The Chris Reeve Sebenza is a high end USA-made production knife that starts at $375. It is a titanium framelock (the first such design). It runs S35VN blade steel and sports a thumb stud. The knife is immaculately made and the Small Sebenza comes in at around 3 ounces.
For many knife knuts the Sebenza is a grail knife—the last jumping off point before you take a trip to Crazy Town with exceptionally expensive production knives and customs. If you are knife aficionado, then sure, the Sebenza is worth it, but what if you use your knife for work everyday?
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I have owned and reviewed a number of different Sebenzas and a few of its brothers from Chris Reeve Knives.
See Also: Small Sebenza 21 Review via Everyday Commentary
If you are looking for the very best performing Sebenza, it is Knife Art exclusive Carbon Fiber version with the Insingo blade shape in either small or large depending on your preferences (I prefer the Small). For the purpose of this evaluation I am going to analyze the stock Small Sebenza 21.
Knives As Commodities
If you view cutting tools in the same way as you would socket wrenches—that is, as commodities (cheap, interchangeably replaceable items), then the Sebenza is clearly not worth it. A knife that cuts can be had for as little as $1 from Walmart. Having reviewed such a knife, I think it is probably worth it, even for a cheapskate, to upgrade to something better.
The CRKT Drifter is an excellent work knife and it costs no more than $30. The Ruike P801, reviewed here, is another $30 recommendation. The other option is to simply buy a box cutter or utility knife. In that mode, Milwaukee and Gerber both make excellent folding box cutters for around $30.
Cutting tools that do incredibly tough work—cutting shingles, drywall, and carpet—probably need to be something like a box cutter, as the work will destroy an edge very quickly, even with high end steel. So if you are doing work like that, the Sebenza or any traditionally designed folder is probably not the right tool. Those are perfect situations for knives as commodities.
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Read More: 5 Great Cheap Pocket Knife Recommendations
The Case for a Better Knife
Even if you cut shingles all day with a Gerber EAB II, there is still space in a tool kit for a nicer knife, something other than a commodity blade. In a woodworking shop, or a place where precision is required, a stable blade with a precision edge can be used as a marking knife. I wouldn’t use a box cutter for this task, as the edge is usually too wobbly to make tight consistent marks. Additionally, if you work a lot with a knife, owning a nice one can slow down your purchases. A good knife (probably not one as expensive as the Sebenza) can save you money in the long run.
You can get a Spyderco Chaparral for around $90, the price of three Gerber EAB II’s, and the Chaparral will last much longer than the those three EAB IIs. You will have to sharpen the edge, but the entire knife is built to higher quality.
Read Also: Spyderco Chaparral in FRN Knife Review – a New Benchmark in Value
Finally, there is this—if you buy a nice enough knife that will last long, you will likely keep it around, use it more, carry it more, and figure out new and subtly different ways to use it. Pleasingly designed things get used more than clunky ones. A nice knife might be nice enough to carry even off the job site. A knife that both does work and is an everyday companion changes the cost versus use calculus significantly.
Conclusion
If you are “knife as commodity” kind of person, someone that does hard cutting tasks, or are simply price conscious, the Sebenza is not worth it. If you are Festool guy, maybe the Sebenza is worth it. Personally, having owned one and tested many, I still think the Sebenza comes up short.
Comparing Festool tools to non-Festool tools reveals that certain Festool tools, while three times as expensive, have capabilities that most other tools do not. If that capability is something you need, the price doesn’t really factor in. For example, in a space-squeezed shop, it is hard to find a miter saw as small as the Kapex with the same cutting depth. There, you are literally buying square feet, something that is exceptionally valuable.
But with a Sebenza, you don’t get superior or exclusive capabilities for the price. The Chaparral can do everything a Sebenza can and probably runs better steel for one third the price. There is a case for a good folder, even for a working person, but I don’t think a Sebenza is worth it. If you really like knives and have money to spare, the Sebenza is a wonderful knife with custom-level finish and production-level prices and and availability, but it is, in the end, a luxury item.
Nathan
Where you lost me was the part when you said “If you view cutting tools in the same way as you would socket wrenches—that is, as commodities (cheap, interchangeably replaceable items), then the Sebenza is clearly not worth it”
On the surface I thought for a moment you were on the wrong forum/page.
Personally I keep a set of cheaper sockets and the like as part of an emergency kit for my car. Know what else I keep in the car – a leatherman wave.
SO knives – while I see the appeal of certain features and needs. What there is no need for is titanium on a pocket knife and certainly not something I would pay for. I mean really – for what a few ounces I can tolerate carrying I can save a lot of money. Cool factor and hey mines better than yours – doesn’t apply.
