As a fledgling machinist and knife nerd, that doppler pattern is so profoundly powerful in affecting my opinion of the knife.

I think they charge that high so they can pay their workers enough to do a really good job

I agree with your points on the knives needing to be in tip top shape for this price! I do like those scales! Patiently waiting for the right CRK Sebenza to strike my fancy! Thanks for the great coverage of details!

The batman mask never fails to put a smile on my face.

I have a small collection of CRKs including a small Doppler. I'd say you pretty much nailed this overview.

I'd love to see a re-review of the Mnandi. Thanks Nick.

Good re-re-review! A couple points to throw from my experience, for what it's worth. First, with a little washer polishing (high grit sandpaper 4000-5000 grit and a strop are all I use) I've yet to find a Sebenza that cannot be given a very easy, drop-shutty flick-openable, no-wrist action. Second, the current CRK website does indeed have an easily used configure-er for ordering a Sebenza 31 directly from them with the options you'd like. Time for order fulfillment is pretty long, but you can do that now, which is cool.

So I'm looking for vintage otfs or Dalton knives at One Stop Knife Shop in Louisville and Kevin shows me some Sebenzas and I was blown away. I've never owned one but I've certainly heard of them. Now I have to buy one of these.

I do love the mtech ad right below your video of an actually good knife

I have quite a few CRK blades. There are 2 things that make CRK worth the price in my opinion. 1. I've had so many other knives that have centering or action issues after disassembly for maintenance. The CRK knives, at least in my experience, always go back together perfectly as if CRK themselves did the work. 2. They hold their value better than any other knife I've came across. If you buy one for 425$ you can easily sell it for 380-390 after using for a year. You can send it back for a spa treatment and nearly get all your money back when you sell it. Availability is always spotty so it's a commodity that holds its value. It's also worth mentioning that once a model is discontinued they skyrocket in value. I think the Rolex comparison is very accurate. I'd also compare the Sebenza to a late 60s/early 70s muscle car. We all know they are not as fast as the new sports cars, but we accept that the classic wins on cool points alone.

Hey Nick! I’d love to see a video on your CRK Mnandi after having it for a while and how your views have changed, if they have even changed lol I love the videos and will continue to watch forever! Batman Forever!

I think the seb is one of those knives that lives on without a shabazz effect positive or negative, its too much of a classic and well known and loved to have any one persons opinion affect it

My first crk was a small insingo 21 with micarta.. I wasn’t feeling the blade aesthetically but I bought it anyway because it was the only one available locally. I ultimately decided to sell the it but I’d also bought a sanrenmu 7010 to compare and I ended up absolutely loving that knife! It’s probably spent more time in my pocket than any other knife I’ve owned. And I knew I still wanted the real thing.. 6+ years later, I’m still carrying the sanrenmu and I find a new small plain 31 locally.. the one I’d always wanted so I told em to wrap it up and I’ve got no regrets. It’s basically my ideal edc knife I see it spending years in my pocket.

Nick, kme sells a convex sharpening rod. I've yet to try it out on my crk's but I will give it a try when it comes time. You did a great job nonetheless.

Thats cools you work in acoustics and sound research Nick! Im into guitar amps hahaha, just getting into fancy knives, your channel is a great resource. Best wishes

I could listen to this guy all day

My small micarta tanto 21 is both my favorite and most used knife. I do not believe there is a more versatile folding knife out there. Usable perfection. Love my large inkosi too, but it lacks the special feeling of the Sebenza 21. Makes it a great beater though

I love my small sebenza (bog oak inlays), not my favorite knife, but nonetheless, I enjoy it and glad it's in my collection. I flick mine open with no issues, and drop shutty.

Lots of comments about the thumb studs, maybe I can clear a bit up about them. The thing about the Sebenza is that it's so tightly fitted that any downward pressure on the stud causes the action to bind. That, combined with the pointy stud, leads to a really bad first impression for most knife guys, since we're used to pressing down on the top of the stud for friction while opening the knife. The trick to opening the Seb is to press sideways against the side of the stud, it'll glide right open with zero discomfort. (I find the easiest way to do this is to use the top side of your thumbnail.) I think they made the stud pointy on purpose to discourage people from trying to open it the "normal" way. It's a hard thing to get used to at first, and it's compounded by the fact that these knifes are really stiff when new, but after a few weeks of carrying a Seb it becomes second nature.

