So I bit the bullet and bought my first Sebenza

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After much consideration and spending countless hours doing research, I decided to try out a Sebenza. I am perfectly happy with the current collection of knives in my stable, but curiosity kept me wondering what all the Hype was about. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to try just a simple plain Sebenza. Although I like the look of all the different variations of handle inlays, various blade shapes, and materials, I just wanted it simple. I actually prefer that look the best.

So on to which size to choose. I had a really hard time with this one. There are no places around where I can actually hold one in my hand before I purchase it. So I had to do a lot of research on the Internet to gather as much information that I could to help me develop a good idea on the size, and general differences in the Small and Large. Also, trying to make a decision on the 21 vs 25 vs Umnumzaan. I really like the look of all of them, but was informed by a few good friends (bellablades) to try out the 21 first.

Now that I have narrowed it down to the 21 I decided to go with the small 21, since I do not have a smaller knife in my fleet other than the Vic Farmer. I love carrying a larger knife that gives me a ton of options, but sometimes it is nice to have a smaller but just as capable blade, that takes up less room in the pocket. I knew that I wanted to try and find one as new as I could for the best price that I could on the exchange. The general consensus was that I could find them LNIB or BNIB for at or around 300$. I feel that this is a fair price second hand, especially since I would have paid 350$ + shipping on one from a vendor.

Fast forward to Saturday. The knife arrived and I had my beloved SNG PD1 do the honors.









I definitely like the packaging that it comes in. I am weird with stuff like that, and enjoy keeping the boxes that come with a new blade. Not for resale reasons, but more of my own personal preference.

First glance at it.


My first reaction was that I could not believe how small it actually was. I initially thought I might have made a mistake since I have XL hands. I mean I wear XL gloves and cannot fit into a L glove even if I force it.

Then I opened it up and was pleasantly surprised at how large the blade was. It is totally capable. The comfort of the grip also caught me off guard and actually fit quite well.

Heres a pic of all the contents that come in the box with it.




In Hand shots. I hope this helps some with larger hands have a better Idea of the small. Its actually a lot more capable and comfortable in the hand than you would







Solid Lockup



Next to his Brute step brother.





Blade thickness was more than I expected it to be. Here it is next to the SNG.




I put it right to the test to see how it performs.



No troubles with the thick cardboard.



It really feels great in the hand even under heavy cutting.

So far I have used it for everything that I normally would. Food prep at home. Fruits, vegetables, bagels, etc... Opening mail, cutting plastic, other various items. At work so far I have used it to open parts boxes, and I actually used it this morning to cut out some vacuum lines while using my smoke machine to locate an EVAP leak on a Lexus. Worked great. So far, it still slices paper and shaves hair after all that. And al I have done is a quick strop on my jeans. Im not certain whether or not this steel responds to that or not, but I more or less do it to get stuff off the blade before I use it again.

Taking a rest on my Toyota while I needed my other hand for a minute.




I have yet to tear it down. Hopefully this week sometime to just check things out. I also picked up some Extreme Fluoro grease. I have heard great things about this grease and wanted to try it out.



Last but not least, a quick glamour shot in the back yard.




So far I am enjoying this knife more than i expected I would. Has it kicked out my SNG and other knives.......no. But I am and will carry it for a considerable amount of time to get an overall feel of its capability, durability, and for me most important, usability. If I do not like a knife, I will not find myself reaching for it for everything. I simply use it when its necessary. When I like a knife, I find myself pulling it out every chance I get just to fondle, or make it work for that moment even if its not needed. And so far that is ow its been with this Small 21.


If you guys are hesitant to make a purchase for the Small 21.......Dont be. Its the perfect size and will do everything that I need throughout my normal daily tasks.

Thanks for taking a look guys and I hope this clarifies a few things for some people that were like me when I was on the fence.

As always, I will report back with my further findings on this knife as the time goes on.

 

Haha. I don't want to grow up either!!!

Haha. I've been told that a time or two.

Haha. I need to stay off the exchange!

So true. It's rides in my pocket very well. Goes unnoticed throughout the day. I find myself checking to make sure it's still there. Where at in Pittsburgh are you from? I lived in South Park for 26 years. The wife and I are hoping to get back to PA soon.

 

Thanks man. I always try to give a knife the proper beatdown before I make any judgement on it. Just like anything else, I like to put it to good use for at least a few weeks before making a decision or developing an opinion.

Thanks man. Hahaha. That was a good one!

Thank you. I agree on the size. I hate to own something, especially a knife, that I won't use.

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Thanks man. I wish I had co-workers that were into knives! Wait.... That could be a really bad thing also. Better that it's not. I would have a lot more knives I don't need. Haha

Thanks man. I thought long and hard about the 25. I would like to hold one.

Thanks!

 

Thanks man. I'm not sure if I will get a large. I already have my Alan Davis folder and SNG in PD1. Those are my go to large folders that do everything I need.

I will be sure to stop by the CRK forum

Haha. I love my SNG. It would have to be a short trip. Haha. She gets used every day.