Carbon fibre handles – sorry scales – sorry slabs of something put on top of the frame of the device. no I don’t need carbon fibre or stonewashed titanium or whatever. sure some of that looks nice but hey make me one with a simple outer piece. Give the option of having something cheaper. OR you know go old school on it and give me some ironwood or something.
Again I like the overall idea but you can stop at 300 dollars. or rather way short of that. YOur comparison to sockets. I have socket sets well over 300 dollars that I use often. (buy a full 3/8 drive – metric standard and deep 6pt set from SK, Proto, or ? that is made in america then repeat that for a 1/4 drive set – and have the same sets in SAE sizes). The ratchet that turns them – cheaper but has ergonomic design to be useful under load – smooth action again useful under load – and made in the USA. Look up the new SK LP90 ratchet.
Now that said I would then argue a quality – useful pocket knife for quality work shouldn’t cost much more than that ratchet.
being a mechanical engineer the whole gaga over jewelry knives irks me a bit and when people compare a quality knife with other quality tools and try to explain the hundreds of dollars of cost for it I get itchy. Now if you want to leverage those dollars on UNIQUE – do so. But that’s it.
How much would that same knife cost if it had normal materials for the frame and handle and the like and maybe a S35V blade metal.
Framer joe
It’s not just the materials, the look and feel of the knife are equally important…same with a socket set and wrenches…
Whiskey and Wood
How many sockets do you have that cost $300 per socket? I think you missed the comparison. He also compared them to the Festool Kapex, which costs $1400, I dont think the comparison was to the price, but rather to the position the items hold in their category and whether they bring something to the table for the money or not. His conclusion here was that the knife does not, while things like the sockets and the Kapex do.
Framer joe
It’s made in Taiwan not America
Grant
It is made in Idaho.
Cgw1984
Its abso-fucking-lutely NOT. Its machines, assembled and sold from ohio. Dont comment if you dont know what you are talking about.
Cgw1984
For an “engineer” you dont know shit about luxury items and the market, or knife construction. Adding to that, that no one, literally no one, asked you for your opinion on said luxury item. If your desire is the knife you describe.. buy it. Theres one out there for about 55 dollars. Extra cost is involved in materials, hand fitting, a no cost lifetime warranty, that includes regular maintenance, including refinishing (thats been honored for 39 years, so far), etc. Im surprised someone who holds themselves in such high regard needs this explained. Again, if this “jewelry ” doesnt meet your needs/desires/budget, etc. Dont buy it. There is a ton of cheap, even usa made knives that fit what you seem to want. But dont ever argue that a snap on/cornwell/matco/mac ratchet is worth it either, as theres an Pittsburgh ratchet out there “just as gud”.
Michael Veach
good read. for under $200. you can get excellent knives from zt, spiderco, benchmade and many more. to me anything above that is more art than tool.
Diamond Dave
I have a ton of knives I’ve collected over the years ranging from generic, Gerber, Buck and Kershaw. I have never paid more than $35 for any of my pocket knives. My favorite over the years is a Gerber and similar to the Mini Paraframe. Lost once and replaced about 5 years ago. Lost again and replaced with a Kershaw blade assist. The Kershaw has a longer blade and much heavier for EDC but was my first blade assist knife. Luckily, I was vacuuming my truck a couple of weeks ago and found my Gerber under the seat! Great news but checking their website they no longer make my model however I have never had a Gerber disappoint me thus far and they are reasonably priced. I don’t cut roof shingles but usually take the appropriate knife or blade with me to match the project I am working on however the Gerber always stays in my pocket.
Any knife that sells for over $75 may be utmost in quality but like my Mont Blanc Gift Pen, I would be afraid to use it because of the price! Until gerber disappoints me I will continue to buy their knives.
William
I agree I carry a buck 110 and have for years 40 dollars and I bet it could beat the crap of any chris Reeves knife
john olson
Mmm no!
Luis
I will disagree …i edc a terzoula that i got for like 250 right now and im sorry but buck is not even in the same universe …like everything in life you get what you pay for ..i can open a cardboard box with a sharpen plastic credit card but if you want a quality tool ..pay for it.