I love, love, love the insingo blade.

Thanks for the video!! 👍

Great comparison with the Rolex. I do love the feeling of the titanium...how it almost feels like stone. Is there another knife that does it's handle this way?

Regarding the thumb studs - yup. They suck. Regarding the price - they’re not competing directly with anyone so it’s not likely to change and no one who has one wants to see some budget line or price reduction from CRK. You either have one or want one generally speaking. If you own one you’ll likely keep it & if you part with it you’ll want another - I’ve done both. It’s kind of a bragging rights thing to have one in your pocket. My small 21 with inlays gets carried & used everyday & I get more snobbish (only to myself - no one in my world cares) with every little scratch.

You’d like the Hinderer firetac. Well besides the pivot lol.

"Damn, I'm verbose"- best closing pun ever!

Have years now with a Small Insingo. I don't want to part with it despite some little things I wasn't thrilled about before I bought it, and still not thrilled about but I like it any way. Can't explain... As you said "it's complicated". Thanks

good stuff. I like this review.

Hey Nick, how did you clamp this in the KME? Worried about a wider tip-end bevel.

What knife or knives would you recommend that are just as good or better as the sebenza but at a more realistic price?

Nick - What are some of the knives you mention at the end that you'd rather carry?

Acoustics eh? Being a professional musician, I struggle with this beast every night..what sound measuring apps do you like ?

I saw a video on this knife and it looked a lot darker. Can you put some type of oil on it to make it darker and protect the titanium? How is a great video.

Love the small sebenza. I want a 31. 👍

I look at knives, any knife, as something that generally needs to be fine-tuned to suit my personal physical and mental requirements. This usually involves the application of some kind of tool and abrasive paper. I don't feel like my CRK Inkosi is something I can manipulate in this way, at least not conveniently. My Emersons, Benchmades, Spydercos, etc, on the other hand, are mostly easily adapted to suit my personal preferences. This gives me a lot of satisfaction and, in the end, greatly enhances my use and enjoyment of these knives. Does it stop me from carrying and enjoying my Inkosi? Of course not, but does it keep me from carrying it and enjoying it's company every day? Yes, as a matter of fact it does. That esteemed everyday carry position goes to a few of my other old beater friends that bear character marks from several trips to my workbench.

It's certainly expensive, but CRK actually does make these knives to an excellent tolerance, and the design is so simple and smart. The thought that went into the knife and the execution do actually add value.

I am so in the same boat as you on this knife. I also have a large with ladder pattern stainless damascus and a random pattern engraved on the handle slabs. The smaller one hurts my thumb on opening. The large is part of my retirement package and has never seen pocket time. So why did we buy these again? The quality is there. The feel in the hand, great. I got into the mystique hype a bit. Disappointed? In a queasy kind of way, partially. The large, if not purchased, would have got me a fine custom from a bunch of makers. Consumer dissonance of a vague and unsettling kind. Thanks for sharing the Reeves effect you experienced Nick. I'm going to try and forget the last 20 minutes. 😃

Are the thumb studs replaceable?

Compared to the mini crooked river what is the size comparison?

I have the small Seb with black micarta inserts. It is by far my favorite knife to carry and I think I've tried em all. Perfect size, extremely capable, looks awesome, superb build quality. What more do you need?

I agree that the sebenza has not changed but I’m not sure if it needs to. Of all the knives I have the sebenza is clearly the best built. It’s just a different feel, different movement, different sound than all the others. That said, yes the price is too high....

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Sebenza, but I also liked the improvements of the Inkosi, with the ceramic lock interface, and the better clip position. There are plenty of really good knives for same, or even less, but there’s probably nothing built to an equal level of tolerance for under $800. Sure it’s a little boring, but it’s definitely worth it’s money. As a result, if I ever got really lucky, financially speaking, the Sebenza 31 left-hand would be my knife of choice.

