to slim down the collection to just a few knives? I feel like I could really go on and on with "look at this sweet D2 hollow ground blade for only $50?!". Then 9 knives later of D2 beaters you think.....I could have gotten a Sebenza haha.

Hence why I am looking for that next-level blade that isn't flashy but has elegant simplicity and time-tested reliability.
 
I
Pensacola Tiger said:
Buy a used 21 from B/S/T. Be patient and look for a decent deal on a user. Don't be too concerned with "snail trails" on the titanium, as they are an inevitable consequence of carrying and using the knife. Watch out for ones that have been modified (anodizing and "ScotchBrite" are two common mods), as that will void the warranty. That's important if you ever want to send it back to the factory for a "spa visit".

As far as large or small, I notice that most of your knives that you mention are about the same size as the small 21.

If you find you don't like it, you should be able to resell it for what you paid, less shipping and PayPal fees.
Click to expand...

I assume B/S/T is for buy sale trade. is that a discussion or forum page on here? (again, new to the site)
 
I would definetly not go for a 31 at this point, there are issues and child diseases atm. Get a 21 while you still can before they dry up and the prices hit the roof. As you may know they are discontinued and they are the last model featuring the true Reeve Integral Lock.

As to size, I'd say if you have medium to small hands get a small. If you have medium to large hands get a large. I have a size 9 glove hands and the small is perfect, the large is much too large for me. Any larger I'll prefer some kind of fixed blade.

I would also recommend the Insingo bladestyle over the drop point. I know it looks like shit compared to the drop point but unless you are doing a lot of skinning with your Sebenza get the Insingo. Trust me I learned the hard way, it's the ONLY reason I'm now stuck with two CRK's instead of the one I was supposed to get.

Happy hunting and shopping!
 
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It is not "worth it" to me.

However, it is obviously "worth it" to others since CRK produces it.

Only you can decide if it is "worth" getting for you.
I would think that if you get one, and don't like it for what ever reason(s) you could potentially sell it for pretty much what you paid for it.
I believe there is a high demand for at least some of the different CRK knives.
 
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