Paul
Totally agree with you. I have perhaps 100 knives, but my edc for the last 20 yrs or so has been a Gerber EZ Out 3 1/2 in blade. I broke the tip off my first one “idiot” so I ground it into a tanto. I used it like that for a couple of years then lost it. The one that I currently have is about 10 yrs old. I think they cost about $35Can. A few years back they came on sale for I think $17. So I bought 10. I give them away, everybody loves them. They hold a good edge & are easy to sharpen. They replaced my BUCK 110 because of the pocket clip instead of the pouch, plus they are very light. I have Benchmade, Cold Steel [definitely one of my favs], Spyderco, Emerson, CKRT, Hogue, Kershaw, Vicforinox, a bunch of Gerbers & a Leatherman Surge [which I love] but the EZ Out is in my pocket 90% of the time. Paul
Ken Andrews
I have used and sold sebenzas for 25 years. I and many of my customers disagree with this author. The Benchmade, Spyderco, and ZT knives are great factory made knives, but the sebenza is a stronger and better edge retention knife than the lower priced factory models as it has the cryogenic process done. I have also sharpened knives for 35 years, and all of my customers will attest to my statements. I feel the sebenza is the best knife value on the market, and best heavy duty work knife. It has the stronger frame lock, and blade compared to almost all manufactured knives. I can cut cardboard with mine for 3 days without resharpening. I am not aware of another manufactured knife that will do that. Chris Reeve also heat treats the titanium handles, which makes them even stronger. I carry one that is 18 years old that is still as tight as the day it was new. But if your budget is less, and you want a good knife, buy a Benchmade. While not a Chris Reeve, I think they are the best value for $100 to $250. I have owned a knife shop for over 30 years and have sold and sharpened thousands of knives, as well as have received feedback from hundreds of customers. The inexpensive knives (under 40 bucks) are only good for minor cutting chores. If you use a knife heavily, and don’t want to sharpen it all the time, buy a better quality knife. Warning: once you carry and use a sebenza, it is tough to ever desire to use another pocket knife!!
Anthony Sculimbrene
The data from CATRA tests and other sources does not support the notion that the Sebenza has superior edge retention. An $80 Dragonfly in ZDP-189 has objectively superior edge retention, which is a function of hardness. CRK even states they hold back on hardness to prevent chipping.
David R
Have to agree. CR Knives do not have particularly long lasting edges, and absolutely agree ZDP-189 will crush it for edge retention. Harder to sharpen and maybe more chippy (I haven’t see this), but very nice steel.
I like the Sebenza a lot. I can’t say it’s worth the money, but what $300+ folder really is?
rodtak
As someone that is a bit OCD about knives, I understand the draw a $375 pocket knife may have. For me, (and others like me) The most important quality in a knife is the blade material.
The CPM-S35VN is a relatively new material with exceptional test results when compared to other “designer” steels. There is a compelling need among some knife people to own the best blades available. This may qualify as that kind of knife. Fortunately for me, the cost is a limiting factor so I am not likely to jump on this particular item. But the lengths to which I have gone to have a knife with the blade material I sought would be embarrassing to admit. An example is my fascination with a steel called ZDP-189 that was reported to be the best blade material ever. It was so difficult to work with that few makers could or would make production knives using it. Since I could not afford to purchase a custom knife, I waited years until I found a maker who created small runs of kitchen knives using it and selling them at “reasonable” prices. Of course, the sold quickly but I was able to snag one and have been extremely pleased with it. (I use it regularly in the kitchen.) This new material is said to exceed ZDP-189 in toughness and strength.
For me, the first and most important factor in choosing an EDC knife is blade material. A blade that holds its edge in moderately abusive conditions and can survive occasional twisting, prying, and the inevitable staple, is paramount. A dull blade is worse than none at all. I simply don’t have the time to be sharpening a knife every week.
Framer joe
Few knifes have the quality of a Chris reeves…the precision and craftsmanship. While others may be functional it’s not the same…..same argument over a HF socket wrench verse a SK , Proto, Snap On…
The problem with cheaper quality is that it usually breaks when you need it most. While DIY guys say” I’ll just go to the store and replace it”, pros can’t afford to do that .
For a knife ,I’ll keep my sebenzas and know it’s the best made with the best materials and I can count on it when I need it most. Other then that my DeWalt folding utility knife will does great for work.
Whiskey and Wood
Many, many, many knives have the same precision and craftsmanship as the Chris Reeves, and most at a fraction of the price, the steel is noted, you can get better steel and performance for much less, this isnt a comparison between harbor freight and SK/Proto/Snapon like you suggest. this is a comparison between SK/Proto?Snapon at a price that is high, but can be justified for the value they add and durability they provide vs. a hand forged set of sockets that cost 3x the snapon price!
Framer joe
Dude …. Spyderco is not made in the USA …period
Stuart
That is incorrect; some Spyderco knives ARE made in the USA.
E6H
Mine say Golden, CO
Paul
You have to look for what is stamped or engraved on the blade. Some are some are NOT! I was looking to get another Al Mar. A SERE folder usually around $200. I found a company selling them for $70 WARNING! Made in CHINA! No thanks. Paul
Stuart
Or do research ahead of time.
Spyderco has a list of their USA-made knives, and the COO for their others are readily known. https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/category/usa-made
E6H
Thumbs up to Emerson knives. Carried their CQC7 for many years in some bad places and it’s still going.
Koko The Talking Ape
Nice! It is rare to find a review site that advise AGAINST spending more (Wirecutter and Consumer Reports) are the other ones I know of.