Wow nice knife Nick!!! :D

yeah that's a cool pattern with meaning for you

I’ve thought about a small sabenza but I decided to go for a 3” xm-18. It’s slightly cheaper and I was able to get a blue g10 show side scale and blue anodized titanium scale. It was a DLT exclusive and it was around the same price as the sabenza. If I would have gotten a sabenza, it would be gray on gray. No color. Overall though, I do really like the look of the sabenza and I would definitely be down to own one. I like that you talked about the thumb studs. I’ve never understood why they are so pointy. I’ve also really wanted a large sabenza but why does it have to be 3.6 instead of 3.5!

acoustic research in SoCal? One can only assume he is doing top secret research for submarines, and his connection to all those Chinese companies means he has a great avenue for selling secrets. I base this on the fact that he has moved up in price point from Spyderco to Sebenza's.....

Oh, by the way, where did you buy it to get that amazing "doppler" pattern? I never seen it before. Is it maybe a retail store special edition? Truly nice, one of the finest patterns I've seen on a Sebenza. Also, I wonder, sometimes you see these knives with a ball(SS, Ti,?) in that hole. Is that something you cam ask them to do for you? I think it would fit your knife perfectly and very nicely. 😊 By the way, as you sure would know, the ergonomic is better on the 31 for sure.😉

The value proposition is difficult. At the retail price it's definitely getting close to too much cost for the knife. But the second hand market for them is fantastic. The knives are built to last forever, and as long as you don't mind some snail trails(or sending it to the spa), you can easily save 100+ bucks on a 2nd hand Sebenza. A knife as good as the sebenza for 300-350 is an insanely solid deal, imo, if you are wanting the "built to last forever" sort of thing that CRK offers.

I am watching this review with a Rolex sub on my wrist. Does that mean I should buy this knife. Lol. Thanks so much for your reviews.

I remember shopping for a computer back in the day, and there was this color computer that was sort of Mac-like, and for considerably more money there was the Mac Plus in black and white. And the saleswoman said to me if you want something Mac-like, buy a Mac. So, I would say, if you want something like a Sebenza, buy a Sebenza.

Only thing that needs added is if you can buy on the secondary market. You will save around $100 and in most cases the knife is still perfect.

I thought Uncle Randy would carry a Buck 110 with Dymondwood and brass. 🤔

Please help me out. I will buy me a Chris Reeve, but I'm struggling what to choose between the Sebenza 31 or Inkosi. And after looong thinking, I've come to the conclusion that I want a small, it fits my use at the desk table, small work in amd outside the house, easy/smaller cary, not so intimidating when picking it up around people,,,, it's for me just the perfect size. If i need bigger, I would go for a very good fix blade for sure, depending on use(maybe one smaller and one larger for long work hours ouside, camping amd stuff like that. But I'm a city person, imside person, much at home. And when using my knives, I have ONLY used them for tasks where I don't need a big folder. And what folder makes you smile more than the ikonik Chris Reeve's ones? And the blade for me is whiteout a doupt "Drop Point". I've heard that the Inkosi (larger ones) is a stronger, thicker knife than the Sebenza 21(31?), and I've also heard that the Inkosi Small is smaller than the Sebenza 21 small. (Don't know how it would compare to the new 31). I'm not sure, but I wonder how the blade thickness of the Inkosi Small vs Sebenza Small is? I might wamt the thinnest blade, but, hmm, thicker sounds fine as well. And the last subject is inlays. Many loves it and as many who loves it, loves it without. I'm thinking, a small knife, wouldn't it be better of, and the finish on the Titanium is so beautiful and feels good in hand. I have rather smaller hands, square hands, shorter fingers. But then again, a really good grip on such a small knife would be priceless. I would choose Natural Canvas Micarta (or Black). But honestly, I like the purety of tvis clean knife without any extras, "Zen-like simplicity" I like to call it. Anyway, now I've come to the end of my thoughts amd questions, and I really hope you can add something to help me out. Your opinion I would appreciate, but also a deeper comparison if possible. Maybe all in all a Large would be the best choice. If you ever get the chance to do a comparison video of the Smaller Inkosi vs Small 31,it would mean tje world to me. I'm a fan of your videos and the way you present them, therfore these questions goes to you. 😊. Most sincerely Thomas Aasen, Norway 🇳🇴💛🙏🤝

