"You can get a slysz bowie." That comment didn't age well in 2021 lol

Shouldnt you call them "nickpicks" rather than "nitpicks'?

I appreciate that you used the watch comparison. I had the same opinion in mind, and always looked at CRK as something that try's to position itself as the rolex of the knife world, and Spyderco comparable to Seiko. One brand positions itself at the high end with little change and variety over the years, and the other producing something for everyone at various price points and designs. Excellent and insightful review as always!

I think this is one of the most honest reviews of the sebenza. Keep up the great videos!

"I've had Chinese Spydercos come out of the box sharper." Ouch. Shots fired.

"Not the perfect vasoline factory knife"- Oh Nick, you crack me up sometimes man.

this guy is the most entertaining organized and through knife reviewer.

The comparison with the submariner was spot on

Glad you gave it some time to really experience. Agree totally with the points in your final review. I have the plain 25 which i love however i didn't like the price and lack of options.

This was my first crk.. exact same model. I wasn’t crazy about the blade but It was literally the only one I could find locally so I got it. It was a great knife but ultimately I just was feeling the blade shape and decided to sell it. Two days later, I used it while cooking breakfast and left it dirty on the counter when I went to work. While I was gone, my girlfriend decided to do some cleaning and THREW IT OUT! She didn’t know it was worth anything so to her, it was just a dirty old knife that I’d never miss. Ugh. She insisted that she didn’t toss it but that morning was the last time I ever saw it. I still like to image that it’ll turn up some day but that was five years ago. I just finally bought myself a new one, a small plain with the drop point the other day.. that was the model I always wanted in the first place and I genuinely believe that it could be my endgame carry knife. I’ll still keep my trusty sanrenmu 7010 in a jacket pocket as a loaner/beater knife.

That was the best sabenza review that I have seen and one of the best knife reviews in general. I hate the thumb studs on my large micarta 25 .I love the thumb studs on my Umnunzan. As far as the price definitely over priced by 25 to 30 percent in my opinion. I will never part with my 25 or Umnunzan but , you hit the nail on the head.

Greetings from Greece! Great on the point review Mr Shabazz as always.Until i can afford a sebenza i'll have to stick to my 0808.. Cheers.

Nick, as always another very interesting review. I enjoy seeing your opinion on different knives. In my opinion, It's pretty interesting how the Slysz Bowie, a Taiwanese produced knife has an MSRP of $500 from Spyderco. Selling them in much higher quantities, they can drop the price down to roughly +\- $300. If the Sebenza's were made in higher quantities and outsourced to Taiwan, the price would definitely be less. The Sebenza is expensive, sure. But you're getting a USA made blade by skilled American craftsman who get paid well. And, the absolute best customer service in the game. It's no secret that the same can't be said about Spyderco. Hypothetically speaking, for whatever reason if the lock on the Slysz wore out or you dropped the knife and broke the blade, Spyderco would suggest you retire the knife from service (as they put it in their warranty). With a CRK, they will fix your knife and get you back up and running. Sure it's $120 for a new blade but at least that's an option with CRK. With a Sebenza, you're getting a classic high end cutting tool that is truly the yard stick in which other knives are measured against. There are certainly many other knives out there that have similar build quality and materials no doubt. Maybe for even less than the Sebenza. But, the CRK guys (like myself) like the Sebenza for what it is! A simple, elegant no nonsense cuffing tool :) another thing worth mentioning is that no one does a frame lock like CRK. I love my Slysz Bowie but the lock bar tension is very weak in comparison and it kinda bugs me. Part of the attraction to CRK (for me) is how it is a functional knife that is a home run in its execution. :-)