Directly comparing cost to capability doesn’t always work (a $1000 laptop may not be twice as good as a $500 laptop, but it might actually be three times better than a $300 laptop), but $300 for a folding knife you actually intend to use is crazy. I think even $100 is pushing it.
Besides the usual value brands like Gerber, Mora, Victorinox, Milwaukee, etc., I would add Byrd, Spyderco’s cheap line. They are made in China, but they offer all the utility of their already reasonable Delica and similar knives, for about 1/3 the price.
Tim
A civic will get you from A to B
A husky socket will work as well as a snap-on for most people in most situations
A $35 knife will cut as well as a $400 knife
That being said, I love my Umnumzaan and would gladly pay the $100-150 difference (I paid $300 used) for it over a $150-200 Zero Tolerance, Spyderco, Benchmade, etc.
john
A desktop flipper at its best. Seeing a beat up Sebenza is like spotting a white buck.
Gilbert G.
I own 6 Chriis Reeve knives and I love them. Made in the U.S.A. Overpriced, yes, but it doesn’t take away from owning these great knives that I enjoy every day for their appeal, ergonomics and quality. I use them with pride, not because of their price tag, but because their just great knives! Once again, made in the U.S.A.
Anthony Sculimbrene
I 100% agree. They are great. They just aren’t a good value.
RC Ward
For me I can’t think of any reason to spend 375 on a knife. Unless I won the lottery or 375 meant nothing to me for some reason. Not when you can get a great knife for a third of that and a very good one for a 10th of that.
Stuart
After your first few knives, and you try different designs, things come together and you learn more about exactly the kind of knife that strikes your fancy. That’s where knives like the Sebenza start being worth it. Sometimes.
I have a Sebenza I bought for review purposes, but am not yet at the point where I would buy one for personal use, at least not the kind that suits my tastes.
Framer joe
Spyderco is made in Taiwan, not America like the sebenza….
Phil J.
Framer joe:
You keep making the same incorrect statement.
Several Spyderco knives are made in the USA. In Spyderco’s own facility in Golden, Colorado. Some are the Military, Para Military 2,
P’kal, Yojimbo, Manix 2. And there are others.
Take just a moment to look at Spyderco.com, where you can see the
full list.
Ron Z
Spyderco have factories in Golden Colorado, Seki City Japan, Taichung Taiwan and China. I have 12 Spyderco knives. The ones that have the best workmanship are from #1 Taiwan, #2 Seki City, #3 Golden. I dont have any of their budget line from China because most or all use cheaper steel. I can sharpen them scary sharp and they stay sharp longer than budget steel. Yes they do make them in usa!
TonyT
Well, for me it’s like a Ferrari, Namiki pen, etc.
I totally agree that over a certain amount, you’re paying for art.
Since I like to spend my art budget on art, not on tools (e.g. cars, knives, pens, watches) as art, I’ll never buy one but I’m glad they (Ferrari, Sbenza, Mont Blanc, Namiki, etc) exist, and that others keep them in business so I can admire them.
Michael Veach
well put
Alexandra Traeholt
That’s because if you make better money you wouldn’t mind spending 400 on quality if you me 1500 a week it’s not a big deal
Philip Proctor
I’ve owned several Chris Reeve knives and used them hard. Bought several more as gifts. They are ridiculously well made. Aerospace tolerances. I ended up selling two of the three I owned for more than they cost me. They were wanted by collectors. Just dumb luck that I bought them when I did. I went back to carrying Spydercos and Leathemans. They do what I need. The decorated Sebenzas sure are pretty though. Too pretty to use.
Retired and Enjoying it
I own 2 Sebenza’s and a number of other knives. I prefer the Sebenza, it feels good using it, super easy to take apart and clean (5/64 hex wrench). Many other knives are not able to be taken apart and cleaned. I agree they are a little costly but if you actually use one and look at how they are assembled. I got them as a retirement gift to myself. Look at the cost of an iPhone vs. Android phones, they both do the same thing.
JoeM
Though I would consider myself a knife collector, I don’t believe I would go this far for a PRODUCTION knife. I know a knife maker and, although I can’t currently afford his work, I would most certainly spend that kind of money if I could. Not due to the product, but more because of a category that isn’t discussed here. Appreciation for the people who MAKE these things, rather than stamp them out on an assembly line. Those of us who truly adore the act of an individual keeping a Lost or Dying trade alive.
