What are the Competitors to the Chris Reeve SEBENZA? Are there any?

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Nalapombu

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
303
Hey all.

Since reading more and watching more videos on knives I have grown to appreciate more those knives that before I would’ve never looked a second time at.

One of these knives is the Chris Reeve Knives SEBENZA in the LARGE size. I don’t own any expensive knives, but I do own and carry some nice folders, all factory stuff though.

I am saving a bit here and there to one day soon buy one of these “grail” knives. What I am wanting to know is what other folders out there would be considered competitors to the large SEBENZA. Folders of the same quality and workmanship, size and price. I like bigger blades. Maybe competitors is the wrong word. I guess a better way to phrase it would be knives that are thought of and looked at like the SEBENZA is.

Right now the ones I have on my list are:

1. Chris Reeve Knives large SEBENZA
2. Chris Reeve Knives UMNUMZAAN
3. Microtech SOCOM BRAVO
4. Freeman 451


So far those are all I have. I would like to keep the price at $500. I simply cannot afford to spend the money it takes to get one of these incredible customs.
I haven’t decided yet on whether to add autos to my list. Maybe I’ll work on the folder/flipper first and after I get that, I can start a new one for autos.

What other folder/flipper knives should be on my list? What knives do you consider to be equal to or maybe better than the SEBENZA?

My plan is to get a list of possibles, visit some shops and handle each one and then decide on which one to buy. The one I pick will go in my pocket immediately and will be carried and used prolly the rest of my time here.



Any suggestions or info you care to share is appreciated.
Thank you for your help and time.

MUHerd
 
There are pluses and minuses and strong opinions all around but also worth looking at:

Demko AD20
Hinderer (probably the XM-18 series)
Strider SnG and SMF
Spartan Harsey Folder (available with some great graphics, really a direct competitor in terms of price and design to the Sebenza, with a stronger focus on durability).

Also would consider a TRM Atom for a little less scratch.
 
The Sebenza has a unique personality due to the finish on the titanium scales and the smoothness of the washers. It also has very classy profile. I’ve had a few 21’s and a 31, all small size. Some people knock the 31 but that’s insane. It does everything the 21 did and eliminates the issue with the clip pushing on the lock bar. Newer versions use S45vn steel. No other knife has these features which as a whole lends a very classy feel.

But I sold the 31 to fund a Spartan Harsey 3.25” Warthog. It’s not as elegant as the CRK but it’s classy in its own way with great hardware and the laser cut design. I’m more in the mood for a fidgety knife which suits the Spartan more than the CRK.
 
I know plenty of knives equal to or better than the sebenza, but none have the resale value of the CRK. It’s almost worth choosing a CRK simply for the fact that you’ll get most of your money back if you decide to sell it. Ease of disassembly is a big plus, as sebenzas are designed in a manner that permits users to take it apart and put it back together.

So while there are plenty of ti frame lock knives with a similar blade size and scale shape, why bother with any given what I’ve outlined?
 
If you’re looking solely at utility, or fit and finish, or materials, you’ll find plenty of knives that can compete, but if you’re looking holistically (and including great design as a factor), then I don’t think CRK can be beat. I’d certainly choose my Sebenza 21 over anything else in the same price range.
 
Paratrooper06 said:
I know plenty of knives equal to or better than the sebenza, but none have the resale value of the CRK. It’s almost worth choosing a CRK simply for the fact that you’ll get most of your money back if you decide to sell it. Ease of disassembly is a big plus, as sebenzas are designed in a manner that permits users to take it apart and put it back together.

So while there are plenty of ti frame lock knives with a similar blade size and scale shape, why bother with any given what I’ve outlined?
Click to expand...
Not being argumentative but can you list 5 that are equal or better. I’d have a hard time making that list. Truly want to know.
 
The Benchmade 750 Pinnacle was the "poor man's" Sebenza back in the day. Great knife too, though it was no Sebenza. Shoulda kept a few of them.

75750_pinnacle_188929_1.jpg


benchmade_750_3.JPG
 
For me, a CRK is my main carry everyday. My second knife I carry on a daily basis ranges from Shirogorov, Medford, Spartan, Spyderco and ZT. I use a CRK more than any other knife.
All the knives mentioned are great knives, but there's something about a CRK that, for me, gives me the most pleasure to use. It's not the perfect knife by any means, but it's perfect for me.
 
Thank you all for the suggestions so far. Lots of reading and looking at pics ahead of me….

Couple questions, if you don’t mind.

1. What is considered a “fair” price for a large Sebenza, standard blade with nothing fancy on the handles?

I forgot to add the ZT 0452 to my list. I like it too.
 
Nalapombu said:
Thank you all for the suggestions so far. Lots of reading and looking at pics ahead of me….

Couple questions, if you don’t mind.

1. What is considered a “fair” price for a large Sebenza, standard blade with nothing fancy on the handles?

I forgot to add the ZT 0452 to my list. I like it too.
Click to expand...
Look and see what they sell for new, expect to pay about the same price depending on the condition of the knife. The 21 is going to be a little higher than what a new 31 sells for.
 
3D Anvil said:
Koenig Arius
Shirogorov (all models)
Herman Knives (all models)
Click to expand...
I can get a Sebenza for $400 give or take. Yes, these three are incredible but you’re starting at $800 minimum. I mentioned a Rockstead as a possible competitor but had to concede that they start at $750.
 
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