Fair and balanced review, as always and I actually agree with you on most (but not all) points -- regarding the SMALL Sebenza. I am a fan of CRK and I really like the Sebenza 21 (Large). I find the fit and finish to be top notch. I like the ergos on the large, they fit my hand nice but, it is a bit utilitarian and if I were to give demerits, it would be in that category. However, it doesn't bug me at all and my favorite thing about the knife is that it is simple and straightforward. I also think the price of the Large Sebenza is fair. I paid it more than once for different styles. My favorite large being the KnifeArt 21 w/ CF show side and insingo blade. I was looking at the small Sebenza and was just going to pick one up because I like my large Sebs so much. But reviews (like your Round 1 review) made me think twice and I opted to gets hands on one in a shop that is about an hour from me. Glad I did because I just don't like the small Sebenza at all. The ergos just don't work for me at all. Even with the in-lays. Also, I have the Ti-Lock, so the small Sebenza made no sense to me after handling the Ti-Lock. I'd rather save the $$ and pick up the annual versions of the Ti-Lock. It is a really awesome knife, IMO. Anyway, I guess my point is I absolutely agree that the small Sebenza isn't worth the money unless you are trying to round out a collection. But the large Sebenza is pretty awesome and a must have (IMO). Especially the KnifeArt CF models. I think it is a quality product that is very well produced. Though, it isn't my favorite CRK. On that, you and I agree.

As usual, a great review!

Excellent, no nonsense, unhyped review. Good job Nick! I agree with your points 👍

"A little bit of ceremony is not a big problem" ...thank you very much Nick!!

If you added inlays to the Slysz Bowie, moved production to the US, and offered a warranty that allowed you to disassemble the knife you would add an easy $100-$150 to the cost, putting it right in the same ball park. If you compare a base Insingo to a Slysz Bowie but moved its production to the US and added a CRK warranty, you would more than cover the $50 price difference. The rest of the points I'll agree with, and if it doesn't really fit your hands I'll agree with the comfort, but pricing really isn't that far off. You probably pay a small bit towards a name but it's not more than $25-$50 over priced for the total package.

Comparing a flat ground spyderco to the scalpel thin engineering of the sebenza grind is insane.

I really feel the Sebenza touched on a classic design. It's neutral but it works. I've had more expensive knives and knives with better steel/features. But for some reason I just kept on going back to my large 21. I'm glad they're not fudging with the formula for that model, and exploring new avenues with other knives. Unfortunately most of my knives were seized by Canadian customs when I moved back. I lost a custom Brian Tighe, Striders, and many others, but the one I was most salty about was the large 21 with micarta inlays. I bought a XM-18 but that's not scratching the itch. So I caved and just bought a large 21 Insingo. I think I have a problem, but on the bright side, I know what I like. So I'm saving money in the long run (he says after buying a Sebenza)

Hey nick! Sorry if this is a little off-topic, but I seem to recall a few months ago you posted a video mentioning a thermos bottle. I'm in the market for one, got any pointers?

What's the deal with the rubber bands on the pillar at the end?

Hello Nick! Regarding you comment about not having CF inlays, BHQ has exclusive Sebenzas with CF inlays. Thanks for the willingness to take a second look at the Sebenza 21

Chris Reeve invented the frame lock for folders...he is a pioneer in knife making and inventing.

I agree on the thumb stud. It feels like it's going to impale my thumb. Just couldn't get to like it. Great review, Nick. Spot on.

I've heard that the lack of a steel lock-bar insert is an issue with the knife. Do you think that a steel-on-titanium lock-up would be something to worry about?

love the insingo blade shape :) i am waiting large insingo

Id like to say, regarding the gritty sandblasted handles: they will smooth out just from a couple weeks of pocket carry or just fondling it every night I said the saaaaaame thing when I got my Umnumzaan. It is very smooth now, in every spot. Darndest thing as I haven't even really used it, but they do smooth out quick

I have exactly the same Sebenza and a Submariner :) Wear them every day.

Nick, while I agree with some of your points, the Sebenza is crucial to a good collection. Chris Reeve set the standard for quality. The simplicity of design "is a beautiful thing" as is the warranty. This knife is a high point in knife development. I am a history guy so I have the Buck 110 and the Sabenza. I'll always keep them. It's just a philosophical difference in collecting. You are a function guy and I respect that. I love history including the history of knives. I totally agree that CRK needs to get moving in a rapidly changing and highly competitive knife market. I really want to see a CRK flipper. I really like the Ti-lock, but don't have one yet.

random question but is the handle on the ontario rat 2 slimmer than the rat 1? great review as usual. was eagerly waiting for this after the gold stiletto hahaha. but it seems as much as i wanted a sebenza, it is not for me. i respect it and the submariner as well. jacob needs a presidential with a diamond bezel and a norseman!