It's a choice between ambition and execution. The Sebenzas (and the entire CRK line, really) are not ambitious in the modern market, but they do nail the execution well. Do you prefer something that shoots for the stars and hits the moon, or something that aims at a much more modest target but hits it dead-on? I tend to find myself preferring execution over ambition in most cases, and it was video games that really got me thinking about it. That preferential bias is why I'm one of the few who considers Super Mario Odyssey a better game than Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

If I have regrets about purchases, it’s usually when I compromise and by cheap, not when I spend too much. I looked at a Sbenza, but ended up with a Rockstead Higo. Maybe I’ll buy a Sebenza too< at sone point, but I don’t regret my choice in any way. I have regretted many purchases, usually around the $100 mark, they always seem over priced, but under delivered. My Higo is just perfect, so, whatever it cost, I don’t regret it because it is just so perfect. Had I compromised and bought a Sebenza, would I be criticising the soft blade, the plain looks?

Got a 31 ordered, 4-6 months for delivery, never liked the pocket clip pressing on the lock bar of the 21.

Mine came with an uneven shallow grind near the heal. It bothered me for a long time but I just started carrying it. Still not too happy for 375 bucks. I might fix it one day or send it in.

Picked up a NIB 2013 Small Sebenza 21 for $250 OTD from a local collector today.

Nick Shabazz, “going out in to the wilderness”, with a Sebenza. Oh man, we’re gonna need a satirical video of THAT.

Large washers designed for hard use are not compatible with flipping. I respect #ChrisReeve for not buying into fickle market trends. Pricing.....valid point. However, I’ve been to the factory, I didn’t see any Ferrari’s or even BMW’s. What is the business mode if you pay an extra $8 for laser cut washers, machines that produce tighter tolerances (at a cost), a little extra processing....this will raise the cost more than a zero tolerance. What is the market share for a knife that cost 20% more than a zero tolerance? Market share might be 1/3 of the benchmade/zero tolerance market share. Margins have to be higher on smaller volumes to stay in business. It also allows them to interact and respect customers. I don’t think the business model exploits Chris Reeve customers at all. It’s a far cry from something like the Louis Vuitton business model that depends entirely on a perception created by marketing and rent on 5th Ave. on the other hand, if you just need to perform a basic function of cutting, get a $50 knife. Great point about lying to yourself about buying ‘one life one knife’.

I would buy one but I just can’t do frame lock. I love liner lock but I’ve had bad luck with frame lock

I've had a bm axis lock open in my pocket and cut through my jeans... don't mind the tapered thumbstud. To each their own

I open my small Sebenza by putting my thumb behind the stud and use my nail to push it open. I had an accident and my thumb pad has permanent nerve damage. I can't push it open any other way. Works great and negates the "sebenza thumb" that people complain about.

I have a decent collection of knives and wasn’t impressed with my Large 21 when I got it. I considered sending it back but hung on to it. Now I’ve used it some and have learned to LOVE it. Mine flips super easy now and I will never sell it. Yes things can be improved but it’s a solid performer with excellent support. I’ll pick up a 31 when I can (the prices are staying the same). CRK’s aren’t meant to be a ‘fidget toy.’ We all have those. Understand that distinction and realize you’ll have to break it in and you’ll be fine.

Yes I agree it has fallen behind by knife community standards. But as a bussinus chris reeve still has such a high demand for this knife that there is no real reason to inovate. Dont get me wrong I would love for them to "catch up" even more then what they are doin with the 31. But I also understand their decissions. Great review nick keep it up.

I definitely count myself as one of the folks who just flat doesn't get the Sebenza thing; maybe I need to handle one to be sure but they just don't appeal to me at all.

When I first started learning about knives and collecting knives the best production pocket knife you could find was the Sebenza and I’ve always wanted one and I still do, but like Nick has said the price point of this knife with the flaws it has shows that they didnt really change much while companies like Reate, Bestech and WE have great knives with better action, ergonomics and steels that are ground to cut better than the Sebenza. To me I could get two WE knives for the same price as a Large Sebenza and they would last the same amount of time as the Sebenza while being cool designs and have a better use for my tasks. Yes CRK’s machining is top notch quality but you have so much variety nowadays that have almost the same quality if not better.

The clip being angled over so that it doesn't effect the lock bar quite so much.