It is truly about who makes it best, and transcends borders of any sort. If I wanted a Katana, or Tanto for that matter, I’m going with Japan, not the USA or Canada. There are still practiced masters of the Japanese art of blade forging left in Japan, and IF I wanted one, I would go with one of those. In the case of my friend who makes knives, his rates START at $300 Canadian, per knife. He has some really unique designs for some of his blades, and how he does them. He even does Damascus forging from time to time. And, frankly, he isn’t quite so picky about what size, or request, his customers ask for. You want this design feature he used in a 2″ utility blade, but as a 12″ Chef’s Knife? No problem, he’s happy to scale up. Want a different material for handle scales? You want an engraving? You want to help design it? He’s down for that. He loves when his customers get involved to make the knife THEIRS. And he INSISTS that every knife leaves his workshop with an edge sharp enough to shave with, and a hand-made sheath to take it home with. That is the kind of JUSTIFIABLE expense I think we’re talking about with those who have decided to buy a knife for the sake of appreciating who makes them.
And, I think I’m getting repetitive here, but this is YET ANOTHER winner from Anthony! Another well written, to-the-point examination of a knife, and explaining things in a way that puts some needed context to the product. You don’t get this from buyer comments, or from most critics. This, right here, is something worth appreciating. An HONEST assessment of a product’s place in the world. I feel lucky to be a ToolGuyd reader with these kinds of articles being made.
Popgun42
Not for me. I use the heck out of my knife.
The yeti
375 US. Equals 489.51 Canadian. Yikes
JoeM
I suppose we should also discuss the new tariffs between the borders. The steel in this knife would probably add 25% on top of that, to anyone who tried to order a case/box of them for retail sales. So, at this point, I think it may be wise to rule out another audience: Non-US Citizens. Not because of the retail availability, but due to the restrictive cost of not giving in to the Orange Twitter Monkey that is flinging unwanted insults across the border these days.
This may well be, now that Yeti has pointed it out, a borderline act of Treason for anyone who buys one from outside the USA. And I say that out of caution, not political opinion.
The yeti
I support the USA president in his battle against our evil Liberal government. That being said. I respect this website. They prefer people not get political here.
JoeM
Then let’s not view the political. Let’s be honest and admit that countries OTHER than the USA exist, and Import/Export fees (Tax and Tariffs) often factor into the price of an object. Anything and everything above $50 has a minimum Tax added to the cost, above and beyond the currency exchange rate.
On AVERAGE* Sales Tax in Canada is ~14%. Add that to the Canadian exchange rate, and this is a $500+ knife. Looking at Mexico, the UK, and even Russia, and the current Tariff negotiations set this knife at a MINIMUM of $500+ worth of any of these local currencies. That pretty much rules out the base value of the knife beyond the borders of the USA.
*Average meaning Provincial participation in the Sales Tax rate, some provinces it is lower, other provinces higher, and some not at all.
As a Canadian, Half Aboriginal Canadian at that, this is a major factor that has to be considered. I live here, my ancestry is here, my future is here. My Patriotism doesn’t lay with the United States, and so every move made by American manufacturing when pricing something for purchase complicates, and even limits, the capacity for me to purchase said object. This I say without judgement, opinion, or participation in any sort of Political discussion. This is an entirely Economical reality that must be included in this class of product.
Due to current unbalanced negotiations, as well as established rates, ANY knife that is over $50 USD is subject to 14-40% Taxes and Duties when crossing over to another country for purchase. Depending on how many are ordered at once (Single for an individual, or perhaps hundreds for a specialty shop or retailer similar to Home Depot or other local chains in foreign countries) the mass of the metals in the shipment may be a factor in increasing the price.
So… It really has to be raised as a factor. Not only does Anthony himself NOT recommend this knife for mass consumption, when all the added costs are converted to the MSRP outside of the USA, this knife, and I would say the entire CLASS of knife it comes from, are products that should not be purchased outside the USA for any reason, due to the final nail in its argument for affordability coffin. It is Non-USA Citizen Restrictive.
The yeti
Most of that stuff is our government working against us. As usual.
Taxed to the hilt. Its the Canadian way.
Now this item . It is prohibitively expensive anyways as i noted just on exchange rate. It is 500 dollars here
JoeM
Okay, since no one heard me the first time, here it is again. Nothing to do with Politics, just BORDERS. Since I’m CANADIAN… I have nothing to do with the American President. I neither support, nor hinder, his existence, or his politics. The relevant point is that we ARE in trade negotiations, and along with Yeti’s Currency conversion, every nation outside the USA will have to face a huge heap of extra import taxes, and duties, in order to own one.
So, to add a category to the group of people Anthony said this Knife is NOT for, I am INCLUDING one that encompasses “Everyone Not in the USA.” Why? Because of the restrictive price it puts on countries with such big differences in currency value, Taxation, and Duties, that’s why. It’s Economics, not Politics. That I was reminded of it due to the current political situation going on between our countries is about as Political as going shopping for Milk and Bread, looking up into the sky at a Cloud, and remembering you need Cotton Balls as well.
Yeti’s currency conversion reminded me of all the different import and export fees this knife would have around the world, and the percentage of the world that could actually go through with buying one at those rates. I was reminded of the trade talks in the news, and since I’m Canadian, I chose a comedic image to represent the American President… because… frankly that’s just a funny, unimportant image to me.