Yeah well, that's like uhh, your opinion dude ;) Personally I love it so much I've bought it twice, one plane small insingo as a beater and one small unique graphic as a dressy knife. I know I'm absolutely insane so no need to tell me that, lol! But this was a great video Nick! Your first sebenza "review" is in my opinion a bad first impression video, this is a thorough and solid review! I agree completely with the good/great and frankly none of the bad/ugly have ever bothered me, yeah I've noticed them but you know what? I love the sand blasted TI because it gives it a bit more grip, while I love and prefer the look of my Slysz bowie I still think sand blasted TI is best for EDC. The price? Well yeah it's high but in my opinion you get what you pay for, the curve of diminishing returns sure hits it hard, but I still think it's well worth it.

i got rid of my little 21 -- the large 21 ergos are better, and the little one doesn't translate as well. I'm glad that you gave it a new option. FYI -- I custom ordered a LARGE unique raindrop blued damascus insingo. it may be the only one on the planet when they get to it. :) My Umnumzahn never leaves my cabinet, but my micarta large 21 travels with me a lot. it's big enough YET it's not scary to non knife people. Nice compare on the submariner -- very true. BUT! the submariner is also the "Buy it for life" watch - it works everywhere, does everything, and is classic. there's something to be said for classics.

Thanks for another great review, Nick! As much as I've tried, I just cant fall in love with the Small 21. That's a little odd, because this exact knife in the LARGE version absolutely blows me away--so much so that I'm almost ready to "pay the Reeve tax" for one--which is saying a lot because yeah, it's a bit over priced--unless we start comparing to a Shirogorov or something. LoL😀

What was the first knife Nick put out for a size comparison? I like it but can’t understand the name he says

Haha! I love Sebenzas and I wasn't offended in the least by your first video but I'm glad you keep prefacing this one cause otherwise is sounds like a hostage video where either someone has a gun to your head or gave you a million dollars to change your opinion. Anyway - Love all your videos - ESPECIALLY becasue you will make one's like your first review. Thanks for the continuing education.

I have a TiLock, a Large Sebenza 21, and a Large 21 with Rosewood inlays. The TiLock and regular 21 were dull as butter knives when they arrived(!!!). The inlayed 21 was plenty sharp, and the other two were sharpened on my Apex Edge Pro. The plain 21 has almost zero detent, and the inlayed 21 has a REALLY strong detent. The TiLock is the best of the three.

i have a large 25. and honestly i tried to carry it and for me its heavy and not a good enough slicer. i always go back to spyderco in the end.

You may have already Utube'd CRK and watched his mfg vids. They machine a recess in the Ti and then glue the material in w/ a sticky two way super tape. I hear they rarely come off. Kinda interesting! They also hand fit each blade and polish each washer to center the blade and give smoothness. I was surprised when i saw the hand work involved. I have had 4 CRK folders and all were/are great knives...Got my Umnum in 09 and still carry it....

hey Nick, where did you get that clip for your ti-lock? I don't like the original clip after a few edc days

hit the nail right on the head with the comparison to rolex. everyone considering it a grail, then hating, then coming back to it and respecting it. Couldn't have made a more perfect comparison.

Everyone's talking about this knife and how your review is bad but I don't even have one so I'll just say it was a good review👍

I've handled the micarta small and large 21 with insingo blades... and I will admit to being tempted to pick up one, despite the value for price (to me) ratio being a bit less than the Ti-Lock or even some of the more recent expensive Spyderco releases like the Spyderco 40th Anniversary Native... or cheaper ones like the Mantra 2. I don't believe all knives have to fit the flavour of the week (like having bearings or flipper mechanisms Iike the ZT 0450CF or the Mantra series), especially if they're as reliable and easy to clean like the Sebenza tends to be... but for the money, I keep shying away from them, even if I'm half in love with the Small Micarta Insingo version. Have you handled the 40th Anniversary Native, by the way? It's as smooth as the Sebenza, IMO, but has a better handle (which is curved at like the Slysz Bowie)... and is almost as expensive as the Sebenza. But nicer looking, IMO.

I''d love to see a Sebenza flipper, seems like a small change to the blade spine could made it happen.

These other high end knives, like the Spyderco Bowie you refer to, do they require tweaking for blade play? That is what I appreciate about the Sebenza, no messing around. That's not the case with my relatively cheaper knives. The Paramilitary 2 for example, the fact that you have to do the hokie pokie to get the blade play good, ruins it for me.