Have you studied the acoustic properties of the kings chamber in the great pyramid?

What about a 31 vs an Inkosi? Is it very close?

Pretty good edge he say as I'm being blinded by a prism

I love everything about the small sebenza except those damn thumb studs.

Your reviews always remind me that there are two types of knife guys; tool knife guys and jewellery knife guys. They're both self-explanatory and equally valid. The vast majority of knife guys seem to be jewellery knife guys, like your good self. They appreciate good knives and like to collect them, although they seldom use them for much more than cutting cardboard. I love the Sebenzas and would like to have one. I also love the Grimsmo Norseman and would like to have one. But, I spend a lot of time in the NZ bush and that is no place for an expensive jewellery knife. So my go-to knife is a Rat 1. The Sebenza is undoubtedly a better jewellery knife than my Rat 1. But, it is vastly inferior tool knife. And I'm a tool knife guy. Suum cuique pulchrum est.

Tried boarding the sebenza train twice...both times I was booted off mid ride. Sold off both mainly because the thumbstuds are complete crap. Super pointy and uncomfortable!

Just as good a knife for a cheaper price... so tell me specifically which knife is that

The real question is can you calculate how fast that hole is moving based on how much the doppler pattern is shifted?

"Sebenza" in Zulu means "overpriced."

I wish the 31 had been an integral front flipper in 20CV

Slow deploy? What do you want? Flipper? Thumb Stud is a very good solution on a Sebenza knife. Steel? Oh, my goodiness for what do you use your knife.

Hey Nick, controversial question, but you mention that the price point of this knife is largely due to "paying for the brand". If Chris Reeve had never made this knife and some other company made this exact knife, minus the CRK maker's mark, what do you think would be a fair price for what you're getting here?

Id recommend for people in the market for a Sebenza is get a used one on the forums. There always people selling almost new Sebenzas for big discounts. Small for around $300 and Large micartas for around $380. And you could always sell it for what you paid for if you dont like it. Something Nick didnt mention also is CRK has the best customer service/ warranty in the biz. For the life of the knife you can send it in whenever and they will make the knife look brand new again. They go above and beyond and that adds great value to the overall knife.

Don't you feel that you baby a knife that's that expensive? At what point does a knife become so expensive that it ceases to be a good tool?

I could comb my hair, if I had any, in you mirror edge.

Clearly this knife had you in an internal conflict? $425 head ache?

They need a midsize Sebenza with a 3.25 blade and better thumb studs or a Spydie hole .

I’ve noticed the past several years a lot of people equate fast and drop shut with quality. And the further away from fast and drop shut the less quality a knife is. Seems like knives are first and foremost a “fidget toy” to some kids. Others look at them as something to cut things with. Those folks don’t seem to equate fun with quality and have less of a hard time spending money on these blades.

If you think a pm2 is a ergo masterpiece hammer grip it and push it in to something hard and say hello to painful

The knife mafia visited you and they gave you an offer you couldn't refuse.

Please please please can I ask a home audiophile acoustics question? I'm having a real 2 channel (Stero) digital to flac via DAC with an analog audio system issue. Windows laptop, running JRiver, marantz power amp (no pre amp), B&W speakers....using all the DSP settings is driving me crazy.

Why does a $425 knife have s35vn and not m390/20cv or s90v?

A couple things Nick mentions cannot be overrated. The carry comfort (size, weight, and no "pocket pecker”) and the simplicity and ease of maintenance. One other thing on price: you could use it for years and then sell it for a couple hundred bucks probably, so maybe overall price is not that bad. And meanwhile you get a “prestige” knife that is a joy to use.

Just my mileage, a large 21 is better value than the small and still fits in pocket and every day life for me sooooo much better.

5:41 "fat carbon spider"

Nice PEACE ✌️

Sebenza's are really starting to be Dated

Small sebenza ve techno 2

CRK is beating the dead horse so much the bones are glue now!

I wiant one much. A Chaves Custom as well🌠🙏🌈

Convex edge? Mine is hollow ground

‘I agreed with myself’ 😂

I have been carrying a Small Sebenza as my primary EDC since the mid 80's. If you divide the price by the number of year of hard use you can get out of one, it is a bargain.