If you WANT Political, I am a very Patriotic Canadian, and can hold him, and Bush Junior, to account for calling my entire nation “Terrorists” for not going along with whatever they told us to do. We’re not a Vassal State of the United States, we’re a separate country, and are not required to blindly obey the President. And if you want EVEN MORE than that, I’m half Native-American, Half Jewish. If you want to talk “Solving the Immigrant Problem” my response is going to start with all these White Europeans who came to my Ancestral Land 500 years ago, and haven’t left since. They’ve broken every single treaty they ever signed with my people, and even committed genocide against them, and yet the world still won’t send them back to THEIR Homelands where they belong. Now THAT is Political.
I was talking about the price of a Knife. You lot got political on us. AND you probably forgot that not everything is about the USA. Some of us aren’t talking about the USA, we’re just considering what happens to those of us not from there. In this case, as a factor in how insanely restrictive it would be to own this knife.
There IS something called being OVER Patriotic. You guys really need to take a breath and relax a bit. We’re talking, or we’re SUPPOSED to be talking, about the merits and restrictions of this Knife.
Tony
I’d save up and pay $500 for a Chris Reeve if I had to. Heck I’d save up a grand for a Mnandi and Sebenza (or Inkosi) combo. I’ve owned everything from $35 Kershaws to $1000 customs and I can say that the Chris Reeves can’t be beat for an everyday carry knife if you add in the intangible qualities. Along with high end materials, an unbeatable warranty, and fit and finish that is as good as anything on the market from a production standpoint, Chris Reeve Knives are among the best, if not the best. If you view your knife strictly as a cutting tool then sure I agree with the author that there are much better values out there. Most folks though who buy the CRKs are the type who appreciate the tangibles and demand the intangibles of knife ownership.
Alberto
Same with Yeti and I speak as a individual, I strongly support our United States president. Stuart, the owner of this site prefers individuals not get political and I also understand that. Toolguy’d is his own domain, therefore all that enter this site are guests.
That being said, I can appreciate Stuart’s position on this per say. Not meaning this in any way than speaking as a individual, I personally believe in freedom of expression regardless. This is deeply unfortunate a overwhelming majority of discussions I’ve noticed online and in person seldom are that. Often this is either a shouting match or interjecting subjects that have nothing to do with subject matter.
Thankfully, at least from what I’ve seen, the tool industry hasn’t been infected with the same issues that entertainment industry (video game, electronics, music, sports, literature etc) have been plagued with. Tools are meant to be used for projects, work, collection or educational purposes.
There was a time when you could watch sports, movies or whatever merely for entertainment, not to berate their own audiences.
As for this knife, I strongly believe in the free market and also appreciate this is American made. Chances are the target audience for this knife isn’t the person that shops at Harbor Freight or wants “cheap” items. Personally I couldn’t justify this, however considering how expensive some “luxury” items are, I am just glad this is made in the United States of America.
Apple products tend to cost hundreds, if not in the thousands and that company produces 0% of any product in America. These aren’t even assembled, packaged or even tested here.
Stuart
The problem with political discussions is that people form strong opinions and then get upset when others with equally strong opinions tell them that they’re wrong.
Politics simply don’t belong here, because they distract from the discussion at the least, and cause conflicts and personal attacks at worst.
Kent
A $300 pocket knife is a luxury item.
Any argument about how it compares to anything else is absurd. There is no logic behind luxury; it’s emotional.
I’m not going to drop $300 on a knife, because it just doesn’t make sense – for me. If you can justify it, awesome. Go buy one and be super thrilled, but let’s not pretend it’s anything but a luxury good.
JoeM
Would it be impolite to say “Amen” to this, without implying, or inferring, any sort of religious intent, or insult toward you Kent?
Collectors often have to deal with their collections bordering on, then crossing over into, Obsession. Luckily, my “Collection” of knives has not gone the Obsession route, and I can still feel comfortable agreeing with you without it making me feel like my Collection is a sickness. This blade most DEFINITELY is for Obsession level Knife users. It’s the kind you carry with you to a formal dinner, just in case you feel naked without your usual, casual EDC knife. It’s functional, yes. But it’s also fancy enough to not be out-of-place in the pocket of a Tuxedo.
So, ABSOLUTELY, this is a Luxury level Knife. And I’m rather glad you said it, so thank you. I have an Academic love of blades, from ancient warfare right on up to modern tool blades. Comments like yours give people like me an actual LINE we can draw. Between appreciating a knife’s craftsmanship, and explaining we STILL don’t want one ourselves. It makes us feel less weird about being Academics among all the common folk who only want to understand why THIS object exists, and not be lectured by folks like ME about ancient history.
Paul
Along with a wristwatch, some people consider a knife to be one of the few pieces of functional jewelery that are acceptable for some men to have.
Sebenza is amazing, but so is an opinel, but for different reasons.
TonyT
Also pens, especially EDC or fountain pen (and FP’s can match or exceed high end knives – look up maki-e pens)
Paul
Yes that would be me. A $30 Timex & a $400 Puma “Great White Hunter”
Coach James
I carry a Buck 0736GRXWM Trekker XLT, and find it does all I need a knife to do. Cost was under $20. I can’t find any reason to spend $350 on a knife, even if I was wealthy.
Brian
I cant quite figure what a $300 knife IS made to cut…
Its not a carving knife I dont think. I’ve never stopped to pull out my spyderco in the woodshop… Typically no matter the task, I will reach for a boxcutter or an exacto knife depending.
the spyderco opens amazon packages and comes in handy on christmas morning… Otherwise its more of a boyscout “always be prepared” thing, though I am not exactly sure what I am prepared to do.
I imagine knives become very useful for hunting, when it comes time to dress the animal (unless your going out deer hunter style), though I am not sure if this is the knife for that either.
this certainly isnt a shitpost, I have a list of crap I own that I cant even begin to justify. Its more of a curiosity of what such a knife IS used for?
Paul K
I don’t think you analyzed the knife in question much. Instead, this is more a story about how after about $100 there is little practical increase in functionality, blade quality, or longevity. A point i don’t disagree with.
Anthony Sculimbrene
I figured there are enough Sebenza reviews out there already. I have authored four. Instead I just wanted to talk about the value proposition and how it looks from a work knife POV.
JoeM
It’s a very good to-the-point review of a specific aspect: Is it WORTH It? Which is in the title of the article. You broke down the different possible demographics for this knife, in order of user base.
The knife ITSELF got a once-over review at the beginning to talk about what, exactly, it does have. But, the point of the article was, really, whether the price tag, and that list of features, suited each demographic.
Personally? I love that format. Get to the point, no pun intended. Are YOU this kind of user? These are its features, but, that said, here’s this alternative that does what you need as well. I’m not going to say buy one or the other, but I will leave it to you to decide with as many options that meet your criteria as possible. I’ll tell you who would want this knife, but I’m not going to tell you who NEEDS it.
THAT, right there, is why I’m enjoying so many of Anthony’s reviews. He is eloquent enough to explain the details, but none of his reviews downright say “GO BUY THIS NOW!” they say “I leave it to you to decide what you need, here’s all the reasons for this design.”
Awesome work, Anthony! Keep it up! These are fantastic articles, and you have spectacular taste in topics!
James f duncan
ZT 0562 /thread
Bart
Over $100 knives start becoming more of a fashion accessory than a tool. I personally don’t think you’re getting much more in terms of build quality paying more than that for a knife as well. I’ve held some Benchmades, Spydercos, etc., and may see paying $10-20 more over what I’ve got. But I’d never drop $200 on one.
My $30-70 Kershaws all hold an edge well, my 10+ year old Leek has only been sharpened twice in that time frame and still cuts very well. I’d be afraid of buying anything more expensive than what I have just because I’ve had a track record of losing knives. If you carry one every day, it is just a matter of time before it slips out of a pocket or you lay it down somewhere and forget to pick it up.
Alick
It’s OK. If you’re a knife afficionado, once you’ve handled a seb or two, you’ll put it on your list and sooner or later you’ll buy one. Just like you’ll buy a few (or even several) Spydies and Benchmades, maybe a Strider, a William Henry, a Hinderer …
If you’re not, the odds are against you ever dropping this much cash on any knife.
This isn’t a purchase that you can justify in value for money terms over a stanley knife. It’s high end manufacturing. If you appreciate that and have the disposible income to indulge your preferences, it’s near the top of the tree among production folders. You tend to work up to buying something like this 🙂
Framer joe
Serious ….? anti expensive sebenza people….
Luxury item ? I am sorry some people can’t afford the best ,but it’s not a luxury item because someone is poor.
Is my 6 /$250 each ,dewalt 12ah batteries luxury,when I could get by with a cheap HF corded tool ?? Or even buying into a battery system and brand..corded tools are much cheaper , especially at HF.
90% of guys on here or not Framers,Own Construction co. or professional remodelers…certainly don’t have a payroll…They really have no clue what it takes to build high end custom homes , quickly , efficiently and under budget,.. or the tools that are needed to accomplish that.
To keep the job safe but fast pace without Osha on your back….
The Sebenza is one of the finest knifes made. It will last decades. It is made in the USA ….it looks and feels and is made to much higher standards then the Spyderco…..
I appreciate quality knifes,tools,food for that matter. Quality above and beyond the others, costs much more then the rest…
I great meal easily can cost 300+ and when your done there’s nothing to show for it. … sometimes just the feeling you get from something, a meal, a knife, a tool is priceless….
Please don’t be political here, ….
Bart
It becomes a luxury item once its form and price are far in excess of what is required to get the job done well.
With knives (and flashlights, for that matter) at some point the added expense is (being blunt) snob factor or the desire to be tacti-cool. There are just too many durable knives on the market, which will last decades in their own right, at more reasonable price points that spending large sums of money on one…well, I’ll leave it there.
Whatever floats someone’s boat.
Paul
I find that most people that have a high paying job have money for all sorts of things that are unnecessary. Luxury items. Women like expensive shoes, jewelry, handbags etc. We all like to reward ourselves for our hard work. I do not have an expensive vehicle, but I own several guns worth a $1,000 or more. It is possible to own a $100,000.00 or more gun. Gold plated jewel encrusted, totally etched with artwork shotguns for the kings & queens of Europe & the Saudi princes. It won’t shoot any better than a $1200 Berreta skeet gun, but as Bart says “Whatever floats someone’s boat.” I don’ t currently own a “Sebenza” but I probably will in the future. Why? To own an “icon”. I already own 100 or so knives. What’s another $500 knife going to matter? Yes next time I make a chunk of money it’s on. Besides if you buy a quality item, it will always go up. Wish I had a “Randall” or 3
Oleg K
What most people won’t realize is that S35vn is no longer a mysterious, ultra-premium steel and that carbon fiber can be made at home just as easily and with as much quality as it was made at whatever factory supplied it to the makers of this knife. Same goes for the titanium frame lock… Titanium, while more exotic than regular, garden-variety metals, comes in different grades and quality, I can guarantee that this particular version meant for non high-performance applications, is HEAVILY alloyed with regular, non-exotic metals and has less than 40% of titanium in its alloyed form. Basically, after all is said and done we’re left with design and quality of the knife… However, the design is very basic and the quality might be less than stellar because, while being made in the US, the vast majority of these knives are all made by small companies whose tools aren’t exactly cutting edge so quality varies from knife to knife.
The real reson this knife costs this much is because, once again, the company is most likely too small to manufacture enough knives at the same prices as Spyderco or Gerber, this is why instead of Elmax or cpm 20cv, cpm S110v or Maxamet it uses S35vn and Carbon Fiber (which this really isn’t, this knife has CFRP handles which is NOT the same thing, however, I don’t want to get into this right now). You think Benchmade is more expensive than Spyderco because D2 or 154cm costs more than s90v or S110v? No, they make way less knives and need to charge more per knife in order to maintain profits.
Finally, while Chris Reeve is a famous, popular and extremely talented knife maker isn’t a person anymore, when it comes to knives he is now a business. I highly doubt that he personally made each of these knives, I can guarantee you that, like Trump, he just puts his name on a series of limited run knives to make them sell quicker and for more money, I have a few of his knives and they cost a lot more than $375.
If I were a potential buyers I’d just get the $80 Milwaukee Hardline or a Kershaw for $~160 (flipper) and be just as happy, having also saved hundreds of dollars in the process.
William
I read on in the comments and what are you people using your knifes for I mean when I need to vut shingles I use a blade made for it and when I need to cut a 2×4 I use a saw pocket knives are made for light duties keep it where it belongs and you can use one for 50 -60 dollars for every if want it for collecting spend what ever you want just please dont try telling me it is the knife of all knifes like I said earlier in the reading I carry a buck 110 I have others like a ridged Apache I dare any of these sissy ass knives to try and match it for anything other than comfort in the pocket it is a sheath carried knife but tougher than hell and made in America razor sharp holds it well and I dont have to work on it all day to put the edge back on once gone.
Me
Hey guys, STOP with all the arguing about functionality, quality and sense.
If you spend a bigger amount of money for something like the Sebenza, it’s not for the rational ROI, it is for THE EMOTIONS that come with owning, touching, using and maintaining it.
You don’t get these with some WalMart cutting tool, at least I hope so for you.
Midwestworker
Ive been a knife guy since benchmade made their first knife. I bought the first produced emerson/benchmade 7A in the 80’s. Ive owned hundreds of high end and low end knives. After 3 kids, running one full time while owning another part time career (average 60 hours or REAL work a week) for over 25 years in the trades….my daily user for the past 8 years is a sebenza. Why? Because its lateral strength and lock mechanism is the standard that others try to attain- but do not. Either you understand the difference between a Fein multimaster or the dewalt version, or the benefit of Knipex adjustable wrenches/pliers….Snap-ons ratcheting screwdriver…..Gearwrench ratcheting end wrenches….Wera’s 1/4 inch socket set (the list goes on and on)…..OR YOU DON’T. If not, thats OK. The people that do are the ones that…..well….do. Carry on.