Nick, as always, your comments and thoughts are incisive and accurate. Having owned a 'benz 25 CF, I ultimately came to the same conclusion: quality knife that is behind the times. It represents the genesis of the modern titanium frame lock knife, but has not evolved with the market and technology. Found myself carrying cheaper ZT's and Spydercos not because I wanted to protect the knife, but because the ergonomics, the slicing, and the action all left me a bit disappointed. I respect CRK and their history, but I truly wish they would make a modern folder. A ball bearing frame lock flipper would sell by the thousands for them and I feel (like with the 25 and the Inkosi), they continue to make miniscule changes that do not address the "bad" aspects of the knife. And of course, the price no longer reflects the quality. Too many better knives can be had at this price point. I also sold my 25CF. Cheers!

I truly love the Sebenza's classic lines. I love the sensation of opening and closing the knife. I don't even mind the slow deployment. What really bothers me is the continued inflation of prices despite no improvement in materials and manufacturing. Give me a 2016 Sebenza in 20CV with stonewashed scales and I'll gladly pay $400+. Bead blasted handles and S35VN is simply outclassed at this price point today. The one upside? They hold their value very well. I sold my entire CRK collection (11 knives) in the past month in order to fund other purchases, and I actually made money on a few of them. Now I've got more buying power than when I started. You won't find that with many other knife manufacturers.

Your comments on value and price are even more relevant now in 2019. This small version, with inlays, is now 475 USD, and the large ones are 550 USD. I'm getting to where I walk around all day mumbling about how bread used to cost 25 cents a loaf...LOL so you've got to factor that in to my view. Thanks to your reviews I am fortunate to own several ZT folders - premium materials, great collab designs, great fit and finish, made in USA, great customer service - that cost no more than 250 USD (street.) So I'm able to appreciate added value. Sorry Z-Hunter. I do understand that the comparison is not completely fair, and that the CRK fans are screaming at their screens right now, but GEEZ. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have any one of several of his knives. And it seems he's a straight up guy and the company is probably a great place to work. I would love to be able to support that. Maybe someday I will see the value, I just don't when I ignore the history and evaluate it as a tool. And take what I'm saying as just my opinion TODAY, guys. I currently wear a Casio MDV-106 quartz "dive watch," am saving up for an Orient diver, and hope to own an Omega diver before I kick it. That info should put me in my place for you. Thanks for all your great work, Dr. Nick.

Nick, if you like this one with micarta inserts, you'll love mine! It's six years old now. Large sebbie with carbon fiber inlays blade hq exclusive. Many small changes that make it really nice including the fact that it is mostly polished ti. Mine was and is extremely sharp to this day. In full agreement that the thumb stud is terrible. CR should offer to replace all of them for free. Buying this knife means you just accept it is mostly a two handed opener. Also true that ergo is limited. Mine has a more traditional clip blade. It is false though that it is overpriced, because price is not the same as value, and value is subjective. Would I buy it again? Probably not, because my tastes have changed.

i mean you can make the knife fall shut over time i guess.. my native 5 is performing the fall-shut kinda nicely

Just got a small 31 I’d looooove to get a slysz bowie But I can’t anymore, not easily. I don’t want a slysz bowie alternative, I had one and I’d love to have it again. I can buy a sebenza still The subtleties become better with time I think

Hit the nail on the head with your point on the outrageous price on this knife. I opted for a sanrenmu 7010 instead haha

Not one mention of the bushing pivot.

Hit the nail on the head Nick...U hit the nail on the head

Nick what's the knife that pops up at 18:07??

Never touched one, but BLADE is coming soon. But, I honestly can't see $425 in this...it's nice and a fine knife, just not interesting enough to spend that kind of money. Not into flippers, so that's a plus... But, I need to come up with a goal for Blade show purchase. Every thing about the Spyderco here speaks to me louder than the the CRK. Awesome. I am now REALLY looking forward to Atlanta.....

This blade shape to me is the most beautiful profile to a blade shape that I’ve ever seen. Then I saw the GR 🤣🤣😍😍😍😍😍😍

The plain sided Insingo runs $350 so they ding you $75 bucks on the micarta. As far as the thumb stud, I've found that instead of flicking with the fleshy part of the thumb, it works best if you use the top edge of the thumbnail and flick out at a 45 degree angle. In that price range, I prefer my Todd Begg Mini Bodega to any of my Sebenzas.

steve skiff sells custom $85 more for his cohort. he is someone that everyone must try his knives.

think it's $425 because of demand as long as people keep buying it why should CRK lower the price?

Was a "Grail" for me but i always ended up with something else. Now i looking at them again, it speaks to me in two ways .Yes for the simplicity and timeless design. No for the same reasons and lack of some upgraded steel (M390 would be nice,20CV,204P)l. so it kind of pulling me two ways at the same tim. Status quo. I can't speak of the ergos, haven't handled one yet. But one day...

The Les Paul Standard of pocket knives perhaps

This is a great review. Even-handed, all the points are valid, and the conclusion is very good advice. It was fun to see how you handled it, like watching a tightrope act in some ways :) The one thing I've found as an owner of a sebenza is that the heat treat is kinda disappointing. I know the arguments that it prevents chipping and field servicing and whatever. After doing some whittling and fire prep, the CRK S35VN looks like it went through a rough time, but spyderco's CTS-XHP shows almost no wear. (see vininull's hard-use test for an example of what this steel does kzfaq.info/get/bejne/obZdqZCByd7Df3k.html) This is one area where Chris Reeve appears to have been left behind by the state of the art. I can understand his desire to have a single steel across all his models, but that tradeoff (soft heat treat for less chipping) doesn't make sense in a world where there are better choices, *especially* at the price point he's asking. I'm looking for a 3.5"-ish knife, and I have to say that the Olamic Wayfarer 247 and Slysz Bowie are looking more attractive than the Umnumzaan or large sebenza based on edge retention alone. It's disappointing, because if CRK upgraded, it would make their whole product line more attractive.

Perfection...

Veeery critical; but appreciated.

Always appreciate your ability to objectively examine the gestalt of gear - a rarity in this market-driven culture.

Man I can wait till I can FINALLY get a chance to be able to afford & grab a #CRK !!!

Chris reeve had a huge part in creating s30v and s30vn also...if there was a hall of fame Chris Reeve would be in it at the top.

Admittedly I’m a collector not a user, and I’ve tried to like CRK. But after giving them a fair shake with a large Sebenza 21, Sebenza 25, two Umnumzaans, and a small Inkosi pass through my collection, I still can’t get away from feeling you’re getting more hype than substance for your money. I can see how CRK would have been the unchallenged king of the hill 20 years ago, and for half the price they still might be, but these days there are just so many other (read better) options at the $400 price point. Anyways, just my opinion.

I think they all need nano oil'r. Makes em much smoother, and way more tac-tickle! And cause I am so nice a guy, I will trade you my 2009 Umnum direct for your Shiri, you pay shipping of course, oh ya...

14:29 coughMedfordcough

Is it just me or has his voice changed a lot since 2017

Nick I am glad you are a fan of Mad Man too. hahaha

Is a semi grail knife for me. I'd love to have one brand new in my collection, but there's no way to justify the cost of a brand new Sebenza. 10 years ago I could understand it, but now? There's just far too many options that beat it in every category for less money - the knives in the same price range are usually far above what the Sebenza offers. It's still overall a remarkable knife and undoubtedly a milestone in the industry - but it is overpriced.

Thanks for this review Nick. I've got 4 ZTs now , a couple Kershaws , and waiting on my Rask . I Don't think this compares with any of my ZTs, even though it costs more than double. I'm gonna Pass on all Cris Reeve knives

Wow. Really Nick, Nick really. Hell yes really, lol. Totally agree. I even contemplate selling my large for alot of the same reasons. My large is the startac, and honestly is why i keep it. Its just a little bit nicer and better, in my opinion. Lol

crk are tops due to the manufacturing process used. I suggest you watch the video of the crk facility. 400 price range for the tolerances and quality. if you want to pay for a name, I suggest strider, emerson or cold steel. I am not a crk fan boy and have owned all of the mentioned blades. crk doesn't have the hype of any of them. you pay for his tolerances and attention to detail. try holding the knife sideways instead of a saber style grip. should be a different feel.

It's very true. Considering what other knifes offer at other prices. There's nothing here worth $425.

AMEN! Thses things do nothing for me. Very plain, boring, overpriced pocket knife. I think most people buy them because they're expensive. Not because they're great. Or giving you anything special

Great review as always. But I think you don't really "get" the value proposition of this knife even though you've touched on some aspects of it. You are a light use EDC guy. And I can see why you might prefer an Spyderco Slyz Bowe or an Olamic Wayfarer 247 or a Grimsmo Norseman. This knife is a "worker". It is built and designed such that it could take hard use every day and last through a persons whole working life. It would still work and function well through decades of hard use, hundreds of sharpenings and many thousands of openings and still be functional and safe. If it got to looking ratty, it's inexpensive to refurbish to new with a spa treatment. If anything actually broke, it's fixable with readably available replacement parts and/or service. I own or have handled all of the knives you've compared it against, and I don't think any of them have similar toughness and wearing longevity built into them. Some just arn't as robust and are unlikely to hold up to long term wear as well. Others don't have the warranty or service or won't have part's availability long term. . In today's disposable society, this may be a bit of an anachronism, and it doesn't come without some cost and compromises. So I fully get that this is not everyone's perfect knife and isn't a good value proposition if you arn't going to be taking advantage of its strengths. Like you, and for many of the reasons you pointed out, there are knives I much prefer over the Sebanza for EDC. But when I go adventuring or if I had to pick one folder to use for an indeterminate amount of time with no support systems in place, the Sebenza would be the likeliest pick.

Don'tcha wish your president had a sense of diplomacy like Nick Shabazz does😀😖😄😝

God those inlays are hideous

Hi Nick, thank you for saving me $400! Chris Reeve, you should listen to this guy, he knows what he’s talking about.

How dare you slander our Lord and Savior Reevus Christ?! :P Just kidding! I'm one of the people who the Sebenza does it for, but even I can admit that it's not the most interesting knife anymore.

i'd like to carry a nice knife like this with me but I find it completely useless to edc a knife. how often does the average person actually need to use a knife in the course of a week? Maybe twice? It ends up just being a toy to flip open and closed.

Another controversial review of a cultural icon . This knife s a fine example of one size does not fit all even with the addition of micarta inlays lol . The only thing everyone can agree on , is that it's a well built knife . Hopefully the new management at CRK can bring out new products. "A species that cannot adapt to change , soon ceases to exist as a species."

All Sebenza fans play the same spiel - “if you don’t like it, keep it for longer, it will grow on you”. Sorry, but that’s not “growing on you”, that’s just sunk cost fallacy setting in.

It's seems Chris Reeve really marketed this knife well with all the "influencers" on youtube, and since EVERYONE and there mom wants one, I think I'll pass.

LMFAO $400 for a 'real work knife', whoever thinks this must be out of their damn mind. You don't even get M390 or a grippy ergonomic handle with this knife. They act like this is the only knife that would 'last a lifetime' and every other $80-200 knives would automatically break on the 3rd use. I would tell sheeple that the Cold Steel American Lawman is a better working knife and is better in almost every regard than this knife except couch fidget factor, at a price range of $80, but logic is hard to get across to sheeple. This knife would be a huge liability if I took it out for adventuring, I'd be constantly worried about losing it or damaging the blade. I'd also have to use gloves to use it during cold days because of the raw titanium. This is all not talking about the soft s35vn heat treat and blocky handle shape. It's a fucking caricature really because Reeve gets pissy when you 'flick his knives open' or when you spine whack the knife to test its strength, yet markets his knife as a real solid user capable of lasting a life time. The lock on CRKs are actually surprisingly weak, look around for some testing videos and you would see. When you buy a $200k BMW you actually get far better features than a $20k car. Whereas here the only thing better is the amount of service time you'd get when you get circlejerked on the internet knife recluse circles.

DEFINITELY OVERPRICED

Pyramidal

I love how butt hurt people get because they own and love this knife when someone else doesn't. I will likely have one of these one day buy for a "worker" knife at that price point, come on. To think that there aren't things wrong with that knife is insane.

Yes, it is indeed an extremely nice knife. BUT..the value factor is just not there. For how much this knife costs I expect Chris Reeve himself to fly out and personally hand deliver the